Nutrient Dense Innate Immune System Optimizing Cannabis Super-Gummies (with non-intoxicating cannabinoid recipe options)

This post shares a recipe (and several variation ideas) for nutrient dense, flavor packed and medicinal grade Cannabis Gummies. This is one of the many recipes that will go in my next book.

This is Installment #16 of the (Stacking Functions in the Garden, Food Forest and Medicine Cabinet : The Regenerative Way From Seed To Apothecary series.

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This time of year I am usually drying, curing and processing a solid amount of regeneratively homegrown (pollinated) cannabis flowers and so this recipe is one of the ways I like to stack functions with creating something that offers a lot of health benefits and makes for great gifts to friends and family.

In the industrial commercial and recreational personal growing (for smoking) circles many people see male cannabis plants as public enemy number 1, but since I do not smoke the cannabis we grow I like to grow cannabis the all natural way and let males and females grow together. That way I get nutrient dense leaves for smoothies/fermented preserves (from both male and female plants), nutrient dense seeds from the pollinated female flowers (for eating and for breeding more resilient strains/sharing) and also the cannabinoid rich pollinated female flower material that I separate from the seeds for making things like full spectrum cannabinoid infused coconut oil (which I use to make both topical salves and fun nutrient dense gummies like those i`ll share recipes for below).

If you prefer to use cannabinoid rich tincture instead of infused oil, you can do that too.

Many people prefer liquid MCT oil for infusions because it is tasteless, remains liquid at room temperature, is completely clear with no color, and has no flavor.

Using infused MCT oil for your infusion will result in a more clear gummy that is less dense and more ‘jiggly’ than a gummy infused with traditional coconut oil.

If you haven’t made MCT cannabis oil yet, click here for full instructions. You will need to have this ready before starting the gummy-making process.

You do not have to grow males and females in order to make gummies, not do you even have to grow your own cannabis to make gummies (though given many government subsidized/licenced grow ops here in Canada douse the plants in toxic chemicals, do not grow them in real soil and allow their operations to be contaminated with mold spores I would suggest growing your own or at least knowing how the plants were grown that you are extracting the cannabinoids from).

I formulate these gummies to not only serve to relax the mind/ muscles and help one sleep better they will also provide anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, neuroregenerative, antiproliferative and immunomodulating benefits as well.

I sometimes also make a non-psychoactive batches with extracts of just CDB-a, THC-a, CBD, CBC and CBG and the addition of ginkgo leaf extract, extra turmeric, lion's mane, Yerba Mate (or Matcha) and Cacao for a nootropic day time blend.

For info on making THCa/CBDa (and other non-psychoactive cannabinoid) rich gummies, here is a recipe for making raw cannabis tincture).

For more info on non-psychoactive (non-intoxicating) cannabinoids (such as CBD-a and THC-a) and their many medicinal gifts read this.

Raw form vs “activated” or Decarboxylated Cannabinoids:

When you consume raw Cannabis, you will not be consuming THC or CBD; instead, you will be consuming the acid forms of these components- Cannabidolic Acid (CBD-A) and Tetrahydrocannabonolic Acid (THC-A). Just like other components of raw cannabis, CBD-A and THC-A are also very good antioxidants. Recent research experiments show that these components can be powerful healers of serious medical condition, like cancer.

In latest study conducted at Hiroshima International University, and published in 2017 January, the researchers discovered a possible way through which, CBD-A inhibits the COX-2 enzyme in aggressive breast cancer tumors. The study further talks about CBD-A’s ability to inhibit a proto-oncogene, c-Fos, which is an element involved in the cancer metastasis. Also, THC-A is known to be neuroprotective, antispasmodic, and an excellent pain-reliever.

Cannabis infused foods activate the endocannabinoid receptors of your brain and prompts an antioxidant release that removes damaged cells from your body. Both humans and animals have an endocannabinoid (EC) system that manages a broad range of physiological processes, such as pain sensation, memory, appetite and mood.

The EC receptors are located in your connective tissue, brain, glands, organs and immune cells in your body. Your body produces endocannabinoids naturally to stimulate all those functions. However, cannabis also stimulates your EC receptors and boosts your well-being.

According to studies, cannabis has the potential to:

• Treat lupus and arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Treat neurodegenerative diseases due to its neuroprotective properties.

• Help with appetite loss and nausea due to its antiemetic properties.

• Prevent the spread of malignant cells of prostate cancer because of its anti-proliferative properties.

• Prevent cell damage that can lead to serious illness and poor health due to it being rich in nutrients like protein and essential amino acids, omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids and antioxidants.

