When you live in a state that has legalized recreational use, you are permitted to share and serve cannabis, with a few legal restrictions. Have you thought about hosting a cannabis dinner party? If you love to cook, it can be a great experience for yourself or for friends and family.
Understanding Cannabis Dosages for Cooking Infused Meals
When you serve any food or beverages that contain a controlled substance, such as alcohol and cannabis, you need to exercise caution. It can be easy to serve too much or a higher-than-average potency if more than one recipe is infused with cannabis.
Not every item on your infused dinner party menu needs to be made with a cannabis infusion. The goal should not be maximizing the opportunity for impairment (that’s dangerous) but striking the right balance between infused foods and non-infused items and enjoying pairing different flavors for a unique tasting menu.
Remember that many strains of cannabis can stimulate appetite. Getting a case of “the munchies” may cause people to consume more than they intended and have a negative experience as a result. However, because the body’s reaction to cannabis is similar to dopamine (the happiness hormone), the food served at your cannabis dinner party may stimulate your taste buds and make everything taste really good.
Safe Consumption Levels and Tolerance Considerations
At the very few legal cannabis restaurants in America, the rule of thumb is to create an experience without leaving patrons excessively impaired from THC consumption. First, when you consume too much THC, the effects can be unpleasant and cause nausea, vomiting, paranoia, anxiety, or other unexpected outcomes.
When you are preparing for your dinner party, make sure to discuss cannabis tolerance with your guests before they arrive. Are they regular cannabis users? What potency of medical cannabis or recreational marijuana products do they use most often? That can give you an indication of the maximum potency of cannabis you should use when preparing the meal.
First Time Consumption and Medication Precautions
If you have a few people on your guest list who have never consumed cannabis before, exercise extreme caution and assist them to make sure they do not overindulge. People who have not established any level of tolerance for cannabis can become uncomfortably impaired. Edible cannabis hits stronger for inexperienced cannabis users, and the effects can last seven hours or longer.
Another important safety check is to remind your guests before they arrive, that cannabis can interact with certain medications. Blood thinners and drugs prescribed for cardiovascular or heart conditions conflict with cannabis and can cause serious adverse reactions that may be life-threatening. Do your due diligence to check with your guests, and make sure you offer non-infused foods as an alternative.
Choosing the Right Strains for a Cannabis-Infused Dinner Party
Before you head to the dispensary to choose your raw cannabis flower, take some time to consider how much you will be using, the THC content or potency, and the strains that may work best for your cannabis-infused menu.
The Problem With Indica Strain Infusions
Indica-dominant cannabis strains can be highly sedative for most people. Unless you are planning a sleepover party where your guests do not have to leave, it may not be the best type of cannabis to create your delicious tasting menu.
Another thing to consider about choosing Indica strains to cook with is that they are more likely to stimulate appetite than the average strain. If you want your guests to nosh in moderation (without consuming too much), an Indica-infused meal is not the best idea.
Sativa Strains for a Successful Cannabis Dinner Party
Choosing a Sativa strain may be your best option. Sativa-dominant cannabis tends to be relaxing but also uplifting, and the psychoactive effects can make people feel more talkative and sociable. That’s perfect for a fun cannabis dinner party!
Keep in mind that hybrid strains may provide more balanced psychoactive effects. A pure Sativa strain may cause an uncomfortable surge in energy and potentially stimulate feelings of anxiety or paranoia. Consider choosing a hybrid strain that has a 50:50 or 60:40 ratio of Sativa and Indica.
Planning the Menu and Recipe Ideas
Making a batch of cannabis butter is the easiest way to infuse just about any food you prepare in your kitchen. Think mashed potatoes with cannabis butter. You can also prepare cannabis-infused oil at home, using coconut oil or olive oil (salad dressing) to cook it.
Some people create amazing dishes using reduced balsamic vinegar as a glaze, which can be steeped in cannabis flower. Gravies are another easy way to add THC to your meal, but there are limitless ways to have fun in the kitchen and create a full meal with explosive flavors.
Here are some fresh recipe ideas you may want to try from food bloggers and Massachusetts medical cannabis dispensaries near you:
- Not Your Mom’s Pot Roast (Rise Dispensaries)
- Distillate Infused Pancakes (NETA)
- MAC Firecrackers (Mass Alternative Care)
- Cannabis Infused Pasta With Clams and Green Chiles (Food & Wine)
- Steak With Cannabis-Infused Carmelized Onions (Terpene Journey)
Design your perfect cannabis dinner party, make your guest list, and enjoy creating an exceptional tasting menu at home, putting your own creative culinary spin on classic recipes.
Natural Terpene Profiles That Can Enhance Psychoactive Effects
When you are cooking with cannabis, don’t forget that there are natural terpenes that can enhance the physical and psychoactive effects of THC. Some terpenes help mellow down the “high” you experience and reduce negative side effects (such as nausea or symptoms of anxiety). Other terpenes can amplify those effects, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the potency of your food combinations.
