hot chocolate marijuana

Creamy Dreamy Hot Chocolate

Drink this rich, creamy hot cocoa, and in no time you’ll feel as toasted as a roasted chestnut.

Main recipe serves 2 or 3 people, roughly 8oz each, but can easily be doubled or tripled for larger batches.

INGREDIENTS:

1 can of coconut milk
water or soy/plant milk
maple syrup
cacao or cocoa powder, as much as desired
2-3 tbs  coconut or date sugar, more to taste (raw sugars are best, but whatever is on hand is fine)
1/8 tsp of cinnamon
pinch of salt
3 tbs cannabutter

optional:
chipotle or cayenne pepper, marshmallows, coconut oil, whipped cream, coffee

stovetop
whisk or spatula
double boiler

DIRECTIONS:

1. Shake up the can of coconut milk, and open with a can opener. Into the top portion of a double boiler, pour the coconut milk, a dash of soy milk, and the 3 tbs of canna butter. Turn the burner on slightly lower than medium and let the liquid heat.

2. As it heats, whisk in small amounts of cacao or cocoa powder. The difference between the two: cacao powder tends to be raw, made directly from crushed cacao beans, where as cocoa is usually processed with sugar or other additives. If you’re using cocoa powder, be careful you don’t end up with a drink that’s so sweet you feel sick– modify the added sugar as you wish. Cacao powder will be a richer and more pure chocolate flavor, but more bitter than cocoa. If using cacao powder, add small amounts of maple syrup to taste.

3. Throw in the cinnamon and salt, with a pinch of chipotle or cayenne pepper for a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate. Keep whisking the mixture, so that no clumps of powder form and the sugar dissolves. A helpful hint, dry ingredients are easier to dissolve in cold liquid than in hot. Try to have most of your dry ingredients incorporated before the milk is too hot, and it should never boil. If you can’t resist, or find you need to add more cacao/cocoa, make a little slurry to the side by stirring in 1 part cacao/cocoa to 2 parts water or soy milk, then add that to the heated mixture. Like with all cooking, I encourage you taste as you go! It doesn’t have to be a surprise at the end, of whether or not your dish came out well.

4. Stir frequently, allowing the canna butter to cook with the fat of the coconut milk. The oil does begin to cook the whole mixture, after a little while, so if you like a thick hot chocolate, leave it as is and take the mix off heat when you’re ready. If you want a drink less creamy, add small amounts of water or other milk until desired consistency is reached. Set aside to cool a little.

5. Pour carefully into mugs or ladle it out with a spoon, like it’s the olden days and you’re about to settle down in front of a fire during a raging snowstorm. If you’re not into that sort of imagery, just serve up your hot cocoa, top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or other delights, and enjoy.

While I know summer is fast approaching and not many people are into hot drinks, nothing hits the spot like a cup of hot cocoa. If you’d like a more refreshing treat, make the same brew as above (so that the THC molecules still bind to the fat properly), then let it cool completely and serve in a glass over ice cubes. Same principle as iced coffee, which I’m sure would also be a delicious substitute for cocoa, if you aren’t a fan of chocolate (but why wouldn’t you be).

wr c

15 Most Popular Cannabis Strains

Have you ever wondered what the most popular cannabis strains are? The best of the best. What the cannabis connoisseurs are smoking.
Well, wonder no more! Feast your eyes on 15 of the most legendary, most potent, most aromatic and delicious cannabis strains on the planet:

1. Blue Dream

blue dream
Blue Dream has been named the most popular strain in the U.S., for a variety of reasons — it’s easy to find, easy to grow, yields an abundant crop, etc. But the biggest reason why it’s so well loved, is that it is a pure delight to smoke. This sativa-dominant strain is a cross between the popular Blueberry and Haze strains. The result is an extremely balanced, berry-scented bud, which offers the best of both worlds: the body high and symptom relief of an indica, and the uplifting and euphoric effects characteristic of a strong sativa.

2. OG Kush

OG Kush
OG Kush is the common ancestor of many, if not most, of the most popular West Coast strains — including several on this list. It’s been around for more than 20 years, and yet it continues to be a favorite. It’s lineage is uncertain, but most believe it to be a cross between the Chemdawg and Hindu Kush strains. The result is an intoxicating hybrid with a strong earthy and piney scent, that delivers an intense, euphoric and relaxing high.

