When it comes to smoking weed or consuming cannabis products, the main focus is on the effects associated with THC. Whether it’s pain relief and stress management, or a nice cerebral buzz with a dose of body relaxation, THC has long been the prized cannabinoid behind most of our desired experiences.
Given the importance of THC, it would make sense to assume that more THC is better, but this isn’t necessarily the whole story. THC works best in combination with other terpenes and cannabinoids. Along with being the basis for what researchers refer to as the entourage effect, it is also the basis for one of the most popular stoner hacks in weed culture: eating certain foods before toking up can make it easier for your body to absorb the THC from your favorite weed and feel a stronger effect.
Research shows that consuming foods rich in terpenes, cannabinoids, and omega-3 fatty acids help increase THC absorption for an enhanced experience.
Here are the best foods to increase THC absorption and help enhance your high.
Mango
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Like cannabis, mango contains terpenes that give it a strong flavor and aroma. In particular, mango is rich in a terpene called myrcene. It’s believed that myrcene contributes to the sedative effects of certain strains and acts as a muscle relaxant. In other words, snacking on some mango an hour before smoking will really help you melt into your couch and enjoy that movie.
Broccoli
Smoke your greens and eat them, too. Munching on some broccoli while rolling a joint could enhance your chill on a mellow indica evening. Broccoli contains high levels of a terpene called beta–caryophyllene, which shows promise for relieving anxiety and depression.
Nuts and eggs
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Nuts and eggs are both high in omega-3 fatty acids, which a group of Italian researchers in a study released in 2014 found help ease the symptoms of depression and reduce risk factors for heart disease. Aside from being important for your overall health, the omega-3 fatty acids in nuts and eggs bind to the cannabinoids in weed. This helps move THC through the blood-brain barrier more efficiently to make you feel high faster. Step away from the Cheetos and pick up a handful of walnuts or make an omelet instead.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which according to findings published in the journal Obesity Research are linked to increased production of serotonin, a “feel-good” brain chemical. They also contain high levels of mood-boosting vitamin B6, which helps regulate our emotions. Snacking on sweet potato fries pre-toke can bust your blues and help you enjoy the effects of an uplifting sativa.
Bottom line
This should go without saying, but consuming these foods on their own won’t make you high — no matter how much you eat. Rather, the chemical properties of mango, nuts, broccoli, and sweet potato interact with our endocannabinoid systems in a way that improves THC absorption, intensifying the experience of smoking weed.