Fun Halloween CBD Treats for 2022

Halloween CBD Treats for 2022

Looking from some adults-only Halloween CBD treats or drinks? Here are a few recipes everyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy. You can add CBD to almost anything you cook, bake, or make but these recipes make it easy. Ensure everyone you serve knows your treats are cannabis-infused. Yes, you can make all the same recipes without cannabis for those who prefer.

CBD-Infused Chocolate Coffee Truffles

These truffles are a chocolate lover’s dream come true! It is easier to make this recipe with two sets of hands and it is crucial that you don’t pause between steps, unless timing is specified below. Feel free to substitute the CBD for an orange liquor, peppermint liquor, Kahlua, or Bailey’s Irish Cream. A high percentage dark chocolate will deliver a classic truffle but feel free to substitute flavored chocolate or gourmet chocolate of choice.

Ingredients

  • 9 oz 60% dark chocolate chunks
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons cane sugar or white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Holmes Organics CBD
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped roasted pecans

Directions

  1. Prepare an ice bath in a baking dish with cold water and a tray of ice. Set aside for step #5.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside for step #7.
  3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat.
  4. Combine the heavy cream, butter, and sugar in a saucepan that will fit comfortably in the ice bath when ready. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Remove the sugar mixture from the heat. Whisk in the CBD and stir in the melted chocolate.
  6. Place the saucepan in the ice bath and whip until the mixture is thick enough to hold shape. This should take about 5 minutes.
  7. Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag or a zip-top bag and cut a small section out to create a piping bag. This video shows you how, but you’ll be using truffle chocolate instead of frosting.
  8. Pipe out about 2 teaspoons at a time, gently mold into a ball, and place on a parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet. This process is messy, but we promise it’s worth it in the end.
  9. Refrigerate in an airtight container overnight or for at least 2 hours before serving.
  10. Mix the cocoa powder, espresso powder, and pecans in a small bowl, and roll the truffles in the mixture before serving. Feel free to get creative with the topping, rolling in powdered sugar, cocoa, or Halloween colored sugar crystals.
  11. Refrigerate and serve for up to 2 weeks—but they’re so good they won’t last that long.

CBD Caramel Apples

There are two ways to make this recipe. The fastest and easiest method is to purchase store-bought caramels, or you can make your own caramel from scratch. We’ll highlight the easy recipe first, but also include how to make your own caramel. If you are using store-bought caramels feel free to experiment with fun flavors.

Ingredients

  • 8 cold apples, green Granny Smith is best for a sweet-tart dessert
  • 20 ounces of store-bought soft caramels
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 30 drops Holmes Organics CBD
  • caramel apple sticks, lollipop sticks, or popsicle sticks
  • toppings of choice—chopped nuts, Halloween sprinkles, drizzled melted chocolate, crushed toffee, M&Ms, coconut, and more

Directions

  1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or use a silicone baking sheet layered on top of a sturdy metal baking sheet. If you don’t have either, you can grease a pan with butter.
  2. Wash and dry your apples and insert the lollipop stick into the top of each apple.
  3. Add the caramels and heavy cream to a small saucepan under medium-low heat.
  4. Cook until the caramels are smooth and melted, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once melted, stir in the CBD. Don’t stir too much or you will create air bubbles.
  6. Reduce heat to low and dip apples one-by-one into the caramel mixture.
  7. Shake and scrape away excess caramel, especially from the bottom of the apple.
  8. Roll in your topping of choice.
  9. Once all apples are caramel coated, place them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.
  10. Wrap in cellophane to keep fresh.
  11. Serve the same day or within the next 7 days.

