By Luke Sumpter


Cannabis is a social substance. Nothing beats sitting around and smoking with friends—apart from enjoying a dinner party with them! Treat your fellow cannabis lovers to a night they might not remember by cooking up a THC-loaded storm.

WHY CONSIDER PAIRING CANNABIS WITH DIFFERENT FOODS?

Cannabis is more than a psychoactive substance. It’s a culinary herb that ranks among the likes of rosemary and thyme. Cannabis flowers produce complex terpene profiles and punchy flavours. Some cultivars produce sweet notes of fruit or chocolate; others hit the tongue with savoury tastes of earth and pine. Brownies and space cakes have been the go-to cannabis edibles for decades, but modern cannabis chefs are now infusing cannabinoids and terpenes into just about anything; from pasta to salad dressings!

The enormous diversity in terpene profiles allows cooks to get creative in the kitchen. Different strains go well with different meals. Does that stash jar tickle the nose with hints of fruit? Then infuse it in a cheesecake! Does it reak of diesel and wood? Harness those rich tastes in a hearty soup.

Not only does cannabis-infused food taste superb, it’s also more psychoactive! Edible cannabis takes longer to take effect, but provides a more potent experience. This is because THC must first pass through the digestive system. It’s then converted into 11-hydroxy-THC before passing through the blood-brain barrier. This powerhouse molecule is responsible for the amplified effects.

Now, let’s treat your smoking crew to a psychoactive smorgasbord. To start things off, you’ll need to plan your menu.

PLAN YOUR MENU BASED AROUND YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS

There are no strict rules to follow when creating your menu. You could stick to a theme—cuisine from a certain region—or serve up a mixed bag of cultural delights. Regardless of what you treat your guests to, it’ll help to have some kind of structure. Are you going to dish out a three-course meal or offer a free-for-all buffet? In the case of the former, you’ll need to plan out a starter, main course, and dessert.

Before you start spinning pizza bases and chopping veg like Gordon Ramsey, make sure you have your extracts ready. Cannabutter is an easy extract to make and can be added to almost any dish imaginable. If you’re prepping meals for vegan guests, whip up a batch of cannabis-infused coconut oil instead.

The main focus of your menu should be taste! Incorporate your favourite foods and give them a psychoactive twist. Here are a few suggestions to start with.

  • STONER-FRIENDLY STARTERS

Open strong with a weed-infused appetiser. This psychoactive vinaigrette kicks any salad up a notch, and will impress guests with its instant class. In the colder months, any number of soups are delicious and simple to prepare. For a similar, summer-friendly option, try a cool gazpacho made with cannabis-infused oil.

PLAN YOUR MENU BASED AROUND YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS

  • MEXICAN WITH MARY JANE

If you're craving Mexican eats, serve up some ganja guacamole. Then, move on to crowd-pleasing cannabis tacos. Just remember to "taco 'bout" portions with your guests. We all know how easy it is to binge on these babies, and this is one time you don't want to go overboard.

  • ITALIAN “HERBS” AND SPICES

Make your Italian grandmother proud with a creamy cannabis risotto. Grandma likes to blaze, right? If your guests have dietary restrictions, this pot pesto is both vegan and gluten-free. For a sweet finish, whip up some mouth-watering tiramisu.

  • AMERICAN (POT) PIE

It's hard to go wrong with bud burgers and some good old-fashioned American apple pie. The great thing about burgers is you can make them last-minute by adding finely ground bud straight into the patties. There's no need to prep an oil infusion beforehand (just remember to decarboxylate your weed).

ENHANCE YOUR DINNER PARTY WITH TERPENES

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are responsible for many of the effects of cannabis. However, terpenes play an arguably more important role when it comes to crafting food with weed. Terpenes are aromatic molecules responsible for the many tastes and smells associated with the cannabis plant. Every strain produces its own terpene profile based on its genetics and growing environment.

Cannabis is like a fine wine that tastes different depending on the grapes used. Research the strain you want to use before cooking with it. You’ll likely be able to find information about the main terpenes within the cultivar, how it tastes, and what smells stand out in the mix.

Selecting the right terpene profile goes beyond just taste. Cannabis science has discovered that terpenes play a fundamental role in the effects of a strain, synergising with cannabinoids to influence the high.

Let's briefly get to know some of the primary terpenes in cannabis:

Myrcene is a mellow terpene that contributes a sedating effect.
Limonene is a citrusy terpene that elevates the mood and invigorates the senses.
Caryophyllene is a terpene and “dietary cannabinoid” known for its potential to reduce pain.

Be sure to select a strain rich in the terpenes you’re after. Serve your guests a side dish of pre-rolled joints if they want an even higher dose of featured terps.

CANNABIS STRAIN AND FOOD COMBINATIONS TO GET YOU STARTED

Are you feeling confused about where to start? We get it. There are hundreds of strains, around 100 terpenes, and endless food options. Use the combinations below as surefire crowd-pleasers that will leave your guests feeling satisfied every time. Each one of these offerings will fill their bellies and blow their minds. Here too, you can feature terpenes in their full glory by smoking each strain alongside each meal, or by infusing it directly.

