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Do Edibles Expire? Frequently Asked Questions - thegreenbkr
Education

Do Edibles Expire? Frequently Asked Questions.

by thegreenbkr January 11, 2022

As the cannabis industry continues to expand–and more people are discovering all the fantastic things cannabis has to offer–there’s also a growing confusion. I get questions all the time. Do edibles expire? Should I store them differently than other food? What if there is no date on them? 

So, here I’m going to answer those questions because I want to make sure you’re only eating the tastiest, most delicious, and healthiest treats out there. 

Do Edibles Expire?

Y’all. OF COURSE, edibles expire. Almost everything expires–except for honey. No joke, honey lasts FOREVER. With that said, there is more to know.  

The expiration of an edible doesn’t have anything to do with the cannabis it’s infused with–it’s about the food product itself. Depending on the ingredients, an edible can get stale or expire the same way a non-infused food can. So if your CBD cookie is made with dairy or eggs, you can bet your ass that it’ll go bad more quickly.

In a previous post, Do Edibles Go Bad, we talked about this at length, but in short, how long your edibles last depends on preservatives and how you store them, too. 

If you buy your edibles from small local shops, they might not last as long as an edible from a major dispensary. Why? Because they probably won’t have a ton of preservatives (but they’ll usually taste better and be better for you without the junk). 

Similarly, a vacuum-sealed edible will last longer than a cookie you leave sitting out on a plate with no protection. 

Does the Potency Lessen Over Time?

The short answer here is–sometimes. MOST of the time, you can expect that your edible will go bad before it loses its potency. 

For one, it depends on how they’re manufactured. Cannabis oil is super thick, so to make sure it stays inside edibles, it has to be properly emulsified–just a fancy word that means mixed with another liquid that it normally doesn’t want to mix with (think oil and water). 

When cannabis oil isn’t properly emulsified, it might separate out of the edible. If you’ve ever grabbed a week-old pot brownie that’s suddenly way oilier on the surface than it used to be–this is why. When the cannabis oil separates out of the edible, it takes some CBD or THC with it.

Potency also depends on whether your edibles are infused with THC or CBD. CBD is super stable, so its potency lasts longer than THC. With that said, THC edibles are still potent for up to six months. And let’s be real, you should be eating most of your edibles way before six months after you bought them!

How Should You Store Edibles?

The way you store your edibles can have a huge impact on their potency over time and how long they last before they go rancid. 

Light, heat, and exposure to oxygen are all your enemy when it comes to making your edibles last. So make sure to store that shit in an airtight container in a cool, dark place if you want to enjoy your cannabis-infused treats longer. 

Is There a Way to Know If My Edible is Expired?

This is a common question because not all edible packages come with a handy expiration date on them. I guess we haven’t reached milk status yet, right!?!

But here are my 2 cents–if you’re questioning whether or not it’s safe to eat… Don’t eat that shit! When in doubt, take a sniff. If your edible smells or looks sketchy, toss it. 

As a rule of thumb, refrigerated edibles typically have the shortest shelf life–just 5-7 days. So make sure you’re ready to enjoy those tasty treats soon after you buy them. 

On the other hand, dairy and egg-free cannabis-infused treats like gummies and hard candies will usually last the longest. Keep in mind that these edibles might not go rancid–but they can still get stale, which is still gross.

A Fellow Greenie’s Take

My favorite way to make sure I’m only ever eating the best quality shit–write the date you purchased your edible on its packaging if there’s no expiration date. This will help you keep track and avoid the guessing game. 

Try to resist the urge to stock up for the winter. I know it’s tempting to clear out the whole shelf when you see your favorite treat in the shop–but ask yourself if you’ll be able to eat it all before they expire. 

If the answer is anything but a definite yes, don’t waste your money or risk having to eat edibles that taste like shit! 

Finally, treat your cannabis-infused treats with love by storing them properly, and you’ll be able to love them longer. Keep any edibles made with egg or dairy in the fridge. The rest of your cannabis-infused treats should be kept in an airtight container away from direct sunlight between 50 and 70 degrees. 

All the edibles I make at The Green Baker come with care instructions so you don’t have to guess how to store them or how long they’ll last. Less worrying, more enjoyment of tasty cannabis-infused goodness!

Any more questions? Ask away!

January 11, 2022 0 comment
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The Best Florida Cannabis Companies for Gift Giving - thegreenbkr
Lifestyle

The Best Florida Cannabis Companies for Gift Giving

by thegreenbkr December 22, 2021

Just like that, another year is almost past and the holiday season is upon us again. It’s time for ugly sweater parties, decking the halls, and finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. And is there anything better than giving the gift of cannabis? Ummm, HELL YEAH there is! It’s shopping for those gifts… locally. 

Here are my favorite Florida cannabis companies that have something for everyone on your nice list (and maybe even your naughty list too).

(more…)
December 22, 2021 0 comment
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Cannabis and Real Estate: The Struggle is Real - thegreenbkr
Education

Cannabis and Real Estate: The Struggle is Real

by thegreenbkr December 3, 2021

Okay greenies, this is one that really hits home for me (pun intended). I recently had to move The Green Baker location. And you know moving… it’s already a pain in the ass. But when you add being a cannabis company to the mix things get even more complicated. 

Cannabis and real estate are still struggling to work together. It’s just one more barrier to legitimately having a cannabis business that isn’t in the legacy market. This is especially true in states like Florida. And what are cannabis companies supposed to do? What are the options? 

A Growing Demand

Over one-third of realtors are saying residential real estate inventory is tight thanks in part to the cannabis industry–specifically in those states where marjuana has been legalized. Similarly, over 30% of realtors in legal states have seen an increased demand for warehouses, 23% for storefronts, and between 18% to 28% increase in demand for land because of the cannabis industry.

