It is cold outside, which means it time to turn to a classic warm drink – cocoa. Except this modern version has marijuana and turmeric
When the temperatures drop, people turns to they’re a classic love. A survey of those over 21 or found the nation’s favorite winter drink is a cocoa classic: hot chocolate. It is the top choice of women (35%), men (30%), and adults under the age of 50 (34%). So why not give it al modern flair – make some marijuana-infused turmeric hot cocoa.
In India’s Ayurvedic medical culture, turmeric powder or juice is given to people with many gripes, particularly for pain and inflammation. Somewhere in the internet, golden milk was touted as an ‘ancient Indian secret’ and though it’s often added to milk in India, this concept seems to be an interpretation rather than an authentic classic. Interpretation being the specialty of any chef looking to stash the power of cannabis, a desire to take hot cocoa to the next level spawned this awesome take on two favorites.
What you end up with is quite delicious and is the perfect vehicle to get maximum benefit from turmeric. Combining it with hot cocoa is utterly divine, adding the devils lettuce, makes it not only literally intoxicating, it’s ingredients push through both the THC and turmeric’s curcumin faster and better than most consumables. Black pepper and cardamom, both enhance your stone and help the turmeric work its magic, and since everything is fat soluble, it will play nicely together.
Cannabis Infused Golden Hot Cocoa
Recipe by Danielle Guercio
2 T Cocoa
1 T Demerara sugar
1 tsp Turmeric
3-5 Black cardamom pods (OR dip a toothpick in essential oil and then dip in milk)
A few cracks of a black pepper grinder
A ½ inch nub of fresh ginger
¼ c Half and half (you can use any milk here dairy or not)
½ tsp Cannabis coconut oil or butter*
⅔ c Boiling water
In a mug, add cocoa and sugar put aside. If you are using a milk frother, lightly crack spices except turmeric and add to mug with cocoa. Without a milk frother, use a dry saucepan to lightly toast the cardamom and pepper before heating milk, do not boil, do not pour milk over flame.
While milk is heating, boil water separately and pour over cocoa, stirring thoroughly. Remove milk from heat and stir in infused oil and turmeric. Let stand for a few seconds, then slowly pour over cocoa.
*Cannabis Infused Coconut Oil
Put ¼ cup coconut oil in a clean mason jar with decarboxylated starting material (20 min at 225 in a sealed container for raw cannabis, 10 for hash and wax). Seal the Mason jar and placed in a warm water bath for 1 hour. Cool the Mason jar to room temperature and place in a freezer overnight. The next day, defrost and place in a water bath once more, just to heat through. Strain if using raw cannabis. If using a concentrate or hash you won’t have to strain the material.
If you want to get really weird, you can use some boozy rum cream with the milk, and it will be mildly alcoholic, but incredibly tasty. Drink up when you’re feeling under the weather in any way–inflammation doesn’t just mean injuries and sore muscles, it counts for sinuses and PMS too.
Dry January is increasing popular, but can cannabis help make it not seem so long?
Since it premiered in 2013 in the UK, it has grown increasingly popular. It received a boast after the covid pandemic when alcohol consumption and sales increased exponentially. The trend has stuck around though, thanks to younger generations. Alcoholhelp.com says 35% of Gen-Z aged 21-24 practiced Dry January in 2024. While it is known alcohol it is not healthy, taking a 31 day break can be difficult. Can cannabis help your Dry January?
Cannabis can serve as an effective substitute for alcohol during the month, providing relaxation and social lubrication without the negative impacts associated with drinking. Many individuals find that cannabis helps them unwind after a long day, much like how they might have previously used alcohol. Oils, gummies, and vapes tend to be the healthiest options to avoid lung damage or extra pounds. Microdosing has become increasingly popular also.
For those experiencing alcohol cravings during Dry January, cannabis may help. It can assist in managing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and nausea, making the transition to sobriety more manageable. While some may worry you are trading bad habits, marijuana’s effect on the body is less damaging.
Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, can offer a sense of relaxation similar to alcohol but without many of the adverse effects. It’s a natural way to de-stress and wind down, helping participants navigate the challenges of abstaining from alcohol..
Cannabis can enhance social interactions without the negative impacts of alcohol. Some strains can provide an energy boost and mental clarity, helping users navigate social events more comfortablyCannabis and hemp are great substitutes for house parties or on a Friday night. These products come in various flavors and can provide a refreshing experience without compromising on taste or effects.