DIY Caramel

Here is what you need if you don’t want to use store-bought caramels. Be patient, as making caramel from scratch is an art form.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar—either light or dark
  • 1/4 cup room temperature unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 30 drops Holmes Organics CBD
  • candy thermometer
  • pastry brush

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients except the vanilla and CBD in a saucepan.
  2. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the butter melts.
  3. Do not adjust the temperature during this process, remain at an even medium heat to ensure caramelization.
  4. To keep the mixture from creeping up the sides of the pan, use a damp pastry brush to brush down the sides.
  5. Add your candy thermometer and let the mixture bubble until it reaches at least 235 degrees, but no more than 240 degrees. This will take about 20 minutes.
  6. Once you reach temperature, remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla and CBD. Too much stirring will create air bubbles.
  7. Thicken and cool for at least 10 minutes, but it may take up to 25 minutes for the mixture to be cool enough to dip your apples in.
  8. Dip apples one-by-one into the caramel mixture.
  9. Shake and scrape away excess caramel, especially from the bottom of the apple.
  10. Roll in your topping of choice.
  11. Once all apples are caramel coated, place them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.
  12. Wrap in cellophane to keep fresh.
  13. Serve the same day or within the next 7 days.

Black Cherry CBD Martini

This martini is fast, easy, and unique. Remember, you can add CBD to any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, but it must be shaken with a shaker, blended in a blender, or whisked in. If adding CBD to a hot beverage, whisk it in as the final step prior to garnishing.

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces black cherry soda
  • 6 ounces vodka
  • 2 ounces Chambord
  • 2 mL Holmes Organics CBD
  • White or Halloween colored sugar

Directions

  1. Rim two martini glasses with sugar.
  2. Divide the black cherry soda evenly between the glasses.
  3. Add the vodka, Chambord, and CBD to a shaker with ice and shake for about 10 seconds.
  4. Pour evenly between the two glasses on top of the black cherry soda. Don’t be tempted to shake carbonated beverages as it will make a foaming mess.
  5. Enjoy!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

 

Holmes, C. (2020, October 7). Halloween CBD treats for 2022. Holmes Organics. Retrieved October 17, 2022, from https://holmesorganics.com/blogs/cbd-wellness/halloween-cbd-treats

by Adrian McNeal

Researchers Pick Medical Marijuana Over Prescription Medications

A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines—such as opiates.

Researchers monitored the use of prescription medication by participants enrolled in the Illinois medical marijuana program. This is the first peer-reviewed scientific study conducted which examines this correlation. Their results confirmed medical marijuana might contribute to the reduced use of opioids.

As the opioid epidemic continues to claim countless lives across the nation, these Illinois researchers think medical marijuana could be an effective alternative to prescription painkillers.

An Effective Treatment Option?

The study was conducted at Depaul and Rush universities and consisted of thirty participants at an average age of 45 years old. At the conclusion of the study, participants said marijuana worked faster to relieve their pain than other prescription medication and had fewer side effects.

Most commonly, marijuana was used as an alternative to opioids, but participants also reported cutting down on other medications, such as:

  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Over-the-counter pain relief

Encouraged by their findings, lead researcher, Assistant Professor Douglas Bruce, believes cannabis could eventually be used to treat many other conditions, such as:

  • PTSD
  • Cancer
  • Fibromyalgia

Shea Evans, 26, a medical marijuana patient (who wasn’t in the study) told the Chicago Tribune that cannabis helped her overcome a substance abuse issue. She’d become dependent on several of the 18 different prescriptions medications used to treat her medical conditions. She stated, “Medical cannabis is the reason I’m opiate free now… it really gave me my life back and makes my pain manageable, without inebriating me or forming another dependence.”

Researchers want to continue their investigation to determine an ideal individualized dose that could be used to help someone taper off prescription painkillers, like OxyContin.

Could Marijuana Really Stop the Opioid Epidemic?

Previous research conducted at The University of Georgia found areas with marijuana dispensaries had a reduced number of opioid overdoses. Another paper, published in a Journal of the American Medical Association, discovered states with forms of legal marijuana reported a 25% lower annual average opioid death rate.

The Chicago Tribune reported that all of the participants in this study reported a deep dissatisfaction with prescription medications. Bruce said, “One of the most compelling things to come out of this is that people are taking control of their own health, and most providers would agree that’s a good thing.” However, he warned of limitations: “The lack of provider knowledge around what cannabis does and doesn’t do, the difference in products and ingestion methods and dosing, is all kind of a Wild West.”

