Things that happen to your body when you eat a Cannabis Salad

Did you know you could be adding cannabis to your salads? Raw cannabis boasts an impressive nutritional profile. In fact, evidence suggests cannabis is a superfood. Here’s what happens when you eat a cannabis salad.

1. Your body is fueled by cannabinoid acids

Why eat “raw” cannabis?

Two of the primary cannabinoid acids, THCA and CBDA, are present in raw cannabis. When heat is applied (a process known as decarboxylation) these cannabinoid acids are converted into THC and CBD.

However, the body can only handle limited amounts of these compounds.

Which means your body is losing out on a lot of the nutritional benefits of cannabis once it’s heated. One way to overcome this is by eating cannabis in its raw form. This allows the body to metabolize THCA and CBDA in their acidic forms. Why is this important?

Cannabinoid acids are shown to help facilitate cell communication through the endocannabinoid system. Without these acids, an endocannabinoid deficiency can develop.

Endocannabinoid deficiencies have been linked to the onset clinical conditions such as migraines fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

2. Your digestive system is loaded with fiber

On average, Americans consume only 15 grams of fiber per day. In reality, we should be consuming 20-35 grams of fiber per day.

Consuming high-fiber foods is key to optimal health.

Fiber reduces blood cholesterol levels, prevents constipation, and reduces the risk of colon cancer. In fact, fiber is vital to our everyday health. Research shows that in order to cultivate a healthy internal ecosystem, eating fibrous foods is essential.

Luckily, raw cannabis is full of fiber. Cannabis fan leaves are rich in fiber and can easily be incorporated into most salads. Just be sure to source fresh organic leaves.

3. Your body is provided powerful antioxidants

Did you know raw cannabis also contains antioxidants?

Consuming raw cannabis is linked to an antioxidant release in the brain. This is because compounds in raw cannabis activate the cannabinoid system, triggering a release of antioxidants.

Antioxidants help to cleanse the body of harmful toxins and produce an anti-aging effect.

Perhaps even more astonishing, raw cannabis also possesses neuroprotective properties. Studies suggest that THCA is a powerful neuroprotectant and can even prevent cancer.

While the research is preliminary, the evidence is telling.

4. You feel energized by a boost of vitamins and minerals

Skip the caffeine and go for cannabis if you’re starting to feel lethargic. Raw cannabis is a vegetable full of vital nutrients.

Just how healthy is raw cannabis?

Cannabis contains important vitamins and minerals your body needs like:

• Iron (vital for carrying oxygen throughout the body)
• Vitamin C (essential for growing and repairing tissue)
• Calcium (helps support bone health)
• Vitamin K (prevents blood clotting and heart disease)

However, cannabis is unique from other vegetables because it contains beneficial cannabinoid acids.

Blend cannabis with other leafy greens like broccoli, spinach, or kale along with your choice of fresh fruit for a nutritious boost.

5. Your body is nourished with healthy fats

Essential fatty acids play an important role in the body. Fatty acids support the functioning of the brain, heart, skin, liver and many other crucial systems, including the endocannabinoid system.

However, these vital acids must be obtained through diet.

Cannabis leaves provide a healthy balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Hemp seeds and oil are also abundant in essential fatty acids.

Organic Hemp Seeds

Whether you want to mix cannabis leaves with cabbage or garnish your greens, it’s easy to incorporate cannabis into not only salads but endless healthy (and delicious) dishes.

Recipe: How to Make Cannabis Quinoa Salad

Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”) is an ancient South American seed that was considered a staple food for the ancient Incan people. The tiny seed has a mild, nutty flavor, is related to leafy green vegetables, and is often used like a grain. Quinoa has more protein than brown rice and whole wheat. It’s easy to prepare and the taste complements many different types of foods. You can eat it for breakfast, using it as a substitute for oatmeal or cream of wheat and mixing it with some cinnamon, honey, nuts, or seeds. Quinoa can also be seasoned with lemon juice and spices, then used as a side dish with any meat, seafood, or poultry. Or it can be added to your favorite soup or salad, replacing traditional noodles or rice. 

In addition to being very versatile and loaded with protein, quinoa is full of antioxidants, high in fiber, and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it good for your whole body. When you add in other nutrition power players, like red onions, garlic, basil, and cannabis, you end up with a super antioxidant-rich meal or side dish. So pick up some quinoa, your favorite veggies and herbs (or buds) today and start cooking!

Recipe for a “Crazy for Quinoa” and Cannabis Salad

This recipe makes four 1-cup servings and is vegan, dairy free, and gluten free.

Cannabis Products:

• Fresh cannabis leaves
• Cannabis-infused canola oil 

(For a non-medicated option with all the nutritional benefits, substitute hemp oil for cannabis canola oil. Hemp oil and raw cannabis leaves do not cause a psychoactive effect.)

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup dry quinoa (makes 2 cups cooked)
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cannabis leaves, chopped
• 4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp cannabis canola oil*
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Sea salt & pepper to taste

Hardware: 

• Pot for the quinoa
• Mixing bowl
• Knife

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, lay quinoa out flat on a plate and allow it to cool completely. 
2. While quinoa is cooling, chop all vegetables, add to a bowl, and set aside.
3. Once quinoa is completely cooled, add it to the chopped vegetables and mix with apple cider vinegar, cannabis-infused canola oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. 
4. Mix well until all ingredients are coated with the dressing.

This salad can be eaten at room temperature or chilled slightly.

Note: The amount of cannabis oil specified in this recipe is a very loose suggestion; the actual amount you use should be modified based on the strength of your cannabis oil and the potency you desire. Dosing homemade edibles can be tricky, so the best way to test for potency is to start with one portion of a serving, wait one to two hours, then make an informed decision on whether to consume more. Always dose carefully and listen to your body, and never drive under the influence of cannabis.

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