Whether you’re a medical user or just a cannabis enthusiast, you know that feeling. You’ve eaten your edible or smoked your cannabis, and then a little bit later, you get that tickle, that rumble in your tummy that means it’s time for a snack. But what should you do? The convenience store is too far away, and the grocery store? Forget it. Be smart and plan ahead. We’ve compiled a list of the best munchies you need in your pantry for that snacking crisis, but before we get into it, let’s figure out why you get the munchies in the first place.
Why does cannabis make you hungry?
One of the most well-known side effects of marijuana use is increased appetite. We call this hunger attack the Munchies. That was one of the things it was originally prescribed for back when medical marijuana was in its infancy. But why does weed “give you the munchies”? It all has to do with the chemicals found in marijuana called cannabinoids. They mimic chemicals our body already makes, endocannabinoids, which are, you guessed it, partially responsible for our feelings of hunger. Studies done on mice show that the cannabinoids in marijuana make our brains send out hunger signals, even triggering parts of the brain that usually suppress appetite to send out hunger signals instead! These particular hunger chemicals also make sure we crave salty, fatty foods to get the most energy. Endocannabinoids can also heighten our sense of smell, making us enjoy the smell of foods more.
Healthy Munchies You Can Make at Home
So now that we know why marijuana makes us hungry, those beautiful endocannabinoids, let’s see what the best snacks to keep in your pantry in the case of the munchies are. Cannabinoids will make you crave salty and fatty foods, but you don’t necessarily have to get all that fat along with the salt. We’ve compiled a list that will satisfy your cannabis-induced cravings while also being healthy.
Kale Chips
One of the most often craved snack foods is the humble potato chip, and kale chips are a great healthy alternative. You can certainly buy kale chips in a bag just like fried potato chips, but you can also make them at home and add whatever flavorings you want. Here’s an easy recipe.
- Two bunches of fresh kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ Tsp red pepper flakes, garlic powder, whatever spices you want!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly wash the kale, then tear off 2-3 inch pieces from the stems. Put the pieces in a large bowl and throw away the stems. Drizzle the oil over the pieces and coat them by stirring with your hands or by tossing. Spread them out on greased baking sheets, sprinkle with salt and spices. Bake for 15 minutes or until crisp.
Popcorn
Another healthy snack is popcorn because you get all the flavor you crave without most of the fat. Okay, so microwave popcorn in a bag with extra butter flavor probably isn’t the healthiest option, but there are easy ways to make popcorn at home, even in the microwave!
Stovetop Popcorn
- ⅓ cup popping corn
- 3 tbsp peanut, canola, or coconut oil
- 3-quart saucepan with a lid
Add your oil to the pan and heat. Add popcorn. Put the cover on the pan and keep it there as you heat up the popcorn. Move the pan (keeping the lid on) to rotate the kernels a little. Take the pan off the heat when the popping slows.
Healthy Microwave Popcorn
- ½ cup popping corn
- 1 tsp oil
- salt to taste
- 1 paper lunch bag
Put popcorn kernels, oil, and salt in a bowl and mix to coat the corn kernels thoroughly. Pour them into the paper bag, then fold over three times to seal it. Microwave just like you do with the store-bought popcorn, stopping it when the popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops.
Easiest Guacamole Ever
Avocados are chock full of nutrients and healthy fats, so they’re one of the newest “superfoods.” You can blend them into this yummy guacamole dip so that you have a healthy snack that tastes rich but also delivers on the nutrients. It’s super easy too, so you can make it if you’ve already started enjoying your cannabis.
- 3 medium avocados
- ⅓ cup red onion, diced finely
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp minced garlic (one small clove)
- salt and pepper to taste
Halve your avocados and remove the pits, then scoop them into a medium bowl. Mash avocados with a fork, but the key is to leave some larger chunks of avocado. Mix in diced onion and tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Stir until evenly combined. That’s it! This dip pairs well with baked corn chips, pita chips, or even sliced bell peppers, and you can even freeze it and enjoy it later.
Egg-less Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
If you’re craving sweets, you might want to just chow down on some cookie dough, but regular cookie dough has raw eggs in it, which can carry the chance of salmonella. Yikes! Instead, you can make this quick and easy egg free cookie dough. This recipe makes four servings.
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (almond or cow’s) milk
- 10 tablespoons flour (about half a cup plus a couple of tablespoons)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or pecans or whatever you like!
Start by mashing together your butter, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla. Once combined, add your milk. Then carefully add the flour one tablespoon at a time until you’ve got a good, dough-like consistency. You want your dough to stick together but not be too wet. Then add your mix-ins, whether that’s chocolate chips, nuts, or both! The Munchies never tasted so good!
The Perfect Packaging for Your Edibles and the Munchies
Whether you make your own munchies or purchase cannabis edibles, you need foolproof packaging. At greenrushpackaging.com, the packaging experts have created zip top bags, jars, and other goods which are specially designed for cannabis products. With packaging from Green Rush Packaging, you’ll be able to keep your cannabis edibles or even your munchies safe from light, moisture, and detection.