 

Written by: American Addiction Centers Editorial StaffLast updated on August 9, 2022{ "@context": "http://www.schema.org". (2022, August 9). Study: Medical marijuana cuts use of prescription drugs. DrugAbuse.com. Retrieved October 7, 2022, from https://drugabuse.com/blog/study-medical-marijuana-cuts-use-of-prescription-drugs/

by Adrian McNeal

A Dietitian’s Pick of the 6 Best Herbs to Help Manage Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect over 18% of people in the United States every year. Over the years, treatment options for anxiety disorders have widened to include both prescription medications and natural alternatives.

Research suggests that several herbal supplements may be helpful in managing anxiety, though more research is needed.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular research-backed herbs for anxiety, as well as other treatment options to consider.

A quick look at the best herbs for anxiety

   What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or nervousness, often associated with life stressors, like health, money, work, or relationships. While anxiety is a common response to occasional stressors, such as a job interview or a medical procedure, some people experience these feelings more often.

Anxiety disorders cause frequent intense fear or nervousness that can disrupt day-to-day life. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 30% of adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is caused by genetics and environmental factors, such as trauma, stress in childhood, or frequent negative or stressful life events. A family history of mental health conditions or anxiety can also increase your risk.

How can herbs help with anxiety?

Many people rely on herbs to help with mild to moderate mental health conditions, such as anxiety, to avoid the unwanted and negative side effects of medications.

Herbal medicine is a type of complementary and alternative medicine that uses medicinal plants to support optimal health or alleviate specific symptoms.

Herbs have been used to relieve mental health symptoms for centuries in some parts of the world and have gained popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

One review of more than 100 studies spanning over a 20-year period found that 45% of the studies demonstrated positive outcomes of herbal supplements on anxiety and depression symptoms with fewer negative effects than traditional medication.

Before using herbs to support your mental health and manage your anxiety symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional to avoid potential interactions with medications or health conditions.

Also keep in mind that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve herbal supplements, so choosing herbs from a reputable company is essential for safety and effectiveness.

 

Cirino, E. (2022). 6 herbal remedies for anxiety in 2022. Healthline. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/herbs-for-anxiety#effectiveness

by Adrian McNeal

5 common Myths About Medical Marijuana

Many medical experts including doctors and researchers have admitted that medical marijuana is a much safer pain management medicine than opioids and yet people continue to have misconceptions about the use of medical marijuana. These misconceptions have arisen due to a lot of misinformation about medical marijuana that was spread over the years. Today we will try to distinguish between myths and facts about medical marijuana so our readers can make an informed decision for themselves.

Myth 1: Medical marijuana is another way of getting “High”

Fact: There are over 400 chemicals found in cannabis. The two most known ones are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both these compounds effect different receptors of the brain, Where THC can cause psychoactive effects, CBD affects and modulates the 5ht serotonin receptor, which does not cause psychoactive effects or results in a “High”. In 2018 FDA declared that CBD does not cause intoxication or euphoria “high”.

Myth 2: Medical marijuana has no medicinal benefits.

Fact: Over 2500 doctors and over 500K Floridians would disagree with this statement. For centuries marijuana has been used for medicinal benefits. Medicinal marijuana provides array of benefits for patients, from the ability to treat epilepsy, anxiety disorders, chronic pain and even symptoms of cancer. Even FDA has understood the potential and has approved one cannabis-derived drug product: Epidiolex (cannabidiol), and three synthetic cannabis-related drug products: Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone). These approved drug products are only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Myth 3: I will get addicted to medical marijuana.

Fact: This is a very valid concern that patients have and fortunately using medical marijuana responsibly and with a doctor’s recommendation poses a low risk of addiction. Medical Marijuana has a very low dependency rate compared to other drugs, alcohol or even tobacco. Like any medical treatment, there is some risk associated with marijuana. However, most healthcare professionals consider it to be a safe option for managing a variety of conditions.

Myth 4: Medical marijuana causes brain damage.

Fact: New research on marijuana consumption has overwhelmingly supported the fact that marijuana use does not  appear to cause permanent brain damage, and can be used as an effective treatment for a wide range of diseases. The study was conducted by psychiatrist Igor Grant, MD. who admitted being surprised by their finding especially since there’s been a controversy for some years on whether long-term cannabis use causes brain damage

Myth 5: You can overdose on medical marijuana.

