bowl filled with delicious, omega-3 rich foods

May 9, 2023

Foods That Synergize With...THC? 5 Snacks To Try For Your Next Session

Home>Blog>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 pair nicely when consumed with THC. Anecdotal accounts and scientific studies alike suggest that these pairings can 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-3 rich meal of salmon, olive oil, and olives

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" because they offer notable health benefits. For one, they're a great energy source that helps keep your cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems functioning. Plus, they're a vital component of 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 powerhouses 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 chemical messengers that help this system function, interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the ECS. The reason why THC, CBD, 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?"

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 buttery 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 is named after 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 something 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).

Interestingly, it may also help with transdermal absorption of cannabinoids.

"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 have 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 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 try chewing black peppercorns.

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.