The Covid-19 pandemic changed everything we thought we knew about the food industry—including, but not limited to, how high you can get at a restaurant.
According to the National Restaurant Association, sales in 2020 dropped from $899 billion to $240 billion. Restaurants facing a financial crisis had to think outside the box to bring diners back.
One of the most unique ideas? Cannabis restaurants.
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Cannabis restaurants are any restaurants that offer CBD or THC-infused meals and/or drinks, or serve cannabis products on-site. Rather than wining and dining your partner, cannabis restaurants allow you to get high (or, if you’re just consuming CBD, get zen) while enjoying your meal.
Cannabis restaurants haven’t just sprung up in the age of COVID-19, but with more states legalizing cannabis and the increasing normalization of the product, we have seen more of them popping up in the past two years than we did before. The first cannabis restaurant, Lowell Farms Cannabis Cafe, opened in California in 2019. It’s temporarily closed at this time.
So where do you find these pot-friendly establishments? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the most popular cannabis and CBD restaurants around the country.
Herbal Notes – Cannabis-Infused Food
Chef Manuel Mendoza, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a medical cannabis advocate, chef, and the owner of Herbal Notes.
He puts CBD and recreational marijuana into some of his favorite Mexican and Salvadorian-influenced dishes.
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Some of his past entrees have received universal praise and wide coverage, from a Skywalker OG-infused tres leches cake to green chorizo and queso cotija with cannabis oil.
This is a must-see and must-taste joint to visit if you’re near Chicago.
Wake N’Bakery – Dessert Edibles
Wake N’Bakery, also in Chicago, specializes in full-spectrum THC-infused bakery desserts. You can order a custom cake, from 250mg to 1000mg.
You can also order a more traditional sample of THC-infused brownies, cookies, muffins, and even mid or micro-dose delta 8 edibles, with names like “Keep It Basic” and “Hell Yeah.”
Zen Barn – Green Eating in More Ways Than One
Located in Waterbury Center, Vermont, Zenbarn is a small restaurant that serves traditional American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and chicken.
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But not only is the food farm-sourced (which is great all by itself), you can also order CBD-infused sauces like Teriyaki, BBQ, Fermented Habanero, Honey Mustard, Sambal Aioli, and Chili Crisp Aioli.
The live music while you down your CBD grub is also a nice touch.
Nostalgia – CBD Cocktails in CA Coming Soon
Chef Chris Sayegh has already gained a following as a private chef in Southern California. Now he’s is launching his first restaurant in Santa Monica, California.
“Nostalgia” (located at 1326 Pico Blvd.) will open in January 2022 and is limited to private dining. The restaurant also has a bar and lounge that serves CBD-infused drinks.
Some of these drinks are nostalgic recreations of 1970s-esque childhood beverage favorites like Otter Pops and Capri Sun.
CBD/THC meals are not on the menu yet as they are still barely legal, though California did finally un-ban CBD cocktails in 2021.
Senor Bear and CBD Bitters – CBD Shots
Senor Bear in Denver, Colorado is experimenting with CBD shots (or bitters) that can be added to any other cocktails on the menu. While you go for the CBD-infused cocktails you can stay for the delicious main courses.
Just the mention of a Pan-Latin seafood menu on an outdoor patio has sold us on Senor Bear.
Stay Safe, and Enjoy!
If you’re looking for a “high” quality meal, nothing could fit that description more literally than what’s on the menu at these cannabis-friendly restaurants.
While many have temporarily closed down because of the pandemic (including the famous Lowell Farms Cannabis Cafe in West Hollywood), many delectable cannabis and CBD restaurants are still thriving.
These restaurants have strict COVID procedures in place, following hygienic procedures to stay safe. Some also offer outdoor seating.
While these restaurants are designed with your safety in mind, it’s ultimately up to you to pace yourself when it comes to how much cannabis you consume. Consuming THC or CBD in the form of edible products means the effects will take a longer time to set in, but will come on strong when they do. If you’re not used to consuming THC or CBD, start with a small bite (or sip) and work your way up as feels comfortable.
Bon appétit!