Do Mangoes Really Enhance Your High? Exploring the Myrcene Myth
If you've ever heard that eating a mango before smoking cannabis can boost your high, you're not alone. It’s one of the juiciest rumors in the cannabis world, equal parts science, stoner lore, and snack-time strategy. But is there any truth to it?
Let’s break down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and where mangoes actually do shine, beyond just being delicious.
What’s the "Mango Makes You Higher" Theory?
The idea goes like this: mangoes contain a terpene called myrcene, which is also found in cannabis. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the smell and flavor of both plants and flower. Myrcene, in particular, is thought to contribute to the sedating, couch-lock effects of some cannabis strains.
Here’s the myth in action:
Eat a mango 30 to 60 minutes before consuming cannabis, and the myrcene it contains will enhance or speed up your high. The theory suggests myrcene helps THC cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, intensifying the effects of the cannabinoid.
Sounds tasty, but is it true?
Let’s Look at the Science of Mangoes and Cannabis
1. Do Mangoes Actually Contain Myrcene?
Yes, they do, but not in massive amounts. The myrcene content in mangoes can vary widely, typically ranging from 0.09 to 1.29 mg per kilogram. By comparison, a batch of high-myrcene cannabis flower like Apples and Bananas #7 can contain 25 mg/kg or more of myrcene. That’s nearly 20 times more myrcene than you'd get from even the juiciest mango, making cannabis a far more potent source of the terpene.
2. Can Eating Mangoes Deliver Enough Myrcene to Affect Your High?
Probably not. The amount of myrcene in one mango is unlikely to have a meaningful pharmacological effect on its own. Plus, studies show that myrcene blends well with lipids, suggesting it behaves like a fat-soluble compound. Because of this, your body may not absorb much from mangoes unless you’re also eating something rich in healthy oils or fats.
3. Does Myrcene Help THC Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier?
This is where things get a little confusing. Myrcene has been shown to enhance absorption through the skin, so some people think it might also help THC get into your body faster or work better. That’s why you might hear that eating a mango before using cannabis could make the effects stronger. But so far, there’s no proof that this actually happens.
Why Do People Believe Mangoes Will Make Them Higher?
Placebo is powerful. If someone believes eating a mango will enhance their high, they may interpret their experience through that lens. Also, ripe mangoes are sweet, hydrating, and packed with vitamin C. Eating one might simply make you feel good. That alone can heighten the cannabis experience.
Mangoes: A Global Treasure
Even if they don’t boost your buzz, mangoes are still pretty magical.
Originating in South Asia over 5,000 years ago, mangoes are considered sacred in India and often appear in religious rituals. In Hindu tradition, mango leaves symbolize prosperity and love, and the fruit is associated with fertility and spiritual devotion.
Today, mangoes are a culinary staple in countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, Mexico, and the Caribbean, each adding their own twist to the fruit’s use in chutneys, beverages, sauces, and desserts.
Final Verdict: Does the Mango Hack Work?
Scientifically? The answer is: not really.
Culturally? It’s a fun ritual that doesn’t do any harm and might even help you stay hydrated and snack happy.
If you're looking for a stronger or faster high, your best bet is to choose cannabis products that naturally contain high levels of myrcene. Ask your budtender about strains like Hash Burger, or Raspberry Parfait. Each is known for its rich terpene profile and potential to enhance your experience.
So Should You Still Eat Mangoes?
Absolutely. Whether they enhance your high or not, mangoes offer:
- A refreshing source of vitamins and antioxidants
- A flavorful pairing for edibles or infused beverages
- A sensory treat that complements the cannabis experience
And hey, if you feel higher after eating one, who’s to say that isn’t its own kind of truth?
Disclaimer: The information presented here is meant for educational purposes only. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of specific medical products.
