Federal Legalization of Marijuana and the Food Industry

    The high-end culinary scene could be legalization's most powerful accomplice. This goes well beyond convenient store edibles and corner store smoke shops. The beauty of federal legalization could lead to nation wide access to specialized "weed-infused" menus sought after by consumers for an upscale and exciting experience. For civilians living in Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, Washington and Washington D.C. recreational use is already proving to be extremely beneficial.

See full list here:
List of recreationally legal states in America 

    As a frequent traveler and food industry enthusiast (who happens to be married to a marijuana enthusiast), I have to wonder about the potential for restaurants, food trucks, and specialty shops in these recreationally-friendly parts of the country. How has the economy improved in these areas? What kind of FOOD are the locals experiencing? I am reminded of an informative and impressively creative docu-series on Vice called "Bong Appetit." I urge you to watch this short clip with one of my favorite chefs, Marcel Vigneron. He creates an all encompassing infused menu complete with such things as Cannabis Smoked Tuna, Seared Beef Tongue with a Cannabis Infused Butter and Honey topped with a Ganja Gremoulade and enticing ice cream flavors for dessert; complete with   cannabis oil infusions.

    With creative juices flowing, and brand new ingredients at their fingertips chefs and food enthusiasts could open so many literal and figurative new doors. The face of marijuana usage is changing and it is only appropriate the rest of the nation keeps up. This is no longer just a "gateway street drug," arguably it never really was. Nonetheless, marijuana is an ingredient and in many parts of the world a very celebrated one. I could go in depth about the economical benefits, but frankly if you haven't heard about how well Colorado, Washington, Nevada and the others are doing by now then you just aren't paying attention. It is my sole responsibility to enlighten you, as the reader, about the creative benefits and the fascinating science behind what the use of cannabis ingredients could bring. Here are a few menus I found extremely enticing if only it were legal where I live. 

MARY magazine pop-up

FoodRaves Tapas

Danksgiving

   After seeing such creativity and passion how can we as a nation still consider Cannabis such a controversial topic? It's time to open up these creative flood gates! Perhaps it is a pipe dream, but only time will tell. In the mean time I will be looking forward to when Kansas City decides to join in on recreational use so I can add "cooks with cannabis" to my resume.