Tuesday November 12, 2019
420 Culture
Grocery shopping is one of the most mundane tasks a person can do. So much so that many people have opted for grocery delivery services instead of making the trek to their local supermarket. While grocery shopping might not be the most exciting aspect of human life, it is something a large majority of the population does on a daily basis without batting an eye. So, what happens if you combine cannabis with this routine task? Let’s take a closer look into this tasty topic as we examine some pros, cons, and tip for grocery shopping high.
Pros of Getting High Before Grocery Shopping
There are a few added benefits to grocery shopping while high, however, it’s important to make sure you can stay focused with whatever strain you’re consuming before heading out. Getting too high can eliminate all of the pros associated with stoned grocery shopping.
Improved Homeostatic Functioning
For any arguments against the use of cannabis while running errands, there are none strong enough to overpower the importance of using cannabis for increased homeostatic functioning. Medical cannabis is commonly considered useful for a range of ailments that people deal with while out in public. For example:
Issues Cannabis Might Help with While Grocery Shopping:
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain
- Inability to focus
As a means of staying healthy and functioning at your highest level, it may be absolutely necessary that you consume cannabis before you go grocery shopping – especially for those with anxiety issues in public settings.
Enhanced Errand-Running Experience
On the less clinical side, grocery shopping can be incredibly boring. If you’re someone who finds drudgery in pushing around a cart with a wobbly wheel and filling it with heavy objects, then cannabis may be a good way to keep you engaged while shopping. However, according to a 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, younger people tend to use cannabis more often for boredom than older generations. Despite your age cannabis may enhance your errand-running experience overall.
Free Samples Taste Sweeter
There’s an added bonus to running your errands on Sundays: many grocery stores will have samples set out. The freebies are always a delight to any customer, but to the cannabis consumer, the freebies may be a moment to thank the universe for all that is good. It’s those moments when you’re lost in experience that make life worth living – especially if you’re dealing with a strong case of the munchies.
Free samples are an added bonus to shopping while high! photo credit
Between the excitement of seeing freebies, the enjoyment of their consumption, and the gratitude expressed towards the person passing out the small snack, any cannabis consumer can find a blissful moment while shopping stoned.
Cons of Shopping for Groceries While Stoned
Since some strains of cannabis are known to stimulate appetite, there are obviously a few negative aspects to shopping after consuming some cannabis. The best way to avoid these issues is obviously to abstain from cannabis use before shopping, however, if that’s not an option it’s important to be mindful of your dosage so that you don’t overdo the experience.
Everything Looks Delicious with the Munchies
In 2009, a paper was published in the International Review of Psychiatry that looked at the biochemical reactions associated with cannabis consumption and a desire to eat. They found that cannabinoids have the power “to promote strong cravings for, and an intensification of the sensory and hedonic properties of food.”
This means that if you go shopping while stoned, you’re going to feel the desire to purchase foods you may otherwise overlook.
More Likely to Make Poor Decisions and Purchase Junk Food
According to that same 2009 study, it’s not just that you’re more likely to be enticed by food when stoned, there is also an issue with the types of foods that will catch your eye.
Shopping high can lead to some unhealthy purchases. photo credit
The researchers of that paper noted that the foods which increased in consumption levels included snacks that are “highly pleasurable and energy-dense.”
Over-Shopping and Overspending
Since everything is appealing and you’re more likely to make worse decisions when shopping stoned, many high shoppers find themselves over-shopping and overspending. The result ends up being a cart full of food that you otherwise might not eat, and far too much of it.
Tips for Grocery Shopping After Consuming Cannabis
So, what can we do if we enjoy consuming cannabis before shopping but don’t want to deal with the negative aspects of it? These tips should keep you in check the next time you have to do some stoned grocery shopping.
Eat Before you Go
Have a substantial meal or snack before you go grocery shopping. This ensures that you won’t be shopping hungry. Research shows that shopping hungry leads to a higher bill.
Make a List and Stick to It
The best way to ensure that you maximize your grocery shopping experience when you’re high is to have a list and stick to it. Going to the grocery store high without a list can result in a mismatch of snacks, fruits, meats, and frozen foods.
Always plan ahead and bring a shopping list. photo credit
There’s no plan in that. If you know exactly what breakfasts, lunches, and dinners you’re going to have for the next week, you’ll end up with a balanced cart full of the foods you’ll need. If you must, allow yourself to include a snack or two on your list so that you don’t get to the store and find you’re driven more by your desire than your plan.
Do Not Enter the Isles
Stick to the outside of the grocery store. That’s where you’ll find the fruits and veggies, meats, and dairy products. Once you enter the isles, you’re entering the land of expertly-marketed junk foods designed to trigger your stoned desire to buy now and worry about your health later.
Self-Checkouts Have Fewer Distractions and Upsells
Finally, when you go to checkout, you might be feeling a little low on energy. Check-out isles count on this and offer you all kinds of sweets and treats. Thankfully, the self-checkout isles are often much more barren.
With fewer upsells of sugary snacks, your grocery budget — and your health — will thank you.
In some ways, grocery shopping stoned is a good idea. There are plenty of benefits that any cannabis consumer can relate to. However, as with all cannabis consumption practices, thoughtfulness will lead to the best outcomes.
If you’ve found this article helpful in preparing you for shopping while high, please share it with your friends and comment your thoughts below!
Photo Credit: Brooke Cagle (license)
