Marijuana could soon appear on a number of restaurant menus
As more states recognize the legitimacy of marijuana, a new niche is being created. Soon, it’s possible that a number of hotels and resorts will begin to offer cannabis-based products in a variety of settings, including in the restaurant and spa.
Some inspired entrepreneurs have already launched into the market segment. For example, the Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles serves a mojito that is infused with cannabidiol (CBD). One Roosevelt regular explained, “Part of the reason I have a drink is to relax, and the relaxation effect of this mojito is even more profound.” The Roosevelt also offers three desserts that include CBD – a green apple Bavarian cream, a yogurt pannacotta with macerated berries and a lemon bar with frozen yogurt and a raspberry crumble.
In Seattle, the Thompson Seattle has been experimenting with some novel – and delicious-sounding – dishes. Derek Simcik, the executive chef of the resort’s restaurant, showed off his talents at a private dinner last year that featured seven courses of food paired with marijuana. Simcik indicated at the time, “The dinners are fun and not at all about people getting stoned. They’re meant to be an innovative way to show off marijuana.”
In the wellness market, the Spa Solage, part of the Solage, Auberge Resort in Napa Valley, CA, began offering a massage, facial and body scrub package recently that incorporates CBD oil. The oil doesn’t contain any THC, which means it doesn’t have any psychoactive properties, and reportedly helps with pain relief, anxiety and insomnia.
At the St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, CO, a new item is on the menu. It includes a classic massage, a deep tissue massage and a service called Ultimate Colorado Bliss Experience, which is highlighted by CBD-infused body butters and scalp and body massages. Spa director Susan Hunnell stated, “Given all the research about the benefits of CBD, we couldn’t not offer these.”
As states like Delaware, New York and others begin to see the real value in marijuana, undoubtedly the number of options found in hotels and spas around the country will increase. Ultimately this should lead to greater acceptance, even by those who have long opposed the legalization of marijuana. It’s an indication of things to come and of the positive future for medical marijuana users.
