ENHANCING YOUR CANNABIS EXPERIENCE >>> with Terpene-Rich Food

Most of us have heard consuming a mango before using cannabis can enhance its effects. But did you know that it's not just mangos that can have this impact? Anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming terpene-rich foods that share similar terpenes with cannabis, about 20 minutes before consumption, can amplify the effects experienced. In other words, the food we eat can actually improve the way cannabis works for us. For consumers, this could result in less product needed for the desired effects, and for medical patients, it can also help to enhance the therapeutic benefits they require to lead better lives. Let’s explore the various foods that can complement the effects of the eight most recognized terpenes in the United States.

Myrcene

The terpene myrcene is where the original idea of eating a mango before smoking cannabis derived from, as they are known to be high in myrcene. However, so is lemongrass, thyme, cardamom, chamomile, bay leaves, guava melon, and hops. That’s right! Even our favorite brew is filled with the benefits of myrcene and can enhance the effects of myrcene rich cannabis strains. Some recipes to try with myrcene rich foods include, mango salsa, mango smoothies or popsicles, lemongrass or chamomile tea, and roasted potatoes or chicken seasoned with thyme.

Limonene

Lemonade is perfect for a hot summer’s day in Las Vegas, and ironically pairs amazingly well with our favorite limonene strains. Limonene is predominantly found in citrus fruits and rinds and can also be sourced from rosemary, fennel, and mint. Dishes made with lemon, such as lemon roasted chicken or lemon bars, are a great pair for limonene strains. You can also sip on mint and lemon teas to experience the elevated effects.

Terpinolene

A warm bowl of chili or curry may not be ideal for the warm months, but they do accompany your favorite terpinolene strains well as they both have cumin. If chili and curry do not appeal to you with the hot weather at current, terpinolene is also in nutmeg, apples, sage, rosemary, and allspice. For a lighter option, try some rosemary baked fries, or a baked apple to enhance the effects of your terpinolene strain.

Linalool

Adding mint to your drinks is a great way to gain the benefits linalool-rich foods have to offer. You can also find the terpene in lavender, coriander, and cinnamon. Lavender lemonade, chia pudding with cinnamon, or a watermelon salad with fresh lime and mint are great choices to pair with your cannabis.

Caryophyllene

Almost every kitchen has black pepper, and in turn also has the power of caryophyllene. Caryophyllene can be found in an array of herbs including rosemary, oregano, basil, black caraway, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, hops, and lavender. Almost anything can be made with a dose of caryophyllene to leverage the benefits it offers. Some fun recipes to try include black pepper chicken, ravioli, caprese salad, and a golden milk latte made with turmeric and a dash of black pepper.

Pinene

Pickles are a delicious and salty snack that goes great with a high pinene cannabis strain. Pinene can be found in dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, sage, as well as citrus rinds and pine nuts. Try a delicious pesto with pasta or a sandwich or try a savory fish with dill dish and experience the elevated effects pinene-rich foods can deliver.

Ocimene

Ocimene is found

>>>BY SARAH SCHWEFEL

in most restaurants as the refreshing parsley garnish that accompanies your plate. It is also found in mint, lavender, hops, black pepper, mangos, kumquats, and tarragon. You can sip on mint and tarragon teas, eat kumquat jam with toast, or indulge in creamy tarragon chicken to enhance the effects of your favorite ocimene cannabis strains.

Humulene

A ginger or spearmint tea is great to sip on before indulging in your favorite humulene strain. Humulene can be found in ginger, clove, black pepper, ginseng, basil, hops, sage, and spearmint. If tea is not for you, try a mojito mocktail with mulled spearmint paired with a delicious basil and sage pasta to boost the effects of humulene.

In Nevada, we are fortunate to have a regulation that requires brands to disclose the top three terpenes present in each cannabis strain. This information is invaluable as it allows us to make informed decisions about the kind of experiences we seek from our cannabis products. Additionally, it provides us with the opportunity to strategically pair our favorite strains with foods rich in specific terpenes to enhance their effects even further. Next time you pick up your favorite cannabis strain try pairing it with a terpene rich food to elevate the effects and make cannabis work the best way it can for you.