Cannabis and Beer: 5 Things to Know

Ever hear of beer made with cannabis? It could easily be the next big thing as brewers continue to focus on the positive shift towards realizing the health and nutritional benefits of this once forbidden substance. Precisely, the active ingredient that the brewers are tapping is non-psychoactive CBD and sometimes its cousin THC. At present, cannabidiol is more popular than ever. From lattes to beauty cream and even women’s apparel, CBD has become omnipresent. As brewers are known for their creativity, they have shown up with the perfect concoction for recreational and therapeutic purposes. Cannabis and beer could easily be the next craze, but before having one, let’s learn more about it.

1.  Are Cannabis and Beer The Best Pair?

Cannabis shares many medicinal properties similar to beer. Other than its raw form, it comes as CBD gummies, oil, tinctures, balms, salves, etc. Although surprising, both hops and hemp belong to the same Cannabaceae family contributing to the similar aroma, flavor, and health benefits. They support normal inflammatory responses, benefit gastrointestinal and liver functioning, and may have potential chemoprotective properties. Moreover, this blend is all about relaxation and mood improvement.

But as all CBD are not created equal, making CBD-infused beer can be tricky. You must require high-quality cannabis leaves that you can obtain from an online store or a dispensary. Just keep in mind, good seeds yield a good harvest.

2.  Can Cannabis Beer Make You High?

The answer is no. It doesn’t produce a high if solely made of cannabis. CBD, cannabis’s byproduct, is well-known for having non-intoxicating properties, unlike its counterpart THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) which has mind-altering effects. Depending upon the infusion, cannabis-beer can have the potential to make you high. With THC, you can feel an instant high, but with CBD, it’s more about relaxing and enjoying the moment.

The best part is cannabis-beer is not alcoholic. Several manufacturers are currently using a nominal CBD and THC ratio (not more than 10mg) with a little or zero alcohol to regulate the safety of combining both. Most producers are only using CBD with a non-alcoholic base with flavor that can satisfy the beer drinker. It means that cannabis-beer is for those who want to enjoy a flavored carbonated drink with a twist of health.

3.  Is It Legal?

In the U.S., the legal status of cannabis beer is still confusing. The TTB initially considered it as a controlled substance that cannot be included in the realm of federally regulated products. With the passing of the Farm Bill, TTB is trying to update its policy. However, it depends on the FDA, which has banned CBD or THC additives in food supplies except for hemp seeds and oils. Because of these restrictions, many producers are going with the idea of infusing non-alcoholic beverages that are not regulated by TTB.

Besides, with states that allow hemp products in food and drinks, the manufactures can roll out their products without hassle, unless there are no restrictions by DEA. Apart from the U.S, many other nations are rejoicing the benefits of cannabis-beer with their legalization process in line. Whereas Canada Health has opted for legalizing edibles with additional decisions coming soon, Asia launched its first CBD-Beer in Hong Kong. In the U.K., non-alcoholic CBD-Beers are also available, but only in selected stores.

4.  Where Can You Find Cannabis Beer?

With legal marijuana spreading in the U.S., many names emerge in the field of Cannabis-infused beer manufacturing. One of them is The Long Trail Brewery in Vermont with its ‘Medicator’ and ‘Seltzer’ lines of hemp-infused beer. Others include Coalition Brewing Co’s Two Flowers CBD Beer, available in varying restaurants in Oregon. Some places even sell THC- infused beers like Grainwave Belgian White-Ale in stores in Colorado. You can find Pale Haze in multiple locations in California, some of which also sells brands like Big Lake Blood Orange Haze. The award-winning Keef Brands is currently available in Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, Michigan, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

5.  How To Make Cannabis-Beer At Home?

Cannabeer, another name for the cannabis-infused beer, can be available across many stores. However, brewing your concoction can provide the liberty to make it as per your taste and potency. Here is a simple recipe for a perfect homemade Cannabeer.

Ingredients:

• 2 kgs of brewing-sugar
• 2 tsp yeast
• 3-4 ground ginger
• 1.8 kgs malt
• 30 gms hops and 15 gms cannabis flowers or 15 gms hops and 250 gms cannabis leaves
• 7 liters of water in which 2 liters is lukewarm
• Two saucepans
• Cheesecloth
• A large container for fermentation
• Storage Bottles

Method:

• Pour 2.5 liters of water into each saucepan and bring to boil. Mix the lukewarm water and yeast.
• Wrap the hop and cannabis leaves/flowers in a cheesecloth. In one pan, boil sugar till it melts, and then add the cloth. Put malt in another pan of boiling water. Simmer for 50 minutes.
• Remove the cloth. Add the content of both the pans into the container.
• Add water till the temperature becomes 26 degrees celsius. Mix the yeast.
• Keep the container for 4-6 weeks in a warm place, say, at 20-25 degrees celsius.
• After the fermentation process, pour the liquid into the bottles. Set these aside for at least four more weeks before serving.

Conclusion

There can be many opportunities in the next few years to tap the cumulative benefits of marijuana and beer. As soon as the red tape is dealt with, consumers can obtain many health advantages with ready availability. Till then, grab it from wherever you find it or prepare it at home to sit back and relish your creativity with your friends.