3. Girl Scout Cookies

girl scout cookies
This cross between Durban Poison (one of the few remaining strains of pure sativa) and OG Kush is not for lightweights. It has a sweet, earthy, often minty aroma, and some of the highest THC levels around. One hit will have soaring on an intense, cerebral high, that can result in anxiety — even paranoia — if you’re not careful or experienced. But manage your dosage, your set and setting, and you should enjoy the ride.

4. Banana Kush

banana kush
This is an indica-dominant hybrid, born from the combination of Ghost OG and Skunk Haze. Easily recognized by it’s fruity, banana scent and flavor, it also delivers maximum euphoria and relaxation. A great choice for those dealing with stress and/or depression, this strain is sure to mellow you out and put a smile on your face.

5. AK-47

ak47
This award winning creation from Serious Seeds is a sativa-dominant mix of several different cannabis strains from around the world. The result is pungent, earthy and slightly sweet, while packing an uplifting and long lasting head high that will have you alert, creative and energized. But don’t let the scary-sounding name fool you; this bud is known for having pleasant, happy and relaxing effects.

6. “Green Crack”

green crack
Originally known as Cush (with a “C”), this strain was dubbed Green Crack by none other than Snoop Dogg. Descended from Skunk #1, this sativa-dominant hybrid has a hoppy, citrus taste and aroma. And as the name suggests, it delivers a powerful, energizing mental high that makes you intensely alert and focused.

7. Strawberry Cough

strawberry cough
As you might have guessed, Strawberry Cough is most famous for the powerful taste and aroma of fresh strawberries. And while it is both a smooth and delicious smoke, it’s also known for an expanding sensation that tickles the lungs, that can wring a cough out of even the most seasoned smoker. This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers an uplifting and euphoric high, that is sure to leave you satisfied.

8. Flo

flo
One of the most popular strains in the Colorado markets, Flo is a cross between Purple Thai (a potent sativa) and Afghani Indica — and offers the perfect blend of the two. Known for it’s purple coloration and sweet, piney scent, and loved for it’s light, pleasant and bubbly high. This is a true “feel good” bud, not at all heavy. Just pure relaxation, and gentle, uplifting euphoria… you can’t help but love it.

9. MK Ultra

mk ultra
Named after the covert mind control project of the CIA, this potent indica-dominant hybrid has been called hypnotic and mind bending. Bred from OG Kush and G-13, this is one of the strongest cannabis strains in the world, period. These dank, sticky buds will leave you laid out on the couch, super relaxed yet flying on an intense, cerebral high. Best not make plans to go out anytime soon.

10. Grand Daddy Purp

GDP
A West Cost classic, Granddaddy Purple (or GDP) is a heavy, indica hybrid that’s a cross between the famous Purple Urkle and Big Bud. It has distinctive color, and grape and berry scent characteristic of it’s parent. It also delivers one of the most powerful, relaxing body highs of any indica out there, combined with an intense cerebral high as well.

11. Trainwreck

trainwreck
This popular strain from northern California is one of the hardest hitting sativa hybrids on the market. It has a spicy pine and lemon scent, and is famous for it’s extreme, high energy head high, characterized by intense euphoria, creativity, time distortion, and overall blissed-out happiness.

12. Sour Diesel

sour diesel
Another classic hybrid, Sour Diesel has been around since the 90s. This strong and skunky sativa dominant strain gets it’s name from it’s aroma: the dank and pungent smell of diesel fuel. It also packs an intense, cerebral high that comes on fast and strong. Uplifting, energizing, and mind-expanding… it’s no wonder this strain has such enduring popularity and legendary status.

13. Golden Goat

golden goat
This popular was created by accident, the story goes, by the unintended crossing of a Hawaiian sativa with Sweet Island Skunk. The result is complex, in scent, flavor and effects. Simultaneously sweet, sour and spicy, with a tropical citrus taste, and a full body high that is both uplifting and relaxing, happy and euphoric and altogether pleasant and enjoyable.

14. Skywalker OG

skywalker OG
This cross between Skywalker and OG Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid, with the pungent, earthy, spicy scent characteristic of most kush strains. The effects are extremely relaxing, with a powerful body high and pleasant numbing, tingling sensation from head to toe. But there is also a good head buzz, that hits you right away. The perfect bud for when you just want chill, relax, and drift off while listening to some good music.