Mangoes (Myrcene)
Mangoes are rich in myrcene, a terpene noted for its sedative and muscle-relaxant properties. Consuming mangoes about an hour before using cannabis can enhance the absorption of THC into the bloodstream, potentially leading to a quicker onset and more intense effects.
Myrcene can also prolong the psychoactive experience, making it an excellent addition for those seeking a more profound and extended cannabis high. This terpene is responsible for the earthy and musky notes in mangoes, contributing to the overall sensory experience at your cannabis dinner party.
Lemongrass (Myrcene)
Similar to mangoes, lemongrass contains high levels of myrcene, which can boost the effects of THC. Including lemongrass in your meals or beverages before consuming cannabis can enhance the psychoactive effects, providing a more relaxed and mellow high.
Lemongrass is also known for its citrusy aroma and flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in both culinary and medicinal preparations. Its calming properties make it a perfect choice for those looking to amplify the relaxing aspects of cannabis.
Thyme (Caryophyllene)
Thyme is abundant in caryophyllene, a unique terpene that can act as a cannabinoid by binding directly to CB2 receptors in the body. This interaction can amplify the effects of cannabis, contributing to a more balanced and potentially therapeutic experience.
Caryophyllene is also known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can complement the pain-relief effects of THC. Incorporating thyme into your dishes can enhance both the flavor and the cannabis-infused dinner party experience.
Black Pepper (Caryophyllene)
Black pepper also contains caryophyllene, which not only enhances the effects of THC but can also help mitigate anxiety or paranoia that sometimes accompanies high THC levels. The spicy, pungent flavor of black pepper pairs well with various foods, making it an easy addition to any cannabis-infused meal. By incorporating black pepper, you can potentially achieve a more balanced and enjoyable high, reducing the risk of negative side effects.
Lemons (Limonene)
Lemons are rich in limonene, a terpene known for its uplifting and mood-enhancing properties. Consuming lemon-based foods or drinks can elevate your mood and potentially enhance the euphoric effects of cannabis. Limonene is also thought to aid in the absorption of other terpenes and cannabinoids, making it a valuable component in a cannabis-infused meal. The fresh, citrusy flavor of lemons can invigorate the senses and enhance the overall cannabis experience.
Oranges (Limonene)
Oranges, like lemons, are high in limonene, which can boost the euphoric and mood-lifting effects of cannabis. Including oranges in your diet can help enhance the psychoactive experience, providing a more joyful and energetic high.
Limonene’s bright citrus aroma and taste can also add a refreshing element to your cannabis-infused dishes or drinks. This terpene’s potential to elevate mood makes it a great choice for social gatherings and enhances the overall dining experience.
Rosemary (Pinene)
Rosemary is a rich source of pinene, a terpene known for its alertness-enhancing and memory-aiding properties. When combined with cannabis, pinene can help counteract some of the memory-impairing effects of THC while enhancing focus and mental clarity.
Rosemary’s aromatic and pine-like flavor makes it a versatile herb in cooking. It can add depth to your dishes while potentially creating a more balanced and focused high. Including rosemary in your meal can help you achieve a more alert and mindful cannabis experience.
Basil (Linalool)
Basil contains linalool, a terpene recognized for its calming and anti-anxiety properties. When used alongside cannabis, linalool can enhance the relaxing and soothing effects, providing a more tranquil and balanced high.
The sweet, aromatic flavor of basil pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it an excellent addition to your cannabis-infused meal. Linalool’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety can contribute to a more pleasant and enjoyable cannabis experience, perfect for a relaxed cannabis dinner party.
Cannabis Infused Dinner Party Beverages
When you are serving beverages, like infused foods, make sure to clearly label which items have THC content to allow your guests to moderate their consumption. There are a variety of different ways you can create and prepare THC beverages, including mulled wine (steeping raw cannabis) and pre-mixed cocktails where you can add the appropriate dose of cannabis tincture.
Looking for some delicious and creative infused beverage ideas? Zen Leaf dispensaries has shared some delicious cannabis drink recipes for summer.
Cannabis Dinner Party Hosting Tips and Etiquette
Communicate your menu with guests before they arrive. As you lay out the appetizers and main dishes, ensure each guest understands the variable potency levels used when preparing the meal. Remember to be a good host and clearly label psychoactive foods at your cannabis-infused dinner party.
Don’t forget to provide other meal items that do not contain cannabis for first-timers who may want alternative meal options. For people who are new to using cannabis, when it comes to edibles, a little goes a long way.
If you live in a household with children, make sure to label the leftovers accordingly and keep your cannabis-infused foods out of their reach. Children are very susceptible to adverse health events following consumption of cannabis, even at lower doses.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
