Pairing strains

January 7, 2017 10:18 AM

“I’m lucky to have a fairly high tolerance for cannabis, so I can consume in all forms without stringently measuring and know that I’ll still have the energy and articulation to host the show”. Bong Appetit, a cannabis-fueled culinary web-series in search of bold flavors, colorful characters, and truly "high"-end eating.
posted by growabrain (34 comments total)

I've caught a couple of episodes of the accompanying tv show on Viceland. It's an interesting concept, cooking with weed, and it's pretty fun to watch the cooks at work with the various strains and materials. But the host, Abdullah Saeed, seems to always drag everything down to an unpleasant "Dude, we're gonna get soooo baked!" or "Hey! We're cooking with WEEEEEED!" level.
posted by Thorzdad at 10:31 AM on January 7, 2017 [3 favorites]

speaking of tolerance, I made brownies the weekend before this one. they were fine for me and my partner; we smoke a lot, have fairly high tolerance. we gave someone else a brownie, and she was pretty uncomfortable/nauseous from being overwhelmingly absurdly ridiculously high, and basically ended up curling into a ball and laid on her bed for hours waiting to ~die~. so, individual tolerance is pretty important, or something, idk.
posted by and they trembled before her fury at 10:39 AM on January 7, 2017 [8 favorites]

> seems to always drag everything down to an unpleasant "Dude, we're gonna get soooo baked!" or "Hey! We're cooking with WEEEEEED!" level.

I'm going to start a show that takes this approach to wine.

"Delicate floral nose belies a well-structured palate, with tart notes of blackberry and stonefruit giving way to a mineral and tannic finish. Also, it's gonna get you SUPER wasted CHUG CHUG CHUG"
posted by a mirror and an encyclopedia at 10:44 AM on January 7, 2017 [28 favorites]

My tolerance is pathetic. Which is a blessing and a curse, because a pinch of weed can last me for like a month but also I get the most intense and awful pot hangovers. I used to smoke a little to help me sleep because it really does put me out like a light and I've always had sleeping issues...but I'd wake up feeling foggy brained, lethargic/low-energy, horrible saggy eye circles. My coworkers would ask me if I was sick.

Actually, if any of the more seasoned stoners here have any suggestions for preventing that, I'm all ears since I do enjoy pot but not the next morning.
posted by windbox at 11:17 AM on January 7, 2017 [1 favorite]

Um... so Mr. hippybear has some THC gelatin that comes in a package about an inch square, and that you cut up into quarters/eights/sixteenths, and you can really try out different doses and find the one that lets you sleep without giving you the hangover. Usually edibles are more difficult to measure dosages on, but this stuff seems to be pretty accurate and works well for him. Smoking is more difficult to titrate dosage on, especially with today's monster-strong buds.

I'll see if I can get brand information and stuff. He's in LA right now and gets his from a medical dispensary. I haven't seen the same stuff in retail shops here in WA, but I haven't looked that much either.
posted by hippybear at 11:24 AM on January 7, 2017 [4 favorites]

In the early days of the internet I had a small site with a recipe for pot cookies and step-by-step instructions, with pictures. I was never sure why pot brownies were the legendary standard, cookies were so much more portable and easier to freeze/store. Anyway, all I did was use the recipe on the back of the Nestle's package, but I had the stoner-friendly pictures, clear instructions on how to make the cannabis butter, and a recommendation that you use a LOT of weed, which made them somewhat legendary in my circle, and on the web (such as it was then). I used to think about branching out and trying to monetize the concept, but the truth was I was (and am) a lousy cook, so that never happened.

I forgot where I was going with this....I like stories.
posted by Banky_Edwards at 11:28 AM on January 7, 2017 [17 favorites]

and a recommendation that you use a LOT of weed

My hometown in southern NM had a lot of weed floating around in the 80s and 90s, but it was almost entirely what you'd expect -- Mexican trash compactor weed. Granted, it was $75/oz, but if you were making cannabutter you'd use the whole ounce because that stuff, it wasn't "one hit wonder" weed.