Fact: To date, there have not been any reported deaths resulting solely from cannabis use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Marijuana is like any other medicine — you must take it in moderation to get the most out of it. When you practice safe medicating, you will have much fewer problems to worry about compared to most medications. Ask your doctor to prescribe a CBD heavy medication if this is one of your concerns.

At Genesis Medical Clinic, we are committed to helping our patients acquire their Medical Marijuana Cards and begin getting the relief they both need and deserve from medical marijuana.

 

GenAdministrator, M. C. (2021, March 31). 5 common myths about medical marijuana. Genesis Medical Clinic. Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://mygenesismedical.com/5-common-myths-about-medical-marijuana/

by Adrian McNeal

New medical marijuana campaign launches in Idaho for 2024 ballot

A new state-level campaign to legalize medical marijuana in Idaho has kicked off, with advocates hoping to place an initiative on the 2024 ballot.

The proposed ballot measure – filed Aug. 16 with the Idaho secretary of state’s office by Kind Idaho – is dubbed the Idaho Medical Marijuana Act of 2024.

Backers said the initiative is “nearly identical” to one they previously attempted to place on the 2022 ballot, which fell short for several reasons.

If the new measure is ultimately successful, it would:

  • Legalize medical marijuana for qualifying patients, including those with chronic pain, cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder and about a dozen other ailments.
  • Establish a non-vertically integrated market structure, with dispensaries, caregivers, manufacturers and growers, including a residency requirement for at least one principal officer of a given company.
  • The measure contains no license caps, but instead leaves most industry rulemaking to the state Department of Health and Welfare.

The Kind Idaho campaign said in a video posted to Facebook that the next step is to revisit the secretary of state’s office in about five weeks to “pick up and review the changes that the (attorney general) suggests.”

In the interim, the campaign will continue fundraising for the effort, spokespeople said.

“Nov. 1 is our target date. That’s when we want to start collecting (signatures), that’s when we need donations, funds, money rolling in so we can make sure … this petition moves along smoothly,” a campaign spokesperson said.

 

John Schroyer, C. C., Long, A., Sacirbey, O., Lamers, M., & Schaneman, B. (2022, August 22). New Medical Marijuana Campaign launches in Idaho for 2024 ballot. MJBizDaily. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://mjbizdaily.com/new-medical-marijuana-campaign-launches-in-idaho-for-2024-ballot/

by Adrian McNeal

9 Cannabis Recipes to Try at Home

When you think of cooking with cannabis, the first thing that comes to mind might be the ultimate classic—pot brownies. However, with the help of cannabutter and cannabis-infused olive oil, you can pull off plenty of other recipes, too, spanning from breakfast to dinner. Try your hand at cannabis-infused brioche French toast for a relaxing (and decadent) start to your morning, or a soothing mug of cannabis-infused tea. For dinner, cannabis-infused pasta with clams and green chiles is a fun way to experiment in the kitchen. And if you're in the mood for brownies? Don't worry, we have a recipe for those as well, plus blondies if you want to switch it up. Read on for all nine of our culinary cannabis recipes.

Note: As cannabis regulation continues to evolve across the United States and around the world, please consult your local laws.

1 of 9

Premium Cannabutter

Making cannabutter is a time-honored way of infusing cannabis into food, since so many recipes include butter as an ingredient. But not all cannabutters are created equal. Before cannabis can be used in a recipe, it must be "activated" or, in a technical sense, decarboxylated, to maximize its benefits. Traditionally, decarbing meant heating the buds at a low temperature for two to three hours in the oven. But this method can destroy flavor and lead to bitterness. But thankfully, there's a better (and more delicious) way. Decarbing using the sous-vide technique eliminates the uneven and often harsh heat of the old-school method and preserves the fragrant, floral compounds in cannabis known as terpenes. Here's how to make this cannabutter step by step. Recipes for Cannabis-Infused Jam-Stuffed Brioche French Toast, Buttered Pasta with Clams and Green Chiles, or Citrus-Caramel Blondies are great places to start cooking with it. Note: As cannabis regulation continues to evolve across the United States and around the world, please consult your local laws.

