As Super Bowl LVIII approaches, football fans across the nation are gearing up for the showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Whether you’re lucky enough to snag a seat at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas or planning to enjoy the game from the comfort of your home, one thing is for certain: the Super Bowl is an iconic American tradition that brings people together.
Typically, Super Bowl gatherings involve beer and junk food, like Dad’s bacon jalapeno poppers, pulled pork, tortilla chips with dip, shredded cooked chicken, buffalo chicken appetizers, or your famous air fryer chicken wings. Traditional alcoholic beverages have long been associated with Super Bowl gatherings; there’s a growing trend among younger generations toward cannabis consumption instead of alcohol.
This shift was particularly evident during Dry January of 2024 when cannabis sales in legalized states saw a significant surge. While Super Bowl advertisements are often dominated by alcohol brands, we won’t be seeing any ads for cannabis brands. Yet.
With cannabis emerging as a popular alternative to alcohol for many, it’s worth exploring how different cannabis strains can enhance the Super Bowl Sunday experience as a potentially healthier substitute compared to alcoholic beverages.
Understanding Cannabis and the Super Bowl
Despite the increasing acceptance of cannabis in mainstream culture, it’s important to note that cannabis-related businesses are still barred from advertising during the Super Bowl due to federal regulations. That won’t change as long as cannabis remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance by federal law.
However, this hasn’t stopped cannabis enthusiasts from incorporating their favorite plant into their game-day rituals. Whether you are traveling to your favorite sports bar, hosting a party at home, or bringing a ridiculous amount of food to a friend or family member’s home, this week is all about planning the big game day and rooting for your favorite team.
One notable example of cannabis companies getting in on the Super Bowl action is Cresco Labs’ release of a THC-infused chicken wing sauce, dubbed the “Good News Big Game Sauce.” It quickly sold out at dispensaries across the country. While cannabis brands may not have a presence in Super Bowl commercials, consumers are finding creative ways to integrate cannabis into their game-day festivities.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for Super Bowl Sunday
Selecting the perfect cannabis strain for your Super Bowl celebration is crucial to ensuring an enjoyable experience. Factors such as personal preference, tolerance, and desired effects should all be taken into consideration when making your choice.
Whether you’re looking to energize your party or unwind and relax, there’s a cannabis strain to suit every mood. We asked a few people for recommendations regarding the best cannabis strains to try for football and food fans. Remember to visit your dispensary early to stock up for the big game.
Elevating the Party Atmosphere
For those seeking to amp up the energy and keep the party buzzing, Sativa-dominant strains are the way to go. These strains are known for their uplifting and stimulating effects, making them perfect for social gatherings.
Here are some top picks for energizing strains:
- Chocolope: A Sativa-dominant hybrid with a high THC content, Chocolope offers a mood and energy lift, along with a sweet and earthy flavor profile.
- Blue Goo: This balanced hybrid combines the best of both worlds, delivering energizing effects alongside a euphoric high. Its fruity flavor and stimulating properties make it a hit at social events.
- Orange Bud: With its citrusy aroma and uplifting effects, Orange Bud is ideal for enhancing mood and promoting happiness. Its moderate THC content ensures a pleasant high without overwhelming sedation.
Relaxing and Unwinding
If you prefer to kick back and take it easy during the game, Indica-dominant strains are your best bet. Here are some top picks for relaxation:
- American Kush: This Indica-dominant hybrid offers a blend of relaxation and mental clarity, making it ideal for unwinding without feeling too sedated.
- Secret Cookies: Developed from Cherry Pie and Kush Mints 11, Secret Cookies delivers euphoric effects followed by deep relaxation. Its sweet and minty flavor profile adds to the overall sensory experience.
- Grape Ape: Known for its grape-like aroma and potent sedative effects, Grape Ape is perfect for winding down and promoting restful sleep. Its high THC content ensures a deeply relaxing experience.
Whether cheering for the 49ers and the Chiefs or simply enjoying the festivities, incorporating cannabis into your Super Bowl celebration can elevate the experience. From energizing Sativas to relaxing Indicas, there’s a cannabis strain to suit every mood and preference.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the game – with a little help from your favorite herb, as we head to the championship and end of the 2023-2024 football season.
Super Bowl Food Ideas and Terpene Rich Snacks
If you are interested in further elevating your Super Bowl Sunday with cannabis, you can strategically plan some snacks that have higher-than-average levels of natural dietary terpenes. Did you know that some foods can enhance the psychoactive and physical effects of cannabis? What is even better is that they are healthy for you.
Terpenes are found in almost every type of plant and are plentiful in certain strains of medical cannabis. When they are consumed together with cannabis, the dietary terpenes can interact and, in some cases, enhance your cannabis experience.
Citrus Fruits and Apples
Break out the fruit charcuterie board and pile it high with citrus fruits like lemons, apples, mandarin oranges, grapefruits, and mango. Limonene is a terpene that naturally occurs in citrus fruits and in many types of cannabis strains.
Limonene is a natural “feel good” terpene can can have mood-enhancing effects. If the team you are cheering for is trailing behind, and you are feeling a little irritable, citrus fruits eaten when you have taken cannabis can turn that frown upside-down.
Pine Nuts and Rosemary
A handful of pine nuts or some fresh rosemary can leave you feeling alert and energetic. That is because they contain pinene (alpha-pinene and beta-pinene). Ever wonder why a walk outside among pine trees is so refreshing? You can thank the pinene terpene for that feeling.
The good news is that popular seasonings like basil, dill, and parsley are also rich in pinene. Think about adding fresh herbs to a salad or dip in order to get an extra dose of a terpene that may help you stay alert throughout the game. No matter how much food you eat.
Mangoes
The delicious fruit may be a bit of a pain to cut into (with that big seed in the center), but it’s worth consuming some fresh mango if you want to elevate your cannabis experience. That is because mangoes have high myrcene content. Some studies suggest that myrcene can help the body absorb cannabinoids faster.
Other types of foods that contain myrcene are hops and lemongrass. Processed hops (aka beer) may not provide any noticeable effects, however. But a mango salsa with some fresh parsley? That could make a tasty dip with some added terpene benefits.
Black Pepper
The easiest of all dietary terpenes to add to your menu. Fresh, ground pepper contains caryophyllene and can also be found in other herbs and spices, such as cloves. Caryophyllene is kind of a big deal because the terpene binds easily to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. It can enhance some of the therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis.
If, by any chance, you consume too much cannabis and you are feeling uncomfortable, black peppercorns may also help. Pour some into a bowl and inhale deeply. It may help reduce some of the psychoactive and physical effects (such as drowsiness or nausea) caused by cannabis.
Guacamole and Avodado Terpenes
Nothing says Super Bowl parties like tortilla chips and guacamole. Guess what? Avocadoes also have naturally occurring terpenes. No wonder they are good for your health! Raw avocadoes contain caryophyllene, estragole, pinene, cadinene, and many other types of terpenes that go well with cannabis consumption to feed guests big appetites.

Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.