Can you eat raw cannabis leaves? Are they healthy? Yes, eating cannabis leaves is a viable option as the leaves are full of healthy nurtients.
CBDNerds StaffUpdated on September 4, 2024
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links are specifically formatted for which we may receive a commission on resulting sales or clicks from affiliate partners (“Affiliate Links”).
I dream of the day where you can walk into the supermarket and pick out a big, fresh bag of cannabis leaves, just like you would a bag of spinach. Eating cannabis leaves in their raw, natural, leafy state can come with a plethora of health benefits like reduced inflammation (thanks to CBDa), as well as reduced pain and insomnia (from the THCa).
Besides the countless articles that pop up when you search “eating cannabis leaves;” on google, if one were to stop and think about the vast uses of the cannabis plant it would be astounding. From hemp rope and building materials to THC and CBD extracts, its overabundance of healthy and useful attributes is plentiful. It’s so curious that the leaves are one of the most useful, yet underutilized, parts of the plant. It makes me cringe just thinking about all those trimmed cannabis fan leaves going to waste or compost when they could be thrown in with a salad or blended into an antioxidant-packed super smoothie.
In fact, Dr. William Courtney has made a name for himself by being an advocate of eating raw cannabis leaves, he even cultivated a new strain of cannabis plants for this purpose. His favorite method of consumption? Green juices. The good doctor promotes raw marijuana like a dietary supplement and believes eating or drinking raw cannabis has a host of nutritional, anti-inflammatory, and immune system boosting benefits. There are even claims that his protocol helped his wife’s Lupus go into remission. This might not be too far-fetched when you consider the leaves of the cannabis plant are full of cannabinoid acids that work with the endocannabinoid system to provide relief of symptoms like pain or inflammation, commonly associated with auto-immune disorders. The plant is also full of omega fatty acids, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.
cbdMD Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Looking for the benefits of THC? Try a THC + CBD combination from cbdMD! Use our code CBDNERDS for 20% off all products.
Redeem code CBDNERDS for 20% Off Plus Free Shipping
Those who already use medical marijuana convincing them to drink raw cannabis for the added benefits might not be too difficult to sell. However, those who have previously steered clear of cannabis because of the psychoactive effects will be relieved to know in its raw state the leaves contain beneficial cannabinoids like THCa (which will not get you high) and doesn’t become THC until the leaves are heated (smoked or cooked).
The California Weed Blog has great in-depth articles on the amazing benefits of consuming raw cannabis leaves as well as a few good recipes to try, so go check them out! This article aims to cover a little bit more of the lesser discussed topics of consuming raw cannabis leaves.
How to Consume Cannabis Leaves
There are several ways to incorporate cannabis leaves into your diet, offering flexibility depending on your preferences and needs. One popular method is to blend raw cannabis leaves into a smoothie, where their nutritional and therapeutic benefits can be combined with other nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Another option is to chop the leaves finely and add them to salads or use them as a garnish for soups and other dishes. These methods preserve the raw cannabinoids and vitamins, ensuring you get the maximum health benefits.
For those interested in hot beverages, brewing cannabis leaves into tea is a soothing option that releases cannabinoids without psychoactive effects if the leaves remain unheated. Juicing cannabis leaves is another method that is gaining popularity, allowing for concentrated consumption of nutrients and cannabinoids.
You can also combine cannabis leaves with CBD tinctures or oils, adding them to recipes or beverages to enhance the cannabinoid profile and amplify potential health benefits. Products like CBD isolate powder and oils are perfect for mixing into everyday meals.
Nutritional Value of Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves, often overlooked compared to the flowers and seeds, offer a surprising amount of nutritional value. They are rich in essential vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate. Additionally, cannabis leaves contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health and longevity. The leaves are also a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Cannabis leaves can be compared to nutrient-dense leafy greens like kale or spinach, as they provide similar benefits in terms of micronutrients. However, unlike traditional greens, cannabis leaves also contain cannabinoids, such as THCA and CBDA, which offer unique health benefits.
Nutritional Aspect
Cannabis Leaves
Kale
Spinach
Vitamin C
High
Moderate
High
Vitamin K
High
Very High
High
Fiber
High
High
High
Antioxidants
High
Moderate
High
Cannabinoids (THCA)
Yes
No
No
For individuals seeking to enhance their dietary experience with whole-plant nutrition, the consumption of cannabis leaves presents a promising opportunity to broaden the range of nutrients consumed. Furthermore, unprocessed CBD products, which extract a significant amount of these inherent cannabinoids and terpenes, offer a convenient means to utilize these advantages.
Trying to get high? Eating raw cannabis leaves won’t do the trick.
Potential Health Benefits of Eating Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves have garnered attention for their potential health benefits, especially when consumed in their raw form. The leaves contain cannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA, which are believed to offer a range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties. Regular consumption of raw cannabis leaves may help reduce inflammation in the body, improve gut health, and provide immune system support.