There’s no doubt–cannabis companies are growing like crazy! And with that comes a growing demand for real estate. With that said, it’s still not easy for us small cannabis brands. 

First, I had to get a hemp license to sell cannabis edibles. In our beautiful state of Florida you need to have a commercial kitchen to obtain this permit, so no making your brownies out of sweet old grandmother’s kitchen.

  • First Option: Rent a Kitchen– Rental by the hour kitchens can cost anywhere from $100- $300 an hour and you’re sharing that space with other businesses that may or may not be cannabis-friendly.
  • Second Option: Get Your Own– So let’s get our whole own kitchen, right? Well, a second-generation kitchen can cost from $2000-$5000 a month depending on its size. Oh, and did I mention each permit is $650 EACH! So you wanna do farmers markets? That’s $650! You want to sell to other businesses? That’s $650! You want to just sell to your customers that’s $650. Costs not associated with your kitchen rental begin to add up pretty quickly. So having access to well-priced and safe kitchen space could make or break your bottom line.

A Lingering Stigma

Unfortunately, when I was forced to look for new real estate, I was hit with so many no’s that I started to panic. 

Once, I got told no because the location was near a school. For the record, there are no laws or regulations preventing cannabis companies from being near schools. Why should there be? 

While opinions like these may be well-intentioned, the bottom line is–there’s a bad stigma surrounding the cannabis space. And real estate is just one more obstacle for cannabis companies like mine to overcome. 

In fact, overcoming this deep rooted stigma remains one of the biggest challenges of the cannabis industry today. Successful businesses are forced to take warehouses, kitchens, spaces, etc that are less than ideal all because of perceived security risks. For example, some places have zoning laws that only allow cannabis companies to purchase real estate in very limited areas in certain industrial spaces. 

This means it’s super common for us cannabis businesses to compete with each other over a few measly parcels of land.

It’s rough out there!

Financial Implications for a Small Business

Lack of real estate trickles down to the financials too. The cannabis industry is very dependent on real estate. Why? Because cannabis needs to be grown, processed, and sold. Without a physical space to do it, how can I have a business at all? Owning or leasing property is crucial for the financial success and growth of any cannabis business. 

On top of that, since cannabis is still federally illegal, financial institutions can’t give loans to cannabis companies–despite the growing adoption of cannabis use and legalization throughout the country. Imagine trying to start a new business without taking out a loan from the bank? It’s hard as hell!

To get around this, most small cannabis businesses have to use tactics that aren’t in their best interest to get things going, like borrowing money from friends or dipping into their own personal savings. And if businesses can find a way around the bank loan barrier, they are still faced with a shit ton of other issues–like the daily management of money. 

Imagine trying to pay bills without a business checking account.  The cannabis industry has to deal in cash to get around problems like not being able to accept credit card payments, open bank accounts, or pay payroll taxes by check. But having to manage all that cash on a daily basis can attract some sketchy shit. So these companies often have to rely on–and pay for–armored trucks and armed security guards to transport and secure their money.

When Will the Cycle End?

The cycle continues–a cannabis company can’t get a location and can’t get access to funding thanks to banks not being able to give loans. Without real estate, the company has no way to make money to support its business. Then the company is forced to continue in the legacy market, or give up on their business altogether. 

It’s a vicious ass cycle, isn’t it?

Waiting for Equity

Florida has a long way to go before we see true cannabis equity. We should look to states like California and Colorado as examples of what we could be doing better. California has generously permitted zones for cannabis businesses to occupy, and both states have implemented social equity programs in an effort to erase the stigma around cannabis. 

If we want to see our cannabis market bloom in Florida, we should be taking notes from some of the first states to fully legalize it.

So yes, the struggle is hella real when it comes to real estate and the cannabis industry right now. But no matter the struggles, you can bet yo girl is going to keep pushing to provide quality products and education about the benefits of cannabis! The way I see it, that’s the only way shit is going to change. So stay tuned for my next phase cause I’m not done yet creating and making waves to educate and shine a light on the disparities within the cannabis industry here in the state. 

See what we’ve got cookin. 

December 3, 2021 0 comment
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Is Marijuana Creativity A Real Thing? - thegreenbkr
Lifestyle

Is Marijuana Creativity A Real Thing?

by thegreenbkr November 19, 2021

You’ve heard it before–that marijuana can do magical things like increase sex drive, curb pain, and ease PTSD. But what about creativity? Is marijuana creativity real? Can marijuana really help you think outside the box? Well greenies, I’m here with the answers. 

Where Creativity Starts

Let’s start with the basics. All the way to where creativity starts–your brain. Research has linked creativity to the frontal lobe–that’s where “creative divergent thinking” happens. The term sounds fancy but it just means you’re more likely to use spontaneous and free-flowing methods like brainstorming and freewriting to come up with creative solutions to problems. And creative divergent thinking is what scientists use to measure creativity.

So where does cannabis come in? Glad you asked. When blood flow to the brain increases, the activity of the brain increases, too. And guess what? Consuming cannabis increases blood flow to your frontal lobe–juicing up your creative center.

How Cannabis Connects Random Dots

Scientists have decided that divergent thinking is a key component of measuring creativity, but testing divergent thinking isn’t so easy. Clinical psychologist Gráinne Schafer is a lead researcher on the topic of cannabis use and creativity, and even she recognizes that the relationship between the two isn’t understood well enough. However, her team did find that cannabis use can help you connect the dots between seemingly unrelated concepts, which might help with that random creative shit that leads you to paint cool art or come up with a crazy good recipe. 

In her experiment, Schafer categorized test subjects as either having “low creativity” or “high creativity” and tested everyone on their verbal fluency–another way of saying how many words you can retrieve from your memory. The participants were tested while they were sober, then again after a week of cannabis use. 

