Serving cannabis for dinner
Edibles have evolved into something that’s hardly recognizable to many long-time enthusiasts who were lucky to get a weed brownie or cake from time to time. Now people are putting the plant into just about everything you can think of, and it’s not always for the reasons you might think. Whether it’s hemp oats, cannabis juice, noodles, or barbequed steak, with hundreds of thousands of recipes on the internet it’s really easy for anyone, including those with minimal experience to serve up cannabis for dinner.
When you’re offered cannabis-infused food, it’s only natural to assume you’d be accepting some sort of edible delight that’s infused to the brim with THC to provide a psychedelic experience that can elevate the mind and body, but that’s not always the case. There are three primary types of infusion used in the kitchen, and not all of them will get you high.
THC
THC-infused edibles are the most powerful, delivering a wide range of effects that are generally intoxicating, and long-lasting. You’ll want to be really careful with this category, because it doesn’t take much to send even the most seasoned cannabis lovers over the edge, and if you take too much, it could take several hours before you start to feel normal again.
CBD
CBD-infused meals offer a lot more breathing room because the effects are nowhere near as pronounced as they are considered to be more for your health and boosting energy levels than anything else. With CBD, you don’t have to worry about anyone driving home under the influence, and higher doses are much less riddled with adverse side effects.
Raw cannabis plant products
Cooking with cannabis doesn’t have to revolve around one of the two most popular active cannabinoids. In fact, these plants hold copious amounts of healthy vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that are excellent for your health. Cannabis terpenes are another fantastic example of this, as they deliver flavours and smells that boast aromatic qualities.
Things to remember if you decide to serve cannabis for infused food
Cannabis-infused food is a perfectly safe, healthy, and fun addition to every occasion, as long as you keep these important things in mind.
1. Low doses are best
Even if you’re cooking with raw cannabis, adding too much to a dish could ruin the experience with an overpowering flavour. In the case of THC or CBD edibles, side effects are always possible, so it’s best to keep doses to a lower amount. Most consider 10mg to be a good starting point for beginners.
2. Always warn guests
No one should ever feed another person cannabis-infused food without letting them know first, because this isn’t a regular ingredient. Some people are dead set against consuming cannabis plant matter for any reason, and that is a decision that should be respected no matter what.
3. Infuse only a portion of the meal to give individuals a choice and control
Technically, anything you want to cook up for dinner can be infused, but that doesn’t mean it should be, because if there are no non-infused options then some guests will feel obligated to partake, even if they don’t feel 100% comfortable with the idea. Instead, offering infused condiments and sauces puts the power and choice in their hands, and it’s a whole lot less work for you too.
4. Make sure that everyone has a safe ride home
This isn’t necessary if you decide to offer edibles made using raw cannabis extract that is not activated, but if you’re providing THC or even the slightly less intimidating CBD, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan to get everyone home, in case someone ends up feeling unwell or too intoxicated.
5. Anything is possible
It’s always good to remember that when it comes to mixing cannabis and food anything is possible. No matter how difficult it might seem to infuse certain dishes, like solid meats, where there is a will there is always a way, and chances are the answers you seek are just a quick Google search away.
