Monday, June 25, 2012

Cannabis Food For Thought

What is the proper dose of medication in edibles and how strong do you want the product, asked Elise McDonough, author of The Official HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cookbook who moderated the Edibles Discussion Panel. Although many had differing opinions on product strength and usage, one theme was common though out, the proper dose is different for every individual and what their medical need is. “It’s as different as our fingerprints” commented Sandy Moriarty, instructor at Oaksterdam University.Self-declared foodie and food writer prior to medical user, Cheri Sicard said, “It’s not a one size fits all proposition, everybody is different, and not only is each person different but each plant is different” Unlike other forms of medication, cannabis does vary in strength and content, regionally, how its grown, where its grown, and many other factors.

“Ask your budtender what their shop recommends based on how you want to feel,” Bryce suggested.  Frederick Nesbitt, head chef of Cannabis Catering, also donates his time teaching patients how to make and use extracts responsibly and infuse into meals. He stated, “Less is more, as you get developed you’ll understand a bit more.” Sandy stressed the importance of starting small and waiting twenty minutes between each dose. “The only way to control the affects no matter what you’re using is to do titrating and break it down into small pieces, then you won’t get beyond your comfort zone and you’ll have a pleasant experience.”  Scott agreed “Like a rollercoaster, once you get on, you can’t get off… Be respectful of the plant we are using.”

Bryce Torres of Shaman Healers considered 15mg-20mg equaled one dose of THC, whereas Scott Van Rixel of Bhang Chocolate uses 60mg as his standard multi-use bar, with a maximum content of 180mg.  Scott was adamant that all producers of edible products should have their products properly tested to reflect actual strength, because “the active cannabinoid content is for patients .5 mg of THC is not the same as 5mg of cannabis.”  There is much more to the process of making and standardizing medical food products than simply adding THC and following cook times.  THC disintegrates at 380 degrees, however will have little or no effect on the human body until decarboxlyzation occurs, transforming into THCA.  CBDs, CBNs, and other cannabinoids can offset the high of THC, 10-50% depending how much is in the product.  This is not necessary a bad thing, however it does alter the medical effect and is always a concern for any cannabis cook.  For producers, finding the balance of CBDs and THC at the right therapeutic level is a process of trial and error.

Elise next brought up the issue of patient product selection of commercial medical edibles, specifically their nutrition content, unhealthy food choices, and how we can meet the needs of patients by offing better options.  All speakers agreed most medical edible foods sold in dispensaries are loaded with sugar, like cookies, brownies, chocolates, candy, etc.  For patients that have preexisting medical condition, such as diabetes or are on strict diets, these products may relive one symptom but potentially have an adverse effect on another.  Producers agreed that the doctors need to act responsibly and treat cannabis like any other medication. Take time to educate the patients, suggest a proper dose for the symptom, and suggest options for treatment.  Scott demanded, “The only way that we as producers can be responsible to patients, is our products need to have accurate mg dosing and content.”  Bryce agreed, “Packaging is a big issue in this industry.”

Behind Closed Doors: Commercial Cannabis Kitchens

Bhang Chocolate prides itself on having an ingredient list and nutrition facts on each edible, becoming the first cannabis company to get full product liability on their chocolates.  This is a step in the right direction, but Bhang is just one of many edible producers and although the making of these products is not illegal, it is illegal for a cannabis food maker to run out of a commercial, health inspected, industrial kitchen.  Shaman Healers is one of many companies that rents a commercial kitchen for after-hours usage, but by doing so the kitchen that holds the state registered kitchen license is in jeopardy of losing their license for having cannabis on site. 

“We should not be chastised for doing things the right way; we should be rewarded for it…. It’s against the law to do the right thing, and that’s what we are trying to change.” Scott pushed.  In the state of California, like many others, cannabis (even for medical use) is considered an adulterated substance or ingredient.  Actively trying to implement regulations and standards for all cannabis food producers, Scott has already filed the paperwork with the State of California to remove cannabis from the adulterated ingredient list, hoping to get this issue mandated by the end of the year.  If California makes the change, the state will be able to issue health permits, therefore allowing cannabis businesses to legally operated in a commercial kitchen under regulatory agencies.

Frederick too was interested in opening a restaurant four years ago, but was also blocked for a different legal reason, cannabis products do not follow HACCP requirements.  HACCP, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, is a “science-based food safety management systemthat has become the preferred method of ensuring safe food all over the world.” This agency requires data be kept for all grown and manufactured food, from seed, to water and chemicals used, all the way to your table; this is how food borne illnesses can be traced and recalls are effective.  “Cannabis, where does it come from? There’s no control over that. No regulatory information.” Frederick added. 