You’ll never guess what they found…

The “low creativity” group raised their fluency scores to the same level as the “high creativity” group! Kinda crazy, right?!

The “high creativity” group, however, didn’t experience any increase in their verbal fluency under the influence of cannabis. 

Shafer’s findings show that cannabis seriously helped get the creative juices flowing for people who didn’t think they were creative. But for those who already considered themselves creative, cannabis didn’t have any impact on their creativity at all. 

Another study from 2017 found similar results as Dr. Shafer, and it also took into account each participant’s personality type. The study concluded that while cannabis users did have higher creativity levels, their “openness to experience” levels came in higher during their personality evaluations. 

The report begged the question–does cannabis make people more creative, or are creative people just more likely to use cannabis? 

The Dose Matters

When it comes to juicing up your creativity with cannabis, mind your dosing. This study from 2014 found that low doses of THC–5.5 mg to be exact–can improve creative divergent thinking. 

The researchers separated participants into a “low dose THC”, “high dose THC” and a placebo group. Then they tested their divergent thinking based on three categories: 

  1. Fluency– The number of responses
  2. Flexibility– The variation in answers
  3. Originality– the uniqueness of each answer

The study found that the “low dose” group had a slightly improved score in fluency and flexibility than the placebo group. Not surprisingly, the “low dose” group scored way higher in originality than the placebo group.

But when the dose of THC was raised to 22 mg, scores in all three creativity categories dropped significantly–coming in even lower than the placebo group! 

The perfect dose is different for everyone, but the results of this study show that loading up on a shit ton of THC is probably a bad idea if you’re trying to boost your creativity. That’s why it’s important to find your sweet spot. 

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

There’s still a big ass pile of research that needs to be done before we fully understand the link between cannabis and creativity. But the science so far suggests that there’s definitely a connection. 

We know from the current research that your current level of creativity will play a huge part in how much benefit you’ll get out of using cannabis to boost your creativity. And we know that dosing matters. Low doses of THC can have major creativity perks, while big doses might make you less creative than you are when you’re stone sober. But your perfect dose might vary. Ultimately, it’s up to you to experiment and find what works for you.

Make Sure to Get the Good Stuff 

So where does all this info leave us? Here at The Green Baker, I can hook you up with amazing cannabis-infused foods to help spark your creativity. The best part–I offer varying doses that you can try while you find your perfect fit. 

Get your creativity flowing and enjoy some good ass food at the same time. It’s a win-win, my friends. 

Get your creative juices flowing

November 19, 2021 0 comment
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Food, Weed, and Sex: The Threesome We All Want to Be a Part Of - thegreenbkr
Lifestyle

Food, Weed, and Sex: The Threesome We All Want to Be a Part Of

by thegreenbkr October 20, 2021

Let’s talk about sex, baby! No, but for real. Why be shy (or quiet) about something we all do…and enjoy? Sex is just a normal, fun part of life! The beauty of sex is that there’s always something new you can discover about yourself or your partner. I’ll be the first to say that trying new things in the sheets with your boo can light that spark back up or keep it going strong!  

Something new you can try to take that bedroom game up to the next level is to perfectly marry food, weed, and sex altogether. Talk about that threesome, Greenies. You already know that’s a life-changing combo. When you add natural aphrodisiacs and cannabis into your sex life, magic happens. Keep reading to find out how. I promise you won’t regret it. 

First, what are natural aphrodisiacs?

For most of us, we all have some sort of sexual drive—and that’s one of the most incredible things about being human. We have a natural want for sexual connection and pleasure! And it only makes sense that our big, beautiful Earth supports that sexual lust we all have with natural aphrodisiacs. 

If you’ve never heard of aphrodisiacs, or haven’t tried any of them before, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for. Aphrodisiacs are foods that can straight up help you get in the mood, enhance your performance, and even increase the pleasure you feel. I know, it seems unreal. But, this is real ass life, Greenies. 

Incorporating aphrodisiacs into your daily life has the potential to up your bedroom game! And it’s not just hearsay, it’s backed by actual science too. 

The best natural aphrodisiacs out there 

If you’re curious about playing around with natural aphrodisiacs, you’ll definitely want to know what’s out there, right? Yes, some foods have been backed by scientific studies and data, but there are also some that are well known from more anecdotal experiences among society.

Some of the aphrodisiacs backed with science are:

  • Maca: A sweet root vegetable that grows naturally in Peru that can help boost your libido 
  • Red ginseng: A popular herb in Chinese medicine that may help increase sex drive, arousal, and erectile function
  • Pistachios: They increase blood flow that contributes to firmer erections
  • Saffron: A southwest Asian spice that can improve erectile function and lubrication for women

Some of the other well known aphrodisiacs that don’t have strong scientific evidence are:

  • Spinach
  • Dark chocolate
  • Peppers
  • Oysters
  • Crab

I won’t lie, I believe wholeheartedly in the magic of aphrodisiacs, but when you add cannabis to the mix…game over! 

Weed and sex: The perfect combo  

I’m just going to say it, having sex while high is bomb. That’s my personal opinion, but I know I’m not the only one who feels that way! Weed is already known to heighten your senses in different ways, but it’s actually been proven to enhance your sex life. 

Check this shit out: 

  • In a study done in the Journal of Sex Medicine, they found that cannabis users had more monthly and daily sex compared with those who never used
  • They also found that women who smoked weed before having sex had 2.13 higher odds of reporting a satisfactory orgasm

When it comes to men though, there’s a higher possibility of erectile dysfunction, according to the studies done. So, my ladies out there, give weed and sex a try if you’re open to it! 

