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Historically, marijuana has existed just on the periphery of society — an illicit indulgence partaken by hippies, bohemians, and rebels — but in the past decade or so it has enjoyed a resurgence as a mainstream staple enjoyed by the suit-and-tie set and slackers alike. Quite frankly, marijuana is — ahem — budding business and it was only a matter of time before it made its way into the culinary hemisphere.
From THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) infused foods and drinks, the legalisation of marijuana in many states in the US is paving the way for consumption and commercialisation. Predictably, chefs, entrepreneurs, and even home cooks have jumped on the bandwagon and begun to craft dishes with serious chops — proving that the future of cooking with marijuana isn’t just weed brownies and gummies.
Though decriminalisation has been the key to marijuana’s foray in the culinary world, the path is not without its obstacles, especially when it comes to food trucks. There has been much political debate about the true legality of mobile marijuana, but that hasn’t stopped a growing number of industrious entrepreneurs from starting their own rolling enterprises.
Cloud Cups - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This artisanal gelato and sorbet outfit encourages patrons to ‘live life in the clouds’, and its selection of bespoke flavours, like hibiscus ginger, Nutella, and mojito, is made with a roster of all-natural ingredients, including THC and CBD. Ordering from this low-key dessert producer isn’t for the budget-minded—the cold stuff is offered in two sizes, and the largest one, at 16 ounces, will set you back $40. Cloud Cups is also a member of a cannabis collective that hosts secret pop-ups along the east coast, with dinners boasting that every dish and beverage is infused with THC.
Taco Demon - Los Angeles, California
On their own, tacos are often considered the food of stoners. For some, nothing compares to downing a few late-night tacos to cure pot-induced cravings and Taco Demon is just the spot to visit. Its selection of jackfruit carnitas, pastor, asada, and chicken fillings are tucked into warm, homemade corn tortillas and topped with real-deal cannabis-infused ‘demon salsa’ - a mélange of chile de árbol, habanero, and serrano peppers. Wash it all down with a THC-infused agua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea) for a night out you won’t soon forget… or maybe you will.
The SAMICH - Denver, Colorado
Cleverly, if not clumsily, named SAMICH (an acronym for Savory Accessible Marijuana Infused Culinary Happiness) has rolled its way into one of the United States’ most pro-marijuana cities. Denver, also known as ‘The Mile-High City’ (thanks to its elevation above sea level not the toking tendencies of its residents), has been the United States’ experimental epicentre in regard to the legalisation and monetisation of marijuana. One of the first states to fully legalise it, Denver has finally put marijuana on local menus, and one food truck in particular is setting the area ablaze with its THC-infused sunbutter and jelly, pulled pork, and grilled cheese sandwiches. After its opening, the food truck (which is actually a pink school bus) became so popular, the owners decided to open a brick-and-mortar location much to the delight of those battling the munchies.
Trippie Treats - New Orleans, Lousiana
New Orleans is to Louisiana what Austin is to Texas — a wonderfully weird and bohemian city that is both simultaneously strange and enchanting. Residents in N’awlins (as it’s pronounced locally) are certainly used to seeing just about anything on the city streets and a rolling fleet of colourfully painted vans selling a host of marijuana-infused snacks doesn’t so much as warrant a second glance. Trippie Treats, Valhalla to those with a serious case of the munchies, sells gummies, lollipops, Rice Krispy treats (a crispy cereal and marshmallow snack), brownies, and popcorn. As salesman Ski Scott says: “If you can eat it, we can weed it.” Laissez les bons temps rouler, indeed.
Weed World – New York City, New York
Ah, there’s no subtlety here. The psychedelic, graffiti-covered food truck gets right down to business in case you were wondering how it plies its trade. Über-niche, the food truck only sells lollipops in varying rainbow hues and flavours. To circumvent ever-changing laws, the presumed owner/spokesman (he refuses to affirm his role in the company), known only as Dro Man, emphasises the fact that the lollies are not THC-laced and won’t rocket you into the next stratosphere in case you were looking for the equivalent of smoking a joint. You’ll have to settle for a CBD-infused treat that, at most, will relax you after a stressful day. Still, the saccharine suckers have garnered a cult following with trucks that can be found throughout the city and, at a reasonable $5, they’re not a bad way to take the edge off dealing with the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
Though some food truck owners operate in anonymity out of fear of running afoul of confusing legalese, many are boldly emerging from the shadows with a slew of innovative dining concepts. With relaxing laws, more mobile marijuana trucks are expected to pop up around the country selling everything from snacks to elevated, refined dishes—a true ganjapreneur’s dream.