Scott put it this way, “Never in a million years would a grocery store buy something you made in your kitchen and sell it on their shelves.  Not only would they not do it, but it’s against the law, to protect the consumer. We are a step further because our consumers are patients, many whom have a compromised immune system. A small amount of bacteria can cause detrimental effects to a patient. The people that end up suffering in this lack of regulations are the patients.  It can only serve to benefit patients!” 
Delicious cannabis oil infused edamame - Unknown Vendor 24Jun2012

Home Baked: Cooking Cannabis at Home

For consumers that are intimidated by dispensaries and mystery medical edibles, learning to cook at home allows you to customize your diet to your needs and it’s really not that intimidating.  Bryce noted that although patients have not been requesting healthier products, many customers are purchasing cookbooks, watching demonstrations, and learning to cook at home.  There are many wonderful cookbooks and forums out there for every cook to educate themselves and also places like Oaksterdam University and teachers like Frederick, who touts of a 6 point infusion cooking demo that he provides his patients.

Cheri continuously advocated to making your edibles at home, proclaiming “the challenges of commercial edibles go away when you make it yourself.  Keep cooking at home and you’ll have the edibles that are right for you all the time.” By making cannabis infused foods at home you can control the ingredients and strength to fit your own dietary needs.  Both Frederick and Sandy whom spend their days teaching others how to cook and infuse food with cannabis in various forms, suggest you can make anything into a healthy medical edible.  “For whatever you’re making, all that matters in the end is that you are comfortable,” Sandy said. Scott added “The beauty of cannabis is there is a right way for each person in this room.”

Sandy insists “there really isn’t a recipe you can’t infuse!” and I think she’s right.  To prove that point, here are just a few simple yet ingenious recipe tips and ideas these panelists shared:
  • Rule #1: Always check your temperature and time scales. If cannabis is overcooked, its medical properties are lost at an exponential rate.
  • Butter is universal and often the simplest solution to infuse cannabis in your diet. *ProTip: When processing butter, most likely you will recook the butter in future recipes, do not decarboxlate THC during the initial cook.
  • Chocolate is a great option because it share reciprocal properties that are easy and effective to process. *Fact: Cocoa butter is the one of only fats that enters the body as a poly-saturated fat, releasing cannabanoids like that of prescription medications, elevating to bring you to titration point with a much slower metabolism for longer duration and slower comedown.
  • Alcohol, glycerin, and oils are an exceptional choice as all have either high metabolic rates.
  • For foods with high cooking temp, like pizza, cook first then drizzle with infused olive oil when removed from heat.
  • Try infusing with your favorite garnishes like salad dressing, hot sauce, or adding to can of nuts or trial mix.
  • Cook down flowers with sugar and water to create a simple syrup that can be added to cocktails, fruit, pie, etc.
  • If you are trying to avoid fats, oils, and sugar, its easy to add keif to any recipe after cooked.
  • Blend green leaf trim into fine power like flour, use to make bread, dough, or breading for chicken.
  • Try infusing small amounts into everyday foods like chicken stock or mashed potatoes.
  • If you do not like cannabis flavors in your food, try using with rosemary or other evergreen spices.
  • For a no-brainer approach, use infused oil in any crock pot meal.

I would like to personally thank each member of this discussion panel.  Elise (The Official HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cookbook), Sandy (Aunt Sandy's Medical Marijuana Cookbook), Scott (Bhang Chocolate), Cheri (The Cannabis Gourmet Cookbook), Frederick (Cannabis Catering) and Bryce (Shaman Healers). I feel I learned so much valuable information I am deeply grateful, enlightened, and inspired.  

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Wrapped Up: 2012 San Francisco Cannabis Cup



The breeze off the San Francisco bay was a perfect match for the unusually warm blue sunny sky, not a cloud on the horizon. Being our 1st High Times Cup, we went in not knowing what to expect, imagining something between a Snoop Dog video or a baked out Bill Nye lecture.
To my surprise it was unlike anything I could have imagined, centered around talk of CBD’s, CBN’s, dabs, concentrates, and oils were taking over the cannabis industry with a whole new approach. It was Medical, focusing on cleaner, richer, more potent, and strain specific qualities.  Properties of each specific strain and type are being studied, measured, and extracted so they can be used more effectively and properly prescribed. From medical edibles to legal barriers and underground movements, I found the panels all very interesting and educational.  It’s amazing to see how far things have come; cannabis culture has grown from a hippie back culture to the front grounds of the medical world.


