If you're thinking about munching on some raw cannabis to catch a buzz, I've got some news for you: it's not going to work. 

Despite what you might have heard, eating raw cannabis won't get you high, no matter how much you consume. In fact, you might end up with a stomachache instead of a head full of clouds. Let's break down why that is.

The Science Behind the High
First things first: let's talk about what actually makes cannabis get you high. The magic ingredient here is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the euphoric, mind-altering effects of cannabis. When you smoke or vape cannabis, the heat transforms a compound called THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into THC, and voilà, you're on your way to a pleasant trip.

But here's the catch: raw cannabis doesn't contain much THC. Instead, it's packed with THCA, which is non-psychoactive. That means eating raw cannabis leaves or buds won't give you the high you're looking for. THCA needs to undergo a process called decarboxylation to become THC.

What is Decarboxylation?
It might sound like a fancy scientific term, but it's pretty straightforward. It's the process of applying heat to cannabis to activate the THC. When you smoke a joint or bake cannabis into edibles, you're essentially decarboxylating the THCA, turning it into THC and unlocking its psychoactive properties.

Without this heat, THCA stays in its non-psychoactive form. So, if you were to munch on some fresh cannabis leaves, you'd be consuming a lot of THCA but not enough THC to feel any effects. Think of it like trying to make toast without turning on the toaster – you've got the bread, but without heat, it's just not going to happen.

Raw Cannabis: Health Benefits Without the High
Now, just because raw cannabis won't get you high doesn't mean it's useless. In fact, raw cannabis is packed with nutrients and has some potential health benefits that are worth exploring. Here are a few reasons you might consider incorporating raw cannabis into your diet:

1. Rich in Nutrients:
   • Raw cannabis is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's a great source of dietary fibre, which is good for your gut health, and it contains essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which are great for your heart.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
   • THCA, the non-psychoactive compound found in raw cannabis, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some people use raw cannabis to help manage conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, and other inflammatory issues.
3. Neuroprotective Effects:
   • Some studies suggest that THCA might have neuroprotective effects, which could help protect your brain cells from damage. This is still an emerging area of research, but it's promising for those interested in the potential health benefits of cannabis beyond its psychoactive effects.
4. Potential Digestive Benefits:
   • Raw cannabis contains terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that can also have therapeutic effects. Some terpenes may help with digestion or act as anti-nausea agents, making raw cannabis a possible option for those dealing with gastrointestinal issues.

How to Enjoy Raw Cannabis
So, if you're interested in trying raw cannabis for its health benefits, how should you go about it? Here are a few ideas:

• Smoothies:
  Toss some fresh cannabis leaves into your morning smoothie for a nutrient boost. They taste slightly bitter and earthy, so you might want to pair them with sweeter fruits like bananas or berries.
• Salads:
  Add raw cannabis leaves to your salad mix. They're similar in texture to other leafy greens like kale or spinach but with a unique flavour. Drizzle on a tangy vinaigrette, and you've got yourself a superfood salad.
• Juicing:
  You can juice raw cannabis leaves and other vegetables for a green juice packed with nutrients. This is a popular method for those looking to maximize the health benefits of raw cannabis.
• Pesto:
  Blend some raw cannabis leaves with basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil to make a cannabis-infused pesto. Spread it on toast, mix it into pasta, or use it as a dip for a tasty, nutrient-rich treat.

The Bottom Line
So, the next time someone tells you they're planning to eat raw cannabis to get high, you can gently let them know that it's not going to work. The psychoactive effects of cannabis come from THC, and THC only shows up to the party after decarboxylation. Without heat, you're just munching on some green leaves – healthy but far from intoxicating.

Raw cannabis does have its perks, though, offering a range of potential health benefits without the high. 

Just don't expect any mind-altering effects – unless you count the satisfaction of knowing you're feeding your body something good.