Cannabis beer

Cannabis and beer are two words that, when heard together, could seem like the formula for disaster. However, if they are mixed correctly, both ingredients do not have to cause any type of inconvenience. For example, there is more than one marijuana beer that is worth knowing and savoring.

It is known that marijuana or cannabis sativa produces hypnotic effects and that the use of this plant or its varieties has existed since the 9th century BC, and its use has been very diverse since then. In this sense, it can be found in historical records as ceremonial incense or as an auxiliary plant for therapeutic purposes. In the case of Europe, for example, it is known that in the 7th century BC, the ancient Celts used cannabis to make ropes and also as a medicine.

In this opportunity, we will focus on a different use, related to one of the most consumed beverages in the world, beer.

How to prepare craft beer with cannabis?

On more than one occasion, we have surely heard that drugs should not be mixed, because their effects can be enhanced, causing damage to health. Due to this type of premise, it is normal to imagine that cannabis should not appear in a beer recipe, but the reality is that they can be combined safely .

In this sense, you should know that the substance responsible for causing psychotropic effects in humans is THC, which degrades when subjected to the processes of fermentation and transformation of must into beer. Those who work with cannabis to use its stimulating effects, derived from said substance, have to activate it through processes such as decarboxylation and some others. So you don’t have to worry too much about including cannabis to flavor your brew.

On the other hand, making your own beer can be a very rewarding activity that will allow you to be totally sure of what you consume and add your personal touch of flavor. In this case, the one that cannabis can offer.

If you have brewed any type of craft beer, you should know that you need water, hops, yeast, malt, and in this case, some strain of cannabis. You can use sativa, indica or some hybrid. Each variety can bring different touches, which can range from floral, fruity, those similar to pine and citrus. We mention some strains that might interest you, as well as the variety of aromas and flavors associated with them:

• Lemon Cake: intense aroma, with acid nuances and sweet notes.
• Granddaddy Purple: fruity flavor, associated with berries and grapes.
• Northern Lights: It has a piney, earthy and intense flavor.
• Bruce Banner: powerful aroma and sweet taste. 

During the maceration process, it is possible to add the cannabis leaves, so that their flavor is integrated. However, you could also incorporate this ingredient in the first phase of fermentation, just when the yeast is added.

As in any recipe, the aroma and flavor results will be different if you use one or the other option. So it will be a personal decision to choose the most appropriate method. Perhaps, it is best to experiment with both variants , in order to compare the results.

As for the amount of cannabis you should add, this will also depend on your preferences. While some consider adding a few grams to be enough, others argue that it’s better to be generous. However, due to the intensity of the original aroma and flavor of the plant, it is not considered essential to add a large amount.

As for hops, an essential part of any beer recipe, cannabis should not be used to remove it from the recipe, as much as it may seem and there are discussions about it. Some are of the opinion that it is advisable to choose those that have a bright taste, as they complement the flavor of the cannabis in the drink. Options you could use include Motueka, Lemondrop, Ekuanot, and Amarillo hops.

marijuana with beer

If you’ve never brewed a craft beer before, don’t worry. In fact, there is more than one cannabis beer that can be purchased on the market, such as Beer and Weed. This beer is produced in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and uses the terpenes of four different strains of marijuana, in order to add new aromas and flavors to its recipes. This change has generated a positive response from beer consumers and, to date, it is possible to purchase any of its four brands with cannabis in bars and traditional establishments throughout the country, which has meant an increase in the company’s sales.

For those who have used marijuana on occasion, this type of beer may bring back some memories, since the aroma of cannabis is perceptible from the moment the container is uncovered and they will be able to identify it with relative ease, but when drinking the beer they will not experience the effects psychoactive of the drug, of course. On the other hand, for those who have never consumed it, this can be a safe way to have contact with it and taste it without having to worry.

Is it legal to brew beer with cannabis?

Obtaining a permit to manufacture a drink with this type of ingredient did not encounter any major impediment in Argentina, since beer does not contain THC, which, as we have mentioned, is the substance that generates alterations in human beings. On the other hand, in the United States, we can also find beer brands that use it. This might not be so surprising, since we know that the use of marijuana is legal in this country, which has uncovered the creativity of many to use it in the most diverse ways. However, in Spain, it can still be difficult to find a legal wayof producing such craft beer. The best thing, in this case, will be to resort to one that is already made with said ingredient and has been accepted for consumption within the national territory.