After having spent the entire afternoon dabbling in the finest extracts, hash, flowers, and other concoctions, I was completely blown away.  I know what you’re thinking, but not just flying high, I was impressed on every level, from ingenuity in butane powered glass water pipes, to extraction processes, new techniques, and the integrity of all businesses, from the growers to the candy makers.  At every booth we were greeted by intelligent and knowledgeable people eager to share their contribution to the industry and cup this year.  Cannabis if on the forefront of new discoveries, uses, healing powers, etc. it’s true power is becoming harder to deny.  I left each day floating on a cloud, my head swimming with a whole new understanding of cannabis and how truly endless our possibilities are using this magical plant.

Without a doubt what made this event truly amazing were the people. It was truly inspiring to see so many people re-inventing their craft, adapting to the medical and consumer market. The care and attention to detail and love for what they do is apparent in everything they create.  Whether their product was a credit card sized grinder or butane powered glass or organic vegan herbal chocolates, everything was being rethought and produced with exceptional quality.  Our hats go off to the people from High Times magazine that bought this event to the states and to all those working in and revolutionizing the forefront of medical marijuana.
 
For those not fortunate enough to attend this spectacular event, our highlight rundown is full of information, many of those in the Prop 215 tent, and the cup winners. Enjoy!

Kush Konnection: Won 2nd place Indica for Master Yoda Kush. Also took BEST Hybrid at 2012 LA Cannabis Cup.Yoda Man Kush Konnection! These guys got the award winning mastery down. Offering killer deals on their Master Yoda in both flower and concentrate form, they weren’t afraid to share and prove their award winning strains.www.KushKonnection.com
The Cali Connection: Won BEST Hybrid for Larry OG Kush and also 3rd best Booth. YES.  They were handing out dabs like nothing to show the quality of their unique nail style glass water pipe. But that is not what made these guys so bad ass, it was there attention to detail, in raising new standards to the art of dab. This was one of our favorite pipes for its clean and smoothness, but ability to melt your face.  Excellent dabs and excellent products.
Hitman Glass: Won BEST Glass. Many intricate and top notch glass pieces that were well worth the price.  Water pipes with spun glass centers of Boba Fett, Predator, serpents, sirens, and other designs that also served as diffusers. Spent time with us to explain their new butane bongs which eliminates the use of a torch for harsh and wax hits.  Scientifically created products that they were confident to stand behind.  Amazing products.
Purple Dinosaur: Loved this booth, they had some of my favorites of the whole event. These smart growers took pride in their harvest and were proud to give generous samples and discuss their flowers. I was blown away with their great selection all made from purple dinosaur, a sweet dank indica. I made sure to try one of each of their products, all of which got a stellar rating. Everything from the hashish, oils, buds, waxes, kief, and even brownies were so top notch, I purchased many and got a sweet purple dinosaur t-shirt as a bonus!

Hills Pharmacy: Won BEST Edible for their Eleve Gourmet Veganic Medicated Truffles, and BEST CBD for MCU ATF Bubble, by Master Control Unit. Highly impressed with Hills’ quality of product, presentation, and information. Our token was a glass jar of Silver Jack Reserve.  One of my favorites!
Harborside Health Center: Won 2nd place CBD for Lemon Remedy. Great staff and booth setup. Dab and hash based products were on sample with the choice of three unique water pipes, the bubbler style steamroller being our favorite. Excellent products and great staff. HarborsideHealthCenter.com
Mama P’s: Won BEST Product for Mama P’s Grinder and BEST Booth and it’s not hard to figure out why.  Each time you entered the Prop 215 area, you were greeted by the friendly staff of Mama P’s and encourages to try a serving tray of delectable edible samples. Everything we tried from fruit loops bars, to choc-chip cookies, to the brownies; all were delightful and certainly effective!
Phillips Rx: This booth, staff, and products had come to us highly recommended by High Times staff themselves.  These dedicated and hardworking growers spent time talking with us about the growing process.  Everything from the learning curve and time necessary to produce such quality products and the process start to finish.  Their Mars strain was entered for the cup but did not win, but won our hearts and was one of our take home favorites.

Crystal Fog: Staff happy to pass you a joint while making deals on glass.  Happy to accept and make a deal.  5mm glass honeycomb 120 percolator giant bubbler was well worth it, even if it was a foggy transaction.

Dopeass Glass: Won 3rd place for Glass.  This Las Vegas native has come a long way in the industry and his glass continues to impress many across the country.  His unique use of copper and other melting techniques gives his products a distinctive artist signature and always intricate design.


Elemental Wellness: Won 2nd place Sativa for Yogi Diesel and 2nd best Booth. Also had medicated smoothies Irish Moss: Medical Cannabis – Elixir of life Elementalwellnesscenter.com
Playbud Delivery Service: Won BEST Sativa for Premium Jack Herer.  First place we got to experience the event, and what a great place to start.  That first dab definitely put us in perspective of what we were in store for all weekend, non-stop sampling of the BEST cannabis products on the market!

