Pot, Meet Kettle

As marijuana becomes legal in more jurisdictions in North America (it is currently legal in 33 states, and recreational use has been approved in ten, including Washington DC), research shows there will be a big consumer shift from sodas and beers to hemp and marijuana drinkables in 2019 and beyond.

Before you start giggling uncontrollably and reaching for the munchies, we are talking Cannabidiol or CBD from hemp that can mellow you out and perhaps relieve pain here, NOT the THC compound from marijuana leaves that will get you high. CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health benefits including its ability to potentially help with childhood epilepsy and there is also some evidence that CBD may help with chronic pain.

This is great news to many, including millennials, followed by vegans and vegetarians, Wall Streeters, and the wellness crowd, who are all consumer groups that are more likely to jump on the hemp train first.

Look for forward-thinking chefs to start putting together CBD tasting dinners and mixologists crafting CBD cocktails.  Sweets by CHLOE in New York City offers a CBD-infused chocolate ice cream cake called, “Mary Jane,” that has CBD frosting and green sprinkles.  The MatchaBar, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, features a signature “Honeypot Latte” that uses a whole tablespoon of Potli’s CBD-infused organic raw honey, and the Original Hemp Café and Lounge in Colorado Springs serves fresh, locally-sourced cannabis coffees, teas, and baked goods daily.  Ankeny Tap & Table is a casual, family-friendly neighborhood-vibe pub in Portland, Oregon that includes “Two Flowers IPA,” a locally produced CBD hemp-infused beer, and if you visit New York’s ACE Hotel Lobby Bar, try the “Rosebud,” a cocktail infused with 12 mg of CBD oil.  Philadelphia’s Fuel restaurant has an award-winning menu of healthy options, and if you’re looking for an extra boost, CBD oil is added to some of the fresh fruit blends at their juice bar.

Unfortunately, some may not be so giddy at the thought of marijuana mainstreaming to their local eateries and bars, as the California Department of Public Health has ordered restaurants and cafes to stop serving food and beverages with CBD (Cannabidiol) in July pending more research.  Restaurants refusing to abide by the ban face stiff fines and possible closures.   Way to harsh our mellow, dudes.

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