Mindy Segal Becomes First Celebrity Chef To Launch A Line Of Marijuana Edibles

Mindy Segal, owner of Mindy's Hot Chocolate restaurant in Chicago and pastry chef extraordinaire, is taking her career a little bit higher. Segal will be the first high-profile chef in America to introduce a line of marijuana edibles.She just asks that you don't call her treats "pot brownies." Instead, the James Beard award-winning chef will be partnering with Cresco Labs, Illinois' largest cannabis cultivator, to create a line of gourmet chocolate brittle bars, infused granola bites, and an infused hot chocolate drink.

"We've all heard the expression 'it tastes like medicine' but there's no reason it has to," Segal said. "With my recipes and Cresco's technology, we're developing this line of products to be consistent every time and absolutely enjoyable to eat."

Segal's treats will contain accurately-dosed edibles for medicinal purposes, and will begin distribution to Illinois medical marijuana dispensaries starting February 2016, with plans to spread to other states where medical marijuana is legal.

The main purpose of the line of marijuana-laced treats is to help others who suffer from chronic pain, and is a way to give back.  But will she be a trailblazer for other chefs?

"I've never been one to do something half-a**ed," she told Eater. "I hope that people follow."