The Unique Experience of Cultivating Spirits
Cultivating Spirits is a three-course cannabis dinner pairing experience that combines the clanking of dishes, the terpene-drenched aroma of herbs, and the sweet, dank waft of smoke. The event is about the overall combined experience of food, cannabis, and laughter.
Celebrating a Decade of Innovation
Celebrating its 10th year in operation, Cultivating Spirits provides three-course dinners with carefully matched cannabis pairings, the first of its kind in the U.S. Founder Philip Wolf, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry, also co-founded the Cannabis Wedding Expo and launched CashoM, a cannabis masterclass program.
Harmonizing Cannabis and Cuisine
Cultivating Spirits events feature three different cannabis strains paired with three gourmet courses, specifically selected to harmonize. The process involves smoking rather than infusing the food, allowing guests to choose their level of participation. The team guides diners through the flavor profiles of both the cannabis and the food, enhancing the overall experience. Past dinners have included dishes like chef Joseph L. Paire III’s spot prawn bisque paired with Cherry AK and chef Tye Idleman’s crème brûlée paired with Bazookies.
Enhancing Experiences with Terpenes
Wolf fine-tuned dining experiences by selecting terpenes for specific effects. Pairing terpene profiles of cannabis with flavor profiles of food enhances and harmonizes the flavors. This method allows for a conscious consumption of cannabis, enhancing the culinary experience without overwhelming diners.
Expanding Horizons
Most Cultivating Spirits dinners seat eight to 14 people, often for private celebratory events. They also host ticketed events at various locations. In 2015, Wolf organized a private cannabis dinner during X Games Aspen, one of the first city-approved cannabis consumption events.
Moving Beyond Wine Comparisons
Wolf aims to move beyond comparing cannabis pairings to wine events, believing cannabis offers much more. He focuses on intentional consumption, advising diners to tune into their body, mind, and soul for the best experience.
Educating and Elevating
Wolf emphasizes that patrons worry more about societal judgments than legal issues. The separation of food and cannabis allows non-smoking friends to join the experience. He teaches guests to consume cannabis with purpose, enhancing their culinary experience.
Throughout all Cultivating Spirits dinners, the concept remains focused on intention, ensuring the best possible experience when consuming cannabis.
This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of High Times Magazine.
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