Discover the Foods That Enhance Your Cannabis Experience – We know prioritizing foods from nature (fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, protein) will optimize our overall health and manage weight, but did you know that our selection can also affect our cannabis experience?! It’s true! Check out these foods containing compounds that connect with cannabis providing a more intense high, improving absorption in the body, and working synergistically to amplify the effects of cannabis. So, whether you’re using cannabis for stress reduction, pain relief, sleep, fun, or something more, read on to discover some of the foods that can complement your cannabis goals.
Mangoes
Mangoes are rich in the terpene Myrcene which is abundant in many cannabis strains. (Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in various plants contributing to their unique flavors and aromas.) When you eat a mango before ingesting cannabis, the increased amount of myrcene in your body will lead to faster onset time, greater intensity and length of psychoactivity. This is because myrcene has shown to allow cannabinoids like THC to cross more easily from the bloodstream to the brain. Myrcene communicates with the same receptors and pathways in the body as THC, amplifying the effects, and creating a more potent and enjoyable experience.
Myrcene is also abundant in hops, lemongrass and bayleaf providing sedative, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, antispasmodic, analgesic and muscle relaxant benefits.
Nutritionally, mangoes are a great source of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. With very few calories they aid gut health, immunity, iron absorption and cell growth and repair. Use them to enhance your experience but also as a healthy and refreshing snack. Try adding frozen mango to a smoothie!
Dark Chocolate
I’m eating dark chocolate right now and I think it’s working! Dark chocolate is a must-have when it comes to enhancing our cannabis experience. It’s not surprising that many of our favorite edibles are made with or contain dark chocolate. This delectable treat contains a special compound called anandamide, which naturally occurs in our body and is responsible for the euphoric feeling we enjoy from cannabis. But here’s the exciting part: anandamide doesn’t just stop at making us feel good—it also regulates our endocannabinoid system and sensitizes the CB1 receptors, making them more receptive to cannabinoids.
By combining dark chocolate and its anandamide content, we can significantly improve the receptivity of cannabis in our bodies. Not only that, indulging in dark chocolate, whether on its own or infused with cannabis, can elevate our mood, enhance pleasure, and intensify the euphoric effects of cannabis. It’s like a match made in heaven! So, the next time you’re looking to enhance your cannabis experience, reach for some delicious dark chocolate and get ready for an elevated journey into bliss.
Although dark chocolate contains sugar and is high in fat and calories, when consumed in moderate amounts it can have some nutritional value. Its abundance of magnesium, iron, copper and zinc makes it a powerful source of antioxidants and minerals benefiting heart health, your immune system, and overall health.
Nuts and Seeds and Eggs
Nuts, seeds and eggs are packed with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which can improve absorption of cannabinoids. (Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that engage with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing various effects: THC, CBD, CBG, etc.)
Additional foods with higher fat content that will improve absorption include dairy products and oils. This is one of the reasons infusing cannabis into butter, coconut oil and MCT oil is popular for baking and cooking.
A few of the nutritional superstars in this area include chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed. These are often sprinkled into salads, yogurts or smoothies. Any way you prefer them will benefit your health!
Broccoli
Broccoli is loaded with the terpene beta-caryophyllene that interacts with cannabinoid receptors to reduce pain and inflammation. This powerful terpene is a major reason why cannabis is popular for pain relief. Consuming broccoli before marijuana can provide even greater pain relieving benefits in addition to being a superfood full of nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and A, folate, fiber and antioxidants.
Nutritionally broccoli is versatile enough to be eaten any time of day! Combine with eggs in an omelet at breakfast, include in a salad or grain bowl at lunch, eat with dip for snack, or roast on a sheet pan with a protein for dinner, for example. Due to the high fiber content and nutrients available, broccoli benefits every aspect of your body including weight management because they fill you up for fewer calories.
Tea
Black and green teas are bursting with antioxidants including catechin. Catechin is known to provide anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits by interacting with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. If you use cannabis for pain relief or exercise recovery, consider pairing it with green or black tea to maximize these benefits. If you’re using cannabis to relax and relieve the stress of the day, combining it with herbal tea like chamomile or lavender will enhance the calming effects.
Additionally, tea impacts our health by boosting your immune system, fighting off inflammation, and possibly warding off cancer and heart disease. One study even found it can help reduce cholesterol. Tea is also versatile with options ranging from mellow herbal teas to energizing black, white and green teas, and beyond. It’s a powerful addition to any time of day, enjoyed hot or cold.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain terpenes which interact with the cannabinoids, potentially enhancing the overall experience. The most common terpene in citrus fruits is limonene, known for mood enhancement, anti-depressant, gastro-oesophageal reflux, anti-fungal, anxiolytic and immunostimulant properties. Eating an orange, or a citrus fruit salad could greatly enhance your experience if you’re consuming cannabis for one of these reasons.
Oranges, lemons, tangerines, clementines, limes and grapefruits are popular examples of citrus fruits. These low calorie fruits are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, flavonoids and fiber making them an excellent snack or addition to a meal. Citrus fruits should be included as part of your overall healthy diet and weight management program and will leave you feeling energized!
Spices
Many spices contain terpenes that work synergistically with cannabis. For example, nutmeg, marjoram, dill and cumin contain terpinolene which provides anti-proliferative, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and sedative benefits.
Additionally, the spices, aromas and flavors can enhance the taste and experience of cannabis. Add some flavor to your food with one of these spices before consuming your cannabis for a richer taste and experience.
Coffee
When it comes to enhancing our cannabis experience, it’s not just dark chocolate that holds the key. Coffee, our beloved morning pick-me-up, may also play a role in influencing how we experience cannabis. You see, coffee has an impact on our cannabinoid receptors, notably by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that plays a significant role in feelings of reward and pleasure. So, when we consume coffee, it stimulates the release of dopamine, creating a heightened sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. When we combine cannabis with the elevated dopamine levels induced by coffee, it may result in even greater feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The increased pleasure and euphoria are not directly caused by the coffee itself, but rather the interplay between coffee’s effects on dopamine and cannabis’ interaction with our cannabinoid receptors.
So, if you’re looking to enhance your cannabis experience, consider pairing it with a cup of coffee. The combination of cannabis and coffee may intensify the rewarding effects of both substances, creating a truly blissful and enjoyable experience. Just remember to consume both in moderation and be aware of your personal tolerance levels. Cheers to a delightful journey of pleasure and euphoria!
In conclusion, there are a number of ways that certain foods can be incorporated into our cannabis journey to complement our cannabis goals and elevate our overall experience. As research expands, I expect we will learn even more. So for now, experiment and enjoy! I look forward to hearing your experiences.
If you’re interested in more personalized or want to explore further, feel free to reach out to me directly at Beth@Cannafitnessnutrition.com. You can discover more about my comprehensive 12 week program, CannaFit, which helps you integrate cannabis into your fitness and nutrition for optimal wellness at www.cannafitnessnutrition.com.