When you’re high, food takes on new dimensions in taste and texture, creating an amplified eating experience. Picking the right snacks not only satisfies the infamous munchies but can also turn an ordinary meal into a sensory delight. Whether you want something indulgent or a healthy alternative, knowing how cannabis affects your appetite and taste will guide your choices.
How Cannabis Affects Appetite and Taste
Cannabis, specifically THC, binds to receptors in your brain that regulate appetite and taste perception. This interaction triggers a surge in hunger hormones like ghrelin, which intensifies the desire to eat. Additionally, the sensory enhancement that cannabis provides makes food more appealing by sharpening the perception of smells and tastes. This is why even simple flavors become complex and deeply satisfying when you’re high.
Moreover, cannabis heightens your sense of smell, which is directly linked to how you experience taste. With a stronger olfactory response, food flavors can seem richer and more vibrant, leading to increased pleasure from eating. This effect, combined with THC’s appetite stimulation, often causes the classic “munchies,” where cravings for certain foods (especially those high in sugar, fat, and salt) become irresistible.
Why Food Tastes Better When You’re High
THC activates specific brain receptors related to taste and smell, which magnifies the sensory pleasure of eating. The cannabinoid’s impact on the brain’s olfactory bulb increases your ability to smell food, and because smell and taste are interconnected, this heightened sense directly affects how flavors are perceived. This can make foods, particularly those with strong, complex flavors like pizza or chocolate, taste extraordinary.
In addition to sensory enhancement, cannabis also slows down your perception of time, which might make eating feel more immersive and enjoyable. Every bite becomes more flavorful, and textures become more noticeable, leading to an overall richer eating experience. This is why many people opt for both sweet and savory snacks during a cannabis session.
Best Foods to eat While High
Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Pizza is the go-to food when the munchies hit, combining crispy crust, melted cheese, and savory tomato sauce in a way that satisfies almost every craving. The Maillard reaction during baking creates a deliciously browned crust that enhances the flavor, while the glutamate in cheese and tomatoes makes it even more irresistible. Pizza’s versatility also means you can customize it to match your cravings, from classic Margherita to a loaded meat lover’s. When considering the best foods to eat while high, pizza undoubtedly tops the list.
In addition, pizza is widely available and easy to order for delivery, making it a convenient choice when you’re too relaxed to cook. For those who prefer a healthier version, thin-crust pizzas loaded with veggies can still satisfy the munchies while cutting back on excess calories. This blend of flavors and convenience makes it a must-have option.
Chips and Dips: A Flavor Explosion
Chips and dips offer the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures, making them a favorite for high snackers. Whether you opt for salsa, guacamole, or queso, the combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps you reaching for more. Chips and dips are highly customizable, allowing you to mix and match to create unique flavor experiences, which is why they rank among the best foods to eat while high.
What makes this snack even more appealing is its ease of preparation. You can go for store-bought options, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own dips like hummus or bean dip. For those looking to stay healthier, switching to whole grain or veggie chips can add a nutritious twist to this snack.
Ice Cream: A Sweet Sensation
Ice cream is a classic high treat, thanks to its creamy texture and wide range of flavors that cater to any craving. Whether you go for classic flavors like vanilla or indulge in a more adventurous choice like salted caramel, ice cream offers a cold, sweet relief to your munchies. The high-fat content in ice cream pairs well with the effects of cannabis, which tends to enhance the enjoyment of fatty foods, making it one of the best foods to eat while high.
For a healthier alternative, you can opt for low-fat frozen yogurt or even dairy-free ice creams made from coconut milk or almond milk. These options still provide the creamy, satisfying texture but with fewer calories or dietary restrictions, allowing you to indulge without guilt.
Popcorn: Light and Crunchy
Popcorn is an ideal snack when you’re looking for something light but still flavorful. Air-popped popcorn is low in calories but high in fiber, making it a healthier alternative to traditional high-calorie munchies. You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like chili powder or nutritional yeast, turning a basic snack into a gourmet treat and earning its spot among the best foods to eat while high.
Popcorn also satisfies the craving for something crunchy, and because it’s light, you can enjoy a large serving without feeling too guilty. For an indulgent twist, you can add butter, cheese powder, or even caramel for a sweet and salty combination that perfectly complements your high.
