Some folks know I've been dabbling in cooking with cannabis a bit over the last several years. Much to the surprise of our sons and Mr. M. I've even looked at retirement job opportunities in the industry and haven't yet ruled it out. However, in the course of my trials and triumphs there have been some lessons learned that will be cause for amusement...
My first time at a cannabis dispensary was with a friend in the medical field. WE were literally like kids in a candy store - and didn't realize there was a limit to how much product you could buy in a single visit. NOW we know how to work around that rule...
She was caring for her grandmother who would often forget to eat or forget if she had eaten and grandma's MD was concerned about her recent dramatic weight loss as a result. We purchased some small single serving chocolates and caramels for G-ma. She gained 8 pounds that month with the appetite stimulation. She was eating more volume and more often when taking a 1/2 dose twice daily. Of course, we had to sample the products and were quite giddy that evening... but slept like toddlers...
The cost is prohibitive for some, and ready made products are costly as well. This is why I chose to learn to generate my own products and self-test strains, edibles and topicals that worked well for my issues. I did not find smoking or vaping to be helpful as my lung system totally rejects that method of delivery. Topicals provide short-term relief and sublingual doses (1/2 ml dropperful AM/PM) provide the most consistent long-term pain relief for me, if consistently taken. If I miss 2 days, I'm right back where I started.
I tend to lean toward high CBD cannabis strains to self-treat migraines and joint pain (pun intended). The THC is the chemical that produces most of cannabis' psychological effects - the "High". CBD affect the nerve system the endocannabioid system that registers pain and inflammation. This video explains better the difference. I also use some 1:1 THC/CBD strains where the psychological effects are mitigated by the presence of CBD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZqVx1M3daQ
#1 - My first baking class was found through Living Social. Six very different women gathered at a private kitchen on a Saturday morning and made 4 different snack foods. We were not allowed to imbibe while cooking but soon realized that a contact high is possible just by not turning on the ventilation fan... rookie mistake. Licking the spoon or beaters is also a no-no in this venue... I was nearly booted from bake class for a violation.
#2 - When preparing raw "bud" for cooking it is wrapped in tin foil and then baked for 20 minutes at low consistent heat to "sweat the oil" from the terpines (plant cells). Then the plant is infused in a fat based liquid - butter, oil or honey are top choices. Do not UNDER ANY circumstances LICK the tin foil after baking the bud. Ancient ancestors and former pets were communed with on that day...
#3 - When baking several dishes of cannabis treats and sampling as you go - make SURE you have non cannabis infused snacks to cure the munchies. Otherwise, see you next Tuesday... Damn, nothing to nibble but more canna-kibble... Advanced preparation for baking IS necessary beyond just what is to be baked. Prep for the after effects... something else I SHOULD have learned in high school, but I was busy being boring.
#4 - When sampling homemade edibles for the FIRST time, cut into 1/4 pieces - take 1 and wait 1 hour before a second dose. And on packaged products, pay ATTENTION to dosing suggestions - if it says one and it looks like a Barbie-sized cookie; only take one - it can pack a wallop depending on the strain used. 'Well, two squares broke off and I'm not a newbie, I should be fine.' I'm seeing dead people and convinced Dan has a contract out to kill me... 2 hours later. This is why I stay away from THC products, 'paranoia will destroy ya...'
#5 - Get a set of Tupperware with GREEN lids and label EVERYTHING that has ANY cannabis in it. Once it's in the black hole of your freezer or fridge it's easy to utilize the wrong butter when making family dinner... or a major temptation in some family gatherings. YOU legally must tell anyone that there is cannabis in anything they eat and may not serve it to someone unknown.
#6 - Anything with cannabutter in it will have a "planty" odor or taste. Use other seasonings or sweeteners liberally. Using 1/2 infused product and 1/2 non-infused product will mellow the "bite".
#7 - When you clean up the "overspill" on gummies, candies or other edibles, factor that dose in to the ones you take after product is done.
#8 - When going to the dispensary, go on a slow day early in the AM, so you have all day to visit others to get the full gram you need to actually cook a decent amount of goods... also to have good service from your budtender...
#9 - Research strains online before you go to the dispensary - for sales as well as intended outcomes. Indica and Sativa strains have varying levels of chemicals that affect people differently.
#10 - IF you are going to cook with cannabis often, it's best to have a separate set of cookware and utensils that are seasoned each time you cook. Metal utensils will affect the overall taste. Ceramic, glass, bamboo are recommended. The bamboo will absorb a little essence every time used, but not in a detrimental way.
I've purchased a Magic Butter machine that keeps all the mess to a minimum and a separate small crockpot for infusing oil, honey and butter for later baking use. The Magic Butter machine looks like a small alien spacecraft and makes a heck of a racket, but effectively heats and infused the materials and even makes clean up pretty simple when one is jonesing for a power nap.
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