The Educated Stoner: Cocktails, Anyone? Medicated, that is.

After successfully using cannabis oil to put breast cancer into remission – while doing away with numerous prescription medications and supplements – five years ago, I’ve since learned about Apothecary and the benefits of keeping plant-based concentrates in my system for healing and prevention.

Apothecary is what used to be the main method of treating and preventing illness in the world, up until the 1940s, when synthetic medications via petroleum by-products were developed.

Apothecary is the practice of using beneficial plant-based materials to create medicine.  The healing properties of plants are found in its essential oils, or terpenes, and are easily stripped from plants for this purpose.

Basically, if you can steep a tea or reduce a sauce, you can make medicine from the garden.

Throughout my day I have a variety of what are called, deliveries of plant-based tonics, tinctures, and topicals – keeping illness at bay, and helping with symptoms from real illness.

Keeping plant-based concentrates in our bodies, feeding our Endocannabinoid System (eCS), prevents myriad ailments as well as strengthens the immune system, naturally.

One of my favorite daily doses at the end of the day is enjoying what used to be referred to as a tonic.  Next to hot water steeping, alcohol infusion is one of the oldest ways of making medicine, as the plant resins bind very well to the liquid.

I’m not a drinker, per se, but I do enjoy one or two tonics at a sitting.  Any more than that and the alcohol makes me feel, well… stupid.

The other benefit of infusing cannabis and other beneficial plants into a tonic is, most of the benefits reduce inflammation and infection – which cause headaches and hangovers – making tonics a win, win situation the next day.  I typically feel better, not worse, after my tonics.

Infusing alcohol in a cold-process is also a non-psychoactive delivery, as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is only activated by heat – therefore, this type of tonic will not cause a psychoactive response.  Because I don’t always want to get “high,” I just want to heal and be well.

Albeit, there was that one time I brought my tonic on a road trip and the heat of the car activated the THC.  And, if you add an infused Kahlua to a cup of hot coffee, know it will fully activate the THC.

Following are a few of my favorite recipes.  You can find more on my website, www.sharonletts.com,  in the Apothecary page.

Spiced Rum

One liter of brown rum

¼ c. ground cannabis (stems, leaf, flower; or crystal shake)

1 cinnamon stick

1 t. whole cloves

6-8 whole cardamom pods

1 t. vanilla

Add ingredients to bottle of rum and put it in a cool, dark cupboard for one to two weeks – shaking often.  Strain using cheesecloth, decant.

I like to make rum and coke, but this spiced rum can be used with any spiced rum recipe.  Be mindful, if you make a Hot Toddy, the THC will become activated.

Calming Vodka

One liter of vodka

¼ c. ground plant material (leaf, stem, flower)

¼ c. chamomile flower (not necessary to grind)

Two slices of citrus peel (I like grapefruit)

Follow same steeping method above.

I like to use fresh squeezed grapefruit to make this tonic, with a wedge of lime.  The chamomile is calming and makes a good nightcap.

Visit my website, sharonletts.com,  for information on chamomile’s healing benefits.

Be well, know your dose to medicate not recreate.  Don’t just get stoned – get educated.

Fine Print: This article is based on simple apothecary.  It’s what I do at home. Other’s techniques and outcomes may vary.  Always mark your products with a label, noting if the product has activated THC for safety.  Keep out of reach of children and pets.