Blunt Advice

By Ellie Carr

Dear Ellie,

I’ve developed a sudden sensitivity to weed, and I don’t know why. Despite being a consistent weed smoker, I started feeling anxious when high. I used to enjoy smoking with friends, in groups, and in public, always preferring cannabis over other substances like alcohol. However, lately, I’ve given it up. I miss smoking weed and want to resume, but I’m worried about potential anxiety or paranoia. How can I prevent a negative experience while getting high, and what are some alternative ways to consume cannabis that might be more suitable for my lowered tolerance?

—Love for Bud

Dear Love for Bud,

You are not alone! This is a common change that many weed smokers experience. We all want to be the carefree weed smoker we once were, smoking doobies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and rolling up before any function. However, our bodies change over time and so do our tolerances. While suggesting a different strain like indica or reducing your dosage might seem like an easy fix, the truth is that we can develop a sensitivity to cannabis, regardless of regular consumption.

When I enter a room filled with pot smokers, I want to feel relaxed and comfortable. I want to be the person who hits the joint and participates with ease, but those days are gone, and have been replaced with feelings of anxiety and paranoia when smoking in public. I’ve come to realize that I am no longer a social smoker. Those days of hitting gravity bongs on stoops before class are behind me, but using cannabis certainly is not.

Feeling anxious or paranoid while high is a common side effect of cannabis use, and can sprout unexpectedly with time. These are common side effects of weed that are typically brushed aside since they don’t vibe with everything weed culture is about. I distinctly remember when I started feeling anxious while high. It began with episodes of paranoia, where I became jumpy and easily startled, or found myself restless in bed. I considered quitting all together, but found myself longing for a relaxing high, and leaning on harsher substances like alcohol to relax. A life that was completely cannabis free felt equally as dreadful and anxiety ridden as the weird highs I was experiencing. Weed is a plant with high yield, and with recent advancements, we have learned how to extract insanely potent forms of THC and CBD. The change in potency is something to be aware of, especially if you are starting to feel sensitive.

Regulating your doses and opting for a more CBD dominant product might help ease the negative effects and help you relax. Taking a fresh approach to cannabis can be both enjoyable and exciting, especially when exploring the right products that suit your preferences. I suggest trying products that are CBD dominant for a more relaxing and less intense high, or experimenting with topical ointments that gradually release CBD and THC into the skin.

My favorite edibles are in the range of 25mg CBD/5mg THC. The CBD provides a soothing body high, while the THC aids in absorption resulting in a pleasant, mellow high. There is no shame in lowering your dose and experimenting with new products to find what works best for you. Slow and steady is my approach to smoking cannabis, and the more I listen to my body and utilize products that suit me, the more I enjoy being high without the experience taking a dark turn. Exploring new products and lowering your doses is a great way to rekindle your love for weed!

Dear Ellie

I’ve been on an edible kick lately and want to start cooking weed infused dishes that are snack size but hit hard! Trying to get the most out of my bud. What are some foods that enhance the effects and duration of cannabis?

—Munchiezz

Dear Munchiezz,

Edibles are one of the best ways to enhance your high and get the most out of your weed. This is because THC is converted to a more potent form by the liver, which, when combined with the THC from the original product, intensifies the high. Anyone who has tried an edible knows that it’s a different high compared to smoking. Edibles have more of a blastoff sensation once they hit, and they're intensity can last for up to 8 hours. With that in mind, if you're seeking an even more powerful high, here are some foods believed to enhance the effects of cannabis:

Mango

Mango is considered the top food for enhancing your high. Chemicals called terpenes and mycrene found in mangoes reportedly synergize well with marijuana, offering similar euphoric and relaxing effects. Try a mango infused smoothie bowl with granola and berries.

Sweet potatoes

For those who experience anxiety or restlessness when smoking weed, sweet potatoes are the ideal munchie food. Packed with vitamins, including vitamin E and vitamin B, sweet potatoes can boost serotonin production in the brain, thereby improving mood, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. Vitamin B6 helps regulate and stabilize emotions, and when combinedwith cannabis, the result can be the perfect high. Try sweet potatoes drizzled with weed-infused oil topped with herbs. Herbs are another food said to boost and prolong the effects of marijuana.

Chocolate

In addition to being a beloved treat, chocolate contains a chemical compound called "anandamide," also known as the "bliss molecule." Anandamide produces effects similar to THC, including feelings of bliss and euphoria. Both anandamide and THC interact with the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system, amplifying the benefits of THC. Try some homemade chocolate chip cookies or double chocolate brownies.

Nuts

Due to the high omega-3 fatty acid content, nuts can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. When combined with cannabis, these fatty acids are believed to enhance its effects and provide a longer lasting high. Nuts and dried fruit are the perfect munchie snack that you can take anywhere.

You can enjoy these foods as snacks or infuse them with your cannabis to enhance the holistic effects of both the food and cannabis. Keep them on hand when you get the munchies, or use them as a base for your weed-infused dishes. You're already on the right track by choosing edibles as your consumption method, as they are known to “hit hard.” As always, when it comes to edibles, be mindful of your dosage to avoid ending up glued to the couch and wondering how to move your muscles. On some nights, maybe this is what you prefer. Good luck!