Nothing comes close to that sweet and juicy bite of a mango. You may be biting into one on a hot day or tossing some chunks into your smoothie, there’s just something about this tropical fruit that’s irresistible. However, beyond being loved for its taste, some folks in the cannabis community claim that mangoes can do more than just satisfy your sweet tooth. They believe that eating a mango before you light up can actually make your high more intense.
And unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the buzz about mangoes and weed. So, is this just another stoner myth, or is there something legit behind it?
The Mangoes and Weed Connection
We want to start by spitting some facts.
Both mangoes and cannabis have something in common—myrcene. Now, what is myrcene?
Myrcene is a terpene, which is basically a compound that gives plants their smell and flavor. So, if you’ve ever noticed an earthy or fruity aroma coming from weed, that’s terpenes doing their thing.
Myrcene in your body might help THC (the stuff in weed that gets you high) cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively. So, eating a mango before you smoke could potentially ramp up your high. But it’s not that simple because we still don’t know just how many mangoes will bring that effect.
What the Research Says About Mangoes and Weed
Let’s be clear that this isn’t just some random theory floating around Reddit.
Myrcene is legit, and studies back up its effects. According to a Frontiers in National Science, myrcene can have a sedative effect and might increase the permeability of cell membranes to THC.
But before you go and stock up on mangoes, let us throw another fact your way!
There is NOT a lot of research specifically on the mangoes and weed combination. Most of what we know is from people who’ve tried it and said, “Whoa, that worked!” So, while the science of terpenes supports it, we’re still waiting for someone in a lab coat to give us the final word.
Mango and Weed Math
So, here’s some math for you to figure out if mangoes make you higher.
One mango contains anywhere from 0.09 to 1.29 mg of myrcene per kilogram of fruit.
On the other hand, an average joint could have up to 5.7 mg of myrcene if you’re smoking some really myrcene-rich cannabis.
So, while a mango does contain myrcene, it’s not exactly loaded with it. Eating a mango is not going to drastically change your high, but it might give it a tiny tweak.
How to Try Mango with Weed
If you’re curious (and why wouldn’t you be?), here’s how to give this a shot:
- Grab a Ripe Mango: The riper, the better. A ripe mango has more myrcene, which is what we’re after.
- Chow Down: Eat that mango about 30-45 minutes before you plan to smoke. This gives your body time to soak up the myrcene.
- Light Up: Smoke, vape, or whatever your preferred method is. Then just kick back and see if you notice any difference.
Some people say the high feels stronger or lasts longer. Others might not notice much. It all depends on your body chemistry, the cannabis strain you’re using, and how ripe the mango is.
Myrcene takes about 30 minutes to kick in after you eat a mango. So if you’re planning to try this out, you might want to munch on that mango a good half-hour before lighting up. But honestly, the effect might be so subtle that you’re better off saving that mango for later to help with the munchies or dry mouth.
Is It Safe to Combine Mangoes with Weed?
Short answer: yep, it is. Eating mangoes and smoking weed together is not going to do any harm. Both are generally safe on their own, so combining them is low risk.
The Verdict
So, does eating mangoes before or after smoking weed make you higher? Maybe! The science around myrcene gives it some credibility, but it’s mostly anecdotal evidence for now. If you’re into experimenting, it’s definitely worth a try—just keep your expectations realistic.
And hey, if it doesn’t make you higher, at least you got to enjoy a delicious juicy mango.