The terpenes have their health benefits as well. For instance, linalool has anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Additionally there is research that indicates several compounds within the cannabis plant (cannabinoids, anthocyanins and polyphenols) help to optimize mitochondrial health.

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, generating energy to fuel your cells’ biochemical reactions. Via optimizing their function and promoting their rates of regeneration within your body you are building a solid foundation for health, vibrancy and longevity from the cellular level up.

Sufficient mitochondrial biogenesis (the process by which cells increase mitochondrial numbers) is necessary for efficient cell function and haemostasis, which is dependent on the regulation of ATP generation and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). These procedures play a primary role in the processes of inflammation, aging, cancer, metabolic diseases, and neurodegeneration.

Antioxidants such as Polyphenols (anthocyanins being one example) are considered as the main components of plants, fruits, and natural extracts with proven therapeutic effects relating to Mitochondrial Health. These components regulate the intracellular pathways of mitochondrial biogenesis.

There is also a growing body of research that indicates Cannabis contains compounds that help with Increasing Endogenous Production Of Adult Stem Cells (aka “somatic stem cells”) and optimizes their function.

(additional research pertaining to this can be found here )

Cannabis infused gummies also contain medicinal terpenes.

Terpenes created in unique combinations are what give plants their fragrance, taste, and appearance. A plant’s terpenes are also a way to protect itself from predators or to attract insects for pollination.

We value terpenes for their therapeutic and medicinal purposes. They are in spices, teas, and essential oils we use every day. Two of these spices are Curcumin and Thyme. Curcumin is a much-loved spice in Indian dishes. It boasts a wide range of healing qualities but is best known as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Thyme is another spice routinely used in our cooking. Therapeutically it has both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Teas we drink for their healing qualities include green, Rooibos, and Turmeric. The terpenes in these teas are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming characteristics.

There are also a wide variety of terpenes found in Cannabis. Cannabis terpenes are similar to the more well-known compounds of THC and CBD. Like these main chemicals, cannabis terpenes have various therapeutic attributes that include analgesic, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties (among many other benefits).

The concentration of the terpenes listed below will vary in specific strains of cannabis (which can, in part, be discerned via the unique aroma of the flowers of specific strains).

CANNABIS TERPENES:

Cannabis contains over 120 terpenes, although many of these are found in varying amounts and some are more prevalent across all strains.

The primary terpenes (and terpenoids) that have been identified in cannabis are limonene, myrcene, pinene, linalool, eucalyptol, y-terpinene, ß-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, nerolidol, and phytol. I will provide a list that includes information on the primary as well as some of the main secondary terpenes that are found in Cannabis below.

(FYI: if you intend on accessing the health and flavor benefits of cannabis terpenes in gummies you will have to make the gummies with tincture that was made with raw cannabis flower material as the heating process of making infused oil denatures the terpenes).

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Ok that is enough about the health benefits of cannabis edibles (both using raw cannabis and extracted cannabinoids in something like oil for gummies) lets get to the fun part now, making DIY nutrient dense cannabis supergummies!

The basic recipe I use is based on coconut oil I infuse myself with plant material (using a slow cooker) but you can use homemade (or store bought) tincture/glycerine extracts if that works better for you. I use the coconut oil as once I have it infused I can store it in the freezer and use it for a wide range of applications (such as for making my Sacred Seven Salve as well as fun and nutritious gummy recipes like the ones i`ll share below).

This recipe allows you to stack a great many functions in both the garden, kitchen and medicine cabinet so i`ll be sharing a honed and upgraded form of this recipe in my next book.

DIY Super-Cannabis Gummies Basic Recipe

White Pine Needle, Lemon, Ginger and Matcha infused full spectrum cannabinoid gummies (these offer spike protein detox and innate immune system optimizing benefits as well as nootropic and radioprotective benefits as well).

Before you begin, you'll need the following items:

Equipment:

• Saucepan

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Funnel/squeeze bottle/dropper

• Gummy mold of your choice

Ingredients

• ½ cup cannabis-infused oil (I typically use Cannabis-infused MCT coconut oil (Or, if I am making a THCa and CBDa non-intoxicating batch of gummies for day time use I use 1/4 cup of raw cannabis tincture instead of the infused oil and add an extra 1/4 cup of fruit juice to balance it out).