The best cannabis options for sex

At this point, we know that weed and sex make the perfect match. But, are there particular strains or mediums that are most effective in upping that bedroom game? 

Of course, it’ll differ from person to person based on preferences, but here’s what some cannabis users and sex doers say:

  • Sativas are usually preferred since they increase sensitivity, lift the mood, and intensify the orgasm
  • The most intense orgasms have been reported after using a THC vape or edible medium
  • If you go the flower route—do-si-dos, granddaddy purp, northern lights, and sour diesel have all been praised for their sexual enhancements

Greenies, if you want to have an unforgettable night of weed and sex with your partner, or even just solo, I’m throwing some recommendations your way. Straight from the heart. 

Food & cannabis pairings for a steamy night

Grab your sweetheart, or your favorite toy, and give these food and cannabis combos a go. And please, reach out to me and tell me how your experience was! 

Dark chocolate & cannabis-infused wine

This is one of my favorites ever because it feels so romantic. Really lean in and set the mood for your steamy night of food, weed, and sex:

  • Go to the store and buy some dark chocolate, and I mean the real shit. 
  • Don’t forget to grab the vino too! I always like a dry red. To infuse it, get your hands on some of my THC oil and put a drop in each of your wine glasses after they’re poured. 
  • Have an intimate dinner at home, just the two of you. Sip on your wine, eat your meals and then enjoy the chocolate as a dessert afterward. Then, it’s on! 
  • Shoot, bring the chocolate and the wine into the bedroom too. If you could go for another glass, depending on how you feel, do it up!

Oysters & a sativa strain flower

If you’re a seafood fan like me, this one’s for you. Oysters are too good. The fact that they’re also natural aphrodisiacs makes me love them even more. Here’s what I would do for this food, weed, and sex pairing:

  • Have date night at your fave seafood restaurant and order the oysters 
  • On your way home, stop by the dispensary and grab a Sativa strain of flower. I absolutely love super lemon haze. The effects are so energizing and definitely put me in the mood!
  • As soon as you get home, smoke a bowl together, get cozy, and let your freak flags fly

I seriously can’t think of a better time than mixing food, weed, and sex together for a more than memorable night. Embrace your sexuality. Revel in your love for food. And enjoy cannabis for everything it has to offer…all at the same time. I’m telling you, you’ll love it. 

October 20, 2021 1 comment
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3 Bomb Homemade Edible Recipes for Fall - thegreenbkr
Recipes

3 Bomb Homemade Edible Recipes for Fall

by thegreenbkr October 13, 2021

I’m not even gonna play, fall is my favorite season. All the pumpkin-flavored goodies come out, that sweater weather starts rolling in, and it always seems like there’s a little more family time. 

It’s also that time when I start bustin’ out my fall flavors and creating all kinds of sweet cannabis treats that only make sense when the leaves start changing colors. I hope you’re ready for my best homemade edible recipes for fall, Greenies! 

These 3 will have you feeling some type of way during my favorite season. Mouthwatering and all!

Fall Edible Recipe #1: Apple Cider Weed Donuts

Nothing else says ‘fall’ quite like some sweet apple cider. You seriously can’t go wrong. It’s basically the infamous drink of autumn. In true Green Baker fashion, I’ve taken one of my favorite fall flavors and married it with one of my favorite sweets — donuts! 

Honestly, these cannabis-infused babies can be enjoyed any time of the day (not just at breakfast) and they’re so, so good when they’re still a little warm from the oven. These homemade edibles just hit. Here’s how to whip them up yourself:

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider 
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)*
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice*
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons (30g) unsalted The Green Baker cannabis butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated The Green Baker cannasugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature*
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated TGB sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice*
  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted TGB butter, melted

PREPARATION

Reduce the apple cider: Stirring occasionally, simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until you’re left with about 1/2 cup. Start checking at 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, etc. until you have 1/2 cup (120ml). Mine takes about 20 minutes. If there are any spices or solids on top of your reduced apple cider, leave them. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray donut pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Make the donuts: Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.

Whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together. Pour into the dry ingredients, add the reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until smooth and combined. Batter will be slightly thick.

Spoon the batter into the donut cavities — for ease, I highly recommend using a large zipped-top bag. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway.

Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. To test, poke your finger into the top of the donut. If the donut bounces back, they’re done. Cool donuts for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Re-grease the pan and bake the remaining donut batter.

Coat the donuts: Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together in a medium bowl. Once cool enough to handle, dunk both sides of each donut in the melted butter, then generously in the apple spice topping.

Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers keep well covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Fall Edible Recipe #2: Cannabis-Infused Marshmallows

I absolutely love this homemade edible recipe because it’s so versatile! Not only that but marshmallows and fall go together like me and cannabis. You can use these cannabis-infused marshmallows in your hot chocolate, your s’mores, and even in your sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving. 

Hey, they’re totally good by themselves too! This is a judgment-free zone, Greenies. Here’s how you can make regular marshmallows even better:

INGREDIENTS

  • .75 oz unflavored gelatin 3 envelopes of Knox plain unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups The Green Baker granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cups light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tsp Amoretti® Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract Water Soluble 2x (optional)
  • 1.5 – 3 tbsp Amoretti® Artisan Natural Flavor OR 1 ¾ tsp Amoretti® Extract
  • Confectioners’ sugar

PREPARATION

Prepare a 9 x 9-inch pan or sheet pan with lightly oiled plastic wrap (if you want thinker marshmallows use a 9 x 9 pan for thinner use a sheet pan). In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water. Let soak while preparing the next step.

Combine ¼ cup water, sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until sugar is dissolved. Once sugar is dissolved bring to a roaring boil for 1 minute without stirring. Remove from heat and carefully pour sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture.

