How Baking and Cannabis Can Get You Through the Coronavirus (& Other Stressful Situations)

Stress has become a normal part of our everyday lives. From our jobs, families, relationships, money, and just trying to balance it all, there is plenty to stress about.

Lately, turning on the news is enough to send some spiraling into a full-on panic attack. As the spread of the Coronavirus across the globe continues, and more and more people are practicing social distancing and quarantining themselves to their homes, the weight of it all can be a lot to bear. So much of our lives changed in a matter of days. Many are looking for ways to cope with the panic, stress, and anxiety surrounding our new reality. No matter what is causing you distress, the solution could be as simple as sparking up a joint, getting in your kitchen, and caring for those around you.  

Back when I first started using cannabis, the health benefits of this miracle plant were not widely known or accepted. All I knew was that I was desperately seeking a source of relief. I was living in Ohio, depressed, suffering from anorexia, anxiety, and crippling low self-esteem. I was often alone and there were many days on end where true joy seemed unreachable to me. When cannabis came into my life, I can remember a shift. I started giggling and smiling, I started eating again, I started to play and make bold choices, and I started to feel motivated about my future -- like joy was reachable.

After doing my research, I found that all of the changes I felt from smoking weed were all based in science. Cannabis is proven to be an antidepressant, a stress reliever, and it helps in reducing anxiety, among many other benefits. Needless to say, cannabis has become an integral part of my life in times of stress.

Baking has a whole host of therapeutic benefits as well. Baking is a great practice in mindfulness and allows you to express yourself creatively. When I first started baking, I didn’t necessarily see it that way. Growing up, baking was something my Mom and I did together. The memories I have with her whipping up simple boxed cakes have stuck with me. It wasn’t until I started college that baking became a true therapeutic outlet for me. I had just moved to Chicago, far away from family and anything familiar to me and was overloaded with school work. Once again, I started looking for a source of relief and found myself craving something familiar.

Baking fell into my lap. It started with the boxed cakes my Mom and I used to make together (sometimes as a cure for the munchies) and slowly progressed to more challenging baked goods. When I was baking, I was forced to slow down, live in the moment, and take things one step a time. Baking gave me a sense of groundedness and made me feel at home, at a time when I was finding my footing and creating a new home. Since then, baking is a part of my arsenal when I need to combat stressful feelings. 

When I finally got the inspiration to fuse my passion for baking and weed, I discovered another way to cope with stress and anxiety.

Making edibles did not only merge the medicinal benefits of cannabis and the therapeutic benefits of baking, but it was really really fun. A curiosity was sparked in me. I began to expand my culinary vocabulary outside of baked goods and started playing around with savory foods, new ingredients, and even making my own tinctures and oils.

Making something custom that you can’t get anywhere else, that is tailored to my needs, made me feel powerful. Making your own edibles and tinctures gives you complete control of the product. Stress is often caused by feeling out of control or by being put into situations that you simply cannot control. Having something that you can control can make all the difference when you are feeling stressed.

When news of the Coronavirus first broke, I was honestly unbothered. Of course I felt for the people and the families being affected by this disease, but I didn’t think it would ever affect me. I certainly never thought I would be waiting in line to get into a grocery store, be quarantined to my own home, or lose my job. But I was wrong. The situation in Los Angeles escalated quickly and my life took an entirely different shape in a matter of hours.

Instead of drowning myself in anxiety, fear, and depression, I turned to my kitchen. The goal wasn’t to dull my emotions or get so stupid high that I forget what’s happening (although that could be fun), the goal was to stand up, take control of what I can, and medicate myself appropriately so that I can go on with my life. After furiously stress baking mini pecan pies, I looked down at my hands covered in flour (and flower) and I became filled with an incredible sense of gratitude. I have a home, I have a kitchen, I have hands (maybe the weed inspired that thought), and I have people that love and support me.

I became determined to change the narrative of fear and panic for not only myself, but for the people around me too. 

It’s times like these, that it’s more important than ever to take care of each other. Cooking or baking for someone is an impactful way to let someone know that you’re really there for them.

For centuries, food and cannabis have had the power to bring people together, especially in a time of crisis. And if you’re not in a place to cook or bake for others, receiving can be equally as powerful and strengthen the bonds you have with your loved ones. The endorphins you get caring for another person are felt by the receiver as well. Giving is also contagious and encourages others to want to do their part. They see the joy it brings and want to be a part of it. Simply put, the act of gift-giving and receiving makes us happy, which in turn reduces our stress and increases our self-worth.

While the Coronavirus may have isolated us in many ways, we cannot forget that we are in this together. 

Whether you’re stressed about the Coronavirus or something entirely different, consider puffing on a joint, getting your hands dirty in the kitchen, and giving to those around you.

If cannabis and baking aren’t your thing, I encourage you to find what is your thing. Learning about what triggers stress for you and how to deal with it are an essential part of life. And above all, I encourage you to take care of each other and treat yourself with respect.

It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work together with love, gratitude, and dignity.