December 22nd isn’t just another day on the holiday calendar—it’s Brownie Mary Day. If you don’t know Mary Jane Rathbun, aka “Brownie Mary,” buckle up, because her story is as rich as the gooey brownies she used to bake. This cannabis activist, medical marijuana pioneer, and all-around legend didn’t just make treats; she made history, advocating for patients in need and paving the way for legal edibles.
So, in her honor, we’re whipping up some cannabis-infused magic with holiday cookies and brownies. Whether you’re a baking newbie or the kind of person who already has cannabutter on hand, we’ve got recipes, tips, and gift-worthy ideas to make December 22nd extra sweet. (Spoiler: These edibles might just upstage your grandma’s holiday fudge.)
Why Celebrate with Cannabis Edibles?
Brownie Mary didn’t just bake brownies; she baked history. Her signature edibles weren’t just about a good time—they were acts of compassion, created to help AIDS patients manage their symptoms long before cannabis was recognized as a legitimate form of medicine. Today, edibles are as iconic as Mary herself, representing both the therapeutic and recreational sides of cannabis culture.
And let’s be honest—what’s better than indulging in gooey, chocolatey treats during the holiday season? Whether you’re baking to share the love, elevate your holiday gathering, or simply indulge during the Winter Solstice, edibles bring warmth and magic to any occasion.
If you’re ready to embrace your inner Brownie Mary, grab some cannabutter (we’ve got a handy guide to making cannabis-infused butter here), and let’s get baking!
Holiday Cookies: Festive, Fun, and Infused
Why stop at brownies? Cannabis cookies are a great way to add some flair to your holiday dessert spread. From classic sugar cookies to infused gingerbread men, the possibilities are endless. Here’s one to get you started:
Classic Cannabis Brownie Recipe
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Classic Cannabis Brownie Recipe
Description
There’s no better way to celebrate Brownie Mary’s legacy than with a batch of rich, gooey cannabis brownies. This easy recipe will help you whip up the perfect treat for the holidays—or any day!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cannabutter (recipe here)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or festive holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Melt the butter and cannabutter together in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Stir until combined.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter mixture with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for fudgier brownies!
- Let cool completely before slicing into 9–12 pieces.
Notes
Tips for the Best Results
- Know Your Potency: Calculate the strength of your cannabutter using our guide here to ensure appropriate dosing.
- Keep It Fresh: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
These brownies are the perfect mix of nostalgia and cannabis creativity, making them an ideal way to honor Brownie Mary’s legacy.
Gingerbread Cannabis Cookies Recipe
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Gingerbread Cannabis Cookies Recipe
Description
Cannabis-infused gingerbread cookies are a perfect addition to the holiday lineup, offering festive flavor and fun decorating opportunities.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cannabutter (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Royal icing and sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the cannabutter, unsalted butter, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and molasses until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick and cut out shapes using gingerbread cookie cutters. Place on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, then cool completely before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles.
These cookies add a warm, spiced flavor to your holiday dessert spread and are perfect for sharing or gifting!
Cannabis-Infused Sugar Cookies Recipe
Cannabis-Infused Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cannabutter (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the cannabutter, unsalted butter, and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Roll the dough into balls, place them on the baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool, then decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
Ready to whip up your own cannabis-infused creations? Don’t miss our Cannabis Cooking Tips for more guidance and inspiration.
Decorating Tips to Elevate Your Holiday Edibles
The holidays are all about making things extra special, and your cannabis cookies and brownies deserve the same festive treatment. Here are some simple but effective decorating ideas to wow your friends or create Instagram-worthy treats:
- Drizzle It: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over your brownies for an elegant finish. You can even use colored chocolate to match your holiday theme!
- Sprinkles & Glitter: Top sugar cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for a magical, snowy vibe.
- Candy Cane Crunch: Crush up candy canes and sprinkle them over frosted cookies or freshly baked brownies for a peppermint pop.
- Stencil Fun: Use stencils and powdered sugar to create intricate designs on your brownies, like snowflakes, stars, or cannabis leaves.
- Infused Frosting: Make cannabutter frosting for your cookies. Add food coloring to match the holidays—think red, green, or snowy white.
Let your creativity shine and don’t forget to label your creations for safety if sharing at holiday gatherings!
How to Dose Your Cannabis Edibles
For those new to edibles—or even seasoned cannabis enthusiasts—dosing can feel a little tricky. Here are a few tips to keep your holiday treats enjoyable and safe:
- Know Your Cannabutter Potency: Use our Cannabutter Guide to estimate THC levels in your batch.
- Start Small: If you’re not sure about potency, cut brownies or cookies into smaller portions (e.g., 5mg THC per serving) and test with a smaller piece first.
- Label Clearly: If you’re sharing, make sure everyone knows the approximate dose per serving and keeps edibles out of reach of children or pets.
- Avoid Overindulgence: Remember, it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for edibles to kick in. Encourage guests to pace themselves and enjoy the effects slowly.
With thoughtful dosing, your cannabis edibles will keep the holidays merry and bright!
Brownie Mary’s Legacy: Why Edibles Matter
Brownie Mary’s story isn’t just about brownies; it’s about compassion, creativity, and challenging the stigma around cannabis. She saw edibles as a way to help those in need—especially AIDS patients in the 1980s—when cannabis was far from being accepted as medicine. Her activism paved the way for medical marijuana legalization and opened the door for modern cannabis products, including the edibles we know and love today.
As you bake and share your own holiday treats, take a moment to reflect on how far cannabis culture has come—and how one woman’s brownies sparked a movement.
Shop Ivy Hall for Your Holiday Baking Needs
Ready to bring your cannabis baking dreams to life? At Ivy Hall, we’ve got everything you need to get started:
- Cannabutter essentials: Find premium flower or concentrates for your infusions.
- Edible products: Not a baker? Grab pre-made edibles like brownies or cookies from our dispensary.
- Holiday accessories: Pick up rolling trays, festive pre-rolls, or even Ivy Hall-branded oven mitts to complete your setup.
Explore more gift ideas in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide and stock up for your baking adventures.
Wrapping It Up
This December 22nd, honor the legendary Brownie Mary by baking up something magical. Whether you’re sharing cannabis brownies at a holiday gathering or treating yourself to infused sugar cookies by the fire, these festive treats bring joy, creativity, and a touch of history to your celebrations.
Happy baking, and cheers to Brownie Mary for making our holidays a little sweeter—and a lot higher.
Sources:
- National Hemp Service. (n.d.). Brownie Mary: The original cannabis activist. Retrieved from https://nationalhempservice.co.uk/blogs/news/brownie-mary-the-original-cannabis-activist
- Nunberg, H., Kilmer, B., Pacula, R. L., & Burgdorf, J. R. (2011). Demographics, perceptions, and use of medical marijuana among cannabis dispensary patients. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 4(1), 13–23. https://doi.org/10.1159/000188927
- Leafwell. (n.d.). Mary Jane Rathbun: Brownie Mary. Retrieved from https://leafwell.com/blog/mary-jane-rathbun
- PubMed. (2001). Medical marijuana policy and practice. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11363887/
- Marijuana Library. (1991). Proposition P: San Francisco’s Compassionate Use Act. Retrieved from http://www.marijuanalibrary.org/Proposition_P_Nov_1991.html
