More Refined, Eclectic Edibles
Sugary confections are still in supply, from artisanal cotton candy made by San Diego’s B-Edibles to a multitude of scrumptious cookies available from Bay Area bakers Moonman’s Mistress. Their selection includes nut-free, vegan, CBD only, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and paleo options.
Any dispensary worth its kief now has a variety of sweets to rival Whole Foods in flavor and quality. But there’s also plenty if you aren’t big on dessert.
There’s Badfish, makers of Reef Jerky, a THC-infused brand of dried meat snacks that’s received several High Times Cannabis Cup accolades.
Need to impress your friends? Trophi has you covered with their vegan cannabis caviar, which utilizes an infused black truffle olive oil and carries a hefty taste of the sea.
To employ a tried and true cliché: when it comes to cannabis edibles, there’s now truly something for everyone.
Of course, these items represent only one aspect of cannabis’ movement from bong rip adolescence to high-end dining maturity.
Unique Cannabis Dining Experiences & Pairings
Mike and Stephanie Salman host a series of cannabis dining experiences they’ve dubbed “Dinner is Dope.” Essentially serving as a way to test items for possible future production, the Salmans have held dinners at various venues in legal medical cannabis states. A typical meal might include items like fried mac and cheese balls, chicken wings, ahi poke salad, and banana pudding, all infused with various cannabis oils.
Then there’s Sam Edwards who, for the past several years, has hosted wine and weed pairings near his Sonoma County home. In keeping with traditional wine tasting structure, no cannabis is consumed during these events, but is rather highlighted for its aroma and taste (attendees are encouraged to “dry hit” unlit joints). Though unorthodox, the pairings prove cannabis can be successfully incorporated into more upscale atmospheres.
By aligning the complex terpene profiles that dictate cannabis flavor with those of wine, Edwards is helping to rid marijuana of the stigma that’s long kept it from the reverence of its grape counterpart.
In a feature for SF Weekly, “Dinner is Dope” co-founder Mike Salman emphasized ensuring diners don’t over-medicate is a huge priority. “The timing is a big thing,” he confirmed. Eliminating consumption confusion and risk are now at the forefront of the edibles market.
Troublesome Restrictions & Regulations
“Micro-dosing”—maximizing small amounts of THC in a given bite—has become the new standard. It’ s been partially spawned by regulatory legislation drafted here in California, which most of the industry has accepted.
But rules capping edibles’ dosage aren’t as well received. One salient argument against this is that they exclude cancer patients who require substantially higher THC amounts for relief.
Packaging and branding issues also affect edibles manufacturers. These include laws prohibiting advertising and requiring child-friendly, see-through and resealable packaging (for multiple servings).
One current Colorado law requires that the edible is stamped with “THC,” a rule that The Cannifornian noted would prove impossible to follow for a brand like Auntie Dolores.
However, the move to regulate has given edibles an air of legitimacy they’ve never before had. Confidence in their safety and consistency is assuredly the reason San Francisco hosted the Cannabis Wedding Expo earlier this year.
Featuring cotton candy plus cakes, party favors and other themed items, the Expo represents just how far edibles have come. The idea of dosing consenting members of your wedding party would’ve likely resulted in disaster during a time before you could take a tin of Kiva’s Terra Bites—one of the most popular edibles on the market—and know every chocolate-coated morsel contains precisely 5mg.
While it’s wise to exercise caution when mixing cannabis with your nuptials, the marketplace’s modern evolution has made things less risky.
Will Culinary Cannabis Be Commercially Acceptable?
Perhaps the biggest question that remains is: what comes next?
Will states with legal adult-use be home to cannabis-centric restaurants? Will the James Beard awards add a new category acknowledging the country’s best culinary cannabis establishments and brands? Eventually will we be able to grab a box of Moonman’s Mistress cookies at 7-11?
How far cannabis will ultimately assimilate itself into our daily diet remains to be seen. But one factor seems certain: something new, delectable and enriched with THC is inevitably around the corner.