Attach the whisk to the mixer and mix starting on low. Add salt and increase speed to high gradually. After about 10 minutes when the mixture has cooled add in your Artisan or Extract flavor of choice. Mix until incorporated scraping the sides of the bowl if needed.

Grease a rubber scraper and hands with oil. Transfer marshmallows to your prepared pan and press in evenly. Sprinkle the top with powder sugar and smooth over the marshmallows.

Let set overnight.

Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar and carefully remove marshmallows from the pan. Oil a large knife or pizza cutter and slice into your preferred size marshmallows. Toss in a bowl with a bit more powdered sugar. Enjoy alone, on s’mores, hot chocolate, and more!

Fall Edible Recipe #3: Canna Candied Pecans 

You know when you’re at one of your local fall festivals picking out pumpkins with your family and there’s the strong, sweet, and cinnamon-y smell that fills the air? You know what it is. It’s always those candied nuts that you have to get every year because the smell gets you every time!

Well, now you can make them in your own house and also get to enjoy the wonderful effects of the cannabis plant. My canna candied pecans are super easy to make and are drool-worthy. I promise. The crunch alone is *chef’s kiss*.  Here’s how to make the magic happen:

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup white The Green Baker sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 pound pecan halves

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a bowl, set aside.

Whisk egg white and water together in a separate bowl until frothy. Toss pecans in the egg white mixture. Mix sugar mixture into pecan mixture until pecans are evenly coated. Spread coated pecans onto a baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes until pecans are evenly browned and dry for about 1 hour. Let cool completely and then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

If you don’t feel up to making these fall homemade edibles yourself, you can always hit your girl up! The Green Baker’s got you. Check out my Instagram page for my latest seasonal weed treats!

See what’s new 

October 13, 2021 0 comment
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Cannabis Banking: 3 Important Things to Know -thegreenbkr
Education

Cannabis Banking: 3 Important Things to Know

by thegreenbkr September 15, 2021

Cannabis has come a really long way. More and more states are legalizing its use and it’s becoming more socially accepted. Unfortunately, that stops with banking. It’s probably nothing that has ever crossed your mind, but cannabis banking is a whole ass mess! 

In fact, since weed isn’t federally legal yet, a lot of cannabis businesses don’t have access to banking at all. And in my opinion, that’s total BS. Let me give you the lowdown, Greenies. 

#1: Cannabis businesses experience endless banking barriers.

If you’ve ever wanted to open your own cannabis company, just know there are some major banking barriers coming your way. 

What does that mean exactly? Basically, some of the simplest, and most important banking needs for your company to operate efficiently won’t be accessible to you like: 

  • Accept credit cards payments from customers
  • Open up bank accounts or credit cards 
  • Make wire transfers to other businesses
  • Pay their payroll taxes by check
  • Take out loans to expand the business or hire staff

As a result of all this cannabis banking drama, the marijuana industry is straight cash. Can you imagine how much cash these businesses are pulling every single day? Imagine having to manage all that without the help of a bank! It really does come with its own host of problems. 

For one, in order to transport and protect all that cash, cannabis businesses have to rely on armored trucks and armed security guards. That’s why you’ll always see guards at the dispensaries. They have to physically protect their cash from potential criminals–because of the way they deal with cash, they easily attract more crime too. 

Non-related, small businesses are also affected

The even crazier part about all of this is that other small businesses that have absolutely nothing to do with cannabis are also affected by these cannabis banking issues. 

How? Marijuana companies can’t deposit all the money they’re making into a bank account so that money can’t be used to issue loans to businesses that need them. Just think how many other small businesses could thrive if the weed industry’s $9 billion was accessible to issue out loans. 

And speaking of loans, if you work in the cannabis industry in general (as in, not a business owner), it’s still going to be challenging for you to do things like take out a home loan.   

#2: Banks can get into big legal trouble if they work with cannabis companies.

Trust me, I know what you’re thinking…why? Why are banks so unwilling to work with weed businesses? Because they get reprimanded when they do. 

“Any bank that provides services to a legal marijuana business faces possible criminal prosecution for “aiding and abetting” a federal crime and money laundering.” 

Since marijuana isn’t legal at the federal level, and it’s a Scheduled I Controlled Substance, these banks can technically get into legal trouble. Isn’t that something else? These businesses do have a choice though, they can still take on the risk if they want. They just have to jump through hoops. 

If a bank wants to do business with a cannabis company, they have to:

  • File suspicious activity reports, even in states where it’s legal
  • File reports for anyone depositing funds ‘derived from illegal activity’
  • File a report when a state government deposits tax revenue paid by marijuana firms into the state’s bank account

Having to comply with a heavy set of regulations like these is exactly what’s deterring banks from working with cannabis businesses. It’s sad! The good news though is at least some progress has been made in different ways. 

#3: There’s been progress, but there’s still a long way to go.

Cannabis banking has always been an uphill battle for marijuana business owners. Fortunately, we’ve been able to adapt to the current barriers thanks to fintech companies–who get the struggle. Many have stepped in to offer payment and compliance solutions like: 

  • ACH/e-Check solutions
  • ATM solutions
  • Bank to bank transfers
  • Cryptocurrency solutions
  • Point of sale systems
  • Seed-to-sale tracking
  • Taxation and other compliance solutions

With the help of these innovators, cannabis companies can at least do business! In addition to that, things are starting to move in congress with the SAFE Banking Act.

Crossing our fingers for the SAFE Banking Act 

Right this very moment, the SAFE Banking Act is sitting in the committee, patiently waiting to be passed (hopefully). If and when this act passes, it will  “ensure access to financial services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses and service providers”. Hallelujah! 

