Nine Benefits Of Combining Cannabis With Chocolate

1. Nine Benefits Of Combining CannabisWith Chocolate As far back as 450 BC, chocolate was being cultivated and used by Mesoamerican tribes in celebrations and medicinal practice. The Aztec civilization believed that cacao seeds (from which chocolate is produced) were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom and were at one point so valuable they were used as currency. Some 3 thousand years before that, cannabis was discovered and sharedfor its own pharmacological properties throughout Central Asia. Only recently have we begun to understand on a biological level why cannabis and chocolate have played such important roles in many cultures as medicine and as ceremonial sacraments. The Endocannabinoid System In order to understand both cannabis’ (and chocolate’s) effects on the brain and body, you must understand the endocannabinoid system. When researchers were looking to discover how and why marijuana affected

2. users, they uncovered that its active chemical compounds such as THC and CBD mimic neurotransmitters naturally created in thebody. Neurotransmitters are molecules that regulate various functions in the body by turning specific responses on or off. The endocannabinoid system is composed of a series of neurotransmitters and their correspondingreceptor cells that regulate functions such as pain, mood, memory, appetite, fertility and pregnancy. As the endocannabinoid system is a complex network, researchers are still discovering and proving the chemical effects of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids inherent within cannabis. Nevertheless, science has managed to isolate several effects (link to article explaining effects) that each one produces. Chocolate, coincidentally, acts on many of the same receptor sites while also having some nifty chemical properties of its own: Anandamide is one of two main endogenous cannabinoids the body naturally produces, and it helps to stimulate brain function. By supporting the creation of new cellsin the brain, it has been shown to have an anti- anxiety and anti-depressant effect. The word anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word ‘ananda,’ meaning ‘bliss’. It is literally the ‘bliss molecule’, which explains many peoples’ attachment tochocolate. Theobromine, the most concentrated chemical in chocolate acts similarly to caffeine as a stimulant. It decreases inflammation by the inhibiting certain enzymes and activating others. It also helps to reduce blood pressure, open the airways, remove toxins and increase cognitive function. Phenylethylamine acts also as a stimulant by facilitating the release of serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters.Some chemists observeits effects to be similar to that of a ‘runner’shigh’. Combination Benefits Seeing the pharmacological value that both cannabis and chocolate play, it’s obvious that combining the two can have some amazingbenefits: Synergistic effect As cannabis and chocolate’s main chemicals touch on the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, adding chocolate in with cannabis is literally adding another cannabinoid into the mix. Often in the marijuana industry companies talk about the entourage effect, a synergy that occurs as the result of ingesting a full spectrum cannabis supplement. As each molecule has slightly different properties, you are getting each one’s benefits combined into one powerfulmedicine.

3. IncreasesPleasure The endocannabinoid system, when stimulated, temporarily inhibits GABA neurons that inhibit dopaminefrom being released. Dopamine is the ‘feel- good molecule’ that many associate with reward, motivation and pleasure. Combining chocolate with weed allows more dopamine to bereleased. That means a longer, more enjoyable experience. Relieves Inflammation andPain As we said before, chocolate’s theobromine is a potent anti-inflammatory. In addition to cannabinoids, cannabis also contains terpenoids, chemicals found in many essential oils that also have anti-inflammatoryand anti- nociceptive (pain-relieving) effects. If you are in pain or inflamed, combining chocolate with cannabis can help easesymptoms. Menstrual SymptomRelief Many women swear by chocolate as a relief from cramps thanks to its magnesium contentbut warn that eating too much mayincrease bloating and unwanted calories. The good news is that cannabis can also help relieve cramps, menstrual pain, and help soothe moodswings. Anti-stress,Anti-depressant Studies have shown that cannabisand chocolateboth reduce stress and can lift depression. Combining the two means you can once again take advantage of the synergies between them to enjoy a greater sense of well- being. PotentAphrodisiac Studies show that neither cannabis nor chocolate are seen to have a direct influence on sexual desire—there is no magic potionfor physical attraction yet. Nevertheless, by relieving stress and pain and by increasing feel-good chemicals in the brain, chocolate and marijuana can be used to enhance sexual pleasure for two people who share aconnection.

4. CognitiveBenefits While many cannabis users may report minor cognitive impairment, chocolate’s theobromine and flavanol content stimulate cognition and can likely offset the short-term disadvantagesofcannabis. ControlAppetite Dark chocolate has been shown in studies to curb appetite. The theory is that its bitter flavor suppresses ghrelin, the ‘hunger hormone’ that increases appetite and promotes fat storage. This is good news for anyone who loses willpower thanks to the munchies. The good news is, users of marijuana report healthier weights than the average non-user. Whoknew? Rich inAntioxidants Both cannabis and chocolate contain antioxidants. These chemicals help prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Free radicals are molecules created when you breathe in oxygen through your lungs to be metabolized into the blood stream. These free radicals can cause damage to the DNA and cell membranes of various tissues in the body. By protectingagainst free radicals, antioxidants can help to fight cancer and help to slow or prevent other forms ofdisease. Conclusion Chocolate and cannabis alone have served medical and ceremonial purpose for thousands of years. Thanks to the research of scientists today, we can finally understand why each possesses several chemicals that serve the body and mind in helping to relieve pain and stress and increasing our capacity to enjoy life. And we can enjoy the benefits of combining themboth.