In 2018, Nation's Restaurant News said, "A few chefs in the 10 states, and the District of Columbia ... have thrown pot-laced dinners. Those meals are generally held offsite, and the edible marijuana products are provided by staff from licensed dispensaries, and guests have to add it themselves".[1] The magazine said in 2019, "Restaurants are taking their relationship with hemp to the next level by adding CBD or cannabinoids to dishes."[2]
In 2023, High Times said, "there's a niche in the edibles industry that's continuing to grow: cannabis dining events. While there are still many limitations to cannabis infused dining, such as restrictive laws about public consumption or a lack of approved consumption lounges, many successful chef-led dining experiences are putting spotlight both on cannabis as an ingredient, as well as the consumer enjoying unique dishes infused with the herb."[3]
Nashville's first cannabis restaurant opened in 2022, offering "legal, hemp-derived THC-infused condiments, desserts and mocktails".[4] In 2023, Hi Flora! opened as Minnesota's first THC restaurant,[5] and CBD CBN began serving infused food and drinks in Edmonton.[6]
Cannabis-themed restaurants
Among cannabis-themed restaurants is the fast food chain Cheba Hut.[7] Fried, a fast casual restaurant in St. Louis with CBD-infused sauces, opened in 2019.[8][9] The Joint opened in Sanford, Florida, in 2023.[10]
Impact on the restaurant industry
In 2018, The Denver Post said higher wages in the cannabis industry were "eating into restaurant hiring pool".[11] In Maine, restaurants were reportedly losing workers to the cannabis industry in 2019.[12]
Marketing and April 20 ("420") promotions
Some restaurant chains have "nodded" to cannabis consumers on social media, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and Denny's.[13] Notable restaurant chains that have offered specials on April 20, a date with significance in cannabis culture ("420"), include:
Legalization
In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to legalize Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in California.[21]
References
- ^ "Marijuana in restaurants: Pipe dream or soon-to-be reality?". Nation's Restaurant News. 2018-11-13. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Mainstreaming marijuana culture". Nation's Restaurant News. 2019-04-16. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Potter, Nicole (2023-11-20). "The Perfect Pairings: Cannabis Dining Is a Night To Remember". High Times. Archived from the original on 2024-01-18. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Nashville's 1st cannabis restaurant set for Thursday opening". WREG.com. 2022-07-28. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Kennedy, Audrey (July 19, 2023). "We tried it: "Minnesota's first THC restaurant," Hi Flora!". Axios Twin Cities. Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
- ^ Snowdon, Wallis (October 21, 2023). "Cannabis for dinner? New Edmonton restaurant wants to serve pot-infused drinks and eats". CBC News. Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
- ^ Rangel, Nina. "Second cannabis-themed Cheba Hut sandwich shop opening in San Antonio". San Antonio Current. Archived from the original on 2023-11-12. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Suen, Mabel (2019-05-01). "Fried, a Cannabis-Themed Fast-Casual Restaurant Serving CBD-Infused Sauces, Opens in St. Louis". Feast Magazine. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Cannabis-themed restaurant to open this week". ksdk.com. 2019-04-09. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Tolley, Patricia (March 6, 2023). "Hollerbach's German Restaurant CEO opens new cannabis-themed eatery in Sanford concert venue/bar". Orlando Business Journal. Archived from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Not enough cooks in the kitchen: Big wages paid by marijuana industry eating into restaurant hiring pool". The Denver Post. 2018-03-07. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Schroeder, Nick (2019-09-30). "Maine restaurants are losing workers to the cannabis industry". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "It's high time for restaurants to pay attention to marijuana". Nation's Restaurant News. 2018-02-01. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Chains celebrate international cannabis day with 4/20 promotions". Nation's Restaurant News. 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "4/20 food deals: Cure your munchies with discounts on subs, cookies, wings, burgers and more". The Florida Times-Union. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ a b Cobe, Patricia. "Cannabis is now legal in many states, but restaurants are still celebrating 4/20 with marijuana-themed mash-ups". Restaurant Business. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Encinas, Amaris. "Jimmy John's selling Deliciously Dope Dime Bag to celebrate 4/20. How much is it?". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
The goodie bag will include a stacked sandwich, a brownie and a weed-rolling tray, all to celebrate the nation's highest holiday. They're available through April 21.
- ^ "Restaurant brands roll out 4/20 promotions". Nation's Restaurant News. 2024-04-16. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "For 4/20, restaurants add munchie food specials to the cannabis celebration". The Mercury News. 2024-04-20. Archived from the original on 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Dallas-based Wingstop debuts 'THC' hot wings for 420". Dallas News. 2024-04-18. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Bill to allow Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in California goes up in smoke with Newsom veto". Los Angeles Times. 2023-10-10. Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.