Additionally, the fiber found in cannabis leaves promotes healthy digestion, while the antioxidants protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. There’s also emerging evidence suggesting that cannabinoids in raw form could contribute to reducing anxiety and improving mental well-being without the intoxicating effects of THC.
Many users report improvements in their overall well-being after incorporating cannabis leaves into their diet. If you’re looking for similar benefits but prefer ready-to-use products, full-spectrum CBD oils and other raw CBD products can offer an accessible alternative.
Raw vs. Cooked Cannabis Leaves
When deciding between consuming raw or cooked cannabis leaves, it’s essential to understand how each preparation method affects the plant’s nutrients and cannabinoids. Raw cannabis leaves contain THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), both of which are non-psychoactive but offer potential therapeutic benefits such as reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. These cannabinoids, along with the plant’s natural vitamins and terpenes, remain intact when consumed raw.
On the other hand, cooking cannabis leaves activates the cannabinoids by converting THCA into THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis. However, heating the leaves also reduces the amount of nutrients and terpenes present, which can diminish some of the health benefits.
Aspect
Raw Cannabis Leaves
Cooked Cannabis Leaves
THCA (non-psychoactive)
High
Converted to THC (psychoactive)
Nutrient Content (Vitamins)
Intact
Reduced
Terpenes (Flavor Compounds)
Intact
Degraded
Psychoactive Effect
None
Yes
For those looking to retain the health benefits without experiencing a psychoactive effect, consuming raw cannabis leaves or using products such as raw CBD tinctures is the better option. However, for those seeking the psychoactive experience, cooking cannabis leaves is necessary to activate THC.
How to Obtain Cannabis Leaves
Now that you know all this great information, you may be wanting to run straight out to your nearest dispensary and buy a bag of fresh leaves. However, it isn’t always that simple. Dispensaries don’t often receive trimmings from growers (which may have something to do with the existing regulations) and besides, most growers I have known just compost or throw away all their leaves.
Well, I can offer up a couple of easy suggestions for obtaining and using Cannabis leaves and flower if you are interested in incorporating whole-plant cannabis in your daily routine. The first would be to simply call around to your local dispensaries and just ask if they have any leaves for sale, or if they could get you in contact with a grower who might be able to supply you. A lot of times the growers are just throwing the leaves away, so they might be happy to work something out.
The second option, if you are looking for raw canna leaves, would be to grow your own plants. Of course, check with your state’s regulations on the number of plants you are allowed to grow, but in California, anyone over the age of 21 can cultivate up to six plants per residence. Growing your own plants can be difficult and sometimes costly, but if you are able to master the art of cultivation then you will be able to have a renewable source of cannabis leaves and flower at your disposal.
Risks and Precautions
While cannabis leaves offer several potential benefits, there are a few risks and precautions to keep in mind. One of the main concerns is the possible exposure to pesticides or harmful chemicals if the cannabis plant was not grown organically. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the leaves you consume come from a reputable, pesticide-free source. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to cannabis, so it’s advisable to start with small amounts if you are new to consuming the leaves.
It’s also important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating cannabis leaves into your diet, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid cannabis leaves due to the lack of comprehensive research on its effects during pregnancy.
For those concerned about safety or quality, opting for organic, certified CBD products, including tinctures, oils, and edibles, can offer peace of mind while still allowing you to benefit from cannabinoids. Always purchase products from trusted sources to avoid potential health risks.
Seedbanks
Looking for cannabis leaves? Try growing your own plant! Use our ILGM coupon code to get started.
Redeem code THXFROMROBERT$ for $10 Off ILGM Coupon
The Verdict
The internet is chock-full of articles promoting the consumption of raw cannabis leaves and recipes, from smoothies to pizzas, and they are usually discarded, when they could be utilized for the medicinal effects of terpenes and Cannabinoids. Before I started researching for this article, I was skeptical that consuming raw cannabis leaves would be healthy at all; but now I look forward to seeing my next cannabis plant and picking off a leaf to shove into my mouth.
Yes! In fact, it is recommended to eat raw cannabis leaves to maximize the benefits without any of the psychoactive effects. Throwing the leaves in a juicer and drinking raw cannabis like you would any regular green juice is one popular method of consumption. You can also eat the leafy greens like you would any vegetable, try mixing them in a salad or on top of your avocado toast.
There are numerous potential benefits associated with eating cannabis leaves, the plant is full of cannabinoids like (THCA and CBDA) which have anti-inflammatory properties. The leafy greens are also full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Since the leaves are raw you can get all of the benefits of cannabis without the high.
As long as you are eating raw cannabis leaves you will not get high. Raw cannabis has THCA which has many benefits but does not get you high like THC. However, when cannabis is heated (or dried) THCA converts to THC which has psychoactive effects. Therefore, if you want the benefits of cannabis without the high it is best to consume the leaves raw.
Yes, it is safe and similar to consuming any other herb or vegetable. In its whole raw state, the cannabis plant is full of beneficial cannabinoids but will not get you high. One way to access these medicinal or therapeutic effects is by eating or juicing the raw cannabis leaves.