15. Bruce Banner

bruce banner no. 3
Named after the incredible Hulk, this cross between OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel can be found in at least 3 different varieties. It’s known for a sweet and pungent aroma, skunky diesel with berry undertones. It also gives an instant, energizing, cerebral high that is pleasant and euphoric — if a bit short on duration. But that can be a good thing, sometimes.
 
Well, there you have it! Have you tried any of these strains? What did you think? Did we miss any of your favorites? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
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Edible Savories: Get-Baked Beans

Tangy, spicy, sweet, barbecue baked beans to get you baked. Serve either as a side or as a meal! The main recipe will serve/stone 3-4 people.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups dried beans, pinto or navy, soaked overnight
or canned beans

WET

2 or 3 TBS cannabutter, melted
1/2 cup water
2 tbs tamari (soy sauce, use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 TSP lemon juice
3 TBS tomato paste
small can of tomato puree
2 TSP  liquid smoke
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup maple syrup

DRY

1 TSP black pepper
1/2 TSP red pepper flakes
1 1/2 TSP onion powder
1 1/2 TSP garlic powder
1 TSP paprika
1/2 TSP salt
1/4 TSP cumin
1/8 TSP cloves
1 TSP chili powder

1 TBS of cornstarch
or
1 TBS of flax seed
casserole or baking dish
cover or foil

DIRECTIONS

THE LONG WAY

1. If you’re doing this the long way, rinse and soak 2 cups of dry beans for at least 8 hours. Change the water if it gets frothy/foamy or if it starts to smell funny. Either after 8 hours, overnight, or when you want them, bring the beans to a boil in fresh water, then reduce to a simmer and let it chill simmering for an hour and half. For extra flavor, cook the beans in broth or water mixed with vegetable stock.

2. While you wait for the beans, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients. Use less vinegar than you think you need, and go easy with the liquid smoke. A few drops should be more than enough to amp up the barbecue flavor.

3. In another bowl, throw together dry spices. If you’re really fancy, use fresh garlic and onion, otherwise I stick to the powdered kind for sauces. Adjust amounts as needed–more spice, add more black or red pepper, or chili powder. If you like a sweeter BBQ, try a pinch of cloves or allspice to bring out the richness of the maple and molasses.

4. Preheat your oven to 375F.  Dump the dry mix into the wet mix and combine thoroughly. Now would be the time to add in flaxseed or cornstarch! Whisk in your choice of thickener. Add a little more water or veg stock so that the sauce is pourable, thinner than a typical spaghetti sauce.

5.  In your chosen baking dish, pour in the semi-cooked, drained and rinsed beans. Then the sauce, covering the beans evenly (if your beans aren’t covered, add small amounts of vinegar/water/stock and stir until they are). If you’d like, throw in some chopped garlic and onions, mushrooms, extra canna butter, or additional spices. Cover the dish either with a lid or with foil. Bake on the middle rack for 45 mins, then bake uncovered for another 30. Serve however you want, at this point.

THE SHORTER WAY

1. I have saved massive amounts of time by having the beans soak/precook in a rice maker. If you want to do it this way, pour 2 cups of dried beans with 3-4 cups of water into your rice maker. Mine takes about 45 mins to run a cycle, so I precook the beans twice, stirring in between and adding more water as needed.

2. Follow steps 2-5 of THE LONG WAY. If you don’t want to make your own sauce, just go to step 5 and use store-bought BBQ sauce and mix it with the melted canna butter.

THE EASY-AS-SHIT WAY

1. Open can of beans, drain it, dump the beans in a baking dish. Squeeze out BBQ sauce from the bottle. Add the canna butter. Cover and bake at 375F until bubbly and clearly baked bean-like. Serve however you like.

image credit: thecannabist.co

420 weed

Happy Holidaze, Weed Readers!

Happy 4/20!

But wait… what does 4/20 even mean? Why do so many folks in (and out) of the cannabis culture, reference this number to no end but couldn’t tell you what it meant?

For most, it’s used as code– using 420 to reference cannabis was believed to have originated as a police code, then adopted as a counterculture.  Other users believe the reference was started by the band, The Grateful Dead. Word of Deadhead meetings, aka Grateful Dead concerts, was spread through flyers. One story in particular mentions a flyer bearing the info, “We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais” (source).

