This probably comes as no surprise: Cannabis makes even ordinary pleasures special, and food is no exception. If you’re looking for some tasty inspiration for your next session, we’ve collected a sure-fire list of the best choices—ranging from the healthy and energy-boosting side of the spectrum to the more decadent and indulgent one.
Plus, we’ll explain why certain foods are so very enjoyable when you’re high—aka “the munchies.” We’ve also got a few pro tips on how to plan ahead so that you feel like you’re in control of the experience (not the other way around).
Ready to go? Let’s dig in.
So What Are the Munchies, Exactly?
First things first: The munchies are definitely real. For years, researchers pondered the exact mechanisms of cannabis-induced hunger, many theorizing that the cannabis plant’s ability to induce dopamine release simply turned up the volume on the simple pleasure of snacking.
The truth is somewhat more complicated. While previous studies found that cannabis modulates the actions of taste receptors—making certain foods incredibly irresistible—a new study from researchers at Washington State University found that cannabis stimulates specific hunger-causing neurons in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls mood, hunger, heart rate, and other critical functions.
The Munchies Dial Up the Pleasure of Sweet and Fatty Foods
Those “certain foods” we referenced a moment ago? We bet you can guess what kinds they are. That’s right: Sweet and fatty ones.
Add to this the fact that human beings are naturally drawn to crispy, crunchy foods that signal freshness—and actually relieve stress—and you can see where we’re going with this. If you’ve ever woken up and found an empty party-sized bag of Fritos next to your bed, there’s no need to explain. When you’re high, sweet and fatty foods just scratch some kind of reward itch you didn’t even know you had.
So with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best food to eat when high, running the gamut from healthy choices to a few slightly more indulgent ones. Because we’re so proud to be afamily of Maryland and Minnesota dispensaries, let’s begin with a few regional specialties.
Maryland’s Favorite Foods to Eat When High
Maryland is home to a fun and flavorful list of regional classics featuring seafood favorites like crab cakes and fried oysters, alongside sweet treats like Smith Island layer cake—all of which will taste great alongside your favorite cannabis pairings. But here are two that will really scratch that munchies itch:
Utz Potato Chips
Utz may technically be from Hanover, PA, but the brand gained an initial foothold in Maryland when founders William and Salie Utz began selling primarily to small local grocers and markets in the Baltimore area during the early 1920s—and these chips have been a state staple ever since. Munchy, crunchy, and dangerously delicious, Utz are old-school in the best sense: simple, crunchy, salty, and deliciously fatty.
Soft-Shell Crab Po’ Boys
Come April or May, soft-shell crabs are a true Maryland tradition. Dredged in seasoned flour, fried up crisp and popped on a hoagie roll or French bread, they’re about as down-home as you can get around here. And their gourmet delicacy status is only elevated when you’re lifted.
Minnesota’s Favorite Foods to Eat When High
The classic dishes and snacks of the Midwest are long-standing cherished staples that span generations, but two really stand out as deserving a nod for snacking while high:
Juicy Lucy
Is there a food that is any more iconically Minnesotan than the Juicy Lucy? And is there anything trippier than a cheeseburger with the cheese inside the beef patty? Originating in Minneapolis, these cheese-stuffed hamburgers are everything you might hope for when you’ve got a serious case of the munchies. But be prepared: Whether you’re high or not, a Juicy Lucy is one of the messiest meals you may ever eat.
Snickers Salad
Face the facts: There’s not much “salad” in a Snickers Salad, but hey, we’re okay with that. This classic Midwest dessert is made from chopped up Snickers bars, marshmallows, and apples—you know, because they’re healthy—mixed into a matrix of vanilla pudding and Cool Whip. Right before serving, drizzle on a little caramel sauce.
Classic Snacks to Eat While High
No matter where you are, you can always enjoy these satisfying but (mostly) healthful choices. From chips and cookies to fresh fruit and veg, here’s a list of some of the best foods to eat while high.