• One package of jello

• 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder (or you can use Vegan alternatives)

• ½ teaspoon of sunflower lecithin (avoid soy lecithin unless it is organic as it could be full of glyphosate)

• 1 teaspoon of ascorbic acid powder (extends shelf life and bioavailability)

• 1 teaspoon of citric acid powder (extends shelf life and bioavailability)

• or if not adding citric or ascorbic acid powders at least 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (extends shelf-life when out of freezer and adds vitamin C)

• ½ cup nutrient dense fruit juice, tincture or medicinal tea (such as cranberry juice, elderberry juice, goji berry juice, serviceberry juice, five flavor berries, chaga, lion’s mane, turkey tail tea/tincture, ginkgo tea, white pine needle tea, echinacea tea/tincture etc)

• up to one 1/4 cup optional nutrient dense/medicinal berry, herb or spice powders (such as powderized goji berries, elderberries, matcha powder, cacao beans, nettle leaves, echinacea root or fermented and powderized ginger or turmeric rhizome).

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Step 1: Combine Fruit Juice, Tincture or Medicinal tea and Cannabis-Infused Oil

First, add ½ cup of Juice, Tincture and/or Medicinal Tea, ½ cup of cannabis-infused oil, and ½ teaspoon of sunflower lecithin to a small saucepan and turn it on low heat.

Step 2:  Add Gelatin (and any optional Powderized Nutrient Dense/Medicinal ingredients)

Once you’ve added the above ingredients to the saucepan, you’ll want to continue stirring the mixture until the cannabis-infused oil is completely melted and a consistent texture has formed. Then, you’ll want to add in the package of flavored gelatin and 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin to the mixture and continue stirring.

Step 3: Heat On Low

Continue stirring this mixture on low heat for at least 10-15 minutes so that the gelatin can completely dissolve. Do not stop mixing and do not let it come to a boil. Boiling can prevent the mixture from setting properly. If you start to notice a white foam form on top, remove it and lower the heat. All the ingredients at this point should be thoroughly combined and it should be a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Fill Gummy Molds

Once all of the ingredients are well combined, then you can start filling up your gummy molds. You can do this with a funnel, a squeeze bottle, or a dropper—whichever you prefer.

You’ll want to keep your saucepan on the heat and work quickly so that the mixture doesn’t get a chance to cool down. If the mixture starts to get cool, the oil will separate, which you don’t want to happen. You’ll also need to continue to whisk the mixture to prevent it from binding and hardening. Remember—the quicker you get your mixture into the gummy molds, the better they’ll come out.

Step 5: Freeze

Once your gummy molds are filled, all you have to do is pop them in the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes. After they have hardened to a firm but slightly tacky texture, remove them from the molds and put them on a piece of parchment paper where they can air dry for a few hours.

I store mine in the fridge (for up to 2 months) or the freezer (for up to 6 months).

Dosage:

You cannot OD on cannabinoids via this gummy recipe though some people (like myself) are considered THC “lightweights” and if one eats several gummies made from a potent batch of infused oil or tincture can become very intoxicated (to the extent of someone that has had too much to drink regarding motor control and dexterity impairment with a possibility of paranoia for some that react that way to THC).

Thus, the ideal dosage is highly subjective to personal THC tolerance and the intended goal.

I personally only eat my full spectrum (THC containing) medicinal gummies before bed and on a day when I do not have to work the following day.

I make my infused cannabis infused coconut oil with 100% female flower material (separated from the seeds) that is dried and powderized for maximum surface area (increasing cannabinoid extraction potential) and I fill the mason jars with powdered female flower material 3/4 before adding coconut oil to cover and add them to the slow cooker to infuse. That likely means that I add over one ounce of high potency “buds” to each 500 ml jar of cannabis infused oil I make, resulting is a very strong infused oil (this helps for providing strong topical pain relief for my Sacred Seven Salve recipe) and results in very potent gummies. So, for my own preferences, unless I am in a lot of pain and need systemic relief, I usually just eat one or two of my gummies that contain full spectrum cannabinoids for optimal effects (according to my own preferences and comfort levels).

Tips for incorporating specific medicinal / nutrient dense ingredients:

If you have a juicer, forage for or grow some nutrient dense berries like Elderberries, Goji berries or Serviceberries and then freeze that juice so you can use it later in the season for recipes like the one above.

With regards to non-berry herbal medicinal spice ingredients I often use a cheap espresso machine to extract the essential oils/beneficial compounds from things like White Pine Needles, Star Anise, Tulsi or Echinacea after which combined with some other ingredients immune system optimizing ‘gummies’ (pics shown below)

Freshly harvested Eastern White Pine Needles ready to be rinsed, diced and added to the espresso machine for extraction.

Adding diced Eastern White Pine needles to espresso machine to extract essential oils and beneficial compounds before using to make gummies, infused bath salts and to drink as a strong tea.

