Infused Mango Bliss Smoothie

As the holiday season approaches, sharing a refreshing treat with friends can elevate any gathering. Imagine a chilled mango smoothie infused with cannabis—it's a delightful way to celebrate. If you're new to cannabis-infused beverages, this recipe serves as an excellent introduction. The sweet, tropical flavor of mango beautifully complements the earthy undertones of cannabis terpenes.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain

To enhance the fruity profile of the mango smoothie, consider strains known for their sweet and complementary flavors:

1. Strawberry Cough: Renowned for its berry-like sweetness.

2. Blueberry: Offers a rich, fruity aroma that pairs well with mango.

3. Tangie: Delivers citrus notes, adding a zesty twist.

4. XJ-13: Provides a blend of citrus and pine flavors.

5. CBD Kush: Combines a sweet taste with balanced CBD content.

Tip: Freezing the fruit before blending results in a frostier smoothie. For a hint of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a touch more salt.

Ingredients for Cannabis-Infused Mango Smoothie

- 1 gram of cannabis flower

- ½ cup neutral oil (e.g., coconut or MCT oil)

- 1 mango, peeled and chopped

- 1 banana, chopped

- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated

- ½ cup unsweetened coconut water

- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

- Pinch of kosher salt

- 1 cup ice

Preparation Steps

1. Infuse the Oil: After decarboxylating your cannabis, combine the activated cannabis with your chosen neutral oil. Once the infusion is complete, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heat-resistant bowl, pressing to extract as much oil as possible.

2. Blend the Smoothie: In a blender, combine the infused oil, mango, banana, ginger, coconut water, turmeric, salt, and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Understanding Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is a crucial step when preparing cannabis edibles. Raw cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive compound. Through heating, THCA converts to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis. This transformation is essential for the psychoactive effects to be felt when consuming edibles. Without decarboxylation, the cannabis-infused product may lack potency.

Infusion Bases and Compatibility

When infusing cannabis, the choice of base affects both the flavor and efficacy of the final product. Cannabinoids like THC are fat-soluble, meaning they bind effectively to fats. Common infusion bases include:

Butter: Traditional choice for many edibles.

Coconut Oil: Offers a mild flavor and is versatile in various recipes.

Cooking Oils: Such as olive or vegetable oil, suitable for savory dishes.

Glycerin: A sweet, alcohol-free option ideal for tinctures.

Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and can be used in teas or drizzled over foods.

Note: Avoid using alcohol as an infusion base in heated recipes due to its low boiling point, which poses safety risks.

Dosing Tips for Edibles

The potency of cannabis edibles varies based on several factors, including the strain used, infusion process, and individual metabolism. For safe consumption:

Start Small: Begin with a low dose, such as ¼ teaspoon of infused oil, and wait at least an hour to assess its effects.

Be Patient: Edibles take longer to produce effects compared to smoking or vaping.

Keep Notes: Document your dosage and experiences to find your optimal amount.