Cannabis or as it is known colloquially weed, can be consumed in many ways. Some cannabis users prefer to decarboxylate it to “activate” it. This is easily done if you dry it for some time or if you place cannabis in an oven for at least 10–15 minutes. The decarboxylation process will convert THCA (cannabis in its acidic form) into psychoactive THC.
Most cannabis users prefer to consume it as an ingredient in other products such as cookies, butter, oil, or as a supplement in gummies or chocolates. However, cannabis can be consumed raw, and eating raw weed is often labeled as a superfood. For example, you can consume raw weed in smoothies, juices, or salads. From a nutritional perspective, raw weed has many health benefits.
What are the Benefits of Eating Raw Weed?
Cannabis is receiving attention for its medical properties and now it is beginning to be valued for its nutritional properties. Cannabis can be consumed as a raw weed (for example in salads) or cannabis seeds (generally toasted). Cannabis seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and fatty acids, including omega-3s and omega-6s.
In addition, cannabis is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants have the potential to delay or inhibit cellular damage mainly through their free radical scavenging property. Free radicals can target any kind of molecule in our body. This makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of many forms of oxidation-associated diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, ischemic or age-related.
Raw Weed and Cannabis Seeds: Protein Source
Cannabis seeds are almost as rich in protein and soybeans. For example, 30 g of cannabis seeds contain more than 9 grams of protein. This makes cannabis an excellent plant-based protein source. Furthermore, cannabis seeds are a good source of all nine essential amino acids.
Cannabis has been used as food for centuries but it’s now when we begin to understand its nutritional value. Apart from being an excellent protein source, amino acids, and antioxidants, raw weed contains phytocannabinoids, which are believed to have excellent health benefits.
Raw Weed and Fiber
Raw cannabis as leaves and flowers are also nutrient-dense food. Besides the upper mentioned fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein, flowers and leaves are also an excellent source of fiber.
Fiber is very important, especially for people who suffer from constipation. Fiber helps to increase the size and weight of your stools and it also softens them. In short, it helps the stools to pass through your intestinal tract. Consumption of fiber can help you:
- Reduce the appetite.
- Help you to control your body weight.
- Stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Better intestinal track health.
Raw Cannabis and Other Health Benefits
Raw weed is also a rich source of vitamins (mainly E vitamin), carbohydrates, water, and minerals. Furthermore, it also has some calcium, potassium, and sodium. You will also find other micronutrients in raw cannabis such as: magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, iron, zinc, folate, niacin, and riboflavin.
The most popular cannabis food are cannabis seeds that can be used in salads, oatmeal yogurts or juices. In addition, you can also use raw weed for infusions. The process is simple, you just need to dry the cannabis leaves and add them into hot water. In short, use the leaves for cannabis tea.
Can I get High with Raw Weed?
You can get high if you eat raw weed, but only if the weed has been decarboxylated. A way to eat decarb raw weed is if you have previously dry it. Drying cannabis for one or two weeks is enough to convert THCA to THC. In summary, only THC has psychoactive properties, nonetheless some people who are very sensitive to cannabinoids report getting high with raw weed.
Edibles are very popular and the effects last longer than with other intake methods. However, effects take longer time to appear as edibles are metabolized in the liver. On the other hand, when you smoke cannabis or you vape THC vape juice, the cannabinoids directly enter your bloodstream via your lungs and then it travels extremely fast to the brain. However, when you get high with edibles it lasts much longer than smoking or vaping, from five to eight hours.
Originally published at https://www.getispire.com on March 22, 2021.
