The 5 Best Foods to Pair with Cannabis
There is a giant world of cannabis and food pairings just waiting to be discovered, and it's high time we explore it.
Cannabis is a useful remedy and tool for wellness. It’s uplifting and aromatic. One more bonus? It’s the perfect sidekick to many of our favorite foods - and you may not even know it.
There are many easy ways to enjoy cannabis in life’s special moments. Let’s talk about the 5 best foods to pair with cannabis for better absorption.
Photo by Healthy Liv
1. Dark Chocolate
Do we really have to convince you to eat chocolate? Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, selenium, and fiber - it also happens to be high in fat. As we know, eating a meal high in fats can help our bodies absorb cannabinoids. This is one reason why cannabis brownies work so well - it’s a natural combo.
Is dark chocolate too bitter for your taste? Try this homemade healthy version of dark chocolate peanut butter cups (pictured), 15-Minute Dark Chocolate Truffles, or these no-bake superfood brownies. Wash it down with a bubbly Good Feels blood orange sparkling beverage for your cannabis pairing.
Photo by JAMIELYN NYE
2. Mango
It was once a bit of an urban legend, but it turns out the legend is true - mangos can increase your absorption of cannabis. Eating mangoes roughly 45 minutes before consuming cannabis can make its euphoric feelings a bit stronger.
Without diving too deep into the science, mangos are high in myrcene (also a terpene present in cannabis). Myrcene seems to increase the maximum saturation level of CB1 receptors, which are a part of our endocannabinoid system. This causes a faster, stronger psychoactive effect. To put it plainly, mangos work hand-in-hand with our bodies and cannabis to get the most out of its therapeutic effects.
Experiment with a build-your-own fruit and yogurt bowl, or for a little kick, top mango with lime and Tajiín® (pronounced (tah-heen) for an authentic Mexican twist.
Photo & Recipe by Elaine Lemm
3. Avocados
This incredibly versatile fruit can be made into both salty, savory, or sweet creations, all while delivering healthy fats, a massive amount of micronutrients, and a long list of vitamins. Not only will the healthy high-fat content of avocados aid in the absorption of cannabinoids, but it also aids in proper digestion, and creates a sense of satiety - or the feeling of being full.
If you’re consuming an edible or infused beverage, a digestion-aiding, absorption-boosting food like avocados is a welcome addition. The options are endless! Avocado ice cream, avocado chips, vegan avocado fudge(!), or classic guacamole are all great pairings alongside your cannabis product.
Photo by ShengGeng Lin on Unsplash
4. Mint
This wonderfully fragrant herb is best known for its strong scent and flavor, but what's not as widely known is where that scent and flavor is coming from. Although many people associate terpenes with cannabis, terpenes are aromatic compounds found in virtually all plants. In fact, terpenes like borneol and eucalyptol are terpenes found in cannabis that mimic the flavor and scent of mint. This is why mint is #4 on our list of foods to pair with cannabis.
Want a fun way to use mint? Brew mint tea with fresh mint leaves. Let it cool, and then freeze it in an ice cube tray. The next time you’re enjoying a Good Feels seltzer at a BBQ with friends, drop in a few cubes, and garnish with a sprig of mint and fruit. Happy sipping!
Photo by American Heritage Chocolate on Unsplash
5. Nuts and nut butters
Snack time! Cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans - so many options to choose from and so many benefits to be had. Nuts and nut butters are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s no wonder it made the list. The benefit of eating a snack rich in healthy fats is intensified when you add cannabis to the equation.
Remember, cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat-soluble. This means that eating a snack or meal containing fats allows for the cannabinoids to be absorbed even better than if you consumed them on an empty stomach. You can make your own nut milk by blending a cup of your favorite nuts with several cups of water and then strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Adjust the amount of water for your perfect level of creaminess. Looking for a new take on nut butter outside the classic PB&J? Try this recipe for Peanut Butter Protein Overnight Oats.
When it comes down to it, we want to celebrate delicious and satisfying foods that are good for us, too. It just so happens we can celebrate them while maximizing the benefits of the cannabinoids.
Good Feels knows just how important it is to enjoy life while putting quality ingredients into our bodies. Dive into these delicious options alongside your favorite cannabis product.
For a smooth and uplifting experience, make it a Good Feels cannabis infused seltzer.