How To Pair Cannabis Strains With Food

Consuming cannabis is becoming more fun for beginners and experienced users as they find new ways to enjoy it. Aside from the continuously growing number of strains and cannabis products, its legalization has kickstarted studies, including the discovery of which food are perfect for pairing. 

Pairing cannabis with food makes consumption even more exciting. It’s one way to satisfy your cravings, especially with strains that boost your appetite. It can also help you feel the sensations on a new level while maximizing the health benefits. 

Here are four ways to pair cannabis strains with food

• Choose The Best Strains

Choosing the right strain can have a significant impact on your cannabis experience. However, this step is also the most challenging. Since there are over 700 cannabis strains, knowing where to start can be tricky. You may click here to learn about the top weed strains or visit your local dispensary. This list of flavorful strains can also help: 

• Strawberry Cough: This is one of the best-tasting cannabis strains, providing a sweet, strawberry-like flavor and aroma.  
• Apple Fritter: This strain tastes like apple pastry with hints of pepper and cheese. 
• Black Truffle: This strain offers hints of coffee, blueberry, and a lavender-like aroma. 
• Blue Cookies: This stain has a complex flavor profile, combining vanilla, berries, and citrus with an earthy tone. 
• Blue Razz Slushie: This strain packs sour, sweet, and spicy flavors and is almost pungent like pepper. 
• Grape Ape: This strain is perfect for those who love fruity cannabis. It resembles the aroma of grapes and berries with an earthy tone. 

Choosing cannabis strains with distinct and rich flavors can make finding the perfect pairing easier and more enjoyable. 

• Consider Their Potency And Effects

In most cases, the most flavorful cannabis strains are also highly potent. For instance, Apple Fritter may look tempting to beginners due to its taste and aroma. However, its THC levels can reach up to 32%, overwhelming new users. Therefore, finding the balance between potency and flavor is best. 

Considering the specific effects of cannabis strains is also crucial. If you’re consuming cannabis to gain weight or help you eat more, go for strains with appetite-boosting effects. Some examples are OG Kush, Durban Poison, Diesel Puff, and Mimosa. These strains can intensify your cravings. 

• Match Based On Aroma And Flavor

Matching your favorite cannabis strains based on aroma and flavor is one of the best hacks to elevate your consumption. You can look at each strain’s terpene profile to determine its dominant taste and smell. For instance, cannabis strains with limonene, a terpene found in citrus fruits, can be perfect with lemon meringue pie or a simple orange juice. 

Another way to quickly find the perfect food pairing with a specific cannabis strain is through its name. Most strains’ name gives away their expected flavor and aroma. Some examples are Strawberry Banana, Super Lemon Haze, Sour Diesel, Chocolate Haze, and Watermelon. You can pair Strawberry Banana with your favorite strawberry milkshake to elevate its sweetness with a cooling sensation.

• Infuse Them Into Your Favorite Meals

Infusing cannabis with food has been a popular way of consumption, especially for those who don’t like smoking. You can purchase cannabis-infused gummy bears, cookies, and brownies. Manufacturers also indicate the potency levels for each serving, making it safer for beginners. 

If you love cooking and baking, infusing your homemade meals with cannabis is an excellent choice. You can purchase cannabis tinctures or butter and blend them in your favorite food. 

• Give In To Your Cravings

The easiest way to pair cannabis strains with food is to give in to your cravings. You can prepare your favorite meals and snacks and go with the flow. For instance, smoking cannabis can intensify your cravings for desserts and sweets, so it’s best to have them in your fridge for a quick snack. 

As a precaution, giving in to your cravings as you consume cannabis can lead to binge eating. If you’re trying to manage a health condition, it’s best to lean toward healthy options like fruits and salads. 

• Choose Food That Can Enhance Your High

Pairing cannabis with food is more than just about flavor and aroma. Experts and experienced users suggest that specific foods play a significant role in the ‘entourage effect‘. This theory states the various compounds, specifically terpenes, THC, and CBD, can help intensify your highs and even provide health benefits. 

Here are some foods that can elevate your high: 

• Mango: This fruit is rich in terpene called myrcene, which can offer mood-boosting and euphoric effects. It’s the best pairing for THC-potent cannabis strains. 
• Chocolate: This sweet treat is known to uplift mood. Eating chocolate before smoking cannabis can help you achieve a long-lasting and intense high. 
• Sweet Potatoes: This sweet root vegetable is packed with vitamins E and B and helps trigger serotonin or the feel-good chemical. When consumed with cannabis, it can help deepen relaxation and increase feelings of euphoria. 

Some other high-intensifying foods are broccoli, nuts, avocado, and eggs. 

Conclusion

Pairing cannabis with food can elevate your experience and improve your overall well-being. Preparing meals and snacks to eat before or after smoking cannabis can also help build anticipation and makes cannabis consumption more meaningful.

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