Photo by Cottonbro Studio / Pexels
Does combining mangos and marijuana give a stronger high? Separating fact from fiction.
Most people consume mango for its taste, but there are also those who do so in hopes of boosting a cannabis high. Yes, you read that right. Some believe that mangoes can enhance the effects of cannabis by giving an even more powerful high.
In principle, mangoes share a number of key chemicals with cannabis, but does it really get you higher?
This antioxidant-rich tropical fruit certainly helps fight munchies and relieves dry mouth, but some people also claim that it’s the key to boosting a high. Read on to learn more.
Photo By Ron Lach / Pexels
To refresh your memory, cannabis strains are more than just cannabinoids. In fact, in their phytochemical composition, there are many compounds, including terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds found in a wide variety of plants, including marijuana. They are responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor of each cannabis strain and are also believed to have medicinal and psychoactive effects.
Terpenes can be found in different concentrations in different strains of marijuana, and some of the most common are myrcene, limonene, pinene, and linalool, among others.
Mango has a terpene in common with cannabis, which is myrcene. Myrcene provides a fruity and earthy taste and smell. And additionally, it is one of the most abundant terpenes in many varieties of marijuana and probably influences the effects produced by these plants.
Although there are no conclusive scientific studies on the subject, some experts in the field claim that mangoes could have a potentiating effect on the cannabinoids present in cannabis.
But do mangoes really get you higher? No study has specifically looked at the effects of combining mangos and weed in humans. However, we can draw conclusions from research looking at the interaction of myrcene with cannabinoids such as THC.
While THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids generate the main effects, terpenes cause the high to follow a certain direction. Cannabinoids and terpenes can even work together synergistically, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
As you know, mango contains the terpene myrcene, which is also found in weed, and can increase the ability of THC to cross the blood-brain barrier.
This would result in a higher concentration of THC in the brain, which would translate into a stronger high, suggesting that myrcene may enhance the effects of cannabinoids by reducing resistance across the blood-brain barrier and thus improving the transport of these compounds to the brain.
Photo By Mouthwash Studios / DTS
If you want to experience the effects of mango on your next smoking session, it’s important to keep in mind some practical tips.
For example, it is recommended that you consume the fruit about 45 minutes before smoking, as this is the time it takes for the body to metabolize the nutrients in mango and cause myrcene levels to increase. Also, it is important that you choose a ripe mango and eat it in its natural form, as processed juices and smoothies may contain preservatives that could reduce the desired effects.
There are other common foods that also interact with the endocannabinoid system. These ingredients are unlikely to get you high, but you may find that they influence your high in a positive way. Some possible options include the following:
Photo By Agustín Farias / DTS
There is really no scientific evidence to suggest that mango and THC cause a combined, enhanced effect.
From anecdotal experience, there are those who claim that it does actually increase the high, while others claim that they don’t feel any different. But, without any studies on mangos and THC, there’s no definitive science-backed answer.
You could try it yourself and see what happens. If you don’t get higher, at least you will have enjoyed a delicious tropical fruit and a good joint!
In conclusion, although the relationship between mango and marijuana has not yet been fully demonstrated, many users swear by its potentiating effects.
The fruit contains myrcene, and preliminary research suggests that the terpene influences blood-brain barrier permeability. However, even the most myrcene-rich mango varieties contain low levels of this terpene, so eating mango to increase your high probably won’t make much difference, but you can try it yourself and find out what you feel.
So, give this tropical blend a try to see if mangoes and weed elevates your session.
Herb Recommended Products:
READ MORE