Ingredients

3.5 grams cannabis flower (about 1/8 ounce)
3 tablespoons distilled water
1 cup unsalted butter (8 ounces), preferably organic and grass-fed

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Directions

  • Set immersion circulator to 200°F and place in a medium saucepan filled with tap water. Grind the cannabis buds into small pieces and place in the vacuum-sealable bag with 3 tablespoons distilled water. Using the vacuum sealer, seal the bag completely.

  • When the circulator reaches 200°F, drop the sealed bag into the water and decarb for 30 minutes, turning the bag every 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the cannabis is submerged in water.

  • Transfer the bag to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve the terpenes; let cool. Melt butter in a small saucepan; add cannabis, and simmer, stirring often, for 20 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the butter mixture steep for another 30 minutes.

  • Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a shallow container with an airtight lid. You’ll have 12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) of cannabutter, with about 43mg of THC per tablespoon based on a 20% THC strain. Keep refrigerated and use it within 30 days.

2 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Tea with Rose and Lavender

Ingredients

Cannabis Tincture

Tea Blend

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 220F; spread cannabis on a small baking sheet. Bake cannabis for 45 minutes; transfer to a bowl and let cool.

  • Pour alcohol into an 8-ounce glass jar and secure the lid. Separately, place jar and cannabis in the freezer for 1 hour. Add cannabis to alcohol in jar, seal tightly and shake tincture vigorously for several minutes. Return jar to the freezer for 24 hours, shaking jar at least 3 or 4 times during that period.

  • Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large liquid measuring cup with a spout; line strainer with a paper coffee filter. Pour tincture through filter; discard filter. Using a small funnel, pour tincture into four 2-ounce dark-glass dropper bottles. Tincture is ready to use immediately, although it will become more potent (but darker and more bitter) over time. Store tincture in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.

  • To make the tea blend, combine the tea ingredients and store in an airtight container until ready to use. To prepare a cup of tea, steep 1 teaspoon of tea blend in 1½ cups of boiling water until infused, about 5 minutes (or according to preference). Stir in cannabis tincture to your taste (see below for THC dosage information) and sweeten as desired.

     

3 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Citrus-Caramel Blondies

Ingredients

Caramel

Blondies

Directions

Make the Caramel

  • In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of water and bring to a boil. Using a wet pastry brush, wash down any crystals on the side of the pan. Boil the syrup over moderately high heat until a deep amber caramel forms, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately whisk in the cream, butter and Maldon sea salt. Let the caramel cool to room temperature.

Make the Blondies

  • Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray an 8-inch square metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line the pan with parchment paper, allowing 1 inch of overhang on 2 opposite sides; spray the paper. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the kosher salt and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk the unsalted butter, Premium Cannabutter, and brown sugar until combined, then whisk in the eggs and orange zest. Add the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated.

  • Spread the batter in the prepared pan in an even layer. Drizzle the caramel over the top, then swirl it decoratively using a toothpick. Bake the blondie for 25 to 30 minutes, until it is golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool completely. Lift the blondie out by the overhanging parchment and peel off the paper. Cut into bars and serve.

Make Ahead

The blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Each serving contains about 8 mg THC based on the Premium Cannabutter recipe and a 20% THC strain of cannabis.

Maldon sea salt has a great crunch and a remarkably subtle, briny flavor. It is available at most grocery stores and online.

This recipe was developed in partnership with Kitchen Toke, the first media company dedicated to teaching people about culinary cannabis for health and wellness.

4 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil

Ingredients

Directions

  • Set the immersion circulator to 200°F and place in a medium saucepan filled halfway with water. Grind the cannabis buds into small pieces and place in the vacuum-sealable bag with the distilled water. Using the vacuum sealer, seal the bag completely. When the circulator reaches 200°F, drop the sealed bag into the water and decarb for 30 minutes, rotating the bag every 5 to 10 minutes.

  • Transfer the bag to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and to preserve the terpenes; let cool. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl; strain and reserve the cannabis, discarding the liquid.

