That would be something to be thankful for

by Dan Reich

As Thanksgiving approaches, many are looking forward to (or dreading) the opportunity to share a meal, and opinions, with their extended family. While alcohol has been the traditional lubricant, its record is far from commendable, and has more often made things worse than they needed to be.

Yet alcohol, from the pre-feast cocktails to the wine that many prefer to accompany their most memorable meals, unifies across generations and has become a tradition that most aren’t willing to consider putting aside, tempting though it may be to deny Uncle Ted a reason to get his conspiracy theories going. But at a time when 45% of adults (according to a 2020 Harris Poll) are swapping out some or all of their alcohol consumption for cannabis products, it may be something to consider.

While both have broadly similar effects in terms of creating a celebratory vibe (or “buzz”) alcohol and cannabis have very different effects on the body. Alcohol, and specifically the ethanol contained within it, is a toxin. A vast body of medical literature has identified alcohol as the cause of a number of chronic health problems having to do with organs removing toxins from the body, such as diseases of the liver and pancreas. Chronic alcohol consumption has resulted in increased amounts of depression, sleep issues, and cardiovascular problems.

Cannabis, on the other hand, works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of cellular receptors that regulate many body functions, such as moderating pain, regulating mood and supporting balance. It embraces cannabis instead of regarding it as a toxin. The body has no natural ethanol receptors.

Another key difference…and one that could come into play at the Thanksgiving table… is that alcohol is much more likely to inspire risky behavior and bad judgement, from “hold my beer” feats of bravado to a horribly ill-advised decision to drive under the influence. Most people would agree that alcohol, rather than cannabis, is more likely to lead to confrontational, polarizing conversations.

If you enjoy the ritual that goes with drinking on holidays like Thanksgiving, there are many festive cannabis concoctions, from sparkling spritzers to hoppy malt beverages to wines, that can be substituted for beer, wine, cocktails and cordials, without having to deny your guests a celebratory “buzz.”

f you are looking for a way to defuse a potentially problematic gathering or simply would like to try something new, consider foregoing the bar and serve cannabis beverages instead. Cannabis tincture works well in mixed drinks, given a good stir the oil easily dissolves. Try our Iced Apple Spice mocktail recipe and enjoy a refreshing change this holiday season.

CBD Apple Spice Holiday Mocktail

By Elana Dusse

6 ozs/170g organic spiced apple cider

2 tablespoons of lime juice

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

2 tablespoons of clear honey, agave or simple syrup

60 drops/one dropperful of Synergy -Tsu tincture ( alcohol suspension)

Ice cubes to fill 4-6 glasses ¾ full.

Garnish;

¼ teaspoon all-spice

½ teaspoon cinnamon or mixed spice

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

½oz /28g granulated light brown sugar

finely sliced unpeeled apple slices

ice cubes

essential equipment: a shallow dish , a large jug, cocktail shaker and strainer, or large mason jar and sieve,

4-6 glass tumblers

This is a quick refreshing CBD-infused mocktail to perfectly quench a Thanksgiving thirst and bring a relaxing vibe to the celebrations. First prepare your garnish, mix the sugar, salt and cinnamon/ mixed spice in the shallow dish. Then wipe the rims of the glasses with a wedge of lime and dip them in your garnish.

Next mix the apple juice, lime and lemon juices together in a jug, add the drops of Synergy Tsu tincture and mix thoroughly, the tincture will dissolve easily into the juice. Add your sweetener ( honey, agave, simple syrup) to taste, some will prefer sweeter but it's equally delicious when it is tart. Pour the juice into the ice-filled shaker or mason jar and shake for 20 seconds. Then using your strainer or sieve pour the chilled juice back into the jug.

Fill the glasses ¾ full with ice cubes, pour over the Apple Spice mocktail, add apple slices to the garnished rims and serve!