If you were to use an entire ounce of today's weed in a batch of cookies or brownies, you'd incapacitate anyone who had "one cookie" or whatever.
posted by hippybear at 11:31 AM on January 7, 2017 [3 favorites]

If you were to use an entire ounce of today's weed in a batch of cookies or brownies, you'd incapacitate anyone who had "one cookie" or whatever.

No truer words.

..............................
Back when I was in college, we put on a party with the guys living next door, and we baked a couple of chocolate weed cakes. I can recall using grocery bags of ditch weed in those cakes. The cakes certainly did the deed, but, it took a ton of weed to do it. Today's stuff is not only so powerful, it's also so friggin' expensive that there's no way I'd waste it baking cookies or cake.
posted by Thorzdad at 11:37 AM on January 7, 2017

I live in a cheese state, so I'm looking forward to legalization of cheddar THCheese.
posted by MtDewd at 11:42 AM on January 7, 2017 [4 favorites]

windbox: "My tolerance is pathetic. Which is a blessing and a curse, because a pinch of weed can last me for like a month but also I get the most intense and awful pot hangovers. I used to smoke a little to help me sleep because it really does put me out like a light and I've always had sleeping issues...but I'd wake up feeling foggy brained, lethargic/low-energy, horrible saggy eye circles. My coworkers would ask me if I was sick.

Actually, if any of the more seasoned stoners here have any suggestions for preventing that, I'm all ears since I do enjoy pot but not the next morning."

Maybe try some of the pot butter for home-cooking friendly dosage control?

Just dropped in to say I passed this link along to a buddy who is on medical.
posted by Samizdata at 11:45 AM on January 7, 2017

One of these years somebody is going to make a fortune marketing some strain of Weed Where You Can Smoke the Whole J in a Sitting and Not Visit Outer Space.
posted by brennen at 12:00 PM on January 7, 2017 [7 favorites]

That's basically what the ditchweed was I had smoking up. Three friends come to visit? You roll 4 joints to share, by the third one you might all be stoned.
posted by hippybear at 12:04 PM on January 7, 2017

Glad to see ya again Growabrain.
posted by svenvog at 12:13 PM on January 7, 2017 [1 favorite]

I only really enjoy weed when it's complemented by alcohol, preferably beer. I can see a subdivision of sommeliering opening up- 'I think you'll find this Jamaican skunk in a White Owl wrapper pairs wonderfully with this forty of Colt 45, sir.'
posted by jonmc at 12:15 PM on January 7, 2017 [7 favorites]

One of these years somebody is going to make a fortune marketing some strain of Weed Where You Can Smoke the Whole J in a Sitting and Not Visit Outer Space.

Most people know this but I'll say it anyway. The increase in potency came because growers were pushed indoors and if you're going to risk jail time and high electric bills, then you might as well grow pot in the the most space efficient form possible. Also, the seed market exploded so people starting breeding new strains and one of the most effective marketing tools for your new purple lemon banana skunk strain was a claim of high potency.

It's probable that with legalization breeders will start focusing on things other than potency. Jillybean is pretty popular and it's not all that potent.
posted by rdr at 12:17 PM on January 7, 2017 [3 favorites]

Hash is a very nice spice for haggis; when you try it don't forget the neeps and the dram. Burn's night is coming up .. raise a glass to Robbie.
posted by anadem at 12:18 PM on January 7, 2017

Ctrl-f pancakes

No?

