How to Enhance your Cannabis High?
- 1. Take a tolerance break
- 2. Change up the strain
- 3. Switch up the way to consume
- 4. Eat some terpene-rich food just before you indulge
- 5. Drink a caffeinated beverage or some black tea
- 6. The way you store your weed can have a marked effect on the potency (and flavor)
- 7. Hit the gym or go for a run before you smoke
- 8. Change up the setting
- 9. It's all about the soundtrack
The full scope of the mental and physical effects that can be brought on by consuming cannabis is surprisingly extensive, wonderfully interesting, and even sometimes a little overwhelming - especially for the stoners among us just getting into the game. But, for the more seasoned ganja connoisseurs out there, an increase in tolerance is pretty common. Nothing to worry about, not at all, but it can be a little... Annoying? Maybe that's not the perfect word - more disappointing, possibly? Maybe a little of both?
Have you found that your usual dose just isn't hitting the way it used to? Are the days of two puffing a joint or vape and sitting back for a few hours of pure bliss all but over? Well then, hang around as we dive into all the things you can do right now to enhance your cannabis high, and get the most out of your stash.
1. Take a Tolerance Break
Now, we know that the idea of a tolerance break isn't everyone's cup of tea. But, if you have been smoking weed regularly and for a decently long period (say daily for more than a month), then it honestly is the best way to increase your high once more. A tolerance break is exactly what it sounds like - A brief period where you abstain from cannabis consumption to allow your THC tolerance to reset. It doesn't have to be very long at all, with just a few days of weed-lessness usually being enough to do the trick.
The best way to implement tolerance breaks into your regular routine is to just have a few days each week where you don't consume any cannabis products whatsoever. This should ensure that your tolerance stays low enough that you won't need to take any long breaks in the future.
2. Change Up the Strain
Tolerance can be, to a certain extent, strain dependent. Each strain is unique and comes with its own specific levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. So, if you find yourself getting used to the effects of a single strain, why not switch it up? With a veritable smorgasbord of options to pick from these days, the choice is almost endless.
| STRAIN | POTENCY | YIELD | SIZE | GENETICS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Cookies Auto | Up to 28.5% | 550 – 650 gr/m2 | XXL | Sativa 45% / Indica 55% |
| Banana Purple Punch Auto | Up to 26% | 450 – 550 gr/m2 | XL | Sativa 25% / Indica 75% |
| Amnesia Zkittlez Auto | Up to 24% | 450 – 600 gr/m2 | XL | Sativa 75% / Indica 25% |
And the THC concentrations only become more potent with each passing year. Less than two decades ago, the idea of seeing strains with plus 20% THC levels was almost unheard of. Nowadays, plus 25% options are a dime a dozen, with the most potent strains tipping the scales at more than 35% THC. If you are looking for the very best high-THC autoflowering strains, check out the strains above. We also have fast flowering, photoperiodic strains that are pure bangers -
| STRAIN | POTENCY | YIELD | SIZE | GENETICS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG4 Sherbet FF | Up to 27% | 450 – 600 gr/m2 | XXL | Sativa 30% / Indica 70% |
| Tropicana Cookies FF | Up to 28% | 450 – 600 gr/m2 | XL | Sativa 35% / Indica 65% |
| Gorilla Cookies FF | Up to 29% | 500 – 650 gr/m2 | XL | Sativa 55% / Indica 45% |
3. Switch Up the Way To Consume
Are you a pure joint smoker through and through? Has it been years since you hit the bong? Well then, we may have found the answer to your tolerance conundrum... Toking a full bowl of high THC bud is one almost surefire way of blasting off, but what if even that doesn't scratch the itch? Well then, it might be time to dive headfirst into the wonderful world of extracts!
Extracts? What are they? Well, just like their name implies, extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that have had all the non-intoxicating material removed. The end result is a concentrate that can contain as much as 98% THC, with effects that are more potent and longer lasting than any flower option currently on the market. They come in all shapes and sizes, with the most common being those oil-filled vape pens. But, for those who prefer a more traditional smoking experience, there are also options like shatter, wax, and even budder available that are most commonly hit through a 'dab rig', which is essentially just a modified bong. And then we have edibles.
Edibles are probably the least confronting form of cannabis consumption out there, especially for novices - but they are also the one that offers the most potent and prolonged high. Edibles need to be treated with the respect they demand, as the doses can be slightly ridiculous. A single, tiny gummy can contain a crazy amount of THC, so always check the dosage. A good starting point for edibles is in the 10 to 20 mg range, but for those tolerance warriors out there, you may want to try something in the 50 mg range. And while we are on the edible vibe….
4. Eat Some Terpene-Rich Food Just Before You Indulge
Chowing down on delicious terpene-rich food sources in the hour before you smoke (or however you prefer to consume) can significantly enhance your high.
This is due to what is known as the entourage effect. Gone are the days when THC was seen as the one and only cannabis chemical that has a psychotropic effect. With this new age of cannabis, legality has come huge increases in the amount of research that is able to be legally and openly conducted, and one of the biggest takeaways from this research in the last few years is the understanding that THC is only one of the many cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that all work together in unison to produce the effects we know and love.
The whole thing is more like an orchestra playing in harmony than a single guitar solo from our old friend THC.
So, by hitting up food that contains high levels of the same terpenes that are present in your buds, you can give the entourage effect a real boost. And now that pretty much every single strain comes with a terpene percentage read-out, you can dial this whole thing in even further. Some foods to consider are -
- Mangoes - Not only one of the most delicious fruits out there, they are also super high in Myrcene. This specific term is also thought to play a role in the brain's ability to process cannabinoids by reducing the resistance in the blood-brain barrier.
