Edibles... Yes, that kind

These days, you might find that a well-stocked cook’s pantry includes a different type of cooking pot: legal, edible ingredients that contain cannabis.

“When trying edibles,” a sign warns at the Farmacy, “start low, and go slow.”

“Starting low” refers to THC dosage, clearly marked on every package. Dosing info, for instance, on Atlas, cannabis-infused gourmet granola clusters with Mexican chocolate and pepitas (winner of High Times Bronze Cannabis Cup) range from “mild” to “intense,” giving new meaning to “Don’t eat the whole thing, save some for me…”

Wanna a little lift to your ramen or gyoza (a new kind of pot stickers?). Try the family recipe chili oil from Potli. The Farmacy also carries Potli’s cannabis-infused extra virgin olive oil made from Carmel Valley olives ($82 for 8.4 oz.) that you “activate.”

“The THC is activated by heat,” notes general manager Leialoha Cali, “You could start with the olive oil on your salad, and then use it in pasta or grill with it.” A measuring spoon is included along with instructions on a magnet that instructs 315 degrees for 60 minutes = magic activated!

Since marijuana became legal in California last year, many have heard of and may have partaken in cannabis gummies or chocolate bars (like KIVA), but the array of edible offerings is vast and growing.

There are beers and teas (caffeinated and non-caffeinated, like the low-THC, high- CBD “calm + relief” ginger turmeric Sympa-Tea), coffees, sodas, even apple cider vinegar infused with THC.

If you’re confused by it all (and who wouldn’t be?) and want to explore edibles or find a balm for your arthritis or the best locally grown bud, check in with the experts at the super-friendly Farmacy. GM Leialoha says, “A lot of people don’t want to get high, but they want the benefits of cannabis.” Many people are reluctant to experience the psychoactive elements of THC. However, CBD is much more effective when it has trace amounts of THC. A micro-dose is 2.5 milligrams. For people that are looking for the benefits of CBD without the head high of THC and just want the body high, they would look for ratio that’s much higher in CBD content.

This is not your grandma’s pot: classification of the type of species — sativa (for energy), indica (to relax/for pain relief), or a hybrid of both — is noted on packaging.

Like the sign says, go slow. Then sit back, enjoy, and be sure not to drive under the influence.

Primer reminder: THC (gets you high), CBD (relieves pain and or anxiety). More than half of the edible companies don’t list if the cannabis is sativa or indica. A combo does both, but there are different ratios. Try it and find out for yourself. Everybody’s different. — L.A.W.

The Farmacy, (delivery service available. Check the website for special events). 128 W Mission St, Santa Barbara, phone: (805) 880-1207. www. thefarmacysb.com