It has become increasingly evident that medical marijuana has infiltrated the wellness market, and with wellness comes healthy, and with healthy comes food. Marijuana infused edibles have been on the market since dispensaries first opened, but, for the most part, have been relegated to brownies, cookies, candy bars and the such. Meanwhile, some of the most effective medication for cancer patients, AIDS patients, multiple sclerosis patients, and a host of other diseases has been marijuana, mostly in edible form. Unfortunately for these patients, they're either forced to consume the assortment of novelty sweets, or to cook their own infused foods.

Kevin Wallace and Michael Shea of Ashland, Oregon aim to change all that.

Last week saw the grand opening of Earth Dragon Edibles Restaurant & Lounge in Ashland, Oregon, a small town of 20,000 just 15 miles from the California border. While Earth Dragon serves Mongolian Barbeque just like any other Mongolian Barbeque joint, the difference is the little checkbox on the order slip: medicated or unmedicated. If that medicated box is checked, in addition to the grilled vegetables, sauces, and choices of meat, the patron receives a carefully measured dose of hash-infused grape seed oil.

Note to concerned patients and law enforcement officials, not to worry, this isn't a restaurant that anyone can walk into just to get stoned. Earth Dragon is limited to medical marijuana patients who hold a valid recommendation card under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). Additionally, you cannot purchase marijuana here. What you are purchasing is the food, the medicated oil is free to patients who request it. 

But, it was only a matter of time.

The city has recently sent back their business license request, citing a local ordinance that barred licenses for anyone violating state or federal law. While medical marijuana is legal in the state of Oregon, it is still federally illegal. Police chief Terry Holderness said that busting Earth Dragon is not a top priority, and the establishment remains open while Shea and Wallace appeal on the hope that if they kept separate bottles of infused oil on hand for each patient, rather than sharing their own, there will be no more objections.

In the meantime, if you're a patient under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, head to the Earth Dragon Edibles Restaurant & Lounge at 1662 Siskiyou Boulevard in Ashland to show your support.

And if you're nowhere near Ashland and need some fresh healthy recipes (medicated or not) you can create yourself at home, Chef Scott Durrah has you covered.