Ok then, psa, beware pancakes
posted by clavicle at 12:48 PM on January 7, 2017

I smoked yesterday for the first time in like 5-7 years, and was very conscious of not overdoing it, and still fell into a terrible time-dilated self-consciousness hole that lasted like 18 hours so (1) yeah tolerance is a thing and (2) I guess I can never smoke again.
posted by penduluum at 1:17 PM on January 7, 2017

If you are a wimp in CA, a friend had highly recommend this CBD cacao. It works well for my insomnia with very little brain fog hangover.
posted by politikitty at 1:34 PM on January 7, 2017

I was looking for pancakes also. The Bud & Breakfast episode had crepes, but it was more like quality than quantity.
posted by MtDewd at 2:27 PM on January 7, 2017

Hey hippybear, are the THC jellies from Kushy Punch?

If so, I'm a fan!
posted by elsietheeel at 2:31 PM on January 7, 2017 [3 favorites]

YES THAT IS EXACTLY THE BRAND THANK YOU!
posted by hippybear at 2:49 PM on January 7, 2017 [1 favorite]

Indica can give me zombie like brain fog depending on the strain. I just stick with sativa. Hybrids are a mixed bag.
posted by P.o.B. at 3:05 PM on January 7, 2017 [1 favorite]

We used to go on an annual camping trip where there were usually brownies. Half ounce of ditch weed, baked in a mini muffin tin, easy single servings. Everybody had a great time.

The last year, maybe 4 or so years ago, something was different. Everybody had their brownie and we went for a hike. It hit us all at the same time and shit got weird really quick. Some of us were convinced we'd found an Indian tomb, others largely lost the benefit of language.

I was having a pretty good time, because cannabis generally does good things to me, but when one more camper showed up late, everybody warned her to skip the brownies.

She ate one anyway and spent the rest of the night staring off into the middle distance, unable to speak, caught in a little time loop.
posted by uncleozzy at 6:32 PM on January 7, 2017 [6 favorites]

I find the SuperWeed of today a lot like the crazy IPAs that are the darlings of the craft beer world. Just because you can etc. I took a long break from smoking weed because well a lot of reasons, and recently found out you can basically order it online with very little fuss, but it's not the ditch weed you used to get.

I find edibles to be a lot easier to deal with. I've tried infused olive oil, hard candies, and gummis, and I think the hard candies are my favourite.

Also this may explain my recent weight gain because I find the SuperWeed also makes for super munchies.
posted by the uncomplicated soups of my childhood at 6:54 PM on January 7, 2017 [3 favorites]

Actually, if any of the more seasoned stoners here have any suggestions for preventing that, I'm all ears since I do enjoy pot but not the next morning.

I'm the opposite of this but have started experimenting with high CDB, low THC gummies someone gave me for free, as they were flying out from CO back to NYC. I would just take it pretty early - 6pm or 7pm, and let it dissolve in Sleepy Time tea. Like you, I don't want anything affecting me the morning after. I remember dozing while watching a movie, then waking up, sort of, in the middle of the night, with my head weighing about 50 tons. I just could not lift it up. I totally understood why that was happening, so just rolled with it, and went back to a blissful, deep, and dreamless sleep, totally refreshed in the morning. Maybe something similar can help you? Fog in the morning after smoking pot has never been a problem with me though, although I can get hangovers from alchohol w/as little as two beers.
posted by alex_skazat at 9:55 PM on January 7, 2017

I'd wake up feeling foggy brained, lethargic/low-energy, horrible saggy eye circles. My coworkers would ask me if I was sick.

Describes me to a T. I've had good results with medicating before bedtime on some occasions, but mostly, weed causes tossing and turning, which, along with the weed residue, contributes to the foggy brain sensation the following day.

My solution? On weekends, waking and baking. (Actually, more like "waking, working out and baking.") My goal is to cut off all consumption after, say, 10:00 am. That means that about 10 to 12 hours elapse before hitting the sack, and the weed is fully processed and flushed out of the system by then. A side benefit is that munchy time coincides with lunch time, meaning freedom from the heavy sensation of going to bed after a heavy grind of delicious weed-friendly treats.
posted by Gordion Knott at 2:09 AM on January 8, 2017

Does every weed thread on Metafilter need to be filled with old people decrying the potency of modern marijuana? (Yeah, that's right—if you're nostalgic for the garbage weed you smoked in the 70s, you are old).

