Happy Monday 👋 

Every week, I go deep into the roots of health in search of the best ingredients to prepare a delicious and nutritious menu for you!

But first, a quick favor that means the world! 🌍

For this special edition, I've teamed up with a matching sponsor. If you click the link above 👆, you’d be supporting me more than you can imagine!

It’s a small action, but it makes a BIG difference.

Thank you for helping me keep this going and making future menus even better!

On today’s menu I’ve got: Cannabis

Enjoy!

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Starter 🥗 

A Magical Plant

Whether you call it weed, pot, marijuana, Mary Jane, or that thing your cousin swears 'isn’t addictive', cannabis has evolved from a rebellious taboo to a trendy wellness buzzword.

For some, it’s the secret to relaxation, creativity, or the world’s greatest nap. For others, it’s just that weird smell lingering at clubs or festivals. 🎉 

But beyond the stereotypes, rolled-up jokes, and hazy assumptions, cannabis has a fascinating story - one that’s deeply rooted in history, culture, and science.

So, what does cannabis really do to our body and mind?

Is it a magical plant, a misunderstood herb, or just another overhyped health trend?

Let’s clear the smoke and find out! 🌫️ 

Main 🥙 

The Power of Cannabis

Cannabis belongs to one of the few subjects that can elicit very strong emotions among doctors, scientists, researchers, policymakers, and the general population.

It has a long, controversial history - once used medicinally in ancient cultures (as far back as 2800 BC), later criminalized, and now we are seeing a global shift towards legalization and a billion-dollar industry. 🌍️

Cannabis' health advantages and risks are known to be mostly derived from cannabidiol (CBD), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabinol (CBN).

CBD is a psychoactive cannabinoid, yet it does not produce a "high" because it is not intoxicating. It is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. Additionally, it may also help with migraines, seizures, and nausea.

THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis is often linked to the "high" sensation and effects on mood, perception, and appetite.

CBN is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, known for its potential sedative effects and sleep-promoting properties.

The effects of cannabis vary greatly depending on the person, dosage, strains, and form of consumption, making it both a promising remedy and a complex substance to navigate. 🌿 

Consuming cannabis has been shown to

• help relieve pain ❤️‍🩹 

• alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

• reduce cancer (treatment) symptoms

• decrease emotional stress 🧠 

However, it can also

• increase the risk of mental health problems 😔 

• lead to an addiction

• cause lung damage 🫁 

• become a gateway drug

As with other things, it is neither all good nor all bad. It's all about how, why, and how frequently you use it!

Dessert 🍰 

3 Min Relaxation Technique (without cannabis)

Many of us carry the burden of stress and racing thoughts long after the day is over, making it difficult to truly unwind. 🧠 

That's why I'm offering this simple 3-minute relaxation technique to help you refresh your mind and body whenever you need to:

3 Min Relaxation Technique:

1. Get comfortable by sitting or lying down in a quiet space with your eyes closed.

2. Focus on your breath by taking calm, deep breaths in and out through your nose. 🧘 

3. Relax your muscles by tensing and releasing each muscle group, beginning with your feet and working your way up.

4. Clear your mind by letting go of all thoughts and focusing solely on your breath and sensation.

5. Visualize peacefulness by picturing a calming place and mentally immersing yourself in its tranquility. 🌄 

6. Finish gently by slowly bringing awareness back to the present moment and opening your eyes when you're ready.

Bonus tip: Practicing this exercise throughout the day can offer you a quiet and soothing moment, giving you more energy and the ability to perform better. ⭐️