In a nutshell, marijuana companies’ revenue won’t be considered “proceeds from unlawful activity” and they won’t face the majority of the banking barriers they’re facing today. The SAFE Banking Act has been in the works for 2 years, so let’s hope it gets moved forward sooner than later!

Personally, I think as marijuana is more widely accepted everywhere, we’ll inch closer and closer to federal legalization. Which will lead to cannabis banking being a lot more accessible. I won’t lie, there’s going to be so many growing pains in the process. But, I’m here for it. 

 

September 15, 2021 2 comments
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Do Edibles Go Bad? - thegreenbkr
Education

Do Edibles Go Bad?

by thegreenbkr September 7, 2021

You know that weed brownie your bestie gave you that’s been chillin’ in your pantry for the last month? You better get to eating it, Greenie! You’ve probably wondered at some point in your life if edibles go bad–the short answer is yes! If you dabble in edibles often, you’ll want to know all the details on this, so let’s dig in. 

The ingredients play a huge part  

Like with anything else, the ingredients in your edible are a huge factor in determining how long it’ll be good for. Some foods are more perishable than others! For example, if your edible has any sort of dairy ingredients (think milk, butter, oils, etc.), it’ll most likely have a shorter shelf-life than other edibles. This includes fresh, baked goods like cookies, cakes, and brownies.

You’ll experience this the most when purchasing your edibles from smaller or local businesses that home-make their edibles (like mine at The Green Baker!). 

We don’t add any kind of preservatives to the mix for a longer shelf-life, whereas some larger-scale cannabis companies do since they produce in such large quantities. 

A few things to keep in mind with edible expiration

  • While some edibles may not ‘go bad’ because they don’t have those dairy ingredients, like gummies and chocolate, they can still get stale (hard pass!).
  • Any edible you buy from a dispensary will have an expiration date on the packaging. Stick to those as much as you can.
  • If you’re wondering if your edible has gone bad, smell test that shit! If it smells, tastes or looks funky, it’s time to get rid of it.
  • Refrigerated edibles typically last 5-7 days and candies, gummies, and lollipops usually last the longest 

What happens to an edible’s potency over time?

If you’re questioning whether your edible has gone bad or not, you’re also probably wondering if it’ll still be as potent as when you first bought it. You would think that the closer an edible gets to expiring, the less potent it becomes, right? 

That’s actually not the case! Regardless of the edible itself going bad, the potency of the cannabinoids in the edible remains relatively the same. If you’re talking a 3-6 month period, the potency would remain unchanged, unless stored incorrectly.  

When comparing CBD to THC in an edible though, THC slowly degrades over time, whereas CBD is a lot more stable. You can expect the THC potency in your edibles to last around 6 months.

The way that you store your edibles also has an effect on their potency and ability to last! Allowing too much oxygen to get to your edibles, for example, can definitely lead to degradation. 

Air, light, heat, and time are all working against your edibles, which is why it’s essential you store them right. Use common sense. If you leave a cannabis-infused rice crispy treat out on the counter, unwrapped, it’s going to go bad and lose its potency faster. 

How to preserve and store edibles appropriately

To truly enjoy your edibles like they’re meant to be, you need to keep them in pristine condition! The last thing you want to do is buy a bunch, take a couple bites, and leave them half-opened on your counter for days or weeks.

Keep these things in mind:

  • Refrigerate more perishable edibles that have dairy ingredients (cakes, cookies, brownies, etc.)
  • Store edibles like gummies, chocolate, etc. in cool, dry and dark places (like your pantry)
  • Put your edibles in air-tight bags or containers to keep them as fresh as possible
  • Sticking your edibles in the freezer is also an option and can help with longevity 
  • Try not to hang on to edibles for more than 6 months 

The Green Baker’s two cents 

My advice to you? Don’t wait so long to eat your edibles! Or purchase smaller packs so you’re more likely to eat them before they go bad. You don’t want to waste your money, right? And you definitely don’t want to eat edibles that taste like shit! 

With all of the edibles I make, I provide care instructions for them so you know exactly how to store them and how long you can enjoy them. You already know I have a whole ass selection that’s continuing to grow! 

[Peep the menu]

September 7, 2021 1 comment
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The Need-to-Know Racial History of Cannabis - thegreenbkr
Education

The Need-to-Know Racial History of Cannabis

by thegreenbkr August 27, 2021

If you think cannabis and racism don’t have any correlation to each other, it’s time to wake up Greenies! I want to hit a more serious note with this one and put aside my usual baking talk. This is something I’m passionate about and I think it’s good for people to know! 

Two major conversations are currently taking place in our country: racial injustice and the legalization/acceptance of cannabis. Though it may seem like these are two completely unrelated things, they are actually very linked. A quick look back at the history between the two says it all. 

Understanding the bigger picture can help us all to ‘right’ many wrongs, and steer future business in a more fair, balanced direction for all of us. 

The Start of Cannabis in the US

So, let’s take it back to the beginning of cannabis in the US so we can start to paint a picture:

  • In the 1800s, there were no federal restrictions on the sale or possession of cannabis in the US
  • In the early 1900s, Mexican immigrants came to the US, fleeing their country due to political unrest, and they brought with them recreational cannabis use—and it took off. 
  • In the 1920s, Mexican immigrants were negatively associated with cannabis as anti-drug campaigners described terrible crimes associated with the people who used it. 
  • In 1936, Reefer Madness underscored the association with weed (or “demon weed”) and Mexican immigrants, black Americans, prostitutes, and the lower class.
  • In 1937, cannabis sales started being taxed
  • In 1938, fear-mongering instigator Harry Anslinger enacted the Marihuana Tax Act
  • In 1952, the Boggs Act was passed which made sentencing for drug convictions mandatory (possession could land you in prison and leave you with a huge ass fine)
  • In 1960-1970, the era of hippies and flower power changed the perception of weed with a counterculture movement weed-smoking took on a new perception through the counterculture movement 
  • In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was passed which made cannabis a schedule I drug (in the same category as heroin and LSD)

And to this very day, it’s still considered a schedule I drug! Crazy. 

