Check Out My Top 5 Must Have Montana Made Munchies
Well, it has been two weeks since recreational cannabis sales began in Montana. So far the world hasn't ended and we are not spontaneously combusting...like my grandma told me we would. In fact, I think we are going about this as mature adults. In the first weekend alone, Montana sold over $1.5 million in cannabis products. That means a ton of tax dollars flowing into Montana's budget.
Sales have continued to remain steady on cannabis products for for weeks now. Keep in mind that cannabis products are not just smokable marijuana, or "flower." Cannabis products also include a huge assortment of CBD products as well as ingestible products. I have seen everything from gummy bears and NERD ropes to the classic brownies and cookies. Keep in mind that ingestible products are different than smokable ones. With smokable products, THC is metabolized through your lungs. With ingestible products, it is metabolized through your liver creating a different effect on some people.
Regardless of how you consume cannabis, one side effect remains dominant. I'm talking about the "munchies."
When it comes to battling the munchies, I have found it is wise to stick to Montana-made products. You know? Keeping it local. That is why I came up with "My Top 5 Montana Made Munchies."
Stroopwafels from Caramel Cookie Waffles (Billings, MT)
These things are AMAZING! They are a classic Dutch treat called a "stroopwafel." It is simply thin waffles sandwiched around the caramel. Simplicity at its finest. If you ever stumble across one, you have to try it. You can find them all over the state or order them online.
Hi-Country Meat Snacks (Lincoln, MT)
When a serious case of the munchies emerges, bust out a chunk of jerky. It always seems to satisfy the urge to snack, mostly because you spend so much time chewing. Making beef jerky is an art and the folks at Hi-Country have mastered that art. The Hi Country brand of jerky can be found in every corner of the state. The brand is as much part of Montana as the cattle that were used to make it.
Kornutopia Gourmet Popcorn (Missoula, MT)
When it comes to "heaven in your mouth," the gourmet popcorn at Kornutopia fits that description. These people have been cranking out bags of gourmet popcorn since 2005. And we are not just talking about butter-flavored popcorn. They offer everything from caramel corn to huckleberry cheesecake flavored corn, and even a spicy ghost pepper toffee flavored corn. If you have not tried any of their popcorn, put it on your munchie list for sure.
Hoagieville Cheese Fries (Missoula, MT)
Whether or not you have a case of the munchies, just the thought of the cheesy goodness that is the "Hoagieville cheese fries" will make your mouth water. In another case of simplicity, Bob and Nick (owners of Hoagieville) simply melted cheese on fries. With the help of a secret salt, these cheese fries are elevated to the next level. Dipped in ranch, fry sauce, ketchup, or by themselves, these fries are out of this world. Just know, that sometimes a LARGE order may not be enough to share with friends.
NOTE: Available thru Door Dash
Freeway Tavern's "Wop Chop" (Butte, MT)
Butte is known for being the home of some pretty badass people. They are also the home of some of the best pork chop sandwiches you have ever had. For me, NO ROADTRIP along I-90 is complete without a "Wop Chop" from the Freeway Tavern. This sandwich is for extreme cases of "the munchies." As the sandwich itself is HUGE. Made simply with battered and fried pork chops and a side of JO JO's (aka fried potato wedges). If you have never stopped at the Freeway Tavern, add it to your list.