Freedom, Oh Freedom!

Today being  July 1, I am excited to say and celebrate that it the one year anniversary of Vermont cannabis legalization! If that isn’t enough of a reason to celebrate, Let’s add in 4th of July and concurrently talk about ways to celebrate with Cannabis! 

As Plants Before Pills put it, “since the 4th of July is all about celebrating freedom, what better way to exercise your rights than by taking your dose of cannabis?”

Plants Before Pills gives us several fun and fantastic recipe ideas on how to incorporate CBD oil infusions this holiday. Please note that either CBD canna oil or THC canna oil can be used in all recipes I will mention today.

Two of my favorites are Grilled Corn on the Cob and Macaroni and Cheese.

It wouldn’t be a July 4th celebration without some grilling and fireworks now would it? So, how about a new recipe for Grilled Meats with Cannabis-Infused Barbecue Sauce?

Two of my favorites are Grilled Corn on the Cob and Macaroni and Cheese. Consider using some sort of canna butter on your grilled corn and in your favorite mac and cheese recipe, or visit Plants Before Pills for a detailed recipe of their Medicated Mac and Cheese.

To refresh and cleanse your palate, I would love some Mango Mint Canna Lemonade:

• Blend half a mango with about half a dozen tablespoons of water.  
• Add some fresh squeezed lemons, ¼-½ cup sugar, and 5 cups water.  
• Add a few drops of cannabis oil, some fresh mint to taste, mix  and enjoy.

As for an alcohol based beverage, how about a glass a what they call Casa Independence Day.

For a classic American appetizer with a twist, why not make Caesar Salad Dressing with a Canna Oil Drizzle?

This recipe calls for a liter of Casamigos Blanco tequila, but you can easily switch this up with your preferred alcohol. Then:

• Blend 17 strawberries, and 17 whole blackberries
• Strain with unbleached cheesecloth
• Add 17 ounces of fresh lime juice, 10 ounces of simple syrup
• Don’t forget to add a splash your cannabis tincture and ice to make this a cool and collected cocktail.

Visit Cannabis Now to learn how to make your base canna simple syrup for what they call your Marijuana mocktails.

This can be used to make your favorite drink, or their Triple Melon Magic and Lemon Weed Drop cocktails.

They go on to give us many more canna rich heady recipes, including two that call for the Super Lemon Haze cannabis chemovars. I am excited to have just harvested this plant myself this past weekend from my home grow. 

This tangy uplifting chemovar infused into organic olive oil can make a quick and easy Mexican Guacamole and a Roasted Green Chile Emerald Colored Salsa that tastes just as fresh and bright as it looks. 

What could be even better than ice cream, is topping it with a chocolate sauce made with infused cannabis oil.

Another recipe that caught my eye is Cannabis-Infused Spanakopita Quesadilla. This recipe uses Pineapple Thai cannabis, a powerful sativa known for it’s high CBD content, for savory, Greek pastry.

For a classic American appetizer with a twist, why not make Caesar Salad Dressing with a Canna Oil Drizzle?

As for entrees, I encourage you to check out their recipe for Kief Fried Chicken, or make some Infused Fingerling Potato Nachos. 

For this, Cannabis Now suggests using a chemovar called Aurora indica, a potent chemovar that many say gives them the best night’s sleep. Aurora indica is a great mellow high, that works well with issues of pain.

If sweets is more your style than savory, try a round of 4th of July Chocolate Kush Rocky Road Ice Cream made with an indica dominant Chocolate Kush Kief chemovar. Save this for the end of the day BBQ dessert when you do not require high energy and are prepared to relax.

What could be even better than ice cream, is topping it with a chocolate sauce made with infused cannabis oil.

To make this delicacy, simply mix:

• 3 tablespoons canna oil
• 3 tablespoon cocoa
• 2 tablespoons agave or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

If edibles in general are not your thing and you prefer inhalation, check out Leafly’s suggestions on half a dozen patriotic strains to ring in America’s 239th birthday! 

Spirit of ‘76 is a hybrid that hails from Denver, Colorado with an uplifting energetic appetite stimulating high.

Liberty Haze, a High Times Cannabis Cup winner hybrid, gives us a summery citrus lime taste with heady, cerebral effects. This chemovar will lift your spirits while relieving anxiety and depression.

Danky Doodle is an indica chemovar that supports body aches and chronic pain while being notable uplifting. Danky Doodle is relief without couch lock.

American Kush is another indica chemovar with a skunky profile, lemony hints and spicy tones of lavender and coffee. The relaxed euphoric high is not only pleasant for recreational use, but can help quell pain, muscle spasms and nausea while stimulating appetite. 

Cherry Bomb is your happy hybrid and will give way to a smooth and focused alert mind and mood.

Presidential OG is almost purely indica, and is a hard-hitting cross between Bubble Gum and OG Kush, with strong citrus-pine aromas to help you have sweet Fourth of July celebration dreams when the fireworks and BBQ are through…

Whether you are celebrating solo, or partying down with a crew, always remember to start low and go slow, both with edibles and smokeables.

Happy July 1 Vermont Legalization and Happy 4th of July to you and yours from Jessilyn and the VT Cannabis Nurses Association.