Some of the ingredients that went into making my immune system optimizing pine needle infused plant based gummies (I also included, Cannabis infused coconut oil, echinacea root extract and matcha powder). The gummies were created to be a great source of vitamin C, antioxidants, essential oils, and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), minerals, nootropic compounds (such as L-Theanine, Epigallocatechin Gallate and Pterostilbene) and serve to stimulate increased levels of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Another ingredient I included in the pine needle infused immune system optimizing gummies I created

Pouring the pine needle extract infused gummy mixture into a silicone mold to create individual servings in a fun shape.

The finished pine needle extract, matcha, nettle powder, echinacea and cranberry infused immune system optimizing gummies.

each one is packed with shikimic acid, powerful antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and brain nourishing cannabinoids

I began using an espresso machine to extract essential oils and other beneficial compounds after I came across two studies where researchers had utilized an off the shelf espresso machine to extract potent medicinal phytochemicals (such as Eugenol from Cloves and Shikimic Acid from Star Anise).

An espresso machine creates conditions similar to the conditions used in industrial essential oil extracting processes (pressurized hot water extraction at approx 90.5 to 96 degrees Celsius with water/steam at 7-15 bars of pressure).

https://pages.uoregon.edu/chendon/coffee_literature/2015%20Org.%20Lett.,%20Shikimic%20acid%20extraction%20from%20anise%20using%20espresso%20machine.pdf

That paper is published in Science Direct and was also published in Organic Letters in 2015, and appears as a PDF at the University of Oregon website.

From the abstract of that study:

ABSTRACT: A new, practical, rapid, and high-yielding process for the pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) of multigram quantities of shikimic acid from star anise (Illicium verum) using an unmodified household espresso machine has been developed.

This operationally simple and inexpensive method enables the efficient and straightforward isolation of shikimic acid.

In other words, they are taking advantage of the pressurized chamber of an espresso machine to conduct a heat + pressure extraction of shikimic acid from star anise.

And then this second study using similar methods to extract another beneficial compound: https://www.scribd.com/document/475104899/37-11

I share this info relating to using off the shelf espresso machines to extract essential oils and beneficial phytochemicals so that any of you DIY-ers and intrepid herbalists/natural medicine enthusiasts out there can experiment with using this technique increase your ability to make powerful homemade medicines with your favorite herbs.

Other ideas for medicinal/nutrient dense super-cannabis gummies:

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Fermented Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper, Aji Charapita Pepper, Goji Berry, Paw Paw pulp, Ginkgo extract, Lion’s mane extract, Tulsi and pineapple/carrot juice full spectrum cannabis infused nootropic, radioprotective and ocular-protective spicy gummies.

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Full spectrum cannabinoid infused elderberry, echinacea, pine needle and ginger gummies

cranberry gummies made with tincture rather than infused oil, offer a prettier appearance but I still like my oil based ones

Full spectrum Elderberry, Goji Berry, Service berry, Echinacea, Five Flavor Berry and Cranberry cannabis infused Anthocyanin rich detoxing, immune system enhancing, cardiovascular health optimizing and radioprotective gummies

(image source)

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These types of recipe allow me to combine a bunch of my favorite garden superfood crops with some other medicinal plants/fungi and make some super gummies. I have made batches including Goji berries (juice from red and black berries), Ginger (juice), Turmeric (fermented rhizome powder), Elderberry (powder), Blueberry (juice), Echinacea root extract, Pine needle extract, Serviceberry (juice and powder) Ginkgo (tincture), Five Flavor Berry (powder), Paw Paw pulp, Chaga extract, Lion's mane extract, Turkey Tail Extract, Tulsi extract and a coconut oil extraction of a full spectrum of cannabinoids.

These gummies not only serve to relax the mind/ muscles and help one sleep better they will also provide anti-inflammatory, immune system optimizing, osteoprotective, neuroregenerative, antiproliferative, ocularprotective, and immunomodulating benefits as well.

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If you enjoyed this content you can listen to me talk about the subject of Cannabis as a superfood with James Evan Pilato on Media Monarchy this Wednesday on his MorningMonarchy broadcast as the focus of my next Mounsey Minute episode.

I would also like to announce that going forward the Mounsey Minute series will be airing on the second Wednesday of each month (rather than the 4th Wednesday as we have been doing so far).

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For another cannabis based recipe which I will be including in my next book check out

And more more information on the many medicinal and nutritional gifts of both raw and decarboxylated (dried/heated) cannabis and how to grow your own as part of a regenerative garden, read:

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