Pairing Cannabis Products With Food

Given the gradual normalization of cannabis in mainstream culture, many connoisseurs have taken to the art and science of pairing any of the seemingly endless varieties of cannabis strains with a complimentary selection of foods and beverages. As many more states and provinces approach the legalization of cannabis cafes, restaurants, and lounges, planning how to creatively blend the personalities of unique strains of cannabis with the flavors of various dishes is an intriguing endeavor.

Below, we offer some important suggestions and wisdom from other sources for your consideration. The key elements of the planning should include:

  • The “Weight” of the food and the cannabis product pairing

  • Consider Timing

  • Understanding that Terpenes will interact to create the final dining experience

  • The Desired Overall Experience

The “Weight” of the Food & Cannabis Product Pairing

The first trick to understanding how to strategically pair food and cannabis is to know that the “weight” of the meal and “weight” of the strain must be balanced. “Weight” in food is determined by body and richness. Think of a grilled steak (heavier) compared to poached fish (lighter). For cannabis, “weight” is determined by the strain’s side effects and potency. Sativa (lighter) is used mainly during the day when the user wants to stay focused, and Indica (heavier) is taken more at night when the user wants to relax or sleep.

The profile of the cannabis strain should match the recipe's characteristics when cooking. For example, Sativa strains would be paired with lighter foods, including fresh salads, dips, smoothies, oven-roasted chicken and seafood pastas. Indicas typically pair best with richer foods, including pan-seared steak, red sauce pastas, pizza, mushroom risotto, truffle mashed potatoes and cornbread due to the strain’s comforting side effects. If you are looking to lift your mood, cook with a Sativa. If you need a sleep aid, an Indica strain should be included in your recipe.

Consider Timing

Timing is Everything & Patience and Planning are Key

There are also a few things to remember about the timing of the effects of cannabis and the food that you are preparing.

The golden rule is GO LOW and GO SLOW. Why? When marijuana is smoked or vaped, the user instantly feels high, but when the drug is ingested it is likely to take at least an hour for any effect to be felt. That often leads to people thinking it isn’t working and using more than they need.

Understanding the Beauty of Terpenes

  • In the Cannabis Product

    Terpenes are organic compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant, giving cannabis its notoriously pungent and diverse aromas. Some cannabis strains carry the scent of fresh fruit, while other cannabis strains smell more like flowers, pine, wood, or even mint!

    The array of terpenes found in cannabis subtly influence the personality, or characteristics, of the “high”. Citrusy strains with “lemon” or “grapefruit” in the name are generally brighter in characteristic and lend to a more euphoric high. Strains high in myrcene, also found naturally in mangos, offer a more relaxed experience.

    Across the cannabis industry, selecting strains that are naturally abundant with terpenes is increasingly used to create “signature” sensory experiences related to scent and flavour. Indeed, many cannabis producers and processors are starting to label terpenes on packaging.

  • In the Food Preparation

    There are terpenes in the foods you’re eating with the cannabis that are also interacting with the terpenes in the plant, which can further enhance your high. For example, terpinolene, which is a common terpene also found in sage, is a s multidimensional terpene known to promote relaxation and is hallmarked by its floral, citrus, pine, and sage-like aromas and flavors, which make a fantastic match with a tasty beverage.

    The most important factor to consider when pairing cannabis and food is the actual taste of the ingredients. To determine the best taste combination, identify the most prominent character in the dish and match that characteristic to the weed. For example, if you are making salmon with citrus lemon sauce, use a strain that has higher levels of Limonene when infusing olive oil or butter.

    To best preserve the terpene profiles in the cannabis, be sure to cook at low temperatures. Recipes that don’t require heat can often be more potent, so keep safe dosing in mind when eating an “infused” snack or meal.

  • Together in the Pairing

    A successful pairing of the limonene, humulene, and pinene terpenes in many strains of Cannabis Sativa with tart yet sweet flavors from cilantro can result in a delightful culinary experience.

    In contrast, a cannabis flower with a heavy Indica, which consists of myrcene, terpinolene, and pinene terpenes, offers coffee and nutty flavors which are beautifully paired with a chocolate cake.

The Desired Overall Experience

Pairing an Indica flower with your dessert provides a calming and relaxing sensation to the end of your meal, and are known for their ability to soothe a full stomach.

If you prefer to eat foods that mask any potential flavours of the cannabinoids, aim to pair your cannabis with chocolate, caramel, spicy foods, and dishes spiced heavily with basil, lavender, cilantro, lemon or pepper.

If you want to enhance the effects of cannabinoids, consider pairing them with:

Mangoes: High in myrcene, the cannabinoid receptors in the brain bind with THC and myrcene to enhance your “high” and allow it to last a little longer.

Green & Black Teas: Compounds in these teas bind with receptors in the brain already responding to THC, stimulating relaxation and feelings of peace. Drink before to increase potency and duration of your “high”.

Broccoli: Contains beta caryophyllene, which works in tandem with cannabinoids to reduce inflammation and physical pain.

Coconut Oil: The most effective binding agent for cannabinoids. The saturated fat bonds with cannabinoids twice as well as with butter or cooking oils.