Cooking with cannabis is a delightful experience, but it is not always the most straightforward. How much do I add, when do I add it, how do I make it taste good? There are typically ten or more steps involved in preparing, measuring, and infusing.

It is not unpleasant, but it is time-consuming and if you’re anything like me, messy. But stay with me, because I have found the fastest, easiest way to infuse your food every day. 

I’m proud to say that cannabis has been a happy part of my life for over fifty years. Yep, I’m old! At 15 I was smoking the occasional joint, sneaking it out of view of my mother who would have immediately disowned me. Now, I put a little cannabis in my food every day.

I still enjoy an occasional joint but only on days that end with ‘y.’

And, whereas I used to enjoy cannabis simply for its high, I now enjoy it for the health benefits and the flavors as well. I have a couple of serious health issues, a seizure disorder and I struggle with severe depression, and I found that a daily dose of cannabis helps me to manage both issues. 

Despite my long-term love affair with cannabis and food, it has been quite a journey to find my footing with the interplay of the two. I used to say that cooking with cannabis was akin to cooking with a foul-tasting herb.

With a few notable exceptions (white chocolate, peanut butter, and mushrooms are perfect companions to cannabis), I’ve never enjoyed the taste. That is so far from the truth now that all I can say is, “Cannabis, my love, I’m so sorry for all the hurtful things I’ve said.” 

My edible company, Laurie + MaryJane, started in the medical days when edibles were upwards of 500mg THC and taste became an immediate challenge. These were days of very little regulation and delightfully stoned budtenders.

Each week I would make infused treats for the budtenders and develop dishes for cannabis publications, trying new recipes and flavor combinations. It was a constant challenge to get just the right balance of flavors. 

Over time I found a few different flavor combinations from my spice cabinet that I would keep on hand for my edibles. One night, as I finished my joint, I believe it was a nice Peanut Butter Pie from Noble Farms, I had an epiphany. Instead of adding the spices to my cannabis, what if I added cannabis to my spices? And boom – Herb + Spice took form. 

A series of cannabis and hemp-infused spice blends, Herb + Spice is our newest product line, and I’ve never been so excited. These infused seasoning blends are the ideal way to incorporate CBD or a combination of CBD and THC, into your food life.

The reason that I am completely, madly, in love with this product is that we use cannabis and hemp as a dried herb among the special blends of spices and flavors. So rather than working against the flavor, we are working with it. 

Our gentle decarbing process (heating the plant to activate the THC and CBD) leaves the most important cannabinoids and terpenes available to give you the robust, sustained feelings we love. There is no solvent or extraction of any kind used in this process, it is the absolute purest form of ingestion. 

There are a few rules, but they are simple and easy to follow. Herb + Spices can be used to finish your dishes, just sprinkle it right on top.

Or use the blends in whatever recipe you want to elevate. Remember that edibles of any form can take anywhere from forty-five minutes to two hours to take effect. So grab your apron, sharpen those knives (safely), and get ready for a culinary journey that will have both your taste buds and imagination buzzing. Let’s cook up some magic in the kitchen!

As always, it’s important to consume cannabis responsibly and be mindful of dosage when cooking with it. Start low and go slow until you find the right balance for your desired effects. With proper knowledge and experimentation, cooking with cannabis can elevate your culinary experience while offering potential therapeutic benefits along the way.

So whether you’re looking to add a sprinkle of CBD goodness or infuse your entire meal with THC-induced bliss, cooking with cannabis opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Just remember: moderation is key.

You don’t want your dinner guests floating off into space before dessert! Let the culinary potential of Herb + Spice elevate your cooking experience to new heights.

Skewered “Special” Chicken With All-Purpose Spice Blend

All-Purpose Blend: Elevate your culinary creations with our versatile all-purpose seasoning. Carefully crafted with a harmonious blend of herbs, spices, and a hint of something special, this seasoning adds depth and flavor to any dish.

Infuse your meats, vegetables, or even popcorn for an instant burst of something special. A culinary masterpiece in a single jar.

What You’ll Need: 

•1-1/2 lb. boneless chicken breasts,
cut in small pieces

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 red onion, cut in 1-inch pieces

•4 teaspoons Herb + Spice All-Purpose Blend

Directions: 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, and soy sauce. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes. 

2.Divide the chicken between eight skewers, threading the red onions onto the skewer with the chicken.

3.Grill the chicken over coals, or in a skillet, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Sprinkle each skewer with the spice blend. 

Breakfast Delight With Sugar + Spice 

Sugar + Spice Blend: Sweet meets sassy in this tantalizing blend. With a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a sprinkle of magic, it adds that perfect touch of sweetness to your favorite treats.

Warning: may cause uncontrollable cravings!

What You’ll Need: 

• 1-1/2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt

•4 teaspoons Herb + Spice
Sugar + Spice blend

• 1-1/2  cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2/3 cup raspberries

• 2/3 cup granola

• Shredded mint

Directions: 

1.Place two serving bowls on your work surface. 

2.In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt and Sugar + Spice blend.

3.Divide the yogurt in half and place in each of the bowls.

4.Sprinkle the fruit and granola on the yogurt, holding some back for sprinkling over the top.  

5.Top with the remaining yogurt and fruit/granola mixture. Top with shredded mint.

Shrimp Tacos With Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning: Give your tacos a fiesta of flavors with the Herb + Spice Taco Seasoning. Bursting with cumin, chili powder, garlic, and more, it’ll make every bite a spicy sensation. Sprinkle or stir, this blend is fire. 

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 8 corn tortillas

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 scallions, sliced

• 1-1/2 lb. shrimp, thawed and peeled

• 4 teaspoons Herb + Spice

Taco Seasoning blend

• Guacamole

• Sour cream

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet, heat the oil. One at a time fry the tortillas until light golden brown, flip and cook on the other side. Continue with the remaining tortillas.

2. Add the olive oil to the pan and heat. Add the scallion and saute for 4-5 minutes. Add the shrimp, sprinkle with the spice blend, and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. 

3. Divide the shrimp between the tortillas. Top with the guacamole and sour cream.

This article first appeared in Volume 5 Issue 2 of Cannabis & Tech Today. Read the full issue here.