it is popular, fun and filling – and some claim helpful to the body…juicing is big – but about doing it with cannabis? Juicing is continuing to grow and become mainstream with juice bars popping up everwhere. It viewed as another way to eat healthy, quick and get some needed vegetables and fruits in just one drink. It has grown to over a $1 billion industry globally. So what is cannabis juicing?  And does it make you high or give you any of the medical benefits?

Cold-press juices enable one to partake of the nutrients present in raw fruits, vegetables, and herbs that get lost once the products are heated or cooked. Juicing started popping up in the 1930s and then became popular during the healthy, hippy 70s.  About the same time  part of the mainstream public leaned into marijuana.

Adding raw cannabis leaves and buds to juice regime could be beneficial. While more research needs to be done as legalization grown, as a dietary aid it may increase the anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties of the plant. Raw cannabis can contain 500mg to 1,000 mg of non-psychoactive THCA, CBDA, and CBGA. In comparison, the same amount of cannabis once heated contains 10 mg THC. Also, as the THC in cannabis only becomes psychoactive when heated, consuming raw cannabis allows one to get the benefits of the plant in a non-intoxicating way.  So no, you don’t get stoned while having cannabis juice.

Raw cannabis appears to be particularly beneficial in treating inflammation and autoimmune disease. Unheated CBDA and THCA (THC-acid) both have attributed medicinal attributes, but there has been comparatively little scientific research into cannabinoid acids. 

As with any other cannabis product, results vary according to an individual’s unique endocannabinoid system. Some people report a dramatic change after just one serving of raw cannabis juice, while others may take four to eight weeks to see full results.

Also, juicing is not for everyone. Speak with a medical professional before starting a cannabis juicing routine if one has any pre-existing medical conditions. People at potential risk include patients with kidney or gallbladder problems, as well as those taking blood-thinning drugs or medications that can be blocked by pomegranate or grapefruit juice. 

How to make raw cannabis juice

Local dispensaries will not carry fresh leaves and buds. More dispensaries are carrying clones, so growing cannabis at home is becoming a viable option in those states where home grows are legal.  Look for fresh organic cannabis plants grown without pesticides. Store leaves and buds in vegetable bags placed in the freezer or refrigerator to keep them fresh if not using them immediately. 

Juice approximately 2 large buds and 15 to 20 large leaves. The buds should be clear not amber with the leaves picked while the plant is in the full flowering stage. 

Soak the leaves for approximately five minutes, then juice them in a cold-press juicer or blender. 

Adding freshly juiced organic fruits or vegetables to the cannabis juice will help cut the harsh taste of raw cannabis, and dilute the mixture so it goes down more smoothly.

Divide the cannabis juice into three servings and drink one serving with each meal. 

Store freshly juiced cannabis in a tightly sealed container and put in the refrigerator where it should last for up to three days. 

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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