Beer and Marijuana: What Makes a Good Pairing?

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Beer and marijuana have been a popular pairing in the United States for decades, perhaps similar to the heavenly match of peanut butter and jelly, or a BLT sandwich. What makes this combination so good is answered regarding their flavor profiles. Beer offers a light, crisp taste which complements cannabis-infused edibles well. The sweetness from beer also aids in counterbalancing any bitterness from cannabis when consumed together. Wine is another beverage that pairs well with weed because of its similar characteristics, but it doesn't have quite the alcohol content of beer, which may be what is desired by some of its avid consumers. Regardless of what you're drinking alongside your THC or CBD-infused treats, a responsible approach is apt. Let’s look into the reasons why beer and marijuana are a great combo.

• A Brief History of Beer and Marijuana
A theory is floating around that says hops and cannabis plants were, at one point millions of years ago, one and the same, and over time they evolved into two distinct variations, both offering similar mild-altering effects, and bearing long and arduous histories of prohibition. THC is the active ingredient of the cannabis sativa and Indica plants, which works on the brain's receptors, stimulating them. High doses of beer, also classified as a psychoactive agent that primarily affects the mind, can also be a depressant. Certain qualities of cannabis and hops bear a resemblance to one another. Perhaps most obviously is that once matured, their buds both look like cones, making it difficult to tell them apart. A reason for their being a great match for one another is because certain compounds that produce the unique smell of hops are also found in cannabis.  

• Pairing Beers with Cannabis Strains
Indian Pale Ale is likely the most popular beer globally and its vibrant aromas are heavenly harmonized by skunk weed strains, which deliver on their promise of euphoria and upliftment. Blue Dream, with its sweet flavor including hints of berry, pairs well with the wheat in beer. Spicy OG Kush holds hands well with medium-bodied pale ale. Lemon and lime of the Jack Herer strain will warm towards the light-bodied nature of a Pilsner. Cinex, preferred by day for its ability to support focus, will enjoy partnering with fruity tones. The chocolate in stout balances delectably with fruity flavors. We could go on, but truly, there are no rules regarding pairing. Try various options to find what delights your palette and provides the good time you are after. In regards to the cannabis consumption method, it is all up to you. Some prefer the traditional joint, while others aim for a more discrete experience by using a vaporizer. If you find yourself in the latter category, it would be a good idea to try MagicVaporizers’ Mighty Plus which is perfect for everyday use. It offers a fully customizable vaping experience, so you can rest assured that you will get the most out of this device. You must, however, always consider your safety and that of others while enjoying yourself.

• The Flavors in Beer and the Effects of Cannabis
Beer is deliciously bold in its flavor and it is therefore likely to mask the taste of your weed, leaving you to enjoy its greatest delight, which presents after consumption. The endocannabinoid system in the body is a communication network that affects the nervous system, supporting the regulation of the brain, endocrine, and immune systems. This, in addition to moderating hormone secretion, affects how we think, feel, and respond to stimuli including stress. The natural chemicals produced in the body which interact with receptors within the endocannabinoid system to work their magic are named cannabinoids. The active ingredients in the cannabis and hops plants both contain cannabinoids which are usefully facilitated by our endocannabinoid system for their optimal deployment,  hence their use in reducing anxiety levels and providing other medicinal benefits. 

Pairing hops with sativa and indica strains can deliver you a glorious harmony. Guided by those who’ve trodden this path before, you might select based on their opinion, but by wearing a pioneering hat, you may also discover a largely untried combination that outranks all others. Your palette and your mood will let you know. As always, a healthy application of caution as you do so will maximize each of these moments.