Cannabis is making its way into the kitchen, and no, we’re not talking about your average pot brownie. From CBD-infused sauces to THC-laced meals, cannabis has officially gone gourmet.
Professional chefs, mixologists, and culinary experts are collaborating to transform cannabis from a misunderstood ingredient into a star player on the menu. Once weighed down by stigmas and misconceptions, cannabis is now being celebrated for its ability to add both flavor complexity and wellness benefits to dishes and beverages.
Many are mainstreaming this trend, experimenting with flavors, dosages, and dishes that offer a unique culinary experience that might leave you feeling a little more relaxed by dessert. With legalization spreading and demand for cannabis edibles on the rise, this farm-to-table movement is creating a whole new flavor profile—one that’s equal parts delicious and elevated.
The Growing Popularity of Cannabis in Cuisine
In the U.S., edible cannabis products hold nearly double the market share compared to Canada, where THC limits are capped at 10mg per serving. While American consumers generally prefer session edibles below this limit or the option for portioning, there is still demand for higher-potency products. Edibles account for around 12% of all cannabis sales in California, the largest market in the country.
As more people seek unique culinary experiences and explore the holistic benefits of cannabis, its incorporation into food has soared. CBD-infused oils, butter, and sauces are becoming staples for chefs looking to offer guests a calming, health-conscious meal, while THC-infused dishes deliver a more traditional "high."
Innovation in Cannabis-Infused Cuisine
Chefs across the country are rethinking the boundaries of cooking with cannabis.
Chef Andrea Drummer, one of the leading figures in the cannabis culinary industry, is part owner of Original Cannabis Cafe, the first of its kind, located in West Hollywood. She’s crafted the menu so that all dishes are designed as shareable plates to pair with their heady cannabis list. In an interview, Chef Drummer was asked for advice to give those trying this type of cuisine for the first time:
“Understand your tolerance level and be mindful of proper dosing. I think it’s always imperative that you’re familiar with the source of said edibles. Source the same as would you a beautiful ribeye or even a melon. From a reputable chef, purveyor, or dispensary. Infused cuisine is evolved and exciting and nuanced. You may not always immediately pick up on the flavor profile but respect it’s presence!”
Restaurants Embracing the Trend
The rise of pop-up dinners and secret supper clubs is another growing trend. These exclusive events, often marketed through social media, invite guests to enjoy multi-course meals with carefully dosed cannabis-infused dishes.
CFDNYC, led by Dr. Carlos Gasperi, is a fine-dining cannabis restaurant offering exclusive, luxury dining experiences across New York City. The restaurant operates secretly, revealing its architecturally unique locations on the day of reservations. With an executive chef who has worked at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, CFDNYC serves a curated, cannabis-infused menu, highlighted by osetra caviar infused with liquid cannabis.
While only one dish is infused, the restaurant customizes each dining experience to guests' preferences. Now operating from three permanent locations, including the former Michelin-starred "Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare," CFDNYC is pushing boundaries to become the world’s first Michelin-starred cannabis restaurant despite the stigma.
Stoned Gourmet Cannabis Pizza in NYC is a more laid-back example. This unique restaurant offers cannabis-infused pizzas, blending classic cheesy flavors with a twist—ideal for those seeking a chill night with a culinary buzz.
The Wellness Factor
CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has gained immense popularity in the health and wellness space, and this extends to food as well. Many chefs and restaurants are incorporating CBD into their menus for its perceived benefits—like reducing anxiety inflammation and promoting overall relaxation.
As national acceptance grows, it’s no surprise that the food and beverage industry is finding ways to incorporate CBD into daily consumption. The compound's versatility makes it an innovative fit for food experimentation, from CBD-infused smoothies to desserts and salads.
The Future of Cannabis in Cuisine
The future of cannabis-infused cuisine is promising. Rolling Stone Culture Council members in the food and beverage and cannabis industry predict that we’ll continue to see an increase in high-end cannabis restaurants and collaborations between chefs and cannabis brands.
As regulations evolve and more states and countries legalize cannabis, the culinary world will continue to embrace this new ingredient, offering diners a meal and an experience.
Cannabis-infused cuisine is more than just a passing trend—it’s a movement pushing the boundaries of the culinary and cannabis industries, combining wellness, flavor, and creativity.