420, the national day of celebrating all things marijuana, came up quickly this year! Looking back on the last 420, as a nation, we were in our first month of quarantine not knowing what would be to come of us in the upcoming months. Some of us had a small stash left over from the month before to celebrate 420 with but many more of us were locked down in our homes, not knowing if we would ever see the light of day or marijuana again.
Last year we had bigger worries on our minds than how we were going to celebrate 420 but this year is a little different. Businesses are opening back up, people are feeling more comfortable traveling locally while wearing masks and the weather is getting better and better so we all can get some much needed vitamin-D. Life is starting to look a little closer to pre-pandemic life as more people are getting their vaccinations. This means we are all looking forward to this year's 420 celebrations!
Today on the blog, we are going to get you totally prepared for 420 with some fun food that not only tastes amazing but is cannabis infused using tinctures that are easily accessible at Louisiana marijuana pharmacies. Also we want to give you a little something for the occasion so use discount code: 420BLOG in order to get $42 off your medical marijuana evaluation on April 20, 2021 only!
But first, here is some important information on tinctures, how to properly use them and their benefits.
What Are Tinctures?
Marijuana tinctures are a very common way to consume medical marijuana, especially in a state like Louisiana where only extracts and oils are permitted legally. Tinctures are alcohol-based marijuana extracts; so basically marijuana-infused alcohol. We know what you’re thinking, what could be better?
Tinctures are not only common today, but in fact, they were the original form of marijuana medication back in the day before marijuana prohibition was enacted in the States. Tinctures remain popular throughout time because they’re easy to use, easy to dose and are great for those who do not want to (or are not legally allowed to) smoke marijuana.
How to Use Tinctures Properly
The best thing to do when first starting to use tinctures is to remember the “low and slow” method. Keeping this in mind will help you ward off any uncomfortable “highs” which could totally spoil the fun 420 vibes.
If you have not used tinctures before, it is best start with a 1 mL dose placed under your tongue. Give yourself some time, between 15 to 40 minutes, and see how you are feeling. If you’re happy with the effects then great, you’re good to go! But if it not as satisfying as you would like, then you can try ramping up slowly. It is best to try again the next day with just a little more and then the next day with a little more, until you find that sweet spot that is perfect for you.
Finding the exact dosage that is right for you is important! It will not only aid your medical condition but will also help be the guide for the dosage that you use for making your own canna-recipes like the ones in this guide.
Benefits of Using Marijuana Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the best ways to consume marijuana since they can last a super long time! Since tinctures are alcohol based, they preserve marijuana up to 3 years. Because tinctures last so long, they also give you a bang for your buck. You don’t have to worry about them rotting or spoiling as other medical marijuana patients do in other states where marijuana flower is legal. As long as you keep them in a cool, dark place, you can take your time with them!
For those medical marijuana patients that are working on their summer bod, tinctures are a great option as they are low calorie. A cannabis edible, such as a brownie, is obviously way more caloric than a tincture that runs about 7-10 calories per mL. They also have a much faster onset in comparison to a cannabis edible. An edible usually takes 30-45 minutes to kick in where a tincture administered underneath the tongue can be felt in as little as 15 minutes!
Tinctures are a great solution for those who want to be a little more discreet about their medical marijuana use. Although most people in Louisiana support the legalization of marijuana throughout the states, there is a deep rooted stigma that needs dismantling. If you are worried about judgement from others, tinctures are super discreet and can easily be hidden in a bag or back pocket. They also come in a small jar that looks very similar to vitamins or an essential oil so using is not nearly as obvious as some other consumption methods.
Last but certainly not least, tinctures provide an easy way to incorporate marijuana into your food and drink! You can use tinctures to create cannabis-infused snacks, cocktails, and even sweets and desserts. Below are our favorite recipes that you can make easily with tinctures to get ready for 420!
DIY 420: Appetizer
When it comes to 420, snacking is a must and one of the most classic, summery snacks that has the fresh taste you need is… homemade bean salsa!
