If you use cannabis that contains THC and you plan on starting the Paleo Diet, you are sure to want to know whether THC is compatible with your new diet plan. So, let’s find out.
What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo Diet, named for the Paleolithic era, is a way of eating that’s based on the idea of imitating our hunter-gatherer ancestors.
It encourages you to focus on foods that would have been available during this era. Specifically, the diet involves consuming lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These were all food types obtained by ancient methods of hunting and gathering.
On the other hand, anything that came about due to farming, like dairy products, legumes, and grains, is off the table. That includes refined sugar and processed foods as well.
With the Paleo Diet having a keen emphasis on whole foods, proponents believe it can help people lose weight and improve their overall health.
But before you begin the Paleo Diet or any other dieting strategy, it is important that the diet you choose suits your unique body and lifestyle needs.
What is THC?
THC, which is short for “tetrahydrocannabinol,” is the active compound in Cannabis that’s responsible for the euphoric high. The effects of taking THC products can include a relaxed state of being, altered senses, changes in mood, and an increased appetite.
Some people find THC is beneficial for easing pain and improving insomnia, too. Furthermore, some studies suggest the anti-inflammatory properties of THC may assist in reducing symptoms related to various chronic diseases.
Four Things to Know
If you want to use THC products and stick to a Paleo Diet, you need to know the following four things.
1. Cannabis Existed Long Ago
To comply with a Paleo Diet, you need to ensure you only consume things that were available during the Paleolithic era, which ended around 10,000 B.C.
Now, while the earliest physical evidence of humans using cannabis dates to approximately 12,000 B.C., we know that cannabis was available before that date. In fact, the earliest samples of cannabis that have been obtained are pollen grains that date back to around 19.6 million years ago.
So, cannabis would have been available during the Paleolithic era. As to whether humans used it before around 12,000 B.C., we simply do not know for sure at present. But it seems likely. So, whether THC is compatible with the Paleo Diet is up for debate, but one can certainly make a good case for it being compatible.
2. Consumption Methods Matter
THC, being entirely natural, is available in an array of forms today. When adhering to a Paleo Diet, it gives you flexibility in choosing how you want to experience THC’s benefits.
As an example, vaping or smoking dried THC flowers align well with the ethos of the Paleo Diet. If edibles strike your fancy more, there are options like the variety of Delta-9 edibles and other cannabis-infused selections such as gummies.
Sure, some may argue these are processed items. Nevertheless, quality Delta-9 edibles on the market align surprisingly well with many dietary inclinations. They incorporate ingredients such as corn syrup, sugar and natural flavors – allowing these options to fit nicely into a flexible Paleo lifestyle.
3. THC Can Affect Your Appetite
As someone on the Paleo Diet, you need to know that THC can interact with your appetite. A well-known side effect of using Cannabis is increased hunger, which is often referred to as “the munchies.” That could potentially push you towards non-Paleo food items if you are not careful.
4. You Should Have Snacks at the Ready
To avoid being nudged toward breaking your Paleo diet rules when getting “the munchies,” make sure you have some snacks at the ready, such as fresh fruits or nuts.