Have you ever been smoking and felt like you could be higher? You pack bowl after bowl, session after smoke session, and you're still not as high as you'd like to be (we know the heavy stoners feel us). Surprisingly, when this happens, the solution isn't always to smoke more. The cannabinoids, terpenes, and terpenoids found in weed, including THC and CBD, work together to produce effects. Experts refer to this as the entourage effect, which explains how combining THC with terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds can deliver a better high. Here's the best part; you don't need to consume more cannabis products during each session to achieve this. Many of the foods we already consume contain terpenes that can improve weed's therapeutic potential.

Foods to enhance a smoke session.

Even if you don't use cannabis, the food you eat can influence your body's endocannabinoid system. This is because your body produces natural cannabinoids that work in synergy with this system. Therefore, the food you consume can stimulate your endocannabinoid activity by activating or suppressing different receptors. Below is a list of common foods that can affect your cannabis buzz. Eat your high hearts out!

Broccoli: Although you probably don't run for the raw veggies when the munchies hit, maybe you should. Broccoli is rich in beta-caryophyllene, a cannabinoid that acts on CB2 receptors and reduces inflammation and pain. Combined with the other cannabinoids present in cannabis that work with CB2 receptors, you may be able to intensify your high by eating broccoli during your smoke session. Even if you don't consume cannabis to help manage pain, you can benefit from the feel-good effects that come from minimizing discomfort and inflammation. Plus, beta-caryophyllene is reported to have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects, which can counteract any paranoia that you experience.

Mangoes: Myrcene, a terpene found in mangoes and some cannabis strains, is responsible for the pine aroma you often smell when you get whiff a fresh bag of mangoes. In high doses, myrcene has been found to give mice the same couch-lock effect that many strains containing the terpene provide for smokers. So while myrcene hasn't been found to make humans high on its own, it likely contributes to the relaxation you feel from smoking some strains. Try eating a mango or blending a few into a smoothie before you begin your smoke session, and it might be just the thing to help you melt and chill out.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3's are good for your health and your high. Health experts recommend omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation and improving heart health. These fatty acids, found in nuts, eggs, legumes, and fish, also activate the same endocannabinoid receptors as THC. This is helpful for us stoners since experts believe you get higher when your endocannabinoid system is already somewhat stimulated. Scientists have found that people with omega-3 deficiencies also have limited functionality in their CB1 receptors. So, eating foods rich in omega-3's can actually help keep your endocannabinoid system functioning optimally. And a healthy endocannabinoid system will help you achieve an ideal high every time you consume cannabis. It's a win-win. 

Black Pepper: We all overdo it sometimes (or maybe that's just us). Whether you were overindulging in a new cannabis product or having a heavy smoke session with friends, sometimes you end up a little higher than intended. But, fear not, black pepper is here to save you. Black peppercorns contain alpha-pinene, a terpene that inhibits THC. Simply put some under your tongue or grind some on your food to dull or dampen your high. 

Your digestive system and edibles.

When consuming edibles, what you eat affects your high much differently than during a smoking session. This is because when you eat cannabis, your digestive system comes into play. When smoking flower, THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are absorbed through your bloodstream. When you consume cannabis through an edible, those compounds rely on fats to make them available to your system. So, next time you chow down on a cannabis edible, eat some fat with it. Saturated fats are great for binding to THC to make it more effective, which is why cannabis butter is such a popular option. But you can also eat a piece of cheese, peanut butter, or avocado to help enhance your edible high.

Will eating these goods alone make you high?

The foods we discussed above do not have psychoactive properties on their own. So no, they don't make you high by themselves (sorry fam). Instead, they act on the same receptors in your body that interact with cannabis. However, many nutrient-rich, natural foods have their own benefits for your health.

Maintaining a healthy diet can help your endocannabinoid system function optimally too. You'll experience the best high when your endocannabinoid system is primed to receive it. Foods that impair your endocannabinoid system, like trans fats, refined sugars, highly processed grains, and alcohol, might restrict your high in the long run. So take this as a sign to trade those chips for healthier options next time your munchies hit.

Written by Session Goods | Photos by Naomy Pedroza