Whether you’re a first-time user of cannabis or you consider yourself an expert, there’s no denying that some people experience what’s referred to as a “bad” high. A bad high could happen to anyone, especially with potent strains that have high THC levels.
But the good news is that there are ways to reduce the risk of having a bad high and promote a good one. Whether you’re trying to avoid waves of anxiety or more interested in intensifying the overall high, here are a few things you should try.
1. Start Experimenting & Get Creative
These days, it’s easy to get creative and start experimenting with your cannabis use. There are so many new and funky strains out there that have been deliberately genetically modified to intensify a high as well as help medical patients to alleviate certain symptoms.
To give you an idea of the insane number of strains available, these are some of the most popular: Sour Diesel, OG Kush, Gorilla Glue, Blue Dream, Jack Herer… and the list goes on, and on, and on. Just as each of these strains has very different names, they also have very different side effects.
This becomes obvious when you compare a sativa to an indica. Sativas are known for their energizing effects and they’re great for boosting creativity and productivity. Indicas, on the other hand, are better for full-body relaxation and an intense body high.
Then there’s a hybrid strain that has properties of both sativa and indica. Even if you’re happy with the strain you’ve been using, try to branch out and see what else is out there.
2. Prepare for the Munchies
Even if you’re trying to avoid the munchies, it’s still best to prepare for them. For those of you who are trying to lose weight or focus on a healthier lifestyle in general, keep the fridge stocked with healthy snacks and meals. Fresh fruit might not sound like the ideal munchie-time snack, but you’d be surprised.
The main thing to remember here is that it’s never fun for the munchies to hit and have nothing to chow down on. It’s very likely that in this scenario you’ll end up ordering out and spending unnecessary money on unhealthy food that you’ll regret eating in the morning.
3. Test Out Your Green Thumb
Growing your own cannabis plants is a great way to enhance the overall experience. Not only does it make you more appreciative of the product, but it can be a fun hobby. You’ll learn more about your strain preferences, plus you’ll have easy access without the need to visit overpriced dispensaries.
If you’ve ever considered growing your own plants (and it’s legal in your area), cannabisgrowingcanada.com has a lot of great information about home cannabis cultivation. Although this site is geared towards ACMPR growers in Canada, you don’t have to have your ACMPR medical license to find useful information on growing weed at home.
4. Choose a Consumption Method
Just because we’re talking about ways to enhance the smoking experience doesn’t mean you’re limited to smoking. If you prefer another consumption method, you’ve got plenty of options. Smoking isn’t for everyone, but this shouldn’t stop you from giving cannabis a try.
For individuals who don’t like to inhale smoke or maybe your joint-rolling skills aren’t up-to-snuff, edibles are a fun choice. Just be careful with edibles if you’re new to cannabis – they can be very hard-hitting, especially if you indulge more than you should.
Edibles have been around for a while but after legalization, they have become very popular. Previously marijuana consumption was mainly reserved to smokers. With the mainstream attention that cannabis has been receiving, it has brought in a whole new demographic and many of them through the use of edibles.
Another popular method is using a vaporizer. It is a form of smoking only with none of the tar that is associated with smoking. It is far less harmful than smoking but it’s still not completely safe. Without a doubt the safest way to consume your weed is by eating it, just be cautious with the quantity of those delicious cookies you’re eating.
5. Chow Down on Some Mangoes (or Dark Chocolate)
Mangoes have a lot of health benefits; they’re packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants, they help to cleanse the skin, and they promote healthy eyes. But did you know that this tasty fruit can intensity the cannabis high?
Mangoes contain something called myrcene, which is an oil that is similar to the terpenes contained in weed. Consuming myrcene allows the body to better interact with THC (the thing that’s responsible for leading to the infamous weed high), so try eating a mango or blending it up in a smoothie before your next smoke sesh.
Dark chocolate is also another food that goes hand in hand with smoking, and not just because of its delicious goodness. The cacao contained in high-quality chocolate contains a compound called anandamide, which is commonly referred to as the brain’s “bliss chemical”. Eating dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao promotes a more euphoric, cerebral high. Of course, mangoes are the healthier choice but for many, dark chocolate is probably easier to source.
If you’ve never dabbled into the world of cannabis before, you should realize that it’s not for everyone. But if you do know that you can benefit from recreational or medicinal marijuana, these 5 handy trips can help to take the experience to the next level.