Cannabis consumption has become increasingly popular, whether through smoking or eating edibles. However, the food choices we make during these experiences can significantly affect our high.
This article will explore which foods to avoid when smoking or eating cannabis to help you make informed decisions for a better experience.
Introduction: Understanding Cannabis and food interactions
Have you ever wondered how your food choices affect your cannabis experience? The relationship between what you eat and how high you get is complex. Certain foods can enhance your high, while others can diminish it. In this article, we will discuss the foods not to eat when high, the best food combinations, and the science behind how food interacts with cannabis.
Does eating make you less high?
How recently you ate before smoking Cannabis/Eating Edibles
The timing of your meals can affect your cannabis experience. Eating a large meal right before consuming cannabis may slow its absorption, resulting in a less intense high. Conversely, if you consume cannabis on an empty stomach, you may feel the effects faster and more intensely. Have you ever noticed how your body reacts differently depending on when you eat?
What kinds of Cannabis, cannabinoids, terpenes you’re Smoking/Eating
The type of cannabis you consume also plays a role in how food interacts with cannabis. Different strains contain different levels of cannabinoids and terpenes that can affect your experience. For example, some strains may increase your appetite (the “munchies”), while others may not have this effect at all. Are you aware of the strain you’re using and its potential effects?
How you tolerate Cannabis & your endocannabinoid system
Individual tolerance levels vary widely among cannabis users. Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in how your body processes cannabinoids. If you’re new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, certain foods may increase feelings of anxiety or paranoia when combined with THC. How does your body typically react to cannabis?
Foods not to eat when high
When using cannabis, some foods can cause unpleasant experiences or diminish the effects of your high:
- Sugary foods: While they may seem tempting, sugary snacks can cause a crash later, leaving you feeling lethargic.
- Fatty foods: High-fat meals can slow digestion and may cause nausea when mixed with THC.
- Caffeinated beverages: Combining caffeine with cannabis can increase anxiety and lead to an unpleasant experience.
- Spicy foods: They can irritate your stomach and increase feelings of discomfort during a high.
Have you ever experienced discomfort after eating certain foods while high?
Are there foods that enhance your high
Yes! Certain foods can enhance your high and improve your overall experience:
- Dark chocolate: Contains compounds that may enhance the effects of THC.
- Mangoes: Rich in myrcene, a terpene that may enhance the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Nuts and seeds: Healthy fats can help absorb cannabinoids more effectively.
- Fruit: Fresh fruits such as berries provide hydration and essential nutrients that can improve mood.
What are your go-to snacks when enjoying cannabis?
Best food combinations when high
Combining specific foods can create a delightful culinary experience while enhancing your high:
| Food Combination | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cheese and Crackers | Provides protein and fat for sustained energy |
| Avocado Toast | Healthy fats help absorb cannabinoids |
| Fruit Salad | Hydrating and refreshing |
| Nut Butter on Apples | Combines healthy fats with natural sugars |
Experimenting with these combinations can enhance your experience. Have you tried any unique combinations?
Some foods can worsen the high or cause unpleasant side effects, while others can help balance the effects. Here’s a list of foods to avoid and why:
1. Highly processed or sugary foods
- Why to avoid: Sugar spikes and crashes can interfere with the smoothness of your high, leading to irritability or discomfort. These foods can make you feel sluggish or jittery as your blood sugar levels fluctuate.
- Examples: Candy, cake, soda, pastries, sugary snacks.
2. Greasy or fried foods
- Why to avoid: Heavy, greasy foods can weigh you down and make you feel lethargic or sluggish. They can also cause digestive problems such as bloating or discomfort, which can increase anxiety or paranoia.
- Examples: Fried chicken, French fries, greasy pizza, fast food.
3. Caffeinated beverages
- Why to avoid: Caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system, which can increase anxiety or restlessness when combined with cannabis. It can also disrupt your sleep cycle if you’re using cannabis to relax.
- Examples: Coffee, energy drinks, soda, and tea (unless decaffeinated).
4. Spicy foods
- Why to avoid: Spicy foods can irritate the digestive system, potentially causing heartburn, nausea, or discomfort. This may be more pronounced if you’re already sensitive to sensory input while high.
- Examples: Hot peppers, spicy tacos, chili, curry.
5. Alcohol
- Why to avoid: Alcohol can enhance the effects of cannabis, leading to greater impairment, dizziness, nausea, or paranoia. It can also dehydrate you, worsening the “cotton mouth” feeling that often accompanies cannabis use.
- Examples: Beer, wine, cocktails.
6. Dairy (for some people)
- Why to avoid: Some people are sensitive to dairy products, and consuming them while high may cause upset stomach, bloating, or digestive problems. Cannabis may also increase sensitivity to certain foods.
- Examples: Milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream.
7. Artificial sweeteners
- Why to avoid: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose can cause digestive upset, headache, or bloating in some people, which may be more pronounced during a cannabis high.
- Examples: Diet sodas, sugar-free gum, processed snacks.
8. High-Salt foods
- Why to avoid: Excessive salt can increase thirst and dehydration, exacerbating the dry mouth caused by cannabis. It can also cause bloating and discomfort.
- Examples: Chips, pretzels, canned soups, salty processed meats.
9. Heavy carbohydrates
- Why to avoid: Foods high in refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar crashes, leading to fatigue or irritability during a high. While they may provide a quick energy boost, it is often followed by a crash.
- Examples: White bread, pasta, pastries.
10. Too much protein
- Why to avoid: Eating an excessive amount of protein while high can sometimes be harder to digest, leading to bloating, discomfort, or even nausea in some cases.
- Examples: Steak, burgers, chicken breasts in large portions.
Foods that can enhance your experience:
- Fruits: Sweet fruits such as mango, berries, or pineapple can complement the heightened sense of taste and help compensate for dry mouth.
- Nut butter and avocados: Healthy fats can provide sustained energy and comfort without weighing you down.
- Herbal teas: If you’re craving a warm beverage, opt for decaffeinated herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint to relax.
- Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats provide complex carbohydrates that help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Dark chocolate: Contains natural compounds that can elevate mood and increase serotonin levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding which foods to avoid when smoking or eating cannabis is essential to maximizing your enjoyment. By being mindful of what you consume alongside cannabis, you can greatly enhance your experience. Remember to choose healthy foods to eat while high that complement rather than detract from the effects of cannabis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest way to consume cannabis?
The healthiest methods include vaporizing or using oils and edibles made from natural ingredients.
What should I eat to keep from getting high?
Eating high-fiber foods like vegetables can help reduce the effects of THC.
What should I not eat with edibles?
Avoid combining edibles with alcohol or caffeine as they can increase unwanted side effects.
Can food enhance my high?
Yes, certain foods such as mangoes and dark chocolate can enhance the effects of THC.
Will food help me get high?
Eating can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce symptoms of greening out.
What are the best fruits to eat when high?
Fruits like mangoes, berries, and watermelon are refreshing options that hydrate and elevate your mood.
Will peanut butter help me get high?
Yes, peanut butter contains healthy fats that aid in the absorption of cannabinoids.