If you’re a cannabis user, you probably want to do as much as you can to get the most out of your weed.

You want the best high possible.

There are plenty of theories about ways to do this, but one of the most effective (and is backed by science) means is also one of the most affordable. All you need to do is head to your local grocery store or farmer’s market and pick up some mangoes.

It’s All About the Myrcene

In addition to being a delicious, rich source of vitamin A, mangoes also have the ability to intensify and prolong a cannabis high.

You see, mangoes get their savory fragrance from Myrcene – an essential oil that is part of the class of compounds called terpenes. These are what gives cannabis its smell, flavor profiles, and some of its effects. Different strains of cannabis produce more Myrcene than others, and Myrcene-rich mangoes help bring it out.

You want to bring that out because Myrcene allows THC to work its way through the blood brain barrier at a much faster rate than it would without the presence of this oil. It’s also believed to be a big reason for that “in da couch” or “couch lock” feeling that is often associated with many Indica strains of cannabis.

Dried Indica flowers usually contain almost 2% Myrcene, which is why Indicas tend to give more of a “stoned” effect than the euphoric feeling that comes from Sativas.

If you want to increase that high, you need to stack up the Myrcene.

Using Mangoes to Increase Your High

On average, THC takes about 7 seconds after inhalation before it reaches your brain. If you eat a mango smoothie about 90 to 120 minutes before smoking, you potentially cut that time in half.

Now, when Myrcene is orally ingested, it has to go through the gut and make it through liver metabolism, which means it may not reach your bloodstream.

This is because plants evolved to produce terpenes like Myrcene in order to ward off harmful insects and attract those that would help pollinate the plants and spread the seeds. As humans, we’ve evolved to not be adversely affected by terpenes, thereby reducing their ability to be metabolized.

However, there’s a loophole to this.

As silly as it sounds, Myrcene is able to be absorbed through your mucus membranes. So, holding mango puree under your tongue or in your cheek like chewable tobacco, you can increase your high without having to worry about it making it through the metabolic process.

While the effects of this do vary from person to person, many people find this to significantly increase AND prolong their high. You can also potentially further this high by keeping mangoes on hand for when the munchies hit.

So, next time you’re about to have a smoke sesh, head to your local grocery store and pick up some mangoes!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or nutritionist. I’m just a cannabis enthusiast.