Infusiast Spotlight: Cannabinista

Meet Anna, known in the digital world as Cannabinista. What began as a hobby making simple edibles a decade ago blossomed into a full-fledged passion for crafting a variety of infused creations during the pandemic. Gaining a significant following as Cannabinista on social media, Anna shares her journey with the LĒVO machine, transforming her infusion process from basic to brilliant. Dive into her world as we explore her unique recipes, her transition to making natural topicals, and a sneak peek into her upcoming recipe book.

 

 

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with infused culinary creations.

My name is Anna, also known as Cannabinista on the internet. I started making edibles a decade ago but it was very basic and simple recipes like brownies. It wasn’t until the pandemic when I found myself stuck at home with lots of extra time on my hands, where I started to infuse different dishes, drinks, topicals, oils and butters.

What inspired you to start The Cannabinista?

I started to post videos of me making my infused creations on TikTok and Instagram under the name “Cannabinista” as a passion project. It was really just a hobby in the beginning. I started to gain alot of followers and interest in my content and recipes. That’s really what started it all.

What was your first experience with a LĒVO machine like?

My first experience was with the LĒVO II. I got it as a birthday gift and I was so excited about the product. I made my infusions with the traditional oven/stove method, and sometimes on an electric burner on my balcony with a stone pot. It was messy, odorous, and took up alot of time. When I started using the LĒVO for my infusions instead, it was a game changer. I was really impressed with how easy it was to use, how it kept the odors inside the device, how I could “set it and forget it” and most importantly, it made potent infusions.  

How has LĒVO changed or enhanced your infusion process?

The LĒVO has definitely simplified my infusion process and helps me save time. When you traditionally decarb and infuse, you do have to watch the stove or oven quite closely to avoid burning. With the LĒVO, I can step outside of my home and come back without having to worry about watching the device. It’s also way easier to clean up after making infusions, which is very important to me because I hate cleaning up oily messes!

What inspired you to create this particular recipe?

I love infused topicals but they’re generally pretty expensive to purchase and contain lots of filler ingredients that I don’t want to use on my skin. I like to use more natural skin care products and I haven’t found infused topicals in the market that offer clean ingredients. That’s when I started to make my own infused topicals with my LĒVO. They can be stored for a long time, can be gifted to friends or family, and are a great way to incorporate the plant into your wellness routine. 

How does this recipe tie into the season?

Homemade topicals are a wonderful way to gift to your plant loving friends and family. Homemade gifts are so underrated and I think they’re even more special than buying a gift for your loved ones. Using the LĒVO C, you make big batches of topicals so you can make a few gifts at once!

What are the key infused ingredients, and why did you choose them?

I chose lavender, particularly dried lavender, for my infused ingredient because of its relaxing scent and amazing aroma in topicals. Lavender is not only readily available at local grocery stores or flower shops, but it's also incredibly versatile. For those who have access to fresh lavender, the LĒVO II and LĒVO Lux machines come with a handy dry cycle feature, allowing you to dry fresh herbs like lavender effortlessly before infusing them. This adds an extra layer of freshness and potency to the infusion. And for those who might not have dried lavender on hand, lavender essential oil is a great alternative.

Do you have any tips for first-timers using LĒVO?

Make sure you read through the instructions and understand the different stages/cycles of the LĒVO! Once you read through the instructions once and practice, using the LĒVO will become second nature to you. 

Any hacks or shortcuts that you've discovered while using LĒVO?

If you’re looking to double up the potency of your infusion, use two LĒVO herb pods instead of one. This is a great hack if you’re looking for a stronger infused product.

 

Do you have any upcoming projects or events that you'd like to promote?
I’ll be launching my own recipe books in 2024 which will have recipes for infused beverages, desserts, oils, topicals, and much more! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out. 

 

What do you love most about being a part of the LĒVO community?

What I absolutely adore about the LĒVO community is the endless stream of inspiration and learning. The LĒVO Love Club (LLC) on Facebook is a great place to connect with fellow infusion enthusiasts!  It's like having a supportive family that's as passionate about infusion as I am!

 

Do you have any tips for those who are new to making ‘flower’-infused recipes?

Start low and go slow. You can always add more flower to your infusion later on, but it’s hard to remove/dilute the potency. 

 

How can people follow you and your culinary journey?

• Instagram: @cannabinista.co
• TikTok: @cannabinista
• YouTube: @cannabinista
• Pinterest: @thecannabinista
• Discord: Join me on Discord
• Website: www.thecannabinista.com

Be sure to use Anna's exclusive discount code CANNABINISTACO to save 10% sitewide!