Cannabis infused foods are a hot topic of discussion this year but given the slow rate at which legislation is evolving, this doesn’t mean they will be readily available.
While many countries are moving forward at a fast rate with cannabis legalisation, even the most proactive countries like Canada are only just getting around to dealing with edibles after the legalisation of marijuana in 2018.
Culinary cannabis
As the use of cannabis becomes legal and less stigmatised around the world, there is a growing demand from consumers to sample cannabis in food.
Some muffin making experts may say this is not new, but today’s consumers are seeking more sophisticated menu items alongside new culinary experiences with a focus on the ingredients, presentation and skilled preparation techniques.
Currently, some cannabis loving chefs keep a low profile by using Airbnb locations to cook cannabis infused meals for guests. They often use cannabis oil as a key ingredient as its tasteless and odourless qualities give consumers a more traditional dining experience and one that is not too confronting.
Some restaurants in America are also dabbling in cannabis cuisines, from chains like Carl’s Jnr selling a limited edition burger with CBD-infused sauce to the first Cannabis Cafe in Hollywood, where guests can choose how much THC oil to add to their dish.
Will you get high?
It depends what you eat! While there are are over 100 active ingredients found in cannabis, CBD and THC are the most well known. CBD is the ingredient of choice for most food and beverage makers because unlike THC it isn’t psychoactive, meaning its consumption won’t get you high.
That said, CBD has been said to carry a range of claims from treating and easing the symptoms of serious medical conditions to aiding in relaxation. It is still early days but the industry is going through a research and efficacy period that will add more science and proof to these claims.
The future of cannabis foods
We predict that within the next decade, cannabis will become solidified within consumers’ daily routines, whether as an ingredient contained in food or drink or as part of wellness enhancement products.
Just as we have witnessed the growth of plant based foods in recent years, cannabis will add another dimension to our culinary and wellbeing choices.
To learn more about the future of cannabis foods and how you might be able to incorporate them into your offering, get in touch.