  • In a small saucepan, combine oil and cannabis in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat; continue to cook for 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove saucepan from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes more.

  • Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a resealable heat-proof food container with an airtight lid. Keep refrigerated and use within 30 days.

     

5 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Pasta with Clams and Green Chiles

Ingredients

Directions

  • In a blender, combine 1/2 cup of the olive oil with 1/4 cup of the mint and the parsley and chives and puree until smooth. Strain the herb oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing on the solids; discard the solids in the sieve.

  • In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until nearly smoking. Add the poblanos, Cubanelle, shishitos and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until blistered in spots and just softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced shallot, minced garlic and capers and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until just softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool slightly, then stir in the herb oil.

  • In a large pot, toast the mixed spices over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the sliced shallots and crushed garlic, then carefully add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the clam juice and bring to a boil. Add the clams, cover and steam over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the clams open, about 10 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the clams to a large rimmed baking sheet to cool slightly, then remove the meat from the shells; discard the shells and any clams that do not open. Strain the clam cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl; discard the solids.

  • Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain well.

  • Wipe out the pot. Add the butter and cook until melted. Add the clams, chile mixture, pasta, crème fraîche and 1/2 cup of the strained clam cooking liquid and cook over moderately high heat, tossing, until hot, about 3 minutes. Stir in the Premium Cannabutter, lime juice, and the remaining 1/2 cup of mint and season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowls, garnish with more mint and the wasabi masago and serve right away.

     

6 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil Citrus Cake

Ingredients

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper; lightly grease and flour pan. Set aside. Whisk together cake flour, semolina flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine sugar, extra-virgin olive oil, Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil, milk, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and the vanilla bean paste. Beat on medium until well combined, about 2 minutes. With mixer still on medium, add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined, about 30 seconds. Using a rubber spatula, scrape whisk attachment to release any trapped citrus zest and fold it into the batter.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until risen in the middle and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, 32 to 38 minutes. Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes; run a knife along the edge and invert onto a plate. Flip cake, top-side up, to the wire rack to cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.

  • Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon orange zest in a small bowl. Set wire rack with cake over a parchment-lined sheet pan. Pour glaze over cake and gently spread to the edges using a small offset spatula, allowing some of the glaze to drip down the sides of the cake. Let stand until glaze hardens, at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Transfer cake to a serving plate. Garnish with citrus just before serving.

7 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

Ingredients

  • Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat sugar, cocoa powder and both types of oil in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-low until evenly moistened and mixture resembles wet sand, about 1 minute. With mixer on medium-low, add eggs, one at a time, beating until well combined after each addition, stopping to scrape sides of bowl as needed. Stir in vanilla bean paste. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture. Beat until well combined, 30 to 45 seconds, stopping to scrape sides of bowl as needed. Cover and chill dough at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days).

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper (or work in batches with 1 or 2 baking sheets). Place powdered sugar in a small shallow bowl. Spray a 1 3/4-inch cookie scoop with cooking spray; scoop dough and drop a ball into the powdered sugar and roll to generously coat. Transfer dough ball to a baking sheet. Press a pretzel into the center of the dough ball, gently flattening to form a 2-inch disc. Repeat with remaining dough, powdered sugar and pretzels, spraying scoop with cooking spray as needed and spacing dough discs at least 1 ½ inches apart. Freeze dough discs, uncovered, on baking sheets for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour).

  • Bake cookies in batches in preheated oven until puffy and just set, about 12 minutes for soft and fudgy cookies or 14 minutes for a firmer, cake-like texture. Let cookies cool completely on baking sheets, about 30 minutes. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

     

8 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Salted Caramel Fudge Brownies

Ingredients

CARAMEL
BROWNIES

Directions

Make the caramel

  • In a medium saucepan, cook the sugar with the water over moderate heat, swirling the pan frequently, until a dark amber caramel forms. Slowly drizzle in the cream, then whisk in the butter and sea salt. Transfer the caramel to a small bowl and refrigerate until thickened, about 2 hours.