The apparent truth of the origin story is, ‘420’ was a term established in the early 70s by a group of high school students from San Rafael, CA. They called themselves The Waldos, and still do. Well before any states had legalized cannabis, one might need to go by an alias, or at least be very careful about where and when they did their smoking. Their group name was coined in reference to the statue they’d meet as, as well as the number alluding to the time

So while the term was established by a group of high schoolers, it’s obviously made it’s way across the country and other parts of the world, as a catch-all term for cannabis culture. As I said, the uprising of cannabis counterculture in the 90s and its use of ‘420’ was helped along by The Grateful Dead and its fan base. Members of The Waldos had close relations with the Dead, so really, each part of the origin story does have some truth to it. Each piece of lore or information ends up weaving together to form a more complete envisioning of how the notion of ‘420’ started.

Regardless of where the term came from, people take great joy in being able to reference (though no longer that subtle) their activities or culture in ways others can recognize. For the most part, the culture developed off the back of the phrase is pretty harmless. (Though let me say, hearing “heheh, 420, man” anytime the clock changes over, gets old.)

Most people celebrate the “holiday” by spending it with their friends, consuming plenty of cannabis, and for some, it’s become a political opportunity to advocate for legalization. Many cities, especially in states where cannabis is legal, tend to have some sort of gathering to observe the day, often at universities or parks. If it interests you, do some searching and see what’s going on in your area. If not, find your own way to celebrate! Have your first bowl or joint outside, share it with friends, or make someone’s day and hide some nuggets in easter eggs!

Whatever you decide to do, be smart, and be safe. Know the laws of your town/state on cannabis before you go lighting up on the sidewalk. Know your rights if you’re stopped by police! The perception and reputation surrounding cannabis users is something important, if we want to get any closer to legalization, or in general, acceptance of its use in everyday life. So, act accordingly–your cannabis use does not relieve you of being respectful or having some awareness!

All in all, let tomorrow be a day of celebration, relaxation, and feeling grateful that such a wonderful plant exists. Happy holidays!

-hope this is what you guys meant, it’s not that polished but feel free to edit what you don’t like!


Image credit: gettyimages.com

Cherry Cheezecake Fudge Recipe

Cherry Cheezecake Fudge Recipe

This fudge will soften to a frosting-like consistency at room temperature because of the coconut oil, so get fancy on the fly with that and spread it over a scone, a bagel, or a cookie. There’s no added sugar in this recipe, so make a butt-load and give a batch to your friends!

2 or 3 pieces should do you, if you can stop yourself from eating the whole tray.

WHAT YOU NEED:

1/2 cup softened coconut butter, or

2 cups shredded coconut, blended (I mean really blend the shit out of it, adding tiny bits of coconut oil to ease the way) until smooth

2 tbs canna butter (coconut oil** based is best)

2 tbs tart cherry concentrate

seeds from 1 vanilla pod, or a tsp of vanilla extract

handful of dried cherries, chopped

coconut flakes if you want

nuts if you want

maple syrup to taste

small bowl

spatula

flat-bottomed container for storage

DIRECTIONS:

1. Blend all ingredients except cherries and nuts.

2. For easiest servings and clean up, spoon or pour fudge batter into a flat-bottomed container and smooth out with a spatula. Incorporate the solid ingredients if you like texture throughout the fudge, otherwise press the dried cherries, coconut, or nuts into the fudge as toppings.

3. Make even scores through the mixture with a toothpick or knife to make cutting or breaking pieces off easier.  Pop the container in the freezer and it will be set/firm enough within an hour or so, otherwise it will keep quite well in the fridge.

**Nutiva ™ just came out with a coconut oil with added vegan buttery flavor. I used some for this recipe, and that’s what brought out the rich likeness of a cheesecake crust. Honestly, it tastes better than dairy butter, acts just like it in baking recipes, and is perfect for smothering over popcorn. It doesn’t leave the kernels soggy or greasy, it’s incredibly rich in flavor, and because the coconut oil will set/harden, the popcorn doesn’t go stale. So, try swapping out dairy butter for a week with a jar of Nutiva’s coconut oil, and see if you can notice a difference in both how you feel, and what you’re tasting.

STONER SMOOTHIES

Stoner Smoothies

Here are a few of my favorite smoothie recipes, altered to make your cannabis experience fresh, frozen, or drinkable. These will only really work if you use coconut oil-based cannabutter, since cream or dairy butter would be pretty nasty. It will incorporate best softened but not melted, and added in as scoops.

