The cannabis plant is complicated and made up of a litany of compounds. Many remain widely unexplored. On top of that, cannabis cultivators use differing methods–with some having wild results. Even the effects are double-edged, like with oxidation. Those stating the potential effects of cannabinoids often list it as an antioxidant, but that is highly dependent on how it is used.
RELATED: Napa Valley wineries may be turning tide on cannabis
Cannabis as an antioxidant
Cannabinoids have antioxidant properties that are not accessible from every consumption method. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals like excessive sun exposure, smoke, or other possibly damaging things.
The fan leaves show an exceptional amount of antioxidants. These can be enjoyed in a green smoothie or a salad. It can be difficult to chew them since they are tough. Treat the fan leaves like kale to make them palatable. Thinly slice them and massage them with olive oil before using.
Consumers may also be able to access antioxidants by eating weed edibles. However, not all edibles are made alike. Distillate may remove some of the antioxidant-rich compounds that the plant grows, but even THC might have some. To get the most well-rounded cannabinoid possible, stick with full-spectrum extracts and edibles.
Unfortunately, for those who love a joint, blunt, and bong rip–inhalation may not show the same results.
Oxidative stress at the hands of weed
People prefer inhalation for a lot of reasons. Smoking and vaping kicks in more quickly than most edibles, making it ideal for anyone seeking immediate relief. Studies support both sides. One indicates that cannabis smoke causes oxidative stress in the human body. Others showed no noteworthy difference between cannabis smokers and non-weed smokers.
The jury is out on the true impact of cannabis smoke, but not all stoners will want to risk it. Oxidative stress can lead to cell death, speed up the aging process, and contribute to various health issues. Medical patients requiring their weed to work right away might have to weigh the benefit of their medicine against the potential oxidative stress.
Instead, those who are not considerably impacted by smoke might consider switching to a dry herb vaporizer or dabbing. Neither burns the flower or extract; that means no smoke. No smoke equals no oxidative stress, theoretically. To reduce the issue, avoid smoking.
RELATED: Wild weed discovery shifts everything we know
Getting the antioxidants from weed
Advocates proclaim that cannabis has a mountain of benefits, one of which is that it is an antioxidant. Harnessing these properties is not as easy as hitting a spoon pipe. It requires intentional consumption. Eating full-spectrum edibles or non-intoxicating fan leaves will be the fastest avenue to getting the antioxidants from weed. At the same time, those hoping to biohack their oxidative stress will likely want to avoid smoking altogether.
Cannabis is complicated, and so is the human body. Because of these two things, everyone has a personal relationship with their weed consumption. Maintaining a constant conversation about whether it is healthy is the healthiest thing they can do–oxidative stress or otherwise.
