Peanut butter and jelly. Rice and beans. Bacon and eggs. Some food combinations are just so perfect that you almost can’t say one without the other.

Add mangoes and marijuana to the Amazingly Wonderful Food Combo Lexicon. And there is actual science as to why these two are natural epicurean partners for the cannabis connoisseur.

The Effect  

Mangoes have chemical strengthen and lengthen the euphoric feelings felt after smoking or vaping marijuana. Eating the tropical fruit 45 minutes or so before a cannabis session will allow the THC to absorb into your body quicker and the high will stay with you longer. For some, the intoxicating feeling will be slightly more intense.

Most cannabis enthusiasts say that the combination of mangoes and marijuana creates a mellow, sedate sensation.

The Science 

Is it psychosomatic or merely the placebo effect? Nope. Mangoes are packed with myrcene, a terpene that interacts with THC. Here is how Steep Hill Labs explains the effect:

Myrcene is known to be anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and used in the treatment of spasms. It is also used to treat insomnia, and pain. It also has some very special properties, including lowering the resistance across the blood to brain barrier, allowing itself and many other chemicals to cross the barrier easier and more quickly. In the case of cannabinoids, like THC, it allows it to take effect more quickly. More uniquely still, myrcene has been shown to increase the maximum saturation level of the CB1 receptor, allowing for a greater maximum psychoactive effect. For most people, the consumption of a fresh mango, 45 minutes before inhaling cannabis, will result in a faster onset of psycho activity and greater intensity.

By the way, myrcene can also be found in hops, bay leaves, eucalyptus and lemongrass.

Terpenes are essential oils that provide the fragrance in foods and herbs. When you take a whiff of basil, for example, what you are smelling is the terpenes. Cannabis strains also have unique terpenes that provide the aroma. Some strains smell lemony (limonene) or spicy (caryophyllene) or floral (linalool).

By the way, mangoes are also rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. So grab a mango and give your cannabis a kick!

Try This Recipe

Here is a tasty mango salsa (courtesy of the National Mango Board):

Mango Salsa

Ingredients

• 2 large mangos, diced
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 small handful cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients, mix, and serve.
• Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days.