In the sun-drenched world of Mediterranean cuisine, mezze plates burst with vibrant flavors—creamy dips, charred vegetables, and herb-kissed bites designed for sharing. Now, imagine infusing these communal delights with cannabis for a relaxed, euphoric twist. Perfect for intimate gatherings or lively dinner parties, cannabis-infused mezze transforms traditional shared plates into a sensory journey that pairs bold tastes with subtle body highs. Whether you're a home chef exploring edibles or hosting a cannabis-friendly soiré, this guide unlocks flavorful, dosed-to-perfection recipes that honor mezze's roots while embracing modern wellness.

The Perfect Pairing: Cannabis Meets Mediterranean Magic

Mediterranean cuisine, spanning Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, and beyond, emphasizes fresh ingredients like olive oil, tahini, yogurt, and spices such as za'atar and sumac. Cannabis complements this ethos seamlessly. Historically, hashish has roots in the Levant, adding cultural resonance. THC-infused olive oils or butters enhance umami without overpowering delicate flavors, while CBD variants promote calm for social settings.

Key benefits include:
- Controlled dosing: Start low (2.5-5mg THC per serving) for shared plates.
- Flavor synergy: Earthy cannabis notes harmonize with garlic, lemon, and herbs.
- Health angle: Anti-inflammatory properties align with olive oil's heart benefits.

Always prioritize safety: Infuse responsibly, label servings, and consume in legal jurisdictions.

Infusion Essentials: Your Cannabis Kitchen Toolkit

Before diving into recipes, master the basics:
1. Choose your base: Use cannabis-infused olive oil (for drizzling) or cannabutter (for creamy dips). Decarboxylate flower first (bake at 240°F/115°C for 40 minutes).
2. Dosing math: Calculate potency (e.g., 1g of 20% THC flower yields ~200mg THC; divide into servings).
3. Tools: Double boiler for infusions, thermometer for precision.
4. Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers; use within a week.

Pro tip: Test potency with a small batch to avoid overdoing it.

Signature Recipes: Infused Mezze to Share

These four recipes serve 4-6 as shared plates. Prep time: 30-45 minutes each. Adjust cannabis based on tolerance.

1. Cannabis-Infused Hummus with Za'atar Drizzle
- Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas (drained), 1/4 cup tahini, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup cannabis-infused olive oil, salt, paprika, za'atar.
- Method: Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon, and half the infused oil until smooth. Drizzle remaining oil on top, sprinkle za'atar and paprika. Chill 30 minutes.
- Dose: 5mg THC per 1/4 cup serving.
- Pair with: Warm pita and cucumber sticks.

2. Smoky Baba Ganoush with Cannabutter Swirl
- Ingredients: 2 eggplants (charred), 2 tbsp tahini, 1 garlic clove, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp cannabutter (softened), parsley, pomegranate seeds.
- Method: Scoop eggplant flesh, mash with tahini, garlic, lemon, and cannabutter. Swirl extra cannabutter on top; garnish with parsley and seeds.
- Dose: 3mg THC per 1/4 cup serving.
- Pair with: Toasted flatbread and olives.

3. Tzatziki with Infused Yogurt and Herb Oil
- Ingredients: 2 cups Greek yogurt, 1 cucumber (grated, drained), 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp cannabis-infused olive oil, dill, salt.
- Method: Mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, dill, and salt. Stir in infused oil gradually. Refrigerate to thicken.
- Dose: 4mg THC per 1/4 cup serving.
- Pair with: Falafel bites or grilled halloumi.

4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades) with Canna-Olive Oil
- Ingredients: 1 jar grape leaves, 1 cup rice (cooked), 1 onion (diced), 1/2 cup cannabis-infused olive oil, lemon juice, dill, pine nuts.
- Method: Sauté onion in infused oil, mix with rice, dill, nuts. Roll into leaves, simmer in lemon-water bath for 30 minutes.
- Dose: 5mg THC per 3 dolmades.
- Pair with: Feta cubes and cherry tomatoes.

Serving and Social Vibes: Make It a Feast

Arrange on a large wooden board: Dips in bowls, dolmades fanned out, fresh veggies for dipping. Add non-infused elements for guests. Pair with chilled Assyrtiko wine, ouzo spritzers, or herbal teas. Set the mood with Mediterranean playlists and sunset timing for peak relaxation. Remind everyone: Eat slowly, hydrate, and have snacks ready.

A New Tradition Awaits

Cannabis-infused Mediterranean mezze elevates sharing from mere eating to an experience—nourishing body and spirit. Experiment responsibly, savor the flavors, and let the good times roll. In a world craving connection, these plates foster it deliciously.

Recommended Resources
- Leafly: Edible Dosing Guide
- High Times: Cannabis-Infused Oil Recipes
- Serious Eats: Authentic Mezze Recipes
- Project CBD: Infusion Safety Basics
- Legal Cannabis Laws by State (NORML)