Pot brownies have, historically, been the go-to treat for the cannabis-curious. (Or, for fans of The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book, fudge.). But a new generation of chocolatiers are beginning to do something about that. They’re raising expectations when it comes to desserts with benefits.
Altai
Salinas, CA
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These low-dose (10-25 mg THC) cannabis edibles are some of the most modern candies on the market. Their bon bons are a thing of beauty, but it’s the color splashed Alt bars that deserve a spot at Fashion Week. Beneath the glam design lies a soft, truffled center and crunchy Cocoa Krispies-like base. Cool factor: the THC is actually stamped into the chocolate. Indica and Sativa are the flavors du jour.
The Bakeree
Seattle, WA
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The truffles at this Seattle-based confectionery are legendary for a reason: they’re absolutely beautiful. They’re the perfect gift for any occasion, even if that occasion is a Netflix binge of “House Hunters”. Available in Sativa, Indica, CBD and their famous Sunset Sherbert.
The Herbsmith
Los Angeles, CA
The best part about Crowns, besides the fact that they resemble a Perugina Baci, is that they can (in theory) be cleanly split in half and enjoyed separately. Here, a Belgian semi-sweet chocolate shell is filled with caramel and a candied almond and topped with a second candied almond, because texture. Each chocolate is filled with 30mg of THC.
Marigold Sweets
Los Angeles, CA
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If the term “bespoke” was an edible, it would be made by Marigold Sweets. Composed entirely of organic ingredients, including recycled packaging made by a hydroelectric factory, Marigold is a nod to Alice B. Toklas’s 1950s recipe for “hashish fudge.” The chocolates come in two varieties, Peanut Creme and Fleur de Sel caramel, and are available in doses ranging from 5mg to 25mg of THC.
Opus
Encinitas, CA
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The passion fruit and matcha green tea truffles pack the most punch at 40mg of active CBD each. Unlike the mystical Lindt Master Chocolatier, these beauties are handcrafted by a real life MC, who we can only assume would rather toke than wear one. Even more visually mesmerizing than these lacquered chocolates is the video showcasing their production. As usual, the Pixies deliver on the chill soundtrack.
Verdelux
Bellingham, WA
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Recreational edibles are easy to come by in Seattle, and Verdelux is quickly making a name for itself in this arena. Handmade in Bellingham, WA (about 90 minutes north of Seattle), the Famous Meltaway got its notoriety, not from being gluten-free (oh, Seattle), but for its indulgent texture and flavor. It’s equally firm and soft, like the perfect piece of fudge. Flavors include dark and milk chocolate, peanut butter and peppermint. Each truffle contains 10mg of THC.
Zuma Chocolates
Santa Monica, CA
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Hiring an award-winning chocolatier and pastry chef to oversee the production of your chocolates is not only a brilliant marketing move, it guarantees credibility in an burgeoning market. Sam Christopher is the guy we have to thank for not only making these French truffles, but coming up with irresistible flavors such as Peanut Butter & Pecan, Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake, and Coconut + Dark