Make the brownies

  • Preheat the oven to 325°. Lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan. Melt 14 tablespoons of butter, plus 2 tablespoons cannabutter in a heatproof medium bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water. Add the chopped chocolate, the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt and stir until smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the eggs. Add the flour and stir until just incorporated. Line baking pan with parchment. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake the brownies for about 40 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Transfer the pan to a rack and let cool completely.

  • Invert the brownies onto a cutting board and cut in half to form 2 rectangles. Spread the chilled caramel over 1 rectangle, then top with the other rectangle. Cut into 12 bars and serve immediately

Make Ahead

The caramel can be refrigerated for 2 weeks. The brownies can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 1 month.

9 of 9

Cannabis-Infused Brioche French Toast

Ingredients

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°. In a small bowl, stir together jam and Cannabutter. Cut a 2-inch pocket in the side of each brioche slice; spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of jam mixture into each one.

  • In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with the cream, granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of fleur de sel.

  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Dip 2 slices of the stuffed brioche in the egg mixture and soak until saturated. Add to the skillet and cook over moderate heat until nicely browned on both sides, about 2 minutes. Transfer the French toast to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining butter, brioche and egg mixture.

  • Bake the French toast for about 5 minutes, until cooked through. Transfer to plates and sift confectioners’ sugar evenly on top. Dollop crème fraîche and strawberry jam on the French toast. Squeeze a little lemon juice over each slice and sprinkle with fleur de sel. Serve right away.

     

Editors, F. & W. (2021). 9 cannabis recipes to try at home. Food & Wine. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/cannabis-recipes

by Adrian McNeal

Medical Marijuana FAQ

While every state has laws dictating the use of medical marijuana, more than two thirds of U.S. states and the District of Columbia have actually legalized it for medical treatments and more are considering bills to do the same. Yet while many people are using marijuana, the FDA has only approved it for treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. 

Why hasn't more research been done? One reason is that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers marijuana a Schedule I drug, the same as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, and likely to be abused and lacking in medical value. Because of that, researchers need a special license to study it, says Marcel Bonn-Miller, PhD, a substance abuse specialist at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

That may not change anytime soon. The DEA considered reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule II drug like Ritalin or oxycodone, but decided to keep it as a Schedule I drug.

The agency did, however, agree to support additional research on marijuana and make the process easier for researchers."Research is critically needed, because we have to be able to advise patients and doctors on the safe and effective use of cannabis," Bonn-Miller says.

He shared some background on medical marijuana's uses and potential side effects.

What is medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana uses the marijuana plant or chemicals in it to treat diseases or conditions. It's basically the same product as recreational marijuana, but it's taken for medical purposes.

The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it.

What is medical marijuana used for?

Researchers are studying whether medical marijuana can help treat a number of conditions including:

But it’s not yet proven to help many of these conditions, with a few exceptions, Bonn-Miller says.

"The greatest amount of evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis relate to its ability to reduce chronic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and spasticity [tight or stiff muscles] from MS," Bonn-Miller says.

How does it help?

Cannabinoids -- the active chemicals in medical marijuana -- are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain.

Limited research suggests cannabinoids might:

  • Reduce anxiety
  • Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
  • Control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy
  • Kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth
  • Relax tight muscles in people with MS
  • Stimulate appetite and improve weight gain in people with cancer and AIDS

Can medical marijuana help with seizure disorders?

Medical marijuana received a lot of attention a few years ago when parents said that a special form of the drug helped control seizures in their children. The FDA recently approved Epidiolex, which is made from CBD, as a therapy for people with very severe or hard-to-treat seizures. In studies, some people had a dramatic drop in seizures after taking this drug.

Has the FDA approved medical marijuana?

The cannabidiol Epidiolex was approved in 2018 for treating seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. In addition, the FDA has approved two man-made cannabinoid medicines -- dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) and nabilone (Cesamet) -- to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

How do you take it?

