A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis: Book Review + a Bonus Gummy Recipe

The following content has been produced in partnership with Workman Publishing, and Nikki Furer, Author of a Woman’s Guide to Cannabis.

People around the world are using cannabis around the world now more than ever before—and many of them are women! A first of it’s kind, Nikki Furrer’s A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis: Using Marijuana to Feel Better, Look Better, Sleep Better—and Get High Like a Lady is a kaleidoscope of practical, fun and evidence-based information for the modern day marijuana enthusiast.

Furrer artfully incorporates peer-reviewed data from JAMA/NIH studies, cannabis counterculture and a detailed dispensary walkthrough for the cannabis rookie. As a biologist myself, I’m truly impressed at the encyclopedic depth of knowledge Furrer displays, especially when discussing cannabinoid science (CBD:THC ratios, methods of ingestion/routes of administration, etc.)

A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis

The world of cannabis is more like a universe, especially to new patients and prospective consumers. Furrer discusses everything from the fast and effective method of smoking cannabis to the delectable ways to create and consume edibles—she even discusses the sensuous and pain-relieving properties of topical cannabinoids! Be it for recreation or health, this book offers readers the real scoop on mindfully incorporating cannabis into women’s lives in the modern world!

Formerly borne of an illicit enterprise, much of the public understanding about the cannabis plant is intertwined with false and untrue, Reagan-era propaganda. Fortunately, there are books like Furrer’s, which work diligently and earnestly to dispel myths and empower readers to take advantage of this blossoming industry.  Perhaps best of all, there are many curiously delectable recipes for some magical edible creations for all readers to enjoy!

They are clearly written and easy to follow, even for the first-time cannachef’s out there. Furrer’s recipes allow the reader not only to learn how to cook, but also save money and discover fun, new ways to consume cannabis! Finally, A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis truly prepares one for the optimal dispensary experience. Furrer helps the reader understand what questions to ask to help them find the products that are best for them. This is incredibly helpful for new patients and customers, as first-time visits to the dispensary can be overwhelming!

Overall, this is a wonderfully written, fun, and empowering novel to help acquaint women (and really, anyone) with the rapidly expanding and wonderful world of cannabis. Whether it’s learning how to use cannabis for optimal medical use or getting to know the “lay of the land” before walking into your first dispensary, A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis: Using Marijuana to Feel Better, Look Better, Sleep Better–and Get High Like a Lady is a must read for the cannabis enthusiast, novice or not!

Perhaps most importantly, Furrer highlights the ongoing need for women’s empowerment in the fast-paced and dynamic cannabis industry. She truly understands the need for women to maintain an active role and presence in guiding the industry direction.

The following recipe is excerpted from A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis: Using Marijuana to Feel Better, Look Better, and Get High Like a Lady by Nikki Furrer (Workman Publishing). Copyright © 2019.

Infused Cannabis Gummy Candy Recipe

Gummies are one of the most popular products in dispensaries, and they are a popular recipe to make at home, too. Gummies have a long shelf life and can be made with healthy, tasty ingredients. We get to play with colors and flavors like hard candy, but gummy syrup gives us more time to work before the syrup sets, unlike the quick-setting sugar syrup for hard candy.

Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar, and grass-fed gelatin is all the rage with the paleo crowd. Extra packets of gelatin will make the candy gummier. Both pectin and gelatin are gelling agents and either can be used for gummies or pâte de fruits. Gelatin is not vegan, but pectin is a plant-based thickener. Gelatin needs to bloom, but it is easier to work with than pectin.

Gelatin uses any liquid to work its magic. Pectin requires a lot of sugar (don’t use honey with pectin) and acidity to set up properly.

Book Club Wine Gummies

I advise you NOT to mix marijuana with alcohol. You will probably get sick.

That said, there is one way to do it—in a gummy. Mixing THC with a dash of wine is a relaxing good time. Each piece has a tablespoon of wine, so it’s a communion wine serving, not a happy hour serving. Wine gummies are more for wine flavor than intoxication, so choose your favorite red, white, or rosé.

Yield: 16 (strong) or 32 (mild) gummies. If using molds, don’t use a shape that’s appealing to a child. Stick with small basic shapes for safety.

Infusion: Use cannabis flower infused into an alcohol tinctureA method of consuming cannabis where cannabinoids are extrac... (see page 157 for recipe).

Strain: For a great discussion, choose a happy sativa THC strain.

Ingredients

• 3.5 grams (for a mild effect) or 7 grams (for a strong effect) cannabis flower
• 1 1/2 ounces Everclear (or vodka)
• 4 packets unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup red, white, or rosé wine, divided into 2 half cups
• 1/2 cup sugar

Equipment

• 8 x 8-inch baking dish or candy molds
• Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray
• Bowl
• Saucepan
• Silicone spatula
• Ruler
• Pizza cutter
• Wire rack
• Airtight container

1.  Infuse cannabis into Everclear (or vodka) (see below for recipe).

2.  Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray molds with nonstick cooking spray.

3.  In a bowl, combine the 4 packets of gelatin with one of the two half cups of wine. Stir. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the liquid.

4. combine the sugar with the second half cup of wine in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer it for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened to a syrup consistency.

5.  Add the gelatin mixture to the sugar syrup and stir until it is all melted together into a liquid. Add the cannabis tincture. Stir well.

6.  Remove the mixture from the heat. Pour it into an 8 x 8-inch baking dish and refrigerate for 20 minutes until the gummies have set.

7.  Remove the gummies mixture from the dish and cut it into evenly sized pieces with a ruler and pizza cutter. Set them out on a wire rack for a few hours to dry. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freezing them will change the texture and isn’t recommended.

Cannabis Tincture

Alcohol is flammable, so be careful near heat. It also evaporates quickly, so if you plan to simmer longer, add more Everclear (or vodka).

Yield: 1 ounce of flower tincture

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces Everclear (or vodka)
• 3.5 grams (for a mild effect) or 7 grams (for a strong effect) decarboxylated cannabis flower

EQUIPMENT

• Medium-sized pot or saucepan
• Small jar or glass measuring cup
• Whisk
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• 1-ounce bottle with dropper top

1. In a medium-sized pot or saucepan, boil 2 to 3 cups water.

2. Put the alcohol into a small jar or glass measuring cup. Whisk in the cannabis flower. Set the container in the boiling water.

3. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.

4. Allow the mixture to cool, then strain it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Firmly press to squeeze out every single drop of the tincture. Strain again.

5. Store the tincture in a 1-ounce bottle with a dropper top in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.