LEMON SHINING SILVER HAZE AND CHICKEN

Lemon and chicken is a timeless combination; it’s also a popular Chinese dish. Add an extra hit of citrus to your dish by incorporating Lemon Shining Silver Haze. This sativa-dominant hybrid houses sweet and spicy tastes, along with a hint of pepper. Her intense cerebral high will get the conversation flowing and stoke the appetite of your guests. Just make them aware of her 21% THC level so they know what they’re getting themselves into.

Lemon Shining Silver Haze

ROYAL COOKIES AND CURED MEAT

Cured meat is a delicious and rich food high in protein. It’s scrumptious on its own, but many recipes call for the addition of spices or sugar to enhance the taste. Hitting a strain such as Royal Cookies between each bite will light up the palate with flavours of sugar, cookies, and intense sweetness. This indica-dominant specimen also slams the body with a sedating high powered by a THC level of 23%. Serve up some espresso shots with dessert to counter the sleepy effects.

Royal Cookies

PINEAPPLE KUSH AND PIZZA

Pineapple on pizza is a controversial topping. You either love it or hate it. However, there are not many people who won’t love the addition of Pineapple Kush. This stoning indica strain delivers sweet tastes of tropical fruits that complement the savoury ingredients in the pizza. The more you smoke, the hungrier you’ll become. A THC level of 18% and unabating munchies mean there won’t be a crumb left over.

Pineapple Kush

WHITE WIDOW AND SWEET DESSERTS

It’s true that weed enhances the senses. It makes music sound better, lights appear brighter, and the most mundane food taste spectacular. White Widow is an excellent strain to make the taste buds hypersensitive. A few tokes of this legendary hybrid will prime the tongue for some sweet treats. Prepare for an explosion of flavour as you chow down on chocolate, cake, or ice cream.

White Widow

LEGENDARY OG PUNCH AND COFFEE

Cannabis and coffee have a push-pull relationship. They’re almost opposing forces. But the stimulation of coffee and the relaxation of cannabis can give rise to a comfortable equilibrium. A fresh cup of coffee can help to fight off post-meal fatigue, and a few tokes of Legendary OG Punch will smooth off the jittery edges. This hybrid delivers a swift blow of sedation to the cranium. What’s more, tastes of sweet fruits define every hit. Infuse Legendary OG Punch coconut oil into your brew for a sustained lift.

Legendary OG Punch

CANNABIS DINNER PARTY TOP TIPS

Of course, food is the centrepiece of the occasion! But, it’s important to cover all your bases to ensure everyone has a good experience. Follow the tips below to host a flawless night!

GET YOUR DOSES RIGHT

We've all been burned by super-potent edibles at some point, and improper dosing could turn your delicacies into disasters. Luckily, a little preparation and communication are all it takes to avoid this particular pitfall. When cooking with cannabis, make sure you pay attention to the THC content of the strains you use. Be as precise as possible and measure what you're putting in at every step. When in doubt, use this handy guide to calculate the potency of your dishes. You should also talk with your guests about what to expect before dinner is served. Letting people make informed choices will lead to the best possible experience for everyone.

PREPARATION IS KEY

You'll need to prepare thoroughly to ensure your dishes are fully psychoactive! Make sure all of your plant material and extracts have been properly decarbed. People haven't come just for the food; they want to get baked in the process. If you're making burgers or similar recipes, it'll help to grind all of your weed beforehand. It's little tips like these that simplify the process.

Preparing well also means you get to have fun too! Chances are you're going to be as baked as the guests. It’ll put a downer on your high if you realise you forgot to make enough of a particular dish or run out of weed. Make sure you've completed everything so you have time to relax too. Cook everything you need, wash up, top-up on dank weed, and create a long music playlist. With all the boxes ticked, it’s time to relax and have a good time.

DON’T FORGET THE DRINKS

Your guests are going to get thirsty. It doesn’t take long for cottonmouth to set in. Prepare a good selection of beverages for your guests to enjoy, and a suitable strain for them to enjoy it with. We’ve already covered coffee, but what about pairing some strains with wine? Fruit Spirit will go down well with a fresh rosé.

WHAT CANNABIS PAIRINGS HAVE YOU DISCOVERED?

Before you start cooking up delicious dishes and pairing them with strains, you’ll need to experiment. Acquaint your palate with some of the tastiest cannabis strains around while you perfect your recipes. Eventually, you’ll find out exactly which terpene profiles work best with each meal. Once you’re confident that your cannabis matches you’re cuisine, it’s time to invite your friends over!

DisclaimerWhen consumed, THC metabolizes into 11-hydroxy-THC, which enters the body through the stomach and liver, resulting in a significantly stronger effect due to its increased affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain.

Ensure accurate portion control. Begin with small doses and gradually increase to develop tolerance.

Remember: Set and Setting will help you deal with various situations.

Stay Cultivated.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: