Many Cannabis patients, caregivers and health professionals have already experienced the benefits that Cannabis juicing can provide. Juicing has become very popular, particularly within the Cannabis community. Juicing is the process of extracting juice from plant tissues such as fruit or vegetables. Ingesting Cannabis products is a healthier alternative to inhaling smoke, which is ideal for those patients with lung cancer, COPD or asthma.
Cannabis is technically a vegetable, just like kale or spinach. Vegetables are any plant whose fruit, seeds, roots, tubers, bulbs, stems, leaves, or flower parts are used as food. Both the Cannabis leaves and flowers can be used when juicing and is highly medicinal.
Similar to hemp, Cannabis can be considered a source of complete protein, vitamins, minerals, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, also has amino acids and is a great source of magnesium. The Cannabis plant also contains many nutritionally-dense compounds like fibre, iron and calcium. Medicinal compounds such as THCA and CBDA are also present and are responsible for medicinal effects of juicing.
Juiced Cannabis is non-psychoactive when consumed in this form. It is only when you decarboxylate or add heat to the flower that the Cannabis becomes psychoactive – turning the THCA into THC. Cannabis that is dried and prepared for smoking is not suitable for raw juicing; fresh leaves and flowers are best.
Dr William Courtney recommends patients juice 15 leaves and 2 large (2 to 4 inches long) raw buds per day. To do this you will need to obtain fresh Cannabis, usually direct from a grower or dispensary. Next, you must soak your materials, with room temperature water for approximately 30 minutes. Then add the material to the juicer with your other ingredients, collecting the juice afterwards. Finally, strain the juice and place in the fridge to store. Fresh Cannabis juice can be stored for up to 3 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
Tips to consider when juicing: always keep your juice cool, go organic as much as possible, use only fresh Cannabis, use a professional juicer and not a blender. It is best to harvest fresh leaves and flowers while the trichomes (or glands) are still clear and not yet amber coloured. It’s also recommended to mix in other juices like carrot or apple to help improve the flavor.
In Canada, it is possible for those individuals with a valid Medical Cannabis prescription to grow Cannabis for personal use under the ACMPR program. This entitles patients to grow their own medicine, making it easier to access fresh Cannabis, which is perfect for juicing. For those who are physically able to grow for themselves, this could be a great option.
Research shows that consuming juiced Cannabis can help treat many different illness and symptoms including conditions like depression, anxiety, drug dependency, and dementia. It also manages appetite, sleep issues and memory. It can control muscle spasms, inflammation, many other symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other major illnesses. Juicing is highly absorbable and easy to digest, making it the perfect delivery system.
Leafly has some great recipes for you to enjoy, like Basic Green Juice and the Unbeetable Green Goodness!
References: dictionary.com, Pineapple, Cannabis.info, Medical Jane, MARY JANE’S DIARY, Pot Guide, Leaf Science, Merry Jane, and PBS.