February 7, 2023
Foods That Synergize With...THC? 5 Snacks To Try For Your Next Session
Many enthusiasts have heard about the entourage effect, a theory that the different compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work together in the human body to deliver a uniquely synergistic experience.
Well, in addition to the synergies between various cannabinoids, there are also foods that that pair nicely when consumed with THC. Anectodal accounts and scientific studies alike suggest that these pairings are able to deliver an elevated experience. So, without further ado, here are some you might want to try for your next session.
Healthy Fats (and Butter!)
Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid found in certain foods, like avocados, salmon, and olive oil. They are often called "healthy fats," as they offer notable benefits to your health. For one, they're a great energy source that helps keep your cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems functioning. Plus, they're a vital components to cell walls, lower blood pressure, and increase "good cholesterol" levels.
That's all great, but did you know that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that a whole bunch of chemical reactions in your body convert these power-houses into endocannabinoids?
"Endocannaba-whats?"
Ok, so your body has this system of receptors and chemical messengers called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. It helps regulate vital functions such as memory, appetite, sleep, temperature, and emotional processing, to name a few.
Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that help this whole system work, interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the ECS. The reason why THC, CBD, HHC, and other cannabis compounds- known technically as phytocannabinoids- can interact with this system is that their chemical structures are strikingly similar to endocannabinoids.
For example, THC is almost identical to anandamide, a fatty acid neurotransmitter. The binding of anandamide (or THC) to your ECS receptors affects your brain's reward system and results in that blissful, euphoric feeling people now associate with cannabis.
So if you're looking for an extra boost to your ECS during your next session, consuming foods rich in Omega-3 may help.
"But which foods contain omega-3s?"
Speak no more.
Foods Rich in Omega-3:
- Peanut butter
- Oysters
- Flaxseed
- Salmon
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Mackerel
- Soybeans
- Cod liver oil
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Anchovies
The next time you're hanging out with your buds, enjoying some fine quality cannabis goods, and craving pizza, maybe ask the place to put some anchovies on it.
Or maybe...you can eat some peanut butter instead. You do you.
A Note on Butter
While butter is not necessarily a superstar in terms of Omega-3s, it does have a desirable effect when consumed alongside cannabis. THC is lipophilic, meaning that it needs fats to dissolve and become more bioavailable for consumption.
So if you try products such as our Delta-9 Live Rosin Caramels or Cereal Bites and notice an uptick in effects, it’s not a placebo. Both edibles have a delicious benefit baked in: Your body is simply absorbing more THC than it would without the butter.
Chocolate
Before gummies came into the spotlight, the humble brownie was the most iconic cannabis edible, and for a good reason too. With its sweetness and deep earthy undertones, chocolate does a spot-on job of covering any "meh" grassy aftertaste.
But what if we told you there was another added benefit to combining chocolate and cannabis?
Chocolate, well, particularly dark chocolate, is rich in that euphoric endocannabinoid we mentioned earlier- anandamide. Interestingly, this compound actually gets its name from the Sanskrit word Anada which means "happiness" or "bliss." And isn't that what most of us feel after eating chocolate anyway?
Like Omega-3, you can give your ECS a nice endocannabinoid boost by enjoying chocolate during your next session.
Mangos
Ever wonder where plants get their smell? Because that's a thing that we all definitely think about from time to time.
Well, whether it's cannabis strains or fragrant fruit, they all get their smell from naturally occurring compounds called terpenes.
Mangos, in particular, are rich in a terpene called myrcene.
And according to research published in the 2021 edition of Nutraceuticals, myrcene may help transport cannabinoids into the brain (kind of what you want to happen if you're consuming THC).
But interestingly, it may help the transdermal absorption of cannabinoids too.
"Transdermal absorption?"
Yes. Pretty much, it's a fancy term that means "absorbing through the skin." When you use a topical product like a roll-on, you get cannabinoids delivered through your skin.
Next time you hold a smoking session or even use a roll-on, try having a mango. If it doesn't do the trick, then at least you've sat down and savored a delicious tropical fruit, which is still a major win in our book.
Broccoli
Remember when your parents told you to finish your broccoli? They were definitely onto something, since broccoli contains many nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, iron, and potassium.
But here's another neat fact about this green, bushy vegetable.
It's also a source rich in β-Caryophyllene, which, if you guessed, is a type of terpene.
What's neat about β-Caryophyllene is that it can bind to your cannabinoid receptors. Yes, those same receptors to which cannabinoids attach, and the reason why they produce effects.
Now, munching on some broccoli might not bring relief, relaxation, and bliss. Well, at least not in the same way that cannabis might. However, research suggests its main terpene may just about pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects.
So the next time you're enjoying some quality-made, lab-tested cannabinoid products and reaching for a snack, try going with some broccoli and dip.
Black Pepper
Sometimes the best thing to do is take it down a notch. According to a research paper entitled Taming THC, the terpene alpha-pinene, which black peppercorns are chock full of, may act as an inhibitor to THC.
What is an inhibitor, you may ask? It's any molecule that slows down or blocks certain chemical reactions.
Now, the best way to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed when consuming hemp-derived THC products (especially as a beginner) is to go with low amounts and build your way up slowly.
But if you find yourself in a situation where you overdid it, remember to stay calm, put on some of your favorite tunes, and give chewing black peppercorns a try.
Either way, it will eventually pass.
Final Thoughts
There are no doubt more foods out there that have the potential to enhance your experience with cannabis. This list only scratches the surface!
However, the important thing to remember is that everyone's endocannabinoid system is different. So, the degree to which an individual will enjoy the synergistic effects between certain foods and THC will vary.
Still, these hacks are definitely worth a try. If nothing else, you'll have added some insanely nutrient-dense foods to your diet. We all need a reason to eat more broccoli and healthy fats, right?
Until next time, happy exploring and Mind Your Mind.
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
