This year, while you celebrate Thanksgiving (or Decolonizing Day), you have more options and reasons than ever to bring a little lifted perspective to your revelry.

If you are celebrating with folks who are herb-friendly, there’s lots of options for incorporating weed into your experience. You can start your day on a classic note with stoney pumpkin spice lattes by brewing some strong coffee and infusing some milk with decarboxylated kief (which I describe how to make here). While you’re at it, make enough kief to infuse in butter for homemade stoney treats like pumpkin pie with cannabis crust, a baked-root bake (get it?), or a chronic blackberry crumble. I recommend mellower doses (because you know you’re going back for more), and to work with growers who can coax really high terpene levels out of their plants for maximum flavor impact. Strains like Vanilla Kush, Orange Crush, and Super Lemon Haze taste amazing with the traditional nutmeg/clove/cinnamon flavors found in many Fall sweet treats, while Lavender, Sage, and Sugar Plum are all wonderful strains to pair with savory dishes. If infusing butter or creating your own concentrates is not an option, you can always pick up a concentrate from a dispensary to mix into your recipes.

If you’re one of those people who only goes into the kitchen to steal all the black olives, just pick up some infused chocolates and cookies to throw on the appetizer or dessert table (making sure they are clearly identified for those who are not imbibing). I hear there now exist pumpkin spice flavored edibles like muffins, cookies, and chocolate, so just get used to the fact that you live in a pumpkin-spice world.

However, for many people the holidays can be stressful, and Thanksgiving is not so much a chill hang out with loved ones but an emotional, greasy gauntlet to be survived. This year, I expect no less than 30 percent of my social media feed to be live updates of families breaking down in real time. If you are spending time with people you love but do not agree with, a little cannabis may help take the edge off the intense emotions, calming nerves and helping to keep things chill. Cannabis has been proven to relieve stress and anxiety, and could even promote bonding between people, as cannabinoids interact with the same areas of the brain as oxytocin, the “trust molecule.” This is especially effective if you can find that herb-friendly aunty or chill grandpa that covers—or joins—you while you slip out for a toke or vape.

And if you’re feeling a little guilty about getting buzzed for the holiday, there are many benefits to enjoying some cannabis with your Thanksgiving festivities aside from getting high, though that’s a good one too. We know that cannabis can promote a healthy appetite, but did you know it can also aid in digestion and can sooth an upset tummy, quelling nausea if you have gone overboard on crumble or grandma’s homemade cranberry sauce.

Lastly, I’m not trying to tell you how to live, but pace yourself. There will be all sorts of delicious treats available to eat and drink. Everybody is trying to have a good time, it’s gonna be a long day, probably night, and you’re still expected to do a round of dishes. Also, please don’t be that statistic and drive intoxicated! #crashcouchesnotcars

stashbox@seattleweekly.com