MAKE HEALTHY CANNABIS GREEN JUICE
Green juices or smoothies are popular. They make it easier to get super healthy green vegetables and all kinds of fruits. But if you grow your own cannabis, you can add something extra to your smoothie - cannabis leaves. Not only do they give your juice a unique flavour, but you also get all kinds of cannabinoid acids right away. So read more about how to make this special cannabis green juice below.
What is cannabis green juice?
A smoothie is packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. It often includes green leafy vegetables, such as spinach or kale. Tasty fruit provides extra vitamins, as well as a pleasantly sweet taste. You can combine unlimited vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds for the healthiest and tastiest smoothies. But have you ever added cannabis leaves?
A smoothie with cannabis leaves is called raw cannabis juice. It won't get you high, but it does add a little something extra to your green juice. This is because the leaves also contain many healthy substances, such as terpenes, flavonoids and also cannabinoids. These might bring the same health benefits, as when you smoke or vape cannabis in the normal way. In addition, cannabis leaves also contain other healthy substances, such as magnesium, calcium and fiber.
Cannabinoid acids in cannabis leaves
If you know anything about cannabis, you have probably heard of the cannabinoids found in the buds of this plant. They are now familiar names, such as THC, CBD and CBG. Through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), they can influence bodily processes, such as blood pressure, sleep and digestion. But these neutral cannabinoids, as they are called, are not found as much in the leaves of the cannabis plant. Instead, they contain precursor molecules called cannabinoid acids.
They are molecules that can be converted into the well-known cannabinoids, by certain processes or under certain conditions. They have another extra carboxyl group, which means they have extra atoms. Under the influence of heat, for example, a neutral cannabinoid can be created. Raw cannabis juice contains all kinds of cannabinoid acids, such as CBDA, CBCA, CBGA and THCA. Since these are acids with a different structure, they also have different effects on your body than normal cannabinoids.
The safety of raw cannabis juice
Adding cannabis leaves to green juice is becoming increasingly popular. Yet not much research has been done on the safety (or indeed benefits) of cannabis leaves. What we do know is what substances are in cannabis green juice. These include:
- THCA: non-psychoactive version of THC
- CBDA, CBCA, CBGA: precursors to CBD, CBC and CBG
- Terpenes, such as pineene and beta-caryophyllene (also found in other fruits and vegetables)
- Cannaflavins: a flavonoid found specifically in cannabis
These phytonutrients are currently still being studied for their effects, but they are unlikely to cause any health disadvantages. Therefore, most people who incorporate cannabis leaves into their smoothie do not experience any adverse effects from them. But it is important to pay close attention to a few things.
Raw cannabis may contain certain pathogens, such as salmonella and E. coli. There could also be pesticide residues on the leaves. Therefore, use plant material from an organic grower or from plants you have grown yourself. Pay attention to hygiene and rinse the leaves carefully before using them in your green juice.
The second thing to consider is oxalic acid. Many green leafy vegetables contain oxalic acid, and so does cannabis. Oxalic acid can bind to calcium in the body, which can lead to kidney stones. It doesn't have to lead to problems; most people can excrete calcium oxalate just fine. But if you ingest a lot of oxalic acid for a long time, the risk of kidney stones does increase. So it may be helpful not to take cannabis green juice daily.
Making your own cannabis green juice
Making cannabis green juice is very simple. All you need is a blender or hand blender. You will also need some extra ingredients to add to your smoothie. You can choose what you like. We have a sample recipe for you below, but feel free to experiment. This smoothie is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and cannabinoid acids, and it has a grassy, fresh-sweet flavor.
- Spinach (5 handfuls)
- 10 cannabis leaves
- ½ lemon
- ½ cucumber
- Mint leaves to taste
- Small piece of ginger (peeled)
- 1 apple
Peel the apple and slice the cucumber. Put them in a large bowl, along with the spinach and cannabis leaves. Add the ginger and mint leaves. Blend to a creamy juice, and finally squeeze half a lemon over the juice. Stir briefly and enjoy.
Enjoying healthy juices
Making smoothies has been popular for many years. Adding cannabis leaves allows you to add a new flavor to your favorite smoothie. The advantage is that you do get to enjoy the potential health benefits of cannabis without getting stoned. A smoothie is quick to make, packed with healthy nutrients and tastes great too. Combine your favorite fruits and vegetables, add cannabis leaves to your green juice and enjoy this healthy and fresh drink.
