Category: Grasslands

We are so darn lucky.

And sometimes we forget how lucky we are, especially in
cannabis-legal communities. But why are we so darn lucky? Because most of us in
America can enjoy this fine herb much more than we could even a few years ago.

We can enjoy weed pretty much out in the open, on street corners and on Instagram Live, and we can do so (mostly) with impunity. It seems like old hat to some of us, sure, but the freedom with which we enjoy cannabis still stuns our elders. Of course, we owe these newfound freedoms to the activists who fought for decades on our — and the plant’s — behalf.

They fought so we could possess and consume marijuana
without fear of imprisonment. They fought for a more honest understanding of
this infinitely complex medicinal plant. And to a lesser extent, they fought
for our right to party with our preferred substance of choice. Thanks to their
hard work, our present day includes a whole new way to entertain: the
post-prohibition, consumption-friendly cannabis party.

Weed has long been a staple at many of the world’s best parties, but to have cannabis join the mix of legal substances served at events changes things for dinner parties, casual happy hours and Super Bowl celebrations alike.

And like any other substance, marijuana brings its own
traditions and rituals along for the ride.

So it makes sense that throwing a successful cannabis party is quite different than hosting a cocktail party or a beer-paired dinner — something I’ve learned in my years of producing cannabis events of all types and sizes via my agency Grasslands. My colleagues and I have produced expansive cannabis industry mixers for 800-plus guests, and we’ve thrown intimate dinner parties for eight.

But regardless of the cannabis party’s size, certain things
ring true for a successful consumption-friendly event. If you are looking to
host a successful weed party, there are a few lessons worth learning first.

Before you start planning your next gathering, here are a few things to consider.

Incorporate Different Types of Cannabis Consumption

Not everyone smokes weed, and not everyone enjoys edibles, so make sure you don’t forget to consider that as you’re stocking the cannabis bar for your next shindig. While some parties are built around a thoughtful selection of microbrews and spirits, successful cannabis events thrive on a variety of flower and a multitude of consumption devices, including (ideally) a vaporizer for the light-lunged.

Sativa-dominant strains might seem ideal for the party
atmosphere, and they certainly are for me — but we all have friends who trend
toward downer strains because the uppers make them anxious, so keep that in
mind, too.

Also, edibles are made to share, and they make an ideal
amuse-bouche, especially because they have an onset time that will help the
effects kick in just as you’re serving the entree. Just remember to…

Clearly Mark Your Edibles

I threw an intimate holiday party a few years ago where multiple friends posted pictures of my modest if comprehensive edibles bar because I came up with a design they found both helpful and never-before-seen: A small bowl held edibles with 2.5 mgs of THC, while a slightly larger bowl contained 5 mg candies, and an even larger bowl held 10 mg pieces.

Each bowl was carefully marked with the psychoactive content
of the candies inside, making for an ultra-modern serve-yourself snack bar, one
that allowed my guests to care- fully assemble the exact dose they desired.

Not only is this the responsible way to serve cannabis
edibles at an event, but it’s also a lot of fun seeing new adopters bite half
of a 2.5 mg candy as a toe-dipping exercise, and watching more experienced
consumers fearlessly knock down a handful of 10 mg gummies.

It’s a modern-day choose your own adventure.

Cater to Your Friends’ Social Media Addiction

A hand-drawn chalkboard menu at the bud bar. A thought-
fully organized display of cannabis products. Simple twinkle lights in a
houseplant. A bouquet of fresh and fragrant flowers, with marijuana flower
intermingling with lilies and baby’s breath. A record player with colored vinyl
spinning right ’round (and pumping out the hot jams).

Eye candy should be a part of any intentional gathering. And
for cannabis events, eye candy is a must. The concept is simple: Give your
guests something delightful to look at, something playful to take in. Be it
simple or elaborate, your guests will appreciate the shiny objects and
fantastical flourishes — especially in their elevated state.

Try Something Different

Whether we’re talking music or menu, cannabis parties are
the best parties to try something different — something wacky, something
off-the-wall, something unexpected.

I’ve noticed this in my own consumption habits: If I’m sober
ordering from a menu, I’ll likely take a safe route, asking the waitstaff for
something familiar or a dish I’ve eaten many times before. But if I’m high and
ordering from a menu, I’m likely ordering something much more adventurous,
something I would never order without the THC coursing through my veins.

I love adopting that spirit when assembling the menu or the
playlist (or both) for a cannabis party. Instead of my tried-and-true dinner
party playlist, I’ll put on the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt or the bebop of
Charlie Parker. And in- stead of serving my go-to dinner party favorite
manicotti, I’ll instead bust out an eat-with-your-hands Mediterranean spread of
chicken shawarma with chopped onion, tomato, lettuce, cu- cumber, hummus, rice
pilaf and toasted pita.

Cannabis opens minds, so take advantage and introduce your
guests to something they might not be expecting.

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