Do you remember when Amsterdam was a strange, elusive place where people could — *gasp!* — smoke weed without repercussions? Now, the U.S. has its own weed-legal spaces, including Colorado, Oregon, Washington state, California, Nevada, Washington, D.C., Maine, Alaska and Massachusetts, with several more decriminalizing or making marijuana available for medical use.
But beyond ending a senseless prohibition of weed products, it’s also opened the door for new business opportunities — including those that have nothing to do with getting high. Hemp products — which lawmakers had long confused as the same as marijuana — are being given new life.
One hemp derivative is cannabidiol, or CBD, one of several cannabinoids, and it’s the one making the most waves when it comes to healing diseases or relieving pain. One CBD product is oil, which is often made from hemp, and it focuses on high doses of CBD with low THC — meaning it won’t get you high. It may, however, help reduce inflammation, pain or anxiety.
Restaurants in particular have seen an opportunity to create new foods and drinks that incorporate CBD oil. Who wouldn’t like a little extra Zen in their cup of coffee? From breweries to bakeries, here are a few restaurants who are leading the CBD revolution.
Monarch & the Milkweed, Vermont
This upscale restaurant and pastry shop in Burlington, Vermont, is incorporating CBD made from hemp into several of its pastry items. But they're also not afraid of little TLC from THC — many of their pastries also have trace amounts of the psychoactive cannabis chemical, including these cherry ball truffles.
Green Goddess Cafe, Vermont
Coffee get you amped? Instead, try a Chill-Latte, infused with CBD oil from local and organic eatery Green Goddess Cafe in Stowe, Vermont. The restaurant also serves Chronic Tonic juices made with CBD oil.
Spring Restaurant, California
If you’re looking for the ultimate upscale CBD experience, Spring, a restaurant in Los Angeles, has created a $37 power-lunch menu that incorporates hemp oil and pairs it with herbs and vegetables that the chefs claim accentuate the effects of the CBD. Now there’s a work lunch we can get behind.
Ankeny Tap & Table, Oregon
Of course budding weed capital Portland, Oregon, was going to make it on the list. Ankeny Tap & Table is taking a stand against getting crossfaded with CBD-infused beer options like the Coalition Two Flowers IPA.
Harlow Restaurant, Oregon
Another Portland restaurant has entered the CBD game, this time Harlow restaurant, which for $3 will let you upgrade your green juice, smoothie or elixir with CBD drops, and they're experimenting with potential lavender milk CBD steamers and other specials.
Kokus, New York
This contender is at the apex of food trends. Located in New York, Kokus' Zen smoothie bowl is more than stunning — it's also topped with CBD-laced cacao. The bowl is created to keep you "calm and present" and to reduce pain or inflammation.
The Original Hemp Cafe, Colorado
Of course, we have to acknowledge the birthplace of recreational weed in the U.S., Colorado. The Original Hemp Cafe serves up CBD-infused mocktails, coffee drinks and crepes and offers a laid-back space to indulge in a little THC if you're so inclined.
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