How to Make the Most of Thanksgiving With Cannabis

Thanksgiving in the United States is a day focused on food, family, loved ones, and most of all, shared experiences.

Speaking of shared experiences, some cannabis consumers add a bit of THC to their typical Thanksgiving spread for an elevated experience. That's especially true for medical cannabis patients who are seeking a delicious day as well as relief from their particular conditions.

Cannabis helps turn Thanksgiving into a chill day filled with delicious food and relaxing, enjoyable experiences, often with loved ones. Here's how to make the most of the day and how cannabis can fit into the equation.

Top Tips for a Cannabis-Infused Thanksgiving

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can run against the typically chill, uplifting feelings associated with cannabis. That said, a little planning can go a long way and help the day go by as enjoyable as possible. 

With a few points of consideration, cannabis consumers can easily integrate the plant into their Thanksgiving plans.

Setting is Everything

Kick things off by setting up a comfortable area for consumption. If you're hosting the event, it’s usually easy to carve out an outdoor or a secluded indoor space for you and your loved ones to partake. 

If you're a guest at someone else's home, and they aren't pro-pot, it might be best to pre-consume at home or at a spot before you get to their house. 

Prep for Your Sesh

Be sure to roll up a few joints before the day begins. Or, at the very least, have a clean piece, like a bowl or dab pen, prepared so you can pack a bowl or do a quick dab without needing to do much cleanup. This should produce the smoothest, cleanest hits during the high holiday.

Talk About It (Maybe)

You may also want to talk with those around you. Discussing cannabis can be a bit tricky though in certain settings. 

While stigma and demonization of the plant has diminished significantly in recent years, there are still plenty of people who have their anti-cannabis agendas for one reason or another–especially older family members. Tread lightly, but certainly bring up the subject if you feel like it won't cause tension.

Not sure how to broach the subject? Check out some of the best tips to spark the conversation with family in a safe and respectful way.

Best Thanksgiving Activities to Pair with Weed

The best activities to pair with weed during Thanksgiving are a bit subjective. That said, there are certainly some common go-tos one can tap into on the big day. 

When considering the ideal activities, think about what works for you and for anyone else involved. 

• Several football games are always going on that day. A good smoke or two should pair well with these games, even if your team is losing. But, watch out, as football tends to be a sport where passions run high and may run against a chill vibe. 
• A more chill option might be board games or some type of low intensity art project like painting or drawing. These activities allow you to be creative and chill while requiring just a little bit of focus from you.
• Not looking to focus much after consuming food or weed? Then the ideal chill activity might be watching a movie, TV show, or listening to some music. Thanksgiving typically marks the time of the year where the holiday season content starts to roll out. That should give you ample opportunity to explore seasonal content while zoning out thanks to the benefits of THC.
• Some cannabis strains will make people want to chat. And Thanksgiving is the perfect time for doing just that. With tons of people usually around, it's easy enough to spark up a conversation, even with the people you didn't just spark up with.
• By now, “going for a walk" has become synonymous with smoking weed while away from the family during the holidays. This should allow you to decompress from any family stress while looking at some of the outdoor scenes, be they nature or a city setting.

Avoid These Simple Mistakes When Using Weed This Thanksgiving

From cannabis experts to newcomers and everyone in between, Thanksgiving can create room for error when mixing cannabis with the holiday. Most of these mistakes are related to the combination of cannabis and alcohol, but there's a few other traps along the way that are worth looking out for.

Don’t Drive High

Some people say that weed makes them a better driver, but science says the opposite. This is a risky move, especially if you've mixed cannabis with alcohol. You can end up in jail, or worse, harming yourself and others on the road. 

Mixing Booze and Bud

Speaking of mixing cannabis and alcohol, don't do it. This is likely to result in an outcome called becoming crossfaded, which is known to produce unwanted effects ranging from nausea to disorientation.

Fools Rush In

Start low, and go slow, especially with edibles and other high potency options. Going too strong on the THC can lead to overintoxication symptoms. Plus, who wants to get so high they can't function on a day centered around eating and being around loved ones?

Stick to What You Know

Rely on familiar products. Untested and new products can unpleasantly surprise you when you least need it. As such, it might be best to stick to what you know on Turkey Day. 

Thanksgiving Munchies: The Best Foods to Pair With Weed

Thanksgiving is a day filled with flavors and delicious delights, providing cannabis consumers with an array of options to indulge in when the munchies hit. 

Some of the top options to pair with cannabis on Thanksgiving include:

• Classic Thanksgiving stuffing, with a potential infusion twist.
• Or, infuse the cranberry sauce, or even the pumpkin pie, if you find yourself with a sweet tooth.
• Cheesy potatoes offer creamy, crispy comfort in every bite. 
• Stuffed mushrooms deliver savory, earthy bursts that resemble or pair well with many cannabis terpenes. 
• A dish like the ultimate harvest weed salad recipe provides crisp greens to balance heavier dishes, and its fresh textures provide richness and refresh the palate.
• Deviled eggs supply smooth protein with a tangy kick. Cannabis can heighten the contrast, making each creamy mouthful stand out.
• You could even pull out a game-day dip, which makes for an excellent appetizer no matter the occasion.

While these are some great recommendations to pair cannabis with Thanksgiving meals, everybody has their own preference. Choose what works best for you and your guests.

Best Strains for Thanksgiving

Strain selection helps precisely pair the plant with the flavors and aromatics surrounding the Thanksgiving spread. While there are scores of options to choose from, the below three are popular picks with notable profiles that should pair well with many Thanksgiving dishes.

• Granddaddy Purple carries rich berry notes that can mirror cranberry sides. The deep fruit layers should soothe after kitchen chaos.
• Blue Dream brings sweet blueberry haze to pumpkin pie. Its subtle fruit hints should amplify dessert without overpowering the spice.
• Wedding Cake offers vanilla notes that align with staples like sweet potato casserole or a rich apple or pumpkin pie. 

If your favorite isn't on the list above, no worries. Pick which pairs best for you and enjoy the day. You can choose based on flavor, aroma, effects, or whatever else makes you love a certain strain. 

Whether consuming cannabis or just enjoying time with loved ones, Thanksgiving is all about enjoying the day and relaxing with the ones you love. Prep and pair with intention and the day should be an amazing one. Happy holidays!

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.