Mother Nature: Good quality flower products as well as edibles.  Top notch grass and service.  It was a tough choice between the Chem Dog and Blue Velvet, but either way, I feel I made the right choice! 

Sweet Stone Candy: Purchased a mini cheesecake and choco-oreo mini cake that put us both down hard. Large selection of edible sweets, including jams, cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, lollipops, cereal, snack bars, chocolate covered nuts, and the list goes on.  Great booth, great prices. http://sweetstonecandy.com/
Pulse Glass: Won 2nd place for Glass.  Great quality glass products in all shapes and sizes for every smokers need. Knew one of the lucky winners of their raffle and got to try one of their larger water pipes.  I must say it was a super clean design and I loved the platinum inlay of the brand.  Stylish and efficient.

Treescake Factory: Booth offered both flowers and edibles ranging from healthy snacks to sweets.  We enjoyed some delicious wontons coated in hash oil with a peppery sauce. TreescakeFactory.com
Chronic Candy: Absolutely loved a candy sample I got at Champs a few years back and have been dying to try their tea drink since.  Happy to see their booth with rows and rows of drinks and candies.  I spent some time sampling and enjoying their products.

iMedz: Beautiful selection of flowers and females that were happy to show off their buds.  This dispensary offers their customers at least 20 strains and 15 concentrates available to fit your every need.  It’s hard to touch that!
Bhang Chocolates: Business owner, Scott Van Rixel blew my mind with his comments during the edibles panel.  The knowledge and work he has put into making quality chocolates that fit patients’ needs is astounding.  Although I did not get a chance to sample these chocolates, I have no doubt they are amazing both in taste and quality.  http://www.bhangchocolate.com/
Cousin Mary Jane: Small group made scrumptious toasted hemp seeds. Fantastic crunchy snack, almost like eating light mini popcorn.  Sold by varying weights at great prices.  I could easily see myself eating these by the handful.  http://www.cousinmaryjane.com/

Body Bud Botanicals: Specializing in topically applied cannabis oils and lotions to soothe and relief pain.  Ladies rubbed small amount of oil to my hands. Within minutes, my skin felt warm and soothed.  Similar to that of a menthol pain relief rub but much more pleasant.  http://www.bodybud.net/
A²C² – All American Cannabis Club: This Bay area medical club offers their members at least 51 types of cannabis, concentrates, edibles, and much more at two locations, six days a week. Also always willing to hook up new members to prove they got it. http://www.a2c2.us/

Weed Maps: Handed out free necklaces and lanyards to hype their services. This company has been around since the start and also has been working on changing medical marijuana laws from the frontlines. http://www.weedmaps.com/
CannaCig Vapor Inhaler: Not a winner this cup, but definitely a popular one with consumers.

Buds and Roses Collective: Won BEST non-solvent Hash for Solvent-less BAMF Mix Hash, BAMF Extractions and also won 3rd place CDB for Harlequin.
San Jose Patients Group:Won BEST Indica for Cordero Kush Platinum.
Superior Extracts for West Coast Cures:Won BEST Concentrate for Hardcore OG Budder.
Granddaddy Purple Collective: Won 2nd place Hybrid for Ken's Phantom.
Tea House Collective: Won 2nd place Edible for their CannaChocolate 44/8mg THC/CBD.


LA Confidential Caregivers: Won 2nd place Concentrate for OG Super Sexy Budder.
KO Domeless Nail:Won 2rd place Product for the KO Nail.
Santa Cruz Mountain Natural:Won 3rd place Sativa for XJ-13 Cracker Jack.
Buddy's Cannabis: Won 3rd place Hybrid for OG Sky.
Greenway Compassionate Relief Inc.: Won 3rd place Edible for their Spice Orange Drops.
Sonoma County Collective: Won 3rd place Indica for Cherry Cola.
Venice Medical Wax Centers: Won 3rd place Concentrate Unfuckwitable OG Wax.
V-Syndicate: Won 3rd place Product for The Grinder Card.
The 3rd Annual San Francisco High Times Medical Cannabis Cup was at The Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, California June 23 and 24, 2012.  The public event was open to all adults 18 and over for the low weekend rate of $80, which included a goodie bag, access to the expo, Prop 215 area, and musical guests including Del the Funky Homosapian. Guests that did not have a medical license could still enjoy the artists, guest speakers, vendors, and the awards without consuming any medical products.  But for those that like to dabble, the Prop 215 area was like a cannabis candystore full of samples, edibles, flowers, and new products from the finest producers in the industry.
...written by dot.shiva and jim.stone ~ 2012