Over the past few years, the wellness world has seen an upswing in juicing, and it has spread like wildfire amongst yoga enthusiasts. Lately, this trend has seeped into the cannabis community, becoming a novel and increasingly popular way to reap the plant’s benefits.
While the combination of yoga, cannabis, and vegetable juicing may seem like a strange brew to some, it opens up a realm of potential health benefits. Some skeptics might view juicing cannabis as a sly tactic of sub-par suppliers attempting to dispose of their stash, especially considering the widely accepted belief that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) requires fat, alcohol, or heat to activate. But in truth, juicing cannabis goes beyond just THC, unveiling a whole new facet of the plant’s healing potential.
Understanding Cannabis Juicing
What seems paradoxical about cannabis juicing is that it doesn’t activate THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive “high” associated with marijuana. However, it’s this very absence of the “high” that makes it appealing to many. Those seeking the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) without the psychoactive effects find a perfect solution in cannabis juice.
Certain strains of marijuana are specifically bred to have higher CBD content and lower THC content, making them perfect for juicing. Moreover, this form of consumption allows for utilizing trim or shake, which naturally have lower THC levels, contributing to a more sustainable use of the plant.
Health Benefits of Cannabis Juicing
Like traditional vegetable and fruit juicing, cannabis juicing can deliver an impressive array of health benefits. Cannabis juice is rich in nutrients and cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate various bodily functions, including pain, mood, sleep, and immune response.
A fascinating fact about cannabinoids is that they are found in mother’s breast milk. This key component assists in the development of a human’s endocannabinoid system, facilitating important processes such as neurogenesis, or the formation of neurons in the brain.
CBD, in particular, has been linked to numerous health benefits. Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic properties. It’s also being studied for its potential in treating severe conditions like epilepsy, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Juicing cannabis also allows for the consumption of larger quantities of the plant, especially beneficial for patients with high tolerance to CBDs but low tolerance for THC’s psychoactive effects. This method can complement smoking, reducing the need to inhale smoke while maintaining therapeutic CBD levels.
How to Juice Cannabis
Creating cannabis juice is as simple and enjoyable as making any fruit or vegetable juice. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- A handful of raw cannabis leaves and/or buds
- 2 large carrots
- 1 apple
- A handful of spinach or kale
- Half a cucumber
- Half a lemon, peeled
Instructions:
- Clean the ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing all the fruits, vegetables, and cannabis leaves.
- Prepare the cannabis: Ensure you are using fresh, raw cannabis instead of dried buds, as the latter can result in a grainy, unpalatable mixture. Fresh cannabis leaves or buds are ideal.
- Prepare the fruits and veggies: Chop the carrots, apple, spinach/kale, cucumber, and lemon into chunks that your juicer can handle.
- Juice the ingredients: Feed the fruits, veggies, and cannabis into your juicer. Ensure you alternate between softer fruits/veggies and harder ones to help push everything through the juicer.
- Stir and serve: Stir the juice to mix the flavors and pour it into a glass. You can drink it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Feel free to get creative with your cannabis juicing recipes! Berries, beetroot, ginger, or mint make for flavorful additions. To maximize the benefits of cannabis juicing, consider harvesting your trim and making a large batch, then freezing some for later use.
Considerations for Cannabis Juicing
While cannabis juicing offers many benefits, it’s crucial to remember that heat is required to experience THC’s psychoactive effects fully. For those who find the psychoactive effects to be the most beneficial part of medicinal marijuana, vaping might be a better option.
Additionally, it’s essential to know your cannabis source. Always use cannabis from a trusted, clean source to avoid pesticides or other harmful substances that can end up in your juice.
Cannabis juicing represents an exciting frontier in the realm of holistic health and wellness. It allows for the consumption of a significant amount of the plant’s healing compounds without psychoactive effects, making it a viable alternative for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a patient seeking natural treatment options, or a cannabis connoisseur looking to try something new, cannabis juicing could be a great addition to your wellness routine.