Hummus and Dippers
If hummus has become a bit blah in the last few years, it’s worth remembering that it’s one of humankind’s most primal and ancient foods: A nourishing puree of chickpeas, tahini and oil flavored with garlic and lemon juice. If you can score some high-quality hummus—or better yet, make your own—and pair it with crunchy dippers like carrot, celery, or warm pita bread, you’ll be tapping into a rich cultural tradition—and an easy, inexpensive, and very satisfying food to snack on when high.
Popcorn
When you’re stoned, the humble popped corn kernel becomes something else entirely: A crunchy, all-natural snack that takes on the flavor of anything you throw at it, from melted butter to olive oil to smoked paprika to cinnamon sugar. You can buy it pre-bagged of course, but popping your own isn’t just easier, it’s a heck of a lot tastier, too!
Grilled Cheese
Another stone(d) cold classic, the grilled cheese may just be the most versatile snack in history. If you’re trying to avoid gluten, you don’t even need bread! Think corn tortillas, cauliflower rounds, or rice crackers. And given that there are at least 1,900 types of cheese to choose from, the hardest part might just be choosing where to begin. Delicious, filling, and endlessly customizable, the grilled cheese might just be the perfect answer to the munchies.
Ultra-Premium Ice Cream
Yes, we know we’ve been pushing spendier choices on this list, but trust us when we say it’s worth it. Typically when we’re talking about dairy-based ice cream, “ultra-premium” refers to butterfat content. The higher the butterfat, the more premium the ice cream (and the creamier the texture). And since cannabis dials up our enjoyment of fats, you can lean into that enjoyment with a pint of truly excellent ice cream.
Frozen Mango
We’re doubling down on fruits here, but if you’ve never experienced the sensory bliss of frozen mango chunks, you’re in for a treat! The perfect blend of tangy and lusciously sweet, mango is also naturally high in the terpene myrcene, which—according to urban legend—can heighten your high! Could it really be true? There’s only one way to find out…Plus, this makes an excellent and healthier alternative to ultra-premium ice cream.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Snacking While High
There’s no wrong way to enjoy your cannabis sessions or do the munchies. But if you, like us, have ever struggled with balance when it comes to high snackery, here are a few actionable tips to keep the experience as enjoyable as possible.
- Tip 1: Plan Around Your Mealtime
If you can, plan your session so that it falls after a regular meal. You’ll feel satiated and less tempted to eat something you might regret later on. On that note, be sure to stock up on a mix of healthy and indulgent snacks—such as those on the list we’ve just shared—to be sure you’ve got several options when the munchies strike.
- Tip 2: Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water isn’t just good advice for cannabis sessions; it’s something roughly half of us don’t do. Staying hydrated doesn’t just keep our bodies healthier, either. Just like eating regular meals, it contributes to your feeling of fullness.
- Tip 3: Consider Your Strain Choice
While the munchies are a very common experience with cannabis, some strains appear to help curb the urge to overeat. You’re probably familiar with THC, the principal cannabinoid, but there’s another one called “THCV” that may have a curious effect. Sometimes dubbed “diet weed,” strains with THCV may decrease the appetite, increase the sensation of fullness, and possibly kick our metabolism into a higher gear. THCV can be found in some very well-known strains, including Blue Dream, Durban Poison, and Skunk #1.
Get Ready for Your Next Session With Green Goods
So, the munchies are definitely real. They trigger specific hunger-causing regions of the brain and make certain foods—especially sweet and fatty ones—even more tempting than usual.
While we’ve offered up some simple, classic snacking options for your next session, there’s certainly no shortage of tasty or tempting treats to enjoy while high. There are also a number of steps you can take to make sure you don’t feel helpless against the munchies, like planning ahead, having plenty of water and healthy snacks on hand, and potentially choosing strains high in the cannabinoid THCV, which may actually reduce hunger rather then stoking it.
As one of the nation’s favorite families of dispensaries, we’re all about sourcing the very best, locally produced cannabis products we can find, and pairing them with the kind of exceptional customer service you just can’t find anywhere else. If you’d like to put our list to the test, start your journey by clicking on the Green Goods location nearest you and check out what’s on offer. Don’t forget to check out the specials on our menu pages to grab yourself a deal!
If you have other questions about the best food to eat when high, how the munchies work, or any other cannabis-related topics, just drop us a line. We’re always here to help!