Extras: plant protein powder, mushroom powder blends, tea pollen, chia seeds, flax seeds

Each recipe should make either 1 large smoothie, or fill two 16 oz glasses.

THE RAW CBD (Choco-Banana-Dank)

2 or more tbs raw cacao powder

2 bananas

half an avocado

1 tbs almond butter

maple syrup or 2 pitted dates to sweeten

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 tbs CBD oil

2 tbs canna-oil

soy, almond, or other nut milk

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. This smoothie is thick, very filling, and very chocolatey depending on how much cacao powder you add. For an easier drink, add more milk. You could also swap cinnamon for nutmeg, or protein powder, some lucuma powder, or another favorite add-in.

CBD (cannabidiol), for those unfamiliar, is one of the non psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis. From the Bluebird Botanicals website, where you can learn all about and purchase various CBD oils:

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring constituent of agricultural hemp. It is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid in hemp/cannabis, and is commonly used as a food supplement to support general wellness.† Our CBD products are made from the highest quality, EU-certified hemp cultivars, which are grown in pristine soil in select European locations. Our CBD oils are constantly analyzed for their potency and purity from potential contaminants.”

Because it’s hemp-derived, the sale of CBD in the US is 100% legal, and Bluebird Botanicals ships anywhere in the US. In an upcoming review, I’ll speak more in-depth about BBB and a few of their products, as well as my experience in taking CBD oil.

But for now, a few benefits to consuming CBD:

-It contains essential amino acids, B, D, and E vitamins, and loads of trace minerals

-Improves flexibility, hair, skin & nails with essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6 (note: the ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 in Americans is 10:1 or even 30:1 –way too high. Both work to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, but a 1:1 balance is needed to synthesize properly and effectively. Up your O3 intake with flaxseed [milled/ground/oil], chia seeds, walnuts, marine algae-based sources, or hemp oil.)

-Contains terpenes and flavonoids, which very basically affect smell and taste receptors.

Terpenes work both with taste and aroma in the plant or organic matter–in cannabis, they create the diverse perfume/scent profiles of each strain. Flavonoids give plants their pigmentation and in some cases, inhibit plant disease and infection, reduce inflammation and cholesterol, and have anti-cancer properties. Red, blue, purple, and yellow foods all contain anti-oxidants and most all foods contain flavonoids, and increasing consumption of color-rich foods like berries or dark chocolate could yield great benefit.

STRAWBERRY BANANA BLITZ

1 cup strawberries

2 bananas

1/2 cup dark or tart cherries

1/2 raspberries

1 or 2 cups orange or apple juice

2 tbs canna-oil

A puckered take on a sweet favorite. Blend together, use all fresh fruit for high fiber and store-bought consistency, or use frozen fruit for a smoothie more thick and slushy-like.

RAINBOW DREAM

cherries

raspberries

mango

orange juice

pineapple

banana

kale

honeydew melon

blueberries

blackberries

2 tbs canna-oil

Use apple or orange juice, since milk might cause some interesting flavor interaction. The basic idea is to include 1-2 fruits/veg of each color. In fact, the more colors in food in a day you can consume, the better! Like I said in the CBD smoothie recipe, richer colors means richer benefits. And, if you can, source organically & cruelty free.

A combination of fresh/frozen is best. You can make frozen fruit out of fresh fruit–just wash, slice, and lay out on wax paper & a baking sheet or silicone mat in the freezer until solid. Store chunks of fruit in tupperware or plastic bags. To make adding kale to smoothies way easier, do something similar–wash and cut up some fresh kale, let freeze in small piles or pack into an empty ice cube tray, then store once frozen.

COCONUT KALE AÇAI

kale

frozen açai berries or puree

full-fat coconut milk

coconut water

frozen mixed berries

canna-oil

For this smoothie, I’d recommend using some frozen kale, unless you’ve got a high-powered blender that can cut up leafy greens well. Otherwise blend 1/2 can coconut milk, 2 chunks of kale, a cup of açai berries or a puree packet, a handful of frozen mixed berries, canna-oil and coconut water as needed for desired consistency.

Sambazon ™ do 4 packs of frozen açai berry puree, sweetened or unsweetened. Fresh berries are harder to find unless you’ve got a bangin’ farmer’s market or specialty shops, so hit up the frozen section on your next food trip and see what they’ve got.

image credit: thestonerscookbook.com

Poppyweed cake

Lemon Poppyweed Cake (or Bars)

Makes about 16 bars or 1 loaf, sliced however you please.

