On THC, connection, and staying present through the holiday chaos
About a decade ago, living in the cannabis wonderland of Denver – back when legalization there was still new and exciting (and yes, it’s still exciting), I saw a wave of “cannabis catering” take off. Full-course infused dinners. Creative, thoughtful chefs pushing the boundaries of what cannabis and cuisine could do together.
These days, it appears the concept has caught on. According to Bloomberg news cannabis is not only showing up at holiday gatherings, it’s replacing alcohol in some households.
THC-infused turkey, canna-stuffing, and fizzy hemp-derived seltzers are being served up in place of wine and cocktails. Some are calling it a new kind of sober, others just want to make it through dinner without a hangover.
Green Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) has reportedly become one of the biggest cannabis sales days of the year. What started as a niche curiosity has turned into a seasonal tradition for some.
But here’s the thing: I still don’t recommend putting cannabis in food, at least not in shared meals.
From Culinary Innovation to Cautionary Tales
The high from cannabis-infused food doesn’t play by any tidy timeline. It comes on slowly, unpredictably, and once it does, there’s no turning back. You don’t know how much you’ve had until it’s already in effect. In a group, getting too high can leave you dissociated, unresponsive, and unable to participate, while everyone else is left trying to carry the room around you.
Back in those Denver catering days, I saw it firsthand, beautifully designed dinners where at least one guest ended up too high to finish the evening. And not because they were being careless. It’s just difficult to dose food evenly. One bite is mild, another takes you out of the conversation for two hours. That’s not connection. That’s disappearance. Clients and students tell me similar stories. It sounds like a great idea, until it isn’t.
I suggest a much better way to go is a thoughtful, well-dosed edible, say 5mg. Or 10mg if you know your tolerance. It lets you engage, stay present, and gauge how you feel before diving into the deep end. You’re surfing the wave, not getting swept out by it.
Cannabis Can Belong. But Use It Wisely
And even as cannabis becomes more accepted, in most family settings, it’s still going to be the outlier. You’ll be surrounded by people drinking – and often too much. So while uncle Morty gets obnoxious and cousin Margie talks nonstop, cannabis may be just the thing to help you stay grounded in the middle of the “fun.”
Even among friends, where cannabis might be more welcome, infused food tends to complicate more than it adds. Better to keep it on the side, offered intentionally and clearly, so people know what they’re getting into and can choose their own level.
From my perspective, cannabis can absolutely belong at the table.
Just don’t serve it in the main course.
Giving Thanks is Always Good Medicine
To those celebrating Thanksgiving in the U.S., I’m wishing you a grounded, joyful, and yes, manageable, holiday. Though I live in Portugal now, the impulse to gather with friends and give thanks still travels well.
This season feels like an important one to pause and take stock. With so much uncertainty and intensity (particularly in the States), there’s real value in noticing what’s still working: the people around us, the ability to share a meal, and the moments when we can feel connected.
Here’s to those moments. And maybe a well-timed gummy or two.
I’d love to hear how you’re navigating the season – what’s working, what you’re rethinking, and what you’re grateful for right now. Feel free to drop a comment below.
With Love,
Becca
P.S. And if you’d like to take the opportunity to clear your head and have a “reset” I invite you to register for my upcoming December Cannabis Elevation Ceremony. Learn more and register here.
Join me for my next Cannabis Elevation Ceremony on Sunday, December 14th.
