The Marijuana Chef Cookbook. S. T. Oner

       Marijuana Drinks

       Alcoholic: Cocktails and Shots

       Dirty Bong Water

       Motherfucker

       Vlad the Inhaler’s Vodka

       Mary Jane’s Martini

       Ghetto Booty

       Bourbon High

       Indian Summer

       Surfer on Acid

       Freight Train

       Sangria

       Nonalcoholic Drinks

       Coffee Chai

       Bhang Lassi

       Pot Chocolate

       Cappuccino Chill Out

       Stir-Crazy Shake

       Spaced-Out Banana Shake

       Chapter 9

       Eat, Drink and Detoxify

       Cut to the Chase

       Finding the WMD (Way of Mucho Detox)

       Spicy Meets Balls

       Cayenne Pepper

       Turmeric

       Burdock Root

       Milk Thistle

       Dandelion

       Ginger

       Alfalfa

       Licorice Root

       Fennel Seed

       Fenugreek Seed

       Hibiscus

       They’re Called Essential for a Good Reason

       “Water to Think, Water to Drink, Water Over Me”

       Detox Tea Recipe

       Appendix

       Scheduling Definitions

      

Chapter 1

       Using Marijuana

      There are many reasons why people choose to cook with marijuana, ranging from concerns about the health risks of smoking to the convenience of being able to carry the drug discreetly. Some medical marijuana users prefer eating the plant to smoking it, since many are not recreational drug users or cigarette smokers, and are therefore not accustomed to inhaling. The resultant high from eating marijuana can be a very pleasant experience in and of itself, and many people treating themselves with marijuana prefer to cook with the plant. When it is eaten, marijuana’s effects range from mild to intense. While there have not been any recorded overdoses as a result of smoking marijuana, the effects of marijuana can be very intense when eaten. If not consumed in moderation, marijuana can induce dizziness, vomiting, and extreme anxiety. Knowing the potential effects that the drug can have on your body will help you weigh the benefits and risks of adding marijuana to your diet.

THC: The Main Ingredient

      The most potent of all the chemicals contained in marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta 9 THC. THC comes in many forms, called isomers. The THC isomers are subgroups of cannabinoids (monoterpene compounds) of which at least 50 have been isolated. The interaction of these cannabinoids causes a high that varies from strain to strain and gives each plant its distinct scent. For example, some highs tend to be more euphoric, while others cause drowsiness and relaxation. When marijuana is eaten, depending on the ingestion method, the psychoactive effects are dramatically different due to the various pathways through which the chemicals are absorbed into the body.

      When marijuana is smoked or inhaled, the THC transfuses almost instantly through the thousands of capillaries on the surface of the lungs. Increasing the contact with the capillaries increases the amount of THC in the smoke that will, in turn, be assimilated into the bloodstream. As a rule, marijuana smoke should be held in the lungs for at least twenty seconds — and up to fifty seconds — in order to absorb the maximum amount of THC.

      Once it is in the bloodstream, the THC travels to the brain where it binds to certain receptors — receptors that appear to be designated specifically for this task. The presence of these receptors is often used to bolster the theory that an ancient genetic link exists between humans and marijuana. Another school of thought maintains that THC mimics the natural chemical anandamide, which also binds to these receptors. Anandamide is found in areas of the brain that regulate memory, coordination of movement, and emotions. Most prescribed drugs attempt to duplicate the body’s own chemical processes but are decidedly not natural, whereas THC seems to be an all-natural drug that helps the body continue to function normally.

      The direct transmission of marijuana from the lungs to the brain when it is smoked helps account for the quick onset of the high. This high wears off once the THC molecules no longer bind to the receptors. Ultimately, the same process occurs when marijuana is eaten, but there are important differences: the effects are multiplied. When marijuana is eaten, it is metabolized into a THC metabolite in the liver. The term metabolized simply describes the body’s process of changing and using a substance to best suit its needs — it is the process of digesting food and absorbing vitamins. When THC is metabolized, it changes into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This new compound is at least 15 percent more potent than delta 9 THC. Therefore, when 11-hydroxy-THC hits the brain, a more powerful high is induced. The initial effects can take a long time to set in, depending on how much food is already in the stomach, as well as the strength of the marijuana being used in the recipe. The effects, though, can last for up to five hours, or even longer. Since the food containing the drug may not be broken down all at once, the 11-hydroxy-THC high may surge in phases. When marijuana is eaten, users often report feeling an initial rush, followed by coming down, and then peaking once again. The change in THC’s composition may account for the fact that vivid hallucinations and other wild effects are experienced after eating marijuana, whereas these reactions are relatively rare after inhaling it. The possibility of experiencing an intense buzz is often a favorable argument cited by devoted marijuana eaters. This probably accounts for so many groups using the plant for religious purposes — the experience can be surreal.

Marijuana Mastery: Knowing the Risks

      Now that you know how the drug works in your body, you should learn about the short- and long-term effects of marijuana use. One point cannot be stressed enough:

      Do not dose people without their knowledge!

      Make sure that anyone who is about to consume food containing marijuana is well aware of exactly what is involved. There are obvious reasons for this; the psychoactive properties of marijuana can be overwhelming even for experienced users if they are unaware of the oncoming effects. Also, there are times when being high for six to eight hours may not be convenient or welcome. Another thing to watch out for is inadvertently using too strong a dosage. Make sure that people know if the dish is particularly strong, as they might want to have just a small amount. It is a good idea when cooking cannabis to have some marijuana-free food lying around. Even though you may have just eaten, the munchies do still occur, especially a few hours into the high. At that point you probably will not be looking to become any higher, so eating some regular food would be wise. Plus, eating straight food — and sometimes taking