The Best Ways To Boost Your Cannabis High

Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and even for the most experienced cannabis connoisseurs, things can get a little stale and “run-of-the-mill” from time to time. Highs feel low, and returns start to diminish. But what can you do about it? You might be surprised to learn that there are actions you can take to turn the tables back in your favour. With that in mind, we've concocted some different ways to improve and boost your cannabis high—and none require much effort. So before you make any rash decisions and throw away all of your smoking accessories, read on to find out what you can do.

1. TAKE YOUR CANNABIS WITH A SIDE OF MANGOES

You’re not a seasoned stoner until you’ve used mangoes to increase your high. Mangoes are high in myrcene, a terpene that helps THC cross the blood-brain barrier. Most strains contain myrcene to some degree, but some, typically indicas, contain lower myrcene levels. So if you consume mango with an indica, it may make your experience more “sativa-like”. Whatever your strain, myrcene is sure to enhance its effects.

If you’re planning your mango and cannabis party in advance, it’s best to consume the mangoes 45 minutes or so before toking. Even if you consume them while you’re already high, they should still work as an enhancing agent.

2. VARY YOUR CONSUMPTION METHOD

Is your daily joint starting to drag? It may be time to think about trying a different consumption method to get more bang for your buck. Switching to a form of consumption known for its intensity and efficiency is clearly a step in the right direction. Edibles and concentrates are both renowned for their potency relative to traditional methods of cannabis intake. But there’s also bioavailability to consider. This is a term that describes the amount of and rate at which a substance reaches the systemic circulation (the bloodstream).

For example, the bioavailability of an intravenous dose of a substance is 100%, as it instantly hits the bloodstream with no risk of interference. Now, when it comes to cannabis, the bioavailability of smoking clocks in at anywhere from 10–35%, whereas vaping teeters between the 50–80% mark. So, if you’ve been exclusively smoking, consider switching to vaping, dabbing, or eating your cannabis. If you want to stick to smoking, you can consider switching up your intake method. Instead of “sipping” from a joint, take bong rips or larger hits from a pipe to intensify your high. Just by switching things up, you can feel (almost) as high as you did many moons ago.

3. CONSUME HEALTHY FATS

Edibles continue to be a popular and effective way to consume cannabis. Cannabis is lipophilic, meaning it loves fat. When preparing edibles, saturated fats will result in the most intense and long-lasting high. Animal sources tend to produce saturated fats, and the best source of plant-based fat is coconut oil. Avoid other vegetable oils as these will be less effective.

Pothead lore has long told of how omega-3 fatty acids can intensify a high. Recent research shows omega-3 deprived rats are less sensitive to cannabinoids, suggesting omega-3 may indeed increase weed sensitivity. Add some ultra-healthy omega-3 from flaxseed, chia seeds, sardines, salmon, and algae to enhance your high while building brain health at the same time.

4. GET MOVING

If you find that your high is leaving you humdrum, consider getting off the couch and taking a few laps around the block. With many psychoactive substances, exercise will only diminish the experience. Not so with THC—see, excess THC is stored in the body in the form of fat. When you exercise, some of that fat gets used for energy, thereby releasing its trapped THC back into your bloodstream. Research supports this—one study found that THC blood plasma levels temporarily went up 15% in regular smokers after they did some cardio. This is why frequent stoners sometimes get high just by working out!

5. BLACK TEA

Black tea has surprising effects on your body’s endocannabinoid system. It contains catechins, which bind to CB1 receptors. This can help the “body effects” of your cannabis high come on a lot smoother and with greater intensity.

6. TAKE A TOLERANCE BREAK

You may not want to hear it, but it may be what’s best—once in a while, every pothead needs to take a tolerance break to reset their body. Tolerance breaks not only make cannabis come on more intensely—it can make the experience of the plant more enjoyable.

If you’re considering a tolerance break, consider taking CBD along for the ride—not only will it help with any discomfort, but it may accelerate the upregulation of your endocannabinoid receptors. After all, CBD modulates your receptors in a way that inhibits the psychotropic effects of THC.

CBD Oil (Zamnesia) 5%

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7. TRY HIGH-THC STRAINS

There are several schools of thought when it comes to this tip. Of course, by selecting strains with higher THC levels than you normally smoke, you’ll be exposing yourself to higher concentrations of the substance each time you take a hit. So, in the immediate present, it’s a viable way to take your highs higher—sometimes even too high! THC levels in modern recreational cannabis strains tend to average at about 15–20% THC, though some contain less, and some much more. It’s not uncommon to find strains bearing 30% THC on the modern market, with some achieving spectacular heights of 35%. However, note that once your body becomes accustomed to such high levels of THC, your highs will once again begin to dwindle. So perhaps opt for super-high-THC cultivars as a special “treat”, rather than a daily smoke.

8. STORE YOUR WEED CORRECTLY

Part of the reason for your diminishing highs could be due to your storage method and conditions. We're sure every stoner remembers stashing their bud in any container they could get their hands on. From plastic bags to Tupperware, more often than not, these solutions don't offer adequate protection. Such containers aren't airtight and allow in harmful UV rays that will degrade the potency and flavour of your buds over time. Your buds will also become dry and crispy to the touch, and harsh to smoke as well. Unsuitable storage methods may also fall victim to damp conditions, adversely affecting your stash and even causing the formation of mould. 

Give your cannabis the care it deserves; there are plenty of storage solutions available that will serve your bud well, without breaking the bank—e.g. glass Mason jars. Trust us, the difference is truly night and day. Just make sure to keep your storage containers in a cool, dark, and dry place to minimise degradation; even quality containers won't protect your weed if kept in "hostile" conditions.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CANNABIS HIGH

Those are some of the top ways to bring some life back into your cannabis high. As you can see, most of these suggestions are easy to achieve and involve minor tweaks to your regular routine. All it takes is a little shake-up, and you'll open the doors to a new level of appreciation for your favourite herb. So whether you're looking at adding a new strain to your lineup, changing your consumption method, or just incorporating a little more mango into your life, you might be surprised at what you'll get out of it!

Luke Sumpter

With a BSc (Hons) degree in Clinical Health Sciences and a passion for growing plants, Luke Sumpter has worked as a professional journalist and writer at the intersection of cannabis and science for the past 7 years.

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