You are what you eat. And if you are a patient that uses medical cannabis for symptom relief, you may not know that certain foods can affect your high. The psychoactive and physiological effects of cannabis are a combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids interacting together. It’s called ‘the entourage effect.’
Some people like to add cannabis to their tea. Did you know that there are powerful terpenes in tea that amplify THC? Terpenes work in different ways to multiply the effects of THC. Some make the body’s cannabinoid receptors more, well, receptive to THC. And others combine with the natural terpenes of your cannabis to increase potency.
If you have been using medical cannabis for a long time, you may have developed a moderate tolerance to it. Since states regulate a cap on the maximum legal potency of cannabis sold by dispensaries, combining terpene-rich foods may help patients. And some cannabis vape manufacturers are starting to add terpenes to enhance wellness benefits selectively.
Many people are not aware of the wellness potential of terpenoids. Or how to strategically choose strains with specific terpenes that may improve pain relief and symptom management. You can choose to add a few terpene-rich foods to your day to boost absorption and the overall effects of medical cannabis.
- An Apple a Day? Two Powerful Terpenes
There are so many different varieties of apples, with different flavors and unique terpenes. Did you know that heirloom apples (which haven’t been genetically modified) have higher levels of terpenoids?
When fruits and vegetables are factory farmed, some of the natural terpenes are bred out of the tree species. That makes a pretty good argument for buying organic farm to table apples from your local farmer’s market.
The most common terps found in apples include Alpha-Farnesene and Terpinolene. The α-Farnesene terpene is found in the peel of an apple and inside the fruit. It tastes like a mix of berry and flowery notes that are sweet and sour. Some clinical studies suggest that α-Farnesene is very effective at combating inflammation. It also has anti-stress and can help reduce muscle spasms.
The α-Terpinene is a monoterpene and found in many wellness and over-the-counter pharmaceutical remedies. This terpene has highly effective antioxidant properties and is used in cancer treatments. It has also been therapeutically recommended for migraines and inflammatory diseases.
In addition to the two most potent and common terpenes found in apples, Limonene is another terp found in some types of fruit. Limonene is an essential oil found most commonly in citrus fruit peels. The terpene has antioxidant, antistress, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is really interesting is how some strains of cannabis have fruity apple notes in flavor and scent. Some examples of apple-flavored strains include Caramel Apple, Apple Jack, Space Candy, and Apple Kush.
- Fresh Mango
It is hard to find a seasoned cannabis aficionado that does not know about mangos and marijuana’s magic. What started as a rumor in the Caribbean (eat a mango and smoke!) actually has scientific merit. The terpenes found in mangoes can amplify the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Mangoes are high in myrcene. When you consume myrcene terpenes, it reduces something called the “blood-brain barrier.” Think of myrcene almost as an accelerant. It helps THC and other terpenes in cannabis enter the bloodstream quicker. But that is not the only thing the legendary terpene does.
The myrcene content of mangoes is so high; you can benefit simply by eating them alone. Myrcene is an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing compound) and also a mild sedative, with anti-inflammatory properties. The terpene is so good at contributing to “the entourage effect” that it can promote pain relief and relaxation.
Myrcene can also help reduce appetite. So, when you are done dosing your medical cannabis, you may be less prone to the dreaded “munchies.” Eat a mango about 1-2 hours before you smoke, or consume a cannabis tincture to allow the terpenes to be digested and ready to go.
- Unsalted Nuts
But the salted ones taste better! And salted, dried nuts do have nutritional THC boosting content that is valuable. But sometimes, the salt and other preservatives can reduce the potency of the terpenes. If you want to get the maximum benefit from consuming nuts, head to a health food store, and get the organic ones with no additives.
Nuts contain healthy levels of Omega fatty acids. These healthy fats kind of ‘grease the wheels’ inside your body and help cannabinoids through that blood-brain barrier. The result? After consuming THC, you may get high more quickly and stay high for a longer duration.
Omega-3 endocannabinoids in your body support and protect the nerves and nervous system messaging to the brain. The fatty acid also helps reduce cancer cell growth, inflammation, and some patients can help moderate pain levels. Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce obesity and provide relief for moderate to severe muscle spasms.
- Sweet Potatoes
Everyone feels a little low mood from time to time. Did you know that (aside from medical cannabis) sweet potatoes are a natural pick-me-up? That is because sweet potatoes are rich in a lot of valuable nutrients, including B vitamins.
Sweet potatoes are low protein and low fat. High (but healthy) carbohydrates are rapidly digested, where the B vitamins produce serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the hormone that regulates our mood and feelings of content and happiness. When you consume carbohydrates with protein, it slows down and sometimes blocks serotonin production.
The sweet potato also has high vitamin E levels, which is also a mood and energy booster. In fact, low levels of vitamin E can create feelings of depression. If you pair an uppity happy and euphoric strain of cannabis with a snack of cooked sweet potato? You are going to feel pretty good.
- Black or Green Tea
Some people love to ‘wake and bake’ and put decarboxylated cannabis into their coffee. But if you are looking for medicinal benefits, you may want to choose a high-quality tea instead—specifically, a black or green tea variety.
Both black and green teas contain a powerful antioxidant called catechin. This antioxidant rapidly binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain. Smoke, then sip and enjoy your tea to promote feelings of relaxation and euphoria. As carbohydrates can inhibit the absorption of antioxidants and cannabinoids, try to drink your tea black (or green) without adding sugar or sweetener.
- Beer (No, We’re Not Kidding)
If you love your microbreweries, this might be the best news you’ve ever heard. Beer that is made from hops can contain high levels of terpenes. As you relax at the end of the workday, there is a reason why a glass of beer helps you unwind. And it all has to do with the terpenes naturally occurring in hops.
Hops contain natural oils. And like other plants, terpenes are present in those oils. There are three types of terpenes commonly found in hops:
Myrcene (antibiotic, antimutagenic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory)
Alpha-Caryophyllene (brain health and pain relief)
Caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial)
The bad news is that the retail or mass-produced brands of beers have low levels of terpenes. All three types are not water-soluble. You’ll get minimal benefit from terpenes in most canned or bottled beers. However, microbreweries or IPA’s frequently add terpenes during dry hop processing.
If your favorite IPA boasts an extra-hoppy blend, you can benefit from some of the effects of the three main terpenes. And craft brewers are already jumping on the bandwagon to produce terpene-rich beer. Expect to see more of them on the market soon.
There are many types of natural herbs high in terpenes, like sage, star anise, tarragon, and thyme. The next time you head to a grocery store, make a list of some of the high terpene foods and spices that can help elevate the wellness benefits of cannabis.
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