August 8th is National CBD Day, and we at GreenState won’t pass up an opportunity to celebrate this killer cannabis compound.
The day is designated to acknowledge the health and wellness benefits of CBD, a non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory chemical found in cannabis plants that has reportedly decreased pain and improved mental health for many users around the world, including professional athletes.
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This year marks the fourth annual CBD Day since it became officially recognized by National Day Calendar, a firm that promotes over 1,500 holidays via social media.
National Day Calendar essentially operates under the idea that if you make it a thing, it will be a thing. So, while National CBD Day may not be a government holiday, National Day Calendar has made it real enough on Instagram to spread a lot of awareness about the potential health benefits of CBD, and it’s a great marketing opportunity for CBD businesses.
CBD Day is the brainchild of cbdMD, a prominent CBD manufacturer based in North Carolina. cbdMD applied for the day to be created in 2017, and their application was quickly approved in light of the growing interest in CBD that was spreading throughout the country at the time. Now, you can use the hashtag #NationalCBDDay to promote your CBD products, show off your CBD party, or find new and creative ways to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine.
RELATED: How legal is CBD, really? Your Comprehensive Guide to CBD Law in the United States
One great way to celebrate CBD? Entertain your guests with a CBD-themed feast.
CBD oil is easy to incorporate into almost any recipe, provided you have a health professional advising the dosage used. Fortunately, we’ve got one of those.
Plant Integration Specialist and GreenState contributor Kathryn Cannon shared three CBD treats with us that incorporate enough CBD for your body to experience the anti-inflammatory benefits of the product, but at a low enough dose that anyone 21 years or older won’t have to worry about feeling woozy or overly tired after eating them (even if you try them all at once.)
RELATED: Could Cannabis and CBD Help with OCD? We asked experts
Dip into these expert-approved and insanely Instagrammable recipes for the CBD dinner party of your dreams.
Editor’s Note: The following information is not meant to replace advice, diagnoses, and treatment from a healthcare provider. Always consult a medical professional when using CBD for medicinal purposes, and do not disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of anything you may read in this article.
For the appetizer: CBD-Infused Fresh Tomato Salsa
- 3-4 c. tomatoes (approximately 4 large tomatoes, seeded or 5 Roma tomatoes)
- ½ c. red or yellow onion
- 1-2 small peppers (jalapeño, habanero or another flavorful pepper)
- 1-3 cloves garlic
- 2 T. lime or lemon juice
- 2-3 t. salt, to taste
- 20 mg alcohol-based CBD tincture
- (Optional) ¼ c. cilantro
Roughly chop tomatoes, onion, and pepper before adding to the food processor. If you do not have a food processor, chop ingredients finely by hand. Use a garlic press or the side of the knife to smash the garlic or chop finely. Add garlic, lime juice, and tincture to the food processor. Use the pulse setting on the food processor to reach consistency. If chopping tomatoes, onion, and peppers by hand, add them to a bowl with lime juice and tincture, and stir by hand. Add chopped cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
For desert: CBD-Infused Chocolate Frosting
- 3 T. plant-based butter or butter
- 1 T. CBD-infused coconut oil, butter or MCT oil-based tincture (Amount will vary depending on the strength of CBD oil or butter. Feel free to use less!)
- 2 c. powdered sugar
- ½ c. cocoa powder
- ¼ c. – ½ c. oat milk or milk; start with 1/4 c and slowly add more milk to achieve the right consistency
- 1 t. vanilla extract
Place room temperature butter in kitchenaid mixer or use a hand mixing bowl. Whip butter and coconut oil on high for 30 seconds. Add cocoa powder and mix on low. Alternate adding powdered sugar and ¼ c. oat milk until all the ingredients are mixed in the bowl. Add additional 1 T. – ¼ c. milk as needed for desired consistency. Enjoy alone or on your favorite cookies or cake. Make sure the item is completely cool before frosting.
For something unexpected: Blackberry Fusion CBD Rum Drink
- 2 oz. light rum
- 1 oz. blackberry simple syrup
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- 5 mg alcohol-based CBD tincture
In a shaker add rum, *simple syrup, lemon juice, and tincture. Shake for 30 seconds and pour over ice. Garnish with blackberries, sprig of herbs or slice of fresh or dried citrus.
*Blackberry Simple Syrup
- 1 c. blackberries
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 c. water
- 1 t. lemon juice
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Whisk over low heat, bringing ingredients to a simmer. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase heat to medium for 15 minutes. Remove from heat to cool. Once mixture has cooled, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the syrup for use.
Note: Extra syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Elissa Esher is Assistant Editor at GreenState. Her work has also appeared in The Boston Guardian, Brooklyn Paper, Religion Unplugged, and Iridescent Women. Send inquiries and tips to elli.esher@hearst.com.