Two Bean Salsa:
Ingredients:
1 medium sized red onion
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
1 medium sized tomato
A small bunch of cilantro
2 tbsp. of minced garlic
Salt, pepper, cumin, and red pepper to taste (personally I go heavier on the cumin to give it a bit of a kick)
1 small lime
THC or CBD tincture of choice (amount depends on your personal preference)
Instructions:
Open the can of black beans and the can of pinto beans to drain and rinse in your colander.
Let the water used to rinse the beans drain while you cut the vegetables.
Dice the red onion and the tomato.
You can also mince your own fresh garlic or you can use the store bought already minced garlic (about 2 tbsp. or to desired taste)
Rinse about a handful of cilantro leaves to dice (about 2-3 tbs.)
Add black beans, pinto beans, diced red onion and tomato, minced garlic, cilantro leaves and tincture of choice into a medium sized bowl and mix together.
Roll the small lime on the countertop with your hands to release the juices then cut and squeeze over the mixed salsa.
Add salt, pepper, cumin and red pepper over the entire mixture and mix well.
Enjoy your fresh two bean salsa with your favorite tortilla chips!
DIY 420: Cocktail Hour
Up next is a twist on the classic spiked lemonade!
Grilled Spiked Lemonade:
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
3 very large lemons (or 6 medium sized lemons)
Olive oil
4 cups of cold water
A tray of ice cubes
THC or CBD tincture of choice (amount depends on your personal preference)
You will need:
A grill
Instructions:
First thing we’re going to make is a homemade simple syrup. Add a cup of sugar and a cup of water to a pot on medium heat and boil until the sugar dissolves. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once dissolved, place the simple syrup in a glass container and let cool either out on the countertop or in the fridge.
As this is cooling, preheat your grill until hot and coat the grill with spray to prevent sticking.
Cut the lemons (but save one for later) lengthwise in half and sprinkle with some sugar and olive oil lightly.
Place cut side down on the grill.
Cook for 2-3 minutes and then once the lemons are lightly charred, set them on a plate to cool enough to touch.
While they are still warm, squeeze lemon juice out of them into a strainer over a measuring cup. You should gather about a cup of lemon juice during this step.
Cut the last lemon into thick slices and sprinkle on both sides sugar and olive oil.
Grill until marks appear, flip and repeat on the other side. Set these slices aside to add as the garnish.
Add the lemon juice to a pitcher, the simple syrup, about 4 cups of cold water, your tincture of choice and ice cubes. This will make about 6 cups.
Stir well and serve over ice with the lemon slices as the garnish!
You can even add a shot of your favorite vodka if you’re feeling extra today!
DIY 420: Dessert
While you may associate 420 more with a cannabis-infused brownie, for dessert we were providing you with a layered, chocolatey treat… puppy chow!
Puppy Chow:
Ingredients:
1 cup of dark chocolate chips
1 cup of creamy peanut butter or your favorite nut butter
6-7 of cups Chex cereal
1-2 of cups powdered sugar (to your desire)
THC or CBD tincture of choice (amount depends on your personal preference)
Instructions:
Bring water to a low boil on your stove and set a thick glass bowl on top of it. This will prevent any burning.
Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter and CBD or THC tincture to the glass bowl. Stir together until the mix is completely smooth.
Add half of the cereal into a large bowl and pour about half of the chocolate and peanut butter mix over the cereal. Stir all together until the cereal is coated with the mix.
Add the rest of the chocolate and peanut butter mix and the cereal.
Stir mix until cereal is evenly coated.
Leave the ingredients to sit and cool but do not let it completely harden.
Once cooled, add the powdered sugar and stir again until fully coated.
Let the puppy chow cool. You can even toss it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so it will cool down faster.
Enjoy your cannabis-infused puppy chow!
Have a Fun 420!
These three recipes are perfect to make in order to prepare for your 420 celebrations this year! But do remember, these are not recipes to make and consume all at once. If you over consume marijuana, you can have an uncomfortable ‘high” which is no way to spend your 420. It is better to make one of these cannabis-infused recipes for 420 and save the rest for another day or you can make them without the THC or CBD tinctures. Just remember to use caution and also have a good time!
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At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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