Is there anything better than indulging in a tasty meal while enjoying a relaxing high? And what better way than to combine a delectable cannabis strain with your favorite meal? If you love experimenting in the kitchen with cannabis, continue reading! You’ve probably heard about the popular trend of pairing food with weed. Cannabis is all the rage these days, and it’s no surprise it has also found its way into the culinary scene.
But did you know that you can’t just pair any food with weed? That’s right. There’s a process to it, and if you wish to learn more about it, we’ve got you covered in the coming sections.
Understanding Cannabis and Its Effects
Before we dive into blending cannabis with food and drinks, let’s get an overview of the different types of cannabis and their effects. Unless you live under a rock, you must know that cannabis comprises more than a hundred cannabinoids, each with unique properties. The two most popular ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for your subtle buzz. CBD is non-psychoactive and has been known to provide various health benefits, such as pain relief, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, and more.
Combining Food With Weed
Now that we’ve covered the basics of cannabis let’s talk about combining food with weed. One of the most important contributing factors to the pairing experience is terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct scent and flavor.
So, when you think about pairing food with weed, you must consider the flavor profile of the strain you’re using. For example, if you’re using a strain that has a citrusy flavor, it might pair well with a dish that has a citrusy component. If you’re using a more earthy strain, it might pair well with a savory, umami-flavored meal.
When it comes to choosing cannabis food, a few types of food flavors are known to pair well with cannabis. These include:
- Spicy food
- Sweet food
- Fatty food
- Umami-rich food
If you’re new to this journey, start with something simple like a cheese platter or charcuterie board. The key is experimenting with different cannabis-infused food and figuring out what works best for your taste buds.
Here are some strains and the foods they pair well with:
- Blue Dream: It has a fruity and sweet flavor that pairs well with desserts, including fruit tarts or cheesecake. It’s also great with spicy food, like a bowl of chili or a spicy curry.
- OG Kush: This bud has an intense and earthy flavor that works well with meat dishes like steak or barbecue ribs. It goes well with savory dishes with a rich umami flavor, like a hearty mushroom risotto.
- Durban Poison: It has a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with Thai or Indian cuisine, like spicy chicken curry or pad Thai. If you have a sweet tooth, pair this strain with sweet treats, like a caramel apple or a slice of pumpkin pie.
- Lemon Haze This lovely nug has a citrusy and zesty flavor that pairs greatly with seafood, like shrimp ceviche or a grilled salmon fillet. You can also try it with salads or light, refreshing dishes, like a lemon herb chicken salad.
- Cherry Pie: This strain has a sweet and fruity flavor that pairs well with desserts, like a cherry pie (of course!) or a chocolate truffle. It’s also great with savory dishes with a slightly sweet flavor, like honey-glazed ham or a sweet potato casserole.
Pairing Cannabis With Drinks
The effects of pairing cannabis with drinks can vary depending on the type of drink you choose. For example, pairing cannabis with wine can enhance the flavor of the wine, while pairing it with beer can enhance the psychoactive effects of the cannabis.
So, to make the most out of cannabis-infused drinks, choose a drink you enjoy consuming. Now, go for a strain of cannabis that complements the flavors of the drink. If you’re pairing cannabis with a glass of red wine, choose a strain that has a fruity or spicy taste.
For instance, the Sativa-dominant Pineapple Express strain has a sweet and tropical flavor that pairs well with fruity drinks, such as a piña colada or a pineapple margarita. It would taste great with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
As for pairing marijuana with alcohol, it’s essential to be cautious. The effects of combining the two will depend on you and the amount consumed. It’s best to start with a small amount of both and sip drinks slowly to gauge the effect of pairing both before consuming more.
Cooking Food With Cannabis
There are many ways to cook with cannabis, including infusing it into butter, oil, or alcohol. Decarboxylate the cannabis before using it in cooking to activate the THC.
Some cannabis-infused food ideas that you can implement are:
- Cannabis-Infused Butter: Cannabis butter is a versatile ingredient used in many different recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes like pasta and vegetables.
- Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Truffles: These decadent treats are perfect for a special occasion or as a gift. They can be tailored with different types of chocolate and toppings, such as nuts or sprinkles.
- Cannabis-Infused Guacamole: This classic dip gets an extra kick with the addition of cannabis. It’s great for parties or topping for tacos or burrito bowls.
- Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil: Infusing olive oil with cannabis can add a new depth of flavor to any dish that uses olive oil, from salad dressings to pasta dishes.
- Cannabis-Infused Gummies: Gummies are a fun and tasty way to consume cannabis, and they’re easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
While playing chef with cannabis food recipes, start with a small amount of cannabis and take your time to savor a meal infused with weed to gauge its effects.
Breaking Boundaries With Cannabis-Infused Cuisine
Ultimately, it’s clear that the art of pairing cannabis with food and drinks is much more than just a passing trend—it’s a true culinary craft. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so will how we incorporate it into our dining experiences.
So don’t miss out on a chance to experiment with pairing your most-loved strain with your favorite dish or drink. Who knows, you might just discover an ultimate combination that will leave you wanting more. And if you ever run short of recipes combining food with weed or your favorite cannabis products, you know Grassdoor will be there for you.