Chocolate: The Perfect Sweet Treat
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is a must-have for those with a sweet tooth. It contains compounds like anandamide, which mimic the effects of THC in the brain, extending the pleasurable sensations associated with being high. Whether you prefer a simple chocolate bar or something more decadent like chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate stands out as one of the best foods to eat while high.
Dark chocolate, in particular, has the added benefit of being rich in antioxidants, making it a somewhat healthier option. Pairing chocolate with other snacks, such as fruit or nuts, can create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate your snacking experience.
Grilled Cheese: A Savory Delight
Grilled cheese sandwiches are another favorite, offering a warm, gooey texture combined with the satisfying crunch of toasted bread. They’re easy to make and highly customizable, whether you prefer a simple cheese and bread combo or add extras like tomatoes, bacon, or avocado for added flavor. When it comes to the best foods to eat while high, grilled cheese definitely makes the list.
For those avoiding gluten or carbs, using alternatives like cauliflower rounds or gluten-free bread ensures that you can still enjoy this savory delight without compromising on taste or texture. The ease of preparation makes it a perfect snack when you’re craving something hot and savory.
Frozen Mango: A Healthier Alternative
Frozen mango is not only delicious but also offers a healthy alternative to sugary snacks. The natural sweetness of mangoes, combined with their cold, refreshing texture, makes them a great treat when you’re high. Plus, mangoes contain myrcene, a terpene that some believe can enhance the effects of THC, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your session. That’s why it’s one of the best foods to eat while high, especially for health-conscious individuals.
If you’re looking for more variety, you can mix frozen mango with other fruits like berries or pineapple to create a tropical fruit salad. This is a light, refreshing, and healthy way to satisfy your cravings without overindulging, making it the perfect snack for any high moment.
Healthy Alternatives to Munchies
While classic munchies like chips and pizza are satisfying, there are plenty of healthier alternatives that can still hit the spot. Fresh fruits like grapes, berries, or apple slices offer natural sweetness without the added sugar of processed snacks. Pairing these with nut butter or yogurt can create a more balanced snack that keeps you full longer.
Vegetable sticks with hummus or guacamole provide a crunchy, savory option that’s high in fiber and healthy fats. These snacks not only satisfy your hunger but also keep you feeling energized rather than sluggish.
Cannabis Strains That Suppress Appetite
Not everyone enjoys the intense hunger that comes with smoking cannabis. Fortunately, some strains contain higher levels of THCV, a cannabinoid that’s known to suppress appetite. Strains like Durban Poison or Doug’s Varin are perfect for those who want to enjoy their high without the urge to overeat.
These strains work by counteracting THC’s appetite-stimulating effects, helping you feel satisfied without constantly snacking. This makes them a great option for those looking to manage their weight or avoid the typical munchies. Here are some of the best strains for suppressing appetite:
Sirius Black
Effects: Creative, Energetic, Euphoric
Medical: Arthritis, Insomnia, Pain
Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene
Sirius Black is a potent indica-dominant strain known for its energizing and creative effects, making it an excellent choice for those looking to avoid the heavy, sluggish feeling often associated with the munchies. Its uplifting and euphoric qualities can keep your mind active and focused, which can reduce the urge to snack mindlessly. The presence of Limonene and Caryophyllene further boosts mood and provides stress relief, making it easier to stay in control of your cravings.
Gelonade
Effects: Happy, Relaxed, Uplifted
Medical: Arthritis, Insomnia, Pain
Terpenes: Beta-Caryophyllene, Beta-Pinene, Delta-limonene
Gelonade is a mostly sativa strain that offers a perfect balance of happiness and relaxation without the intense hunger that some strains induce. With uplifting effects that leave you feeling relaxed yet alert, Gelonade helps curb excessive munchies by keeping you mentally engaged and upbeat. The terpene Delta-limonene is particularly known for its appetite-suppressing qualities, making it a great option for those looking to avoid the munchies while still enjoying a positive, energetic high.
Blue Dream
Effects: Happy, Relaxed, Talkative
Medical: Fatigue, Muscle Spasms, Stress
Terpenes: Beta-Caryophyllene
Terpenes: Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool, Myrcene
Blue Dream is a hybrid strain that offers a calming and uplifting high, ideal for reducing stress and fatigue without promoting overeating. Known for its balanced effects, this strain provides both mental stimulation and body relaxation, which can help distract from food cravings. Its terpenes, especially Limonene and Caryophyllene, are key in promoting mood enhancement and appetite control, making it a popular choice for managing munchies.
