How food affects your high

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Substances that like to interfere with the taste, smell and even effects of marijuana are terpenes. To better enlighten you, first a quick refresher course on terpenes. What are they again and what do they actually do? Then we are going to show that certain foods can affect your high because those terpenes are also in food and drink.

Terpenes

Terpenes are substances mainly found in plants that are responsible for smell, taste and effects, among other things. Together with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, terpenes in cannabis produce a range of diverse effects. For example, you get high, stoned, happy, mellow... The final effect caused by all the substances in cannabis is called the entourage effect. Dr. Ethan Russo in particular has done a lot of research in this area [1]. The ratio and combination of terpenes present is one of the distinguishing factors in different types of cannabis. Terpenes are formed in the trichomes of the cannabis plant (where THC, CBD are also formed). Breeders and growers use various selective breeding techniques to create specific terpene profiles[4]. Some well-known examples are:

White Widow

White Widow is a staple on the coffee shop menu in the Netherlands. It contains myrcene, one of the most common terpenes today. The taste and smell is complex best described as spicy with a sweet undertone.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel, the name says it all, sour is indeed one of the first things you will notice. That sour taste is due in part to the terpene limonene. In nature, you can find these terpenes in high quantities in the peels of citrus fruits.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is a world-famous kush variety with a fresh and fruity taste. This is partly due to the terpene, pineene that provides flavor similar to pine and wood.

Amnesia Haze

The legendary Amnesia Haze contains the terpene linalool. This same terpene is also found in lavender, rose and basil. Users are more likely to comment on the relaxing high than the taste experience with this terpene.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a true classic within the cannabis world. This famous cannabis strain is often described as spicy and earthy. The flavor comes partly from the terpene beta-caryophyllene.

What foods affect your high?

So terpenes are found in different types of cannabis plants. However, it is not just limited to cannabis plants. Different types of terpenes are found in all plants and thus also in the plant products we eat [3].

Recent research has shown that fat would affect THC & CBD levels in our bodies.

This got us thinking about what other types of food might have an effect on your high. After diving deep into the metaphorical "books" for a while. We discuss in what other foods might have an impact on the way, you experience a cannabis high [5].

The effects of lipids (fat) on THC in your plasma: researchgate [6].

Seeds & nuts (lipids)

Fat acts as a medium for solution THC & CBD components. For example, American research shows that plasma THC & CBD levels are measured longer and higher when combined with lipids (fat-like substances). Nuts are a natural, "healthy," high-fat option high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are especially suitable options. In short, grab a nice bowl of walnuts next time you enjoy your favorite green plant!

Mango (myrcene)

This tropical fruit contains the terpene myrcene. This same terpene is also found in cannabis. The terpene is thought to have a narcotic effect. More importantly, research may indicate that consumption of this terpene, prior to the use of cannabis, may possibly increase saturation of the CB1 receptor. This would increase the maximum psychoactive effect. Put more simply, eating a mango three quarters of an hour to an hour before your smoke sesh could cause you to get extra high.

Dark chocolate (theobromine)

Chocolate is, of course, a favorite among munchies. It is included in all kinds of delicious snacks and often packed with sugars. Chocolate is also often used in making edibles such as a space cake or cannabis cookies. However, research shows that there may be more at play than just the delicious taste. Chocolate, in fact, contains theobromine, of which it is believed to affect naturally occurring levels of anandamide. Anandamide is a naturally occurring cannabinoid neurotransmitter that binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. So THC-containing buds and chunks of dark chocolate are a blissful combination.

Weed comes in all sorts of different flavors and smells.

Broccoli (beta-caryophyllene)

That broccoli is good for you, we hopefully don't have to tell you anymore. What is remarkable, however, is that new research may point to the influence this green crucifer has on your high. This is because broccoli contains the terpene beta-caryophyllene, this terpene binds to the CB-2 receptors. Just like the cannabinoids in cannabis. Several studies claim that the combination of these green benefactors would provide a stronger and calming high. Should you be looking for another good reason to eat healthier, broccoli should no longer be missing from your shopping list.

Cannabis Terpenes: About time via Shutterstock.

Black pepper (beta-caryophyllene)

Like broccoli, black pepper contains the terpene beta-caryophyllene. This terpene binds similar to CBD to the CB-2 receptors. For this reason, smelling or eating black pepper grains is sometimes recommended for an overly intense high. The terpene in the pungent grains creates a relaxed feeling and can affect the impact of THC [2].

Tea (linalool & limonene)

Tea, like cannabis, contains several terpenes and flavonoids; these are responsible for the taste and smell of the calming drink, among other things. Specifically, similar terpenes such as linalool and limonene can also be found in cannabis. At this time, research is still being conducted on what exactly the interaction between tea and cannabis is. However, many users do indicate that the combination often provides a relaxing and calming high. It is not for nothing, then, that weed tea is very popular in various parts of the world.

Sweet potato (Serotonin)

While the true synergy between sweet potatoes and cannabis may be a bit of a stretch, there is something to be said about the positive effects of this sweet potato. In fact, sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients that are important for the production of serotonin, or the happiness hormone. They are also a great source of vitamin E, another big boy when it comes to maintaining a healthy body. Ensure a healthy mind in a healthy body and snack on some sweet potato fries or mashed potatoes the next time you enjoy cannabis.

Healthy eating and enjoyment

Much research is in its infancy for now, so a black and white statement is unfortunately not yet in the cards. The main take-away here is mainly that taking good care of yourself is an excellent idea with and without cannabis use anyway. But if you are interested and want to experiment, we can confidently recommend a healthy snack like walnuts or mangoes and wash it down with a nice cup of tea!

Frequently asked questions about terpenes in food

Where can I pick cannabis seeds based on flavor?

You can here. Use the filters and select your desired flavor.

Where can I read more about terpenes, cannabis strains and other useful information?

Check out our blogs!

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