Cannabis Culinary Education
for professionals and at-home chefs
Meet Chef K
My name is Nathan Koscielski, though most of my students know me as Chef K. I’m a culinary educator and consultant specializing in cannabis-infused cuisine. With years of experience in professional kitchens, I focus on infusion techniques that enhance both flavor and safety. Through lectures, live demos, and published work, I strive to bridge the gap between classical culinary training and the evolving world of cannabis cooking.
I’m proud to be one of the first 50 chefs in the United States — and the only one in New York State — to receive accreditation in culinary cannabis from the American Culinary Federation.
Today, Cannabis is Changing the Food Service Industry
Those who approach cannabis with a growth mindset—and see it not just as a trend, but as a versatile culinary ingredient—are poised to thrive. As consumer demand evolves, chefs and food professionals who embrace its flavor potential and health benefits will lead the next wave of innovation in the kitchen.
Cannabis holds potential both for its medicinal benefits and for its rich, nuanced place in the kitchen. I believe in its power to heal, to nourish, and to inspire creativity through food.
In my daily work, I’m often asked about the basics of cooking with cannabis—especially by those just starting to explore it in the kitchen. So now, I’m sharing answers to this and other foundational questions right here.
My educational Projects
courses at NFCI
At Niagara Falls Culinary Institute,
I teach a course covering the foundations of culinary cannabis—laws, history, anatomy, terpenes, and careers—and a follow-up lab where I guide students through hands-on practice with extracts, infusions, and safe dosing.
online webinars
In my online on-demand webinars, I guide culinary teams through the essentials of cannabis cooking—covering laws, dosing, terpenes, and techniques—helping chefs and staff confidently explore infused dishes, flavors, and safe practices in a professional kitchen setting.
Conference
An annual Cannabis Culinary Summit, hosted by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) in collaboration with the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute brings together cannabis experts, chefs, and innovators, spotlighting the future of cannabis in cuisine.
Upcoming Classes and Events
-
CUL 250 – Culinary Cannabis and Edibles
August 28 – December 15
@ Niagara Falls Culinary InstituteAn introductory course on the legal, financial, and societal issues of the culinary cannabis industry. Learn the plant anatomy, concentrates and extracts, the human endocannabinoid system, terpenes, culinary cannabis industry math, cannabis storage and cooking.
-
CUL 255 – Culinary Cannabis Extracts, Concentrates & Infusions
August 28 – December 15
@ Niagara Falls Culinary InstituteIn this lab-style course, you will learn the methodologies of how to prepare and make a variety of cannabis extracts, concentrates, and infusions.
-
2026 Annual SUNY Cannabis Conference
January 12-13, 2026 @ SUNY Niagara
An exciting event with the brightest minds in cannabis discussing the latest research and opportunities. Sessions include medical cannabis research, plant genetics, human resources and sustainable practices.
COMING soon!
“The Culinary Cannabis Cookbook”:
Chef K’s groundbreaking
guide to infused cuisine
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
-
Item description