What You Need

-2 cups oat flour (or a blend of oat + almond, coconut, or rice flour)

-3 tbs milled flaxseed + 6 tbs non-dairy milk

-1 tsp baking powder

-2 tbs chia seeds

-3 tbs poppy seeds

-AVB (already vaped bud, if you want a boost)

-1/3 cup shredded or flaked coconut

-2 tbs powdered coconut sugar (blitz regular coconut sugar in a spice grinder)

-1/3 cup cannabutter, melted

-1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

-1 banana

-juice from 2 lemons

-2-3 tbs lemon zest

-1 tbs orange zest

-sea salt

-coconut oil for greasing

-spatula

-hand or stand mixer & bowl

-9 x 9 baking dish or small loaf pan

toppings: coconut sugar & lemon juice, frosting, cashew cream, candied lemon peel (see notes for a few how-tos)

Directions

1. Preheat an oven (it should probably be your oven) to 350ºF. Grease either a baking dish or loaf pan. In a small bowl, combine flax + milk, chia seeds, and poppy seeds, and set aside. Zest one and juice both the lemons and zest an orange, separating juice and zest. Only a little is needed, so lay out the leftover orange zest to dry & have it for future use!

2a. If using a hand mixer: In a large bowl, stir together flour, coconut, citrus zest, baking powder, coconut sugar and salt, and AVB (already vaped bud) if desired. Stir in applesauce, lemon juice, and cannabutter with a spatula, then blend in the banana and flax/chia/poppy with the hand mixer.

2b. If using a stand mixer: Add all above ingredients & blend. The ending texture should be between a batter and a dough–not too gooey, not too stiff. If it’s too stiff, add sips of water or milk until the mix is slightly sticky. Too wet, add pinches of flour until sticky.

3. Transfer dough to baking dish or loaf pan. Press it down with the spatula to remove any air bubbles, and smooth over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 mins, or until golden brown & the edges start to pull away. When cool, top, slice, and serve.

Optional Toptionals

Sugar & Lemon: 10 mins before cake is finished, drizzle lemon juice and sugar over the top to form a sweet, crunchy crust.

Frosting: Whip either softened canna butter (if made with coconut oil), some soy yogurt, or full-fat coconut milk with a splash of vanilla extract and powdered sugar until thick & spreadable.

Cashew Cream: Soak 1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews in hot water for 30 mins, then blend with 1 tbs vanilla extract, a pinch or two of orange zest, and a shake of salt until creamy. Chill in the fridge before use, stores up to 1 week.

Candied Lemon Peel: If you’re the type to read the whole recipe before executing, great! If not, hope you didn’t throw away the juiced lemons. Grab that unzested lemon peel and remove as much of the white pith as you can. Cut the rind into strips, then gently boil in sugar water until translucent. Toss in sugar and let dry on wax paper.

Lemon poppyseed cake is one of my most favorite baked treats, since it’s delicious as muffins, squares, or fistfuls. It’s tangy, moist, versatile, and now it can get you stoned! The combination of applesauce and banana binds and provides the perfect springy texture, poppy and chia seeds give it crunch, and the bud brings the buzz. 🙂

image credit: weedchefs.com

mad dream marijuana

Mad Dream Strain Review

There’s a new cannabis strain called Mad Dream, a mix between the popular hybrids Blue Dream and Mad Dawg.
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominate hybrid. It has become one of the most widely consumed and critically acclaimed strains available, and for good reason. The mix of Blueberry and Haze is the perfect combination of full body relaxation without the overwhelming kick of certain indica strains.
Mad Dawg is an impressive hybrid in it’s own right. Another sativa dominant strain, Mad Dawg is a mix of Starfighter and Lemon Alien Dawg.
Mix the two together, and the result is glorious!
I was able to pick this strain up from Green Leaf Therapy, located in the Northwest Cannabis Market in White Center, Washington. Immediately noticeable is the strain’s beautiful exterior, brimming with crystals.
The smell was less sweet than I expected, but was still entirely pleasant, with a great earthy note that reminded me a little of standing in a heavily wooded forest. When you break the bud apart, however, you can smell a subtle hint of the Blueberry passed along from the Blue Dream.
The taste is almost identical to the smell; earthy, with a perfectly sweet backdrop.
The strain immediately brings forth a nice, heady high, and sends a warm feeling of relaxation through your whole body. Few strains are as well suited as this one for taking a few tokes, and sitting back and watching some movies, reading a book or even getting some work done. Although the strain perfectly relaxes you, it doesn’t make you drowsy.
I did find that the strain gave me the munchies more than most. Which could make it perfect for those wanting to stimulate their appetite.
Overall, Mad Dream is a wonderful combination of two great strains, and one that comes highly recommended.