To take medical marijuana, you can:

  • Smoke it
  • Inhale it through a device called a vaporizer that turns it into a mist
  • Eat it -- for example, in a brownie or lollipop
  • Apply it to your skin in a lotion, spray, oil, or cream
  • Place a few drops of a liquid under your tongue

How you take it is up to you. Each method works differently in your body. "If you smoke or vaporize cannabis, you feel the effects very quickly," Bonn-Miller says. "If you eat it, it takes significantly longer. It can take 1 to 2 hours to experience the effects from edible products."

Casarella, J. (2021). Medical marijuana FAQ. WebMD. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq

by Adrian McNeal

New Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative Filed For 2024 Ballot, With Backing Of State’s Largest Medical Cannabis Company

A new industry-led campaign in Florida filed a marijuana legalization initiative aimed at the 2024 ballot on Monday.

Past attempts to place adult-use legalization on the Florida ballot have been challenged and rejected by the state Supreme Court. But the Smart & Safe Florida political committee says the language of their proposed amendment to the state’s marijuana law will avoid such a contest and prevail.

The initiative is being backed by the state’s largest medical cannabis operator Trulieve, along with musicians with the country band The Bellamy Brothers, who are featured in an initial ad for the effort that talks about the economic opportunities and civil liberties implications of recreational legalization.

If approved, the measure would allow existing medical cannabis companies like Trulieve to begin selling marijuana to all adults over 21. It contains a provision that would allow—but not require—lawmakers to take steps toward the approval of additional businesses. Home cultivation by consumers would not be allowed under the proposal as drafted.

The campaign filed paperwork to get approval to begin signature gathering with the state Division of Elections on Monday, The News Service of Florida first reported. In order to qualify for the 2024 ballot, activists will need to collect about 900,000 valid signatures from registered voters.

If approved, the measure would allow existing medical cannabis companies like Trulieve to begin selling marijuana to all adults over 21. It contains a provision that would allow—but not require—lawmakers to take steps toward the approval of additional businesses. Home cultivation by consumers would not be allowed under the proposal as drafted.

The campaign filed paperwork to get approval to begin signature gathering with the state Division of Elections on Monday, The News Service of Florida first reported. In order to qualify for the 2024 ballot, activists will need to collect about 900,000 valid signatures from registered voters.

Under the proposal, adults 21 and older would be able to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis, only five grams of which could be marijuana concentrate products. The three-page measure also omits equity provisions favored by advocates such as expungements or other relief for people with prior cannabis convictions.

Trulieve is providing initial seed money to the tune of $5 million to get the campaign off the ground. But the company’s CEO Kim Rivers said that they expect other industry stakeholders to get involved on the financial side of the campaign as well.

While Florida voters approved a medical cannabis constitutional amendment in 2016, subsequent attempts to place broader legalization on the ballot have been rejected by the state Supreme Court, which has ruled that the language of proposed measures by Make It Legal Florida and Sensible Florida were misleading, invalidating them.

“Every initiative has provided some level of learning,” Rivers told the News Service of Florida. “With this initiative, the authors have taken a hard look at the Supreme Court rulings surrounding the previous efforts and taken that into consideration. We believe it’s a very appropriate and narrowly focused amendment that does defer appropriately to the legislature.”

Trulieve is providing initial seed money to the tune of $5 million to get the campaign off the ground. But the company’s CEO Kim Rivers said that they expect other industry stakeholders to get involved on the financial side of the campaign as well.

While Florida voters approved a medical cannabis constitutional amendment in 2016, subsequent attempts to place broader legalization on the ballot have been rejected by the state Supreme Court, which has ruled that the language of proposed measures by Make It Legal Florida and Sensible Florida were misleading, invalidating them.

“Every initiative has provided some level of learning,” Rivers told the News Service of Florida. “With this initiative, the authors have taken a hard look at the Supreme Court rulings surrounding the previous efforts and taken that into consideration. We believe it’s a very appropriate and narrowly focused amendment that does defer appropriately to the legislature.”

Jaeger, Kyle. “New Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative Filed for 2024 Ballot, with Backing of State’s Largest Medical Cannabis Company.” Marijuana Moment, 8 Aug. 2022, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-florida-marijuana-legalization-initiative-filed-for-2024-ballot-with-backing-of-states-largest-medical-cannabis-company/

by Adrian McNeal