Pandemic turns US chef into edibles entrepreneur

 WASHINGTON D.C., United States — The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global economic strife, pushing up unemployment in many countries across the world. In the US, some are learning to adapt – and using local marijuana laws in their favour.

Kat Brooks is a professional chef, but lost her job due to the coronavirus pandemic. With her culinary background, she now spends her time making edibles – food infused with cannabis, or marijuana. 

“Corona hit…my career was deleted. I couldn’t get a job,” she told Rudaw. 

“People make food with weed (marijuana) and someone asked me, ‘why won’t you do edibles?”

Although it is illegal to sell marijuana in Washington D.C., individuals are allowed to carry 2 ounces on their person at any time, and can “gift” each other with up to one ounce– and the market is booming. 

Demand has spiked since the pandemic began, with the market valued at $56 billion this year. 

Legislation on marijuana use and possession differs from state to state. 

Reporting by Sean Boyce and Pishtiwan Jalal