Many enthusiasts are aware of the entourage effect. It's an interaction between THC and CBD or other cannabinoids that can bring out a feeling neither can deliver alone.
In addition to synergies between different cannabinoids, there are also foods that that pair nicely when consumed with THC that you can use to elevate your experience.
From science to anecdotal accounts (fancy term for "things cannabis enthusiasts swear by"), here are some food pairings you might want to try for your next session.
Omega-3s
Omega-3s are a type of acid found in fats and oils, offering all sorts of benefits. They're a great energy source that helps keep your cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems functioning. Plus, they're vital components to cell walls.
But did you know that research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that a whole bunch of chemical reactions in your body convert omega-3 fatty acids 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, emotional processing, and much more.
Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that help this whole system work, and they're pretty much cannabinoids that your body makes. And the reason why THC, CBD, HHC, and other cannabinoids can interact with this system is that they bare many similarities to endocannabinoids.
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
- Anchovies
- Canola oil
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.
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 anandamide.
"Anana...anada...adana-"
A-nan-da-mide.
It's an endocannabinoid that gets its name from the Sanskrit word "Anada" which means "happiness" or "bliss."
Like Omega-3, you can give your ECS a nice endocannabinoid boost by eating 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.
But the actual answer is naturally occurring compounds called "terpenes."
Mangos 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. Plus, this terpene 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 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.
However, what's neat about β-Caryophyllene is that it can bind to your cannabinoid receptors. Yes, those same receptors to which cannabinoids will attach, which is 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.
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 titled "Taming THC," the terpene alpha-pinene, which black peppercorns are chock full of, may act as an inhibitor to THC.
What is an inhibitor?
It's any molecule that slows down or blocks certain chemical reactions.
What is the best way to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed when consuming hemp-derived THC products?
Go with low amounts and build your way up slowly.
But if you are in this situation, remember to stay calm, put on some of your favorite tunes, and give chewing black peppercorn a try.
Either way, it will eventually pass.
Thoughts, Opinions, Experiences?
Have you tried any of these foods during a session?
Did it enhance or hinder your experience?
Let us know in the comments section below if you have any favorite food and cannabis pairings!
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