Taskenti
Effects: Energetic, Happy, Relaxed
Medical: Depression, Insomnia, Muscle Spasms
Terpenes: Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene, Caryophyllene
Taskenti is a sativa-dominant strain that provides a burst of energy and happiness, which can help reduce the desire to snack excessively. Its uplifting effects keep you alert and engaged, making it easier to focus on activities other than eating. The presence of Alpha-Pinene and Beta-Pinene supports clear thinking and appetite suppression, helping to keep those hunger pangs at bay, while Caryophyllene provides an additional layer of stress relief.
Ricky Bobby
Effects: Euphoric, Happy, Relaxed
Medical: Depression, Pain, Stress
Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, Terpinolene, Linalool
Ricky Bobby is a hybrid strain known for its euphoric and relaxing effects, making it ideal for people who want to feel good without overeating. Its terpene profile, which includes Limonene and Myrcene, helps promote appetite control while enhancing mood. With the added relaxation from Terpinolene and Linalool, this strain allows you to enjoy a calm, happy high without the intense cravings that often come with other strains.
How to Avoid Overeating While High
To avoid overeating while high, planning is key. Portion your snacks in advance, so you’re not tempted to eat straight from the bag or box. Choosing healthier, filling foods like nuts, popcorn, or veggie sticks can help you feel full faster without consuming too many empty calories.
Staying hydrated is another effective strategy. Drinking water throughout your session can not only reduce dry mouth but also keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. Additionally, consider eating a balanced meal before consuming cannabis to avoid excessive hunger during your high. This can help you feel more in control of your munchies and prevent overeating.
FAQs
Why do I get hungry when I’m high?
THC stimulates hunger hormones, increases your sense of smell, and heightens taste perception, making food more appealing and increasing cravings. This happens because THC binds to receptors in the brain that regulate appetite, triggering the release of the hormone ghrelin, which tells your body it’s time to eat. Additionally, THC heightens sensory perceptions like taste and smell, making even simple foods seem irresistible. This combination often leads to the infamous “munchies” where your desire to eat is amplified even if you weren’t particularly hungry beforehand.
Is it better to eat before or after getting high?
Eating before you get high can help control the intensity of the munchies, preventing overeating and ensuring you make healthier snack choices. Having a nutritious meal beforehand fills you up and provides the essential nutrients your body needs, making you less likely to indulge in calorie-dense snacks later on. It also helps to stabilize your blood sugar, preventing sudden hunger pangs. If you do choose to eat after getting high, try to have healthier options like fruits, nuts, or air-popped popcorn on hand to avoid unhealthy binge eating.
Are there healthy snack options when high?
Yes, options like frozen fruits, popcorn, or hummus with veggies offer satisfying flavors and textures without overloading on sugar or fat. Fresh fruits like berries or apple slices can provide a natural sweetness that feels indulgent without the heavy sugar content of processed snacks. Veggie sticks with hummus offer crunch and flavor, while still being light on calories. Air-popped popcorn is another excellent option since it’s high in fiber and low in fat, making it perfect for keeping you full without overdoing it on unhealthy ingredients.
Does chocolate really enhance a high?
Yes, chocolate contains compounds similar to THC, which can prolong and intensify the pleasurable effects of being high. Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, contains anandamide, a natural compound that mimics THC’s effects in the brain, enhancing the sense of euphoria. It also boosts the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, making your high feel more enjoyable. Pairing chocolate with cannabis can also intensify flavors due to THC’s impact on taste perception, turning this sweet treat into a more immersive experience.
What are some easy-to-make stoner snacks?
Grilled cheese, nachos, and microwave popcorn are quick, easy, and satisfying snacks that are perfect for when you’re high. Grilled cheese offers a warm, gooey, and crunchy combination that’s highly comforting, while nachos provide endless customization with toppings like cheese, guacamole, and salsa. Microwave popcorn is a light, crunchy snack that’s quick to prepare and easily enhanced with your favorite seasonings. These options all require minimal effort and time, making them ideal choices when you want to satisfy your cravings fast without spending too much time in the kitchen.