The California Sober movement has become popular, especially among Gen Z. It recongizines marijuana is a healthier alternative to booze. Additionally, it is far less addictive than alcohol, with alcohol use potentially resulting in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, which is not observed with marijuana. As a sign of the benefits it brings, legal cannabis sales usually tend to spike in January.
It is a quiet question people want to know – how long does cannabis stay with you
The most common reason a police officer pulls a car over is speeding. Exceeding the posted speed limit is considered the primary reason for traffic stops by most law enforcement agencies. But once pulled over, the officials can asks for tests. Also, many companies (including parts of the federal government) still conduct drug testing. Marijuana’s presence in the human body can be detected for varying lengths of time, depending on several factors. Understanding how long does cannabis stay in your system is crucial for both medical and legal reasons.
There are a variety of factors in play which determines how long cannabis is in your system. THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, is metabolized by the body into various compounds. Some metabolites have half-lives of 20 hours, while others can last 10-13 days. Complete elimination can take between five and 65 days, depending on individual factors.
Different drug tests have varying sensitivity levels and detection windows. Urine tests are the most common and can detect marijuana use from a few days to over a month after last use. Blood tests are less common (and more expensive) but can indicate recent use, making them useful for situations like DUI cases.
Like alcohol, there are a variety of factors which goes into how long it can stay in your system. Alcohol can stay in your system from 12-48 hours. Edible marijuana products can stay in your system longer due to the way they’re metabolized. A 10mg THC edible can remain detectable for 4-12 hours, with higher doses potentially extending this timeframe.
The variables influence how long marijuana remains in your system include:
Frequency of Use: Chronic users retain THC longer than occasional users. First-time users may clear THC in about 3 days, while daily users could test positive for up to 30 days or more.
THC Concentration: Higher potency marijuana leads to longer retention and slower elimination.
Body Composition: THC is fat-soluble, so individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain it longer.
Metabolism: A faster metabolism tends to eliminate THC more quickly.
Hydration: Proper hydration can influence the rate of THC elimination.
Genetics: Some individuals may be predisposed to metabolizing marijuana more quickly or slowly.
Consumption Method: Inhaled marijuana reaches the bloodstream faster than ingested forms.
The duration marijuana stays in your system is highly variable and depends on numerous factors. While casual users may clear THC relatively quickly, frequent users can test positive for weeks after their last use. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions regarding marijuana use, especially in contexts where drug testing may occur.
Some people take New Year New You to a different level – here is what you should know about cannabis and plastic surgery.
New Year resolutions are a thing for some people. There is a huge rush in fitness, but roughly 80% of new gym goers who join in January quit within five months. Some go another route with a new haircut, embracing the “I only keep what brings me joy”, and others go for a more permanent change. The holidays, especially post Christmas, are the busiest time of year for cosmetic enhancements. There were over 26 million cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures performed in the US in 2022. This represents an increase of 19% from 2019. As cannabis is becoming increasing popular, in some cases it replaces alcohol and tobacco, here is what to know about marijuana and plastic surgery.
Florida has the most plastic surgeries per capita followed by California, New York and Texas. Three of them having access to legal cannabis and California and New York are fully recreational. Compared to other “vices”, marijuana is less of a threat, but there are some things you need to know.
Tobacco is the worst for the skin and surgery. Smoking can cause the skin to age faster, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmented spots. It can cause the skin to appear sallow, and can discolor the fingers and nails of the hand that holds the cigarette. It also makes it harder for the body to heal, which can increase the risk and recovery from infections.
Alcohol can make the skin puffy . Since it causes inflammation, it can slow healing and increases pain and discomfort. It can also deplete the body of vitamins and minerals needed for tissue repair. It also thins the blood, which can make coagulation after surgery more difficult. This could lead to excessive bleeding after surgery.
Cannabis can actually help the body since may help reduce inflammation including acne and hair issues. But if you are going to have a procedure, here is what you should know.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends stopping marijuana and CBD use for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Cannabis can reduce the effectiveness of anesthesia, potentially requiring higher doses and increasing the risk of complications.
To promote a smooth recovery and reduce risks, patients should disclose all cannabis use to healthcare providers. This would include frequency of consumption and type of product use.
Discuss with the health care profession weaning or stopping cannabis use at least 14 days prior to surgery. You should be able to resume two weeks post surgery.
Open communication between patients and healthcare providers is key to ensuring safe procedures and optimal outcomes in plastic surgery.