Cannabinoid Cuisine

written by Nicky Plank Certified Ganjier @misskanjie og

Beyond Brownies…Cannabis and Food

Remember your first infused brownie or cookie? What a treat! 30 to 45 minutes later, you get the sneaks!

We’ve come a long way since the Brownie Mary’s and Sticky Finger brownie days, now we can easily purchase all types of edibles in our legal market from the savory to the sweet and everything in between. Some with great flavor and substance and with better bioavailability for better and faster absorption, others while still lacking in the flavor and taste still deliver the psychoactivity we desire. Along with new technologies, flavor enhancements and deliverability, cannabis has been showing up in gourmet dinners with more palatability and sophistication.

Infused vs. Paired

Is there a difference? Well, yes there is. While cannabis is used as an ingredient in both infused and paired dinners, the way in which it is used differs. Infusions add THC and/or other cannabinoids directly into the food for consumption while Pairings comprise of a selected strain which has been chosen based on cannabinoid and terpene profile to achieve enhancement consumed via smoke or vape directly before food consumption, similar to wine pairings.

Beyond the difference in techniques used, the experience and results differ However, as most of us have experienced, our body’s absorption of cannabinoids in infused foods may take longer than desired, and/or have negative consequences Although and positively, the industry has developed technologies for quicker absorption and dissolution of the cannabis after taste by means of Nano technology and terpenes, infusions are meant to be eaten without accompaniments

Our bodies assimilation of cannabinoids through inhalation is almost immediate and this results in a rapid onset Pairings are intended to enhance food and cannabis selections by means of Terpenes and noncannabis-based Cannabinoids for an entourage effect and are intended for cannabis consumption immediately before or after consuming food When the right pairings occur, it’s a symphony for your body and palate

Terpenes and Cannabinoids

So, what’s the deal with Terpenes? Terpenes are organic molecules found in plants, like fruits, vegetables, and herbs which are responsible for the aromatic smell and also deliver specific functions such as attraction to pollinators and distraction of pests. Terpene essences also compliment desired effects such as energy, calmness, focus, and creativity to mention a few, which are achieved by introduction via scent stimulation or oral consumption. Think of lemons and oranges, their scent is refreshing, uplifting and conjures memories of summer and sunshine; that’s a terpene called Limonene. How about ginger for an upset stomach? That’s camphene doing its job of pain relief. Chamomile? Bisabolol is in charge here providing anti-inflammatory magic while Lavender, with Linalool, sedates and has anti-anxiety properties to calm. Cannabinoids? Well, they are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. There are over 100 (ongoing research may increase this number) but, the most researched are THC, THCV, CBD, and CBN; their job is to stimulate and enhance the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS connects the brain and the body, impacts how the body responds to stimuli and helps keep your body in balance.

Cannabinoid Cuisine

It is a popular belief that Cannabis in food is a newer concept, however, it is not. Many civilizations have used cannabinoids for medical purposes Ancient Greeks and Romans used cannabinoids to improve memory, decrease sexual desire (yes, they were a horny bunch), relief cramps and many other ailments; The Chinese used cannabisbased tea to treat joint pain and gout in 2000 BC, and the Middle East and Africa used cannabis for glaucoma, anesthesia, inflammation, and as a calming agent, 1200600 BC.

Utilizing cannabinoid rich foods and terpenes in cuisine increase stimulation of your ECS (Endocannabinoid System) and enhance effects Whether you choose mind altering or psychoactive cannabinoids, or for medicinal and/or therapeutic effects, Cannabinoid Cuisine will allow you to get the physical benefits without the negative connotations As recent research has shown that cannabinoids work better together, adding cannabinoid rich foods and terpenes that are paired with the flower of your choice will provide a cascade effect, an entourage However, if you are a THC consumer and enjoy the mind altering or pain alleviating effects, Cannabinoid Cuisine is the cream, the sauce, the icing!

Pairing, is an art, a clean canvas where flower is the brush, and cannabinoids and terpenes are the paint.

Next time your tummy aches, smoke some Blue Dream or Durban Poison, and make some ginger tea.

Citations

Major cannabinoids list and their effects. (n.d.). Dutch-Passion.com. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://dutch-passion.com/en/blog/major-cannabinoids-list-and-their-effects-n1033

What We Know About Marijuana (2022, April 22) Www cdc gov https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/what-weknow html#:~:text=The%20cannabis%20plant%20contains%20more

Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2019) Cannabinoids - Alcohol and Drug Foundation Adf org au https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cannabinoids/

Chef Daniel Green, & Dr Joseph Feuerstein (2022) The Cannabinoid Cookbook Mango Media Inc.