How to Combine Weed and Wine
As marijuana becomes more and more available legally, it is losing its shady reputation and becoming more sophisticated. Fashionable people can now enjoy a very trendy pot, and some even pair it with wine.
As with any combination, personal taste and (in this case) tolerance play a big role, but there are some general guidelines you can use as a roadmap for your weed and wine pairing.
Delivery system matters
You’re going to pair subtle flavors with subtle flavors, and just as the shape of a wine glass can affect the taste of your drink, how you consume your pot can alter sensory perception. A cannabis flower vaporizer is what you need, as it allows you to experience the nuances of the variety much more clearly than a joint would.
Your nose knows
As we mentioned earlier , marijuana derives most of its aroma and flavor from organic compounds called terpenes, and familiarity with these compounds can tell you what flavor profile you can expect. Many strains have names that tell you what they smell – usually named after the fruit – but the best way to find out how something smells is to sniff it. If you have a specific scent you are aiming for, ask the seller if they have any of that kind, but there is nothing wrong with picking a strain at random and inhaling.
Consult with experts
As the marijuana industry grows, so does the marijuana journalism industry, and there are tons of great charts and pairing guidelines you can try on. Sam Edwards, president of Sonoma Cannabis , told NPR that, generally speaking, “sativa goes well with whites” and “indicas go well with reds,” but you can elaborate on that. Leafly in particular is a great resource for this kind of thing with all sorts of infographics to help you navigate the world of cannabis and wine pairings.
Unlike marijuana and food combinations, you will find it easier to match flavors with similar flavors than strive for contrast. Blackberry Kush can help bring out ripe, berry notes in Malbec or Sire, and more citrus varieties are likely to go very well with crispy sparkling wine. The fun part here is experimenting, so feel free to try, take notes, and revise your pairing plan as needed.
Be careful
Mixing alcohol and marijuana is not for everyone, and the interactions between the two must be considered. It is worth mentioning to your friendly dispensary staff member that you plan on mixing vices so they can discuss the possible effects and steer you away from any couples that might be too difficult. While not wine, I have had a hard time pairing marijuana with alcohol , so proceed with caution and make sure you are in a safe and happy place before starting this experiment.