- Citrus Fruits - This shouldn't come as the biggest surprise, but citrus fruits are one of the main sources of Limonene, a terp found in a bunch of cannabis strains.
- Herbs and spices - Beta-Caryophyllene is one of the dominant cannabis terpenes, and it is also found in super high concentrations in rosemary, basil, cinnamon, black pepper, lavender, cloves, star anis, and oregano. It is also found in high doses in everyone's favorite veg, broccoli!
5. Drink a Caffeinated Beverage or Some Black Tea
Ever been super, insanely high and wished you had something to keep it going? Well, coffee could be the answer. Not only can it help to reduce that tired, couch-lock feeling that can accompany one of the heavy-hitting Indica strains, but coffee can also act as a mild dopamine stimulant, increasing motivation and alertness. It can also help reduce the effects of THC-induced anxiety, but the research also shows that it could increase those anxious feelings, so who really knows on that front?
But, to put it simply - coffee can give you a nice little energy boost and help to keep your focus while prolonging the high, so if that is what you are after then why not give it a try? There is also evidence to suggest the caffeine/cannabinoid mix can help people reach what is known as a 'flow-state', where creativity and focus can both be enhanced. Black tea is another cool option. It contains caffeine, but that's not the only booster available. Black tea is a great source of catechin, which is a flavonoid that binds to the CB1 receptor and can increase the 'body-stone' effects when consumed in conjunction with weed.
6. The Way You Store Your Weed Can Have a Marked Effect on The Potency (and Flavor)
If you have never had the absolute pleasure of growing your very own weed, then you have most likely not been initiated into the cannabis curing process. Curing weed? What the...? No, your buds aren't sick (hopefully). We are talking about curing in the sense of maturing and preserving. The best way to think about this is like aging a fine wine or whisky. The curing process is an absolutely essential part of the cultivation process. Everyone knows that for weed to be bong or blunt wrap ready, it must first go through a drying period, yeah? And sure, while you can 100% smoke those buds as soon as they come out of the dry room, for the very best results you are going to need to then let the weed cure for anywhere between 4 weeks to 6 months, strain dependant.
All you have to do is jar the buds up in an airtight situation (mason jars work great, but really any airtight containers will do). It's important not to overfill these jars more than around 75% full with your weed, as the buds need room to move and breathe. For the first week, you will want to burp the jars twice a day, and then twice a week for the rest of the curing period. Itas also vital that the jars are kept out of direct sunlight, and in a cool and damp-free area (a temp range of 65 to 75F is fine).
Ok, but what does the curing process actually do? Simply put, curing your weed is the process of allowing it to fully mature, and reach its true flavor and maximized potency potential. It's through curing that the buds can reach a state of homeostasis, and all the cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and other important compounds reach their full expression.
Plus, let's not forget that curing your buds also helps to remove any residual moisture, which can cause mold if left unchecked. We prefer to move the jars into the fridge after the first two weeks have passed. This allows for a slightly slower curing process but also keeps the product in the best possible condition for the longest time. But wait, I don't grow my weed. Shouldn't it already be well-cured before I buy it? Yes, it should. The real question is - Has the weed I just purchased been cured properly, or even cured at all?
The answer is probably not. Curing is a time-consuming process, and most dispensaries are so busy, that curing just doesn’t make it onto the list of things to do. What we suggest is to always jar your buds up, and get them into the fridge if you have space. You will notice a pretty big difference in the long run.
7. Hit the Gym or Go For a Run Before You Smoke
Exercising before you roll up is another pretty novel way of increasing the psychoactive effects of weed. The whole idea behind exercising before you smoke is to increase your heart rate and get your blood flowing so that the THC gets absorbed into your bloodstream faster and at a more efficient rate.
It's also no secret that exercise has been proven to increase feelings of euphoria and relaxation. So, why not combine the two and get an even bigger bang for your buck? One thing to remember though is that you don't want to overdo it. A light jog or moderate gym session is all you need for the THC to be taken up into your bloodstream more rapidly.
8. Change Up the Setting
Are you the type of stoner who only ever smokes at home, on the couch, with your favorite series on the go? No shame in it, none at all. But always smoking in the same place, especially somewhere that you spend a lot of time anyway, can somewhat dull the overall experience. Sure, its comfortable, and there's no need to have any random interactions, but as they as - variety is the spice of life. So get off the couch, turn the TV off, and get out into nature. Even more so if the idea of a hike is the last thing you enjoy...
Getting a little high and surrounding yourself with nature has been shown to increase feelings of tranquility and peace. There is something pretty special being in a forest or on the beach after a spliff, and the change of setting can help to maximize the effects of your weed. But what if you can’t get outdoors? That's ok too! The same effect can be recreated indoors - why not try out a different room in your house? Lighting and smell are also important factors to consider, so switch up your approach and see what works best for you!
9. It's All About The Soundtrack
Music and weed have been forever intertwined. Music has a unique ability to increase emotional responses and heighten sensations, so it makes sense that the two should be combined in order to amplify your high. We suggest creating a playlist before you smoke, with all your favorite tunes, and letting that keep the good vibes going. Music is super subjective, so we can't say exactly what will work for you, but a few suggestions include -
- Keeping it chill and cinematic - Check out 'Hermanos Gutierrez' if you want to keep the mood light, but also introspective. Perfect for a smoke and a good old stretch
- Bring the soul - Aussie songsmiths 'The Teskey Brothers' breathe new life into the soul movement, in turn becoming the perfect accompaniment for any blunt.
- Funk it up - Feeling a little low? Throw on the Spotify radio from this classic 'Billy Preston' for uplifting funky vibes
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