Cannabis journaling is more than note-taking—it’s a mindful practice that can unlock deep insights into your body, mind and consumption patterns. Over time, your journal becomes a powerful tool for more intentional cannabis use.
If you ever kept a journal as a kid or teen, you know the feeling of re-reading old entries—equal parts hilarious and cringe-inducing. But, there’s also something pretty great about hearing from past you. It shows how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown.
A cannabis journal offers that same reflection, but with more purpose (and less retroactive embarrassment). It’s a simple, powerful way to tune into your body and get more from your cannabis use. Read on to learn more.
What is cannabis journaling?
It’s exactly as it sounds: writing down the details of a cannabis experience so you can tweak your consumption. You can use a notebook, your phone or specific journaling software to track how you feel before, during and after consuming. Some people focus on mood and body sensations, while others log strains, doses and methods. The point is to create a personal record that helps you recognize patterns over time.
What are the benefits?
The biggest win is personalization. With so many products available, journaling helps you figure out what actually works for you. It’s especially helpful if you’re trying to manage symptoms like pain, anxiety or insomnia. Journaling also supports more mindful use—consuming cannabis intentionally with a specific outcome in mind—and can be a valuable tool to share with a healthcare provider.
How do you get started?
All you need is a few simple prompts. Try these:
- What product did I use and how much?
- How do I feel physically, mentally and emotionally?
- What’s my intention for this session?
- Am I experiencing any side effects?
- Would I use this product again?
Start small and stay consistent. The more you use your journal, the more valuable it becomes.
Ready to level up?
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these deeper prompts to enhance your practice:
- How does this session compare to my previous ones with the same product or dose?
- What external factors (sleep, diet, stress, exercise) might be influencing this experience?
- What thoughts or insights came up during the session—did anything surprise me?
- Did this session help me meet my intention? Why or why not?
- How did my mood and energy change over the next few hours or day?
- What would I adjust next time (dose, method, setting, intention)?
- How did my body feel the next morning—any lingering effects (positive or negative)?
- What’s one thing I learned about myself from this experience?
