I’ve spotlighted this issue before, when discussing the propriety of serving Weed-enhanced foods and treats to guests over the Holidays. In short, I’ve always cautioned against it, for a number of what I consider good, common-sense reasons…
‘Awkward family dinner conversation’ a problem when the clan
conclaves over the Holidays? Would you switch it for,
“Call 911! Uncle Fred’s freaking out!”
Munchies always problematic
Candies and other grazable party treats are always a danger to kids and those not used to marijuana in its many forms. Unless a party host hands every guest, as they arrive, a list of the enhanced comestibles they’re serving at a Holiday party, ugly consequences may ensue. That is, folks of all ages may stoke up on Weed-whacked sweets and savouries without realizing it, just wandering around nibbling and drinking and chatting even before the big feast.
A couple of major problems…
One is the dosimetry of enhanced snacks. While some folks are used to popping a handful of Gummy Bears at a sitting, one or two is usually the max recommended when consuming enhanced ones. Kids in particular are prone to pigging out on sweets, if they’re not watched closely.
THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is not readily detectable in sweetened foods. Folks who have unknowingly OD’ed on enhanced snacks say chocolate-, fruity- and any strongly-flavoured confection can easily mask the grassy, herby flavour of THC.
You can infuse almost any food with fresh or cured Weed, or THC extract. Baked Goods are a particular favourite. Witness the legendary Weed Brownie! But it just goes to show how broadly the applications of marijuana and its derivatives can range.
Always pushing the envelope
As of last Christmas and New Years, I started hearing about folks using fresh and dried Weed as garnish and seasoning – as if it was flaked or ground Parsley, Oregano or whatever other regular cooking herb you might use – in all manner of dishes, not the least of which were gravy or stuffing.
I immediately wondered if these jolly, mischievous hosts were preparing both doped and un-enhanced versions of popular dishes – like gravy. And were they making a judicious effort to ensure that guests and family around their tables were getting the versions they wanted?
Next, just last year, I noticed what I assumed were the first commercial Weed-containing seasoning mixes for gravy, soups, sauces and stews.
And just this week, I saw for the first time, a blurb for a California-based mega-Weed-product maker, Kiva Confections, for a complete Weed gravy mix in a pouch.
The deal…
In fact, this year’s version of the gravy mix is billed as a triumphal come-back. Serves me right for living such a sheltered, cautious life, I guess.
Anyway, the official page for the gravy is also a quasi-launch announcement for something Kiva calls its new fast-acting technology. The deal is, they’ve developed a way to get the THC into your system and acting on your brain in moments, rather than the 15 to 45 minutes it usually takes to settle in for its buzz.
“Fast-acting edibles technology is an exciting industry innovation because it has the potential to change the way people use edibles, breaking down the barriers to entry,” said Kiva’s Co-Founder and CEO Scott Palmer. “What better way to start than with America’s favorite Thanksgiving dressing?
My take
The official intro of the gravy webpage is just chock-full of cheeky, lighthearted quips:
“Just in time to take your Thanksgiving dinner to a higher level, Kiva would like to introduce you to our new limited-edition, cannabis-infused Turkey Gravy. This cheeky take on a normally mundane holiday staple features a groundbreaking, fast-acting technology that allows for faster THC absorption. Awkward family dinner conversation? In just under 15 minutes you’ll start feeling the effects, so you can sit back, relax, and let the holiday cheer wash over you.”
‘A higher level’ huh? A ‘mundane holiday staple’? I’ve never considered good gravy, no matter how plain, mundane. ‘Awkward family dinner conversation’? Sure! Let’s spice it up from Uncle Fred’s hair transplant to, “Call 911! Fred’s freaking out!”
~ Maggie J.