The Misconceptions Created Around Cannabis

It wasn’t long after the introduction of cannabis to the US that propaganda surrounding it started to come out. This led to legislation that created more misconceptions around cannabis use. 

The first major piece of misleading propaganda was a film called Reefer Madness. It portrayed young teenagers getting high for the first time and committing murder, attempting rape, and hallucinating. A little extra, right? Most of the media during this time showcased weed as a gateway drug to the hard stuff, like heroin and morphine.

Though Mexican immigrants were cast in a negative light nearly from the beginning, it wasn’t until Reefer Madness hit the big screen and the Marihuana Tax Act was passed by Harry Anslinger that misconceptions really centered around race. 

In Anslinger’s position of power, he sold the idea of marijuana as a violence-inducing drug. He also connected it to black and Hispanic people by saying cannabis made Black people forget their place in society or jazz music was evilly crafted by high people. Say what…

The sad part is that it really showed in our society. One year after the act was passed, black people were three times more likely to be arrested for violating narcotics laws than white people. Mexicans also were nine times more likely to be arrested for the same charge. This is despite the use of cannabis is nearly equal among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. 

The Precedent Was Set

From the very beginning, this narrative was put into place—and it targeted black and brown people. Politicians used marijuana as a way to divide everyone by: 

“Painting the drug as a scourge from south of the border to a ‘jazz drug’ to the corruptive intoxicant of choice for beatniks and hippies, marijuana as a drug and the laws that sought to control it played on some of America’s worst tendencies around race, ethnicity, civil disobedience, and otherness” 

The government straight up described cannabis as a drug for the inner city and Blacks. They also lied about it leading to murder, rape, and insanity. And don’t forget, cannabis usage among whites and non-whites were pretty much the same! 

Which is crazy considering still to this day, black Americans are arrested for cannabis charges nearly 4:1, compared to whites. In the ’60s though, more of the white community got involved in the Make Peace Not War era, which put marijuana out there in a positive light. But, it wasn’t enough to stop Nixon’s Controlled Substance Act. This thing essentially snowballed arrests for cannabis, keeping the black and brown communities incarcerated even longer! 

Marijuana’s Controlled Substance Categorization

With the passing of the Controlled Substance Act, weed became a schedule I drug. Still blows my mind to this day! You know what else is considered a schedule I drug? Let me name a few for you, Greenies:

  • Heroin
  • Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
  • 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy)
  • Methaqualone
  • Peyote

How are you going to tell me that cannabis belongs up there with all of those drugs? Schedule I drugs are legit considered ‘drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse’. Not gonna lie too, it’s interesting to me that tobacco and alcohol aren’t listed as any type of drug. 

Where We Are Now

When we look at where we are now, we have definitely come a long way. States are now taking regulation into their own hands and pushing to decriminalize it. Basically, no penalty for being in possession of it–a huge step towards protecting the brown and black community against the racist nature of cannabis policy. 

Even states like New York have been advocating to decriminalize it federally! Their Senator totally understands the role that race has played all this time. The new bill he’s proposing is purposely trying to make recompense to poor and colored communities for years of damage done by super restrictive federal drug policy. 

The best part is that it calls for the immediate expunging of nonviolent, marijuana-related arrests and convictions from federal records. That’s what I’m talkin’ bout. 

The Lasting Effects

As I’m sure you’re well aware, there’s also been a huge push for police reform. Which is important for educational purposes when it comes to the role cannabis plays in society now. 

Changing policies and this push for police reform are helping to not only put cannabis in a category to help people but also to begin creating racial equality within this industry that’s finally starting to take hold in the right way. 

Years of prosecutions of primarily black and brown people have just had a huge impact on communities all over! While expungement is definitely a way to start turning those wrongs into rights,: 

“It still doesn’t make up for the years and decades of fewer educational, employment, and other related opportunities as a result of that drug arrest. Nor does record expungement assist the people who have been negatively affected by a family member’s drug arrest and/or incarceration.”

What WE Can Do

While we can’t change how cannabis had such a racially driven component to it in the past, we can take note of the history and do better moving forward. 

  • We can support movements that focus on retraining and reforming police that address existing and ongoing racial disparities
  • We can all do our part to spread awareness
  • We can support black and brown owned businesses 
  • We can use cannabis responsibly and make an effort to educate each other 

Cannabis is a soul-hugging medicine that can bring us together, no matter the color of our skin. It should be something to come together over and share the love in. And at The Green Baker, that’s exactly what I aim to do! 

[Come say hello]

August 27, 2021 0 comment
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Where to Find the Best Edibles - thegreenbkr
Recipes

Where to Find the Best Edibles

by thegreenbkr July 28, 2021

If you’re trying to indulge in some bomb-ass edibles, they’re honestly not too hard to find these days. Every dispensary you walk into carries a good variety of mainstream brands. But, if you truly want to find the best edibles, it all comes down to your preference! Everyone’s different. And one bad experience with edibles can ruin someone’s taste for them altogether. That’s the shit we don’t want. 

So, the key is to find a source you trust, get educated on proper dosing, and start testing out the different types of edibles there are. When you know, you know. 

What types of edibles are there?

Before we get into where you can find some of the best edibles, I just want to give you the DL on the wide variety of edibles that you can dabble in. Trust me when I say that there’s a lot more than just ‘pot brownies’! 