Just smoke less. A lot of us can get a solid high from a single hit. That's ok! It's healthier, and it's less obnoxious to any non-smokers in your vicinity.
posted by ryanrs at 3:55 AM on January 8, 2017 [2 favorites]

Nothing wrong with being old. I'm tired of people on the internet telling me how to smoke weed.

Now that is out of the way:

If you're looking for a good session weed, something a little higher in CBD is awesome.

I get super-fucked anxiety if I smoke the wrong stuff these days (but like in my 20's I was the biggest pothead I knew?) anyway purple headband seems to be what I can use these days for a reasonable high that doesn't make me afraid I'm gonna lose control and kill myself...so yeah, weed is a drug treat it as one. HTH
posted by Annika Cicada at 6:24 AM on January 8, 2017 [2 favorites]

Seconding the high-CBD suggestion, as it takes the anxiety out of a sativa high for many people (and, reportedly, has good anti-inflammatory properties, etc.)

Also seconding the notion that it's okay if you only smoke half a bowl. Unless the attraction is the sitting and smoking something for a while and not the high, per se, then smoking less works just as well than sucking down two joints and hoping for a decent buzz. Plus, many of the strains available will provide a more interesting buzz than the seed-clotted ditchweed of yore. I, also, don't get the "New Pot too strong, bad" mindset. There isn't an amount set by law that one must consume, whereby higher-THC weed is an unavoidable pitfall. Just smoke less, y'all.
posted by the sobsister at 11:24 AM on January 8, 2017

The most mellow and awesome high I've ever had was via that yellow THC wax stuff and a pen vape. That stuff is probably the most concentrated and weaponized form of THC that can possibly exist, but when dosed properly it's fucking wonderful.

I really think if people are sensitive to THC that getting off the leafy buds and into the oils and vapes is a much more predictable way to go.

I'm not gonna tell people "smoke less". For annoying as "the weed is too damn high" crowd may be, there is also something valid being said there and responding with "smoke less" seems really condescending.

Yeah the days of rolling a big ass cone or blunt are probably gone, but really, our lungs do thank us.
posted by Annika Cicada at 11:46 AM on January 8, 2017 [1 favorite]

Sorry, my intention was not to condescend. I take your point.
posted by the sobsister at 1:51 PM on January 8, 2017

"Edibles" is a terrible delivery device; even if you know the total THC-A/THC amounts you put in into the material, absorption rates are unpredictable based on how much/what type/when you last ate. The delivery mechanism also differs in carbohydrate/fat ratios that can also drastically change absorption profiles.

The long latency period also risks "I'm totally not high, I need to eat another piece" and when the second dose hits, it's unwanted.

Inhaling ignited or vapourized product results in peak serum levels in a minute. User titration can be done very well with a little experience; with edibles, not so much.
posted by porpoise at 6:17 PM on January 8, 2017 [1 favorite]

> pen vape

Annika Cicada, I totally love extracts. Also called waxes or oils or shatter (correctly and incorrectly). Similar to hash and kief, but typically derived from solvent extraction rather than physical concentration.

Totally, standardizing them to an effective (but not reecreational) dose suitable for microdosing would probably be best served with high quality electric vape devices - and standardized extracts, or perhaps standadized dried flower "pellet").

One risk assessment for extracts is that there has been documented propensity for non-regulated (illegal) producers using pesticides (which concentrate with Cannabis extracts) or using mouldy cuttings (which concentrates many mycotoxins present) as extract feedstock. The shatter/bho you get might be made from mouldy weed. Will it cause problems?

Can't say. What's available typically doesn't come with a reliable analytical chemistry report for that batch.
posted by porpoise at 6:28 PM on January 8, 2017 [1 favorite]