jammed thumbprint cookies

Jammed Thumbprint Cookies

These Jammed Thumbprint cookies are a delicious way to get your buzz on, and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time! Makes about 16 cookies, depending on size.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes
  • 2 tbs nut butter (don’t use peanut butter– much too crumbly)
  • 2 tbs canna-butter, melted (check out our easy canna-butter recipe here!)
  • 2 tbs maple syrup
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbs guar gum or 2 flax eggs (2 tbs flax + 6 tbs water)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted but not hot
  • vegan milk
  • toppings of your choice (jam/jelly of any flavor, nuts, chocolate chips or melted chocolate for drizzle)
  • AVB (already vaped bud)
  • cookie sheet
  • parchment paper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you have it, to help the bottoms of the cookies from burning and to make for an easier clean-up.
  2. In a medium sized bowl, mix together dry ingredients. If you want to really send these cookies to space, dump in at least two spoonfuls of AVB. It also enhances the cannabis taste, but if you don’t grind it up first be prepared for a much crunchier, and more bitter cookie.
  3. Depending on which leavening agent you choose, add the guar gum into the dry mix. (With the guar gum, it’s meant to be a 2:1 ratio of flour to gum, but since coconut flour is super dry and crumbly, we’ll use a 1:1.)
  4. If you don’t have guar gum or it’s hard to find, two flax eggs will substitute a leavening just fine and will keep the cookies together. To prepare flax eggs, mix 2 tbs ground flax or flax seed + 6 tbs water in a small bowl. Let set until jellied, then add to the cookie mixture.
  5. Pour in the rest of the wet ingredients. The milk should be added gradually in small sips. After mixing thoroughly with a fork or with a stand mixer, the resulting dough should be sticky, but not wet.
  6. Form balls with the dough and place onto cookie sheet. Because these cookies won’t spread out or really change shape while baking, feel free to crowd the pan. Press thumbprints into each cookie.
  7. Spoon jam, chocolate, or other toppings into the divots, then shove the pan into the oven and cook until the butts are golden brown. I’d suggest moving your oven rack to the middle shelf, so that the tops and bottoms of the cookies bake evenly.

And voila—jammed thumbprint cookies!

A big reason I love this recipe is that basically anything can go into the mixture—oats, nuts, chocolate, coconut—and anything can go into the thumbprint. It’s really whatever you have on-hand in the kitchen. These particular cookies were made with sour cherry jelly, and a few with pecans and chocolate drizzle.

For a sweet buzz (that’s low on sugar), eat two cookies!

texas

First Time Cannabis Possession Decriminalized In Texas' Most Populous County

First time cannabis possession will soon be decriminalized in Harris County, the most populous county in Texas, and the third most populous county in the entire United States.
Beginning on January 1st, those in the county caught in possession of up to two ounces of cannabis for the first time will no longer be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor that could land them in prison for up to 6 months. Instead, they’ll be given a citation and mandated to attend a diversion program.
Which is annoying, but much better than prison.
The new policy is called the First Chance Intervention Program. Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson is moving forth with the change despite widespread criticism from his colleagues in law enforcement.
“If [a diversion program is] offered at the pre-arrest stage, it frees up space in jail,” says Anderson. “It minimizes the administrative burdens that officers face when they file charges; it reduces the cost for prosecution and court proceedings; and of course it gives the offender an opportunity to have a completely clean record.”
The diversion program itself is nothing new — it’s been around long before this new policy. And data from the district attorney’s office shows that more than 90 percent of those who took advantage of the program did not re-offend, a much higher rate than found in those who didn’t attend the program.
Anderson says that only the first offense will be decriminalized under the new policy, but may change in the near future.
“After I saw these [stats], I said, hey, let’s look at what the recidivism rate would be for a second offender or a third offender,” Anderson said. “So we’re going to look at that.”
Harris County includes Texas’ most populous city, Houston. Overall, Harris County has a population of over 4 million, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau report.