Cannabis-infused food

I’ll start with the most obvious, food. Y’all know this one is my specialty! What I absolutely love about these kinds of edibles is that they can basically take any shape or form. If you’ve got the biggest sweet tooth on the planet, you can easily enjoy some cannabis-infused cookies, brownies, rice crispy treats…the list goes on and on. And the same can be said with really any type of food because it’s all about the fat–butter, coconut oil, etc. THC binds to it. Once infused it can be used for anything. 

As long as you’ve got your cannabutter or canna-oil ready you can turn almost any recipe into an edible. I’ll tell you right now, some of my all-time favorites are a classic chocolate chip cookie, different kinds of cakes, and even granola!

Oh, and if you’re going to whip these up in your own kitchen, I do have a few tips on how to make edibles taste better. Taste is obviously a huge factor in your search for the best edibles. Let’s be honest, the last thing you want is for your edibles to taste like shit! 

Cannabis-infused drinks

Just like any type of food can be turned into an edible, the same can be said for drinks! I love me a fruity tea or even lemonade. A lot of my customers have been loving my THC lavender lemonade since the weather’s been a little warmer. It’s refreshing AF. 

What I love about these kinds of edibles is that they can honestly be a lot more convenient than food, if you’re taking the homemade approach. With cannabis-infused drinks, you skip the whole process of master cheffing it up in the kitchen. No huge messes to clean up and no strong weed smell in your home. All you really do is add some cannabis tincture to your drink and voila Greenies! 

The cherry on top is that you can enjoy these drinkable edibles way quicker than food since you’re not spending so much time in the kitchen prepping and baking. (My limoncello mojito recipe has been a huge hit.) But, of course, you can always choose to just buy a cannabis-infused drink, like my passionfruit green tea! Some of the best edibles I’ve come across have been drinks like this. 

Cannabis tinctures 

If you’re not familiar with what a tincture is, it comes in a bottle with a little dropper and is mostly used for more precise dosing—typically sublingually (which is why they’re considered edibles). Not to get all scientific on you, but they’re potent alcohol-based cannabis extracts. This basically means that alcohol is used as the solvent, instead of being completely purged out, which is what happens when a cannabis product is inhaled instead of consumed orally. 

All that you really need to know is that tinctures can be used to infuse just about anything that you want! And they also are fast-acting. So, you don’t have to wait a couple of hours to feel the effects, like you would when you indulge in cannabis-infused foods/drinks. 

What makes a ‘good’ edible?

The best edibles are ones that have it all—mostly, a yummy taste coupled with the desired effects you’re looking for. Whether that be pain relief, better sex, deeper sleep, anxiety relief, etc. Obviously, it’ll take some time and testing. Bust out a notebook if you have to! 

Outside of taste and effects though, what also makes an edible ‘good’ are:

  • Appropriate dosing levels: You don’t want to take something that has too high of THC content for your body. If you’re new to edibles, start small and work your way up. Microdosing with 1mg-5mg edibles is a good starting point, then increase from there if you need to. 
  • The ingredients: Ingredients are everything! The best edibles have ingredients that you can pronounce. Avoid ones that have the opposite or a lot of ingredients. 
  • Pricing: Like most things, you get what you pay for. The best edibles aren’t always the cheapest! 

Where to get the best edibles

Hands down, the best edibles you’ll find will come from a trusted source! I always, always, always recommend doing a little research to ensure that the place you get them from is legit. Go online and look for customer reviews. Obviously, you’ll want to make sure that they’re positive. Like I mentioned before, you can walk into any dispensary and find good edibles to take, but some of the best are homemade with all the TLC from a local kitchen, like mine at The Green Baker!  

Edibles from a kitchen like mine just hit differently. I’m an expert chef with many, many years of culinary experience. I know what tastes good and that reflects in everything I make. You’re also going to get a personalized experience. My edibles aren’t commercially produced in a huge factory on a large scale. They’re small batch and chef-inspired just for you, in my kitchen! I pour my heart, and love of food (and cannabis), into every single cookie, cake, and candy I make. And you can taste it! 

My menu is always changing and evolving because using seasonal and local items are so important to me I try to make the menu flow with the season. I included the recipe for an infused Grilled Watermelon salad at the end of this post that is soooo summertime vibes. 

Eating healthy and seasonally while incorporating cannabis can be fun (and easy).  I may even have a recipe for you to try on your own, like my delicious ass cannabis-infused carrot cake. If you’re serious about finding the best edibles, The Green Baker is the best place to start. 

Experience the best edibles

Summertime Grilled Watermelon & Feta Salad

Ready in 20 minutes

Serves 4 people

Course Salads, Dressing

Author The Green Baker

Summertime is grilling time and this salad offers the subtle depth of smokiness to watermelon to elevate this salad to a summer time classic

Ingredients

  • ¼ medium watermelon
  • ½ cup crumbled or cubed feta cheese 
  • 2 cups arugula 
  • ¼ cup sliced red onion about 
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 2 Tbsp infused The Green Baker olive oil , divided
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 
  • ¼ tsp each salt and pepper

Preparation

Cook Watermelon: Cut watermelon into 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick slices and remove the rind. Brush each piece with 1 Tbsp olive oil. In a grill pan, saute pan, or on the grill, cook watermelon at medium/high heat until char lines develop and watermelon lightly browns, about 5 minutes each side. Remove from heat and chop into large chunks.

Assemble: In large bowl, gently combine watermelon, feta, arugula, red onion, mint, and basil. Whisk together 1 Tbsp olive oil, balsamic (more to taste), salt, and pepper. Gently combine with the rest of the salad. Serve warm or chilled.

July 28, 2021 0 comment
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The Green Baker

The Green Baker

Writer & Chef

My name is Angie. I am a cannabis chef, connoisseur and advocate who believes in the medicinal, recreational and financial power of the cannabis plant.

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