Cannabis activation is becoming increasingly popular at social gatherings and even weddings, but you still won’t find it at most commercial events. But there are exceptions.
Phil Cooper, founder/owner of High-thought Events, said his company created a beverage bar for an entertainment company’s launch and a vape bar for a corporate event planning company. At NeoCon, a major event for the commercial design industry, his company created a packaging station for rolling joints for an interior design firm.
In Canada, where cannabis has been legal since 2018, said Lucas Margulis, whose company High Bar Hospitality and Event Group regularly works with commercial clients. “We have extensive experience delivering a variety of corporate events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. For example, with our infusion experience, we infuse cannabis on-site at the High Bar, creating 1 mg of perfectly balanced THC:CBD (1:1 )drinks.
Despite this, most businesses are not considering incorporating cannabis into their hospitality offerings. Taya Paige, a strategic advisor at ITA Group, has yet to see interest from her clients. “The main reason is perception, as well as existing legal restrictions that vary based on state laws and site permits. Most companies tend to take a cautious approach in these areas.
Paul Tramonte, principal designer at Paul Tramonte Events, agrees: “While I wouldn’t say ‘never,’ as things can change over time, it’s highly unlikely at the moment.” “I primarily manage corporate meetings and events “My client understood that their party was a business meeting and they expected attendees to be sober and fully engaged.”
Cannabis Tours and Activities
There are dozens of trade shows and conferences related to the booming cannabis industry, such as MJBiz for cannabis testing, manufacturing, and cultivation professionals (interestingly, it insists on serving beer and wine at its networking events). Parties abound — with names as varied as Leaf Celebration and Halloween — that combine camping, music, workshops, vendors and cannabis culture.
Cannabis tourism is also booming. “Seventy million Americans say they want to have at least one cannabis-related experience while traveling,” said Brian Applegarth, founder of Applegarth Strategies and founding president of the International Cannabis Tourism Association. “I think it’s an incredible new tool. , is integrating into the experience economy.”
He gave the example of an event he attended during a recent California Tourism Association conference where Sunstone Winery was pouring Sunstone Spritzes, a low-dose THC drink, for attendees. “This is just the beginning, especially Gen Z and younger generations, they are choosing non-alcoholic beverages,” he said. “This is part of a larger health trend.”
Legal and security considerations
Although marijuana is now legal in half of the United States—24 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized small amounts for adult recreational use—federal law prohibits its use except for medical purposes. For this reason alone, it is unlikely that a national organization, even one with a nationwide presence, would include it in an event. (A different and sometimes confusing product, hemp-based CBD is legal at the federal level and can be found in everything from e-CBD-infused foods and drinks to lotions and oils.)
Some states require a temporary cannabis event license if they charge an admission fee or require membership, which may apply to commercial activities. Different states also have different laws; in California, for example, alcohol is prohibited at events involving marijuana. The best way to ensure that your event complies with these requirements is to contact an attorney.
Just like alcohol, there are safety considerations. Drive-in attendees need to be aware of local THC restrictions. Cooper said it can take up to two hours after consumption for participants to feel the effects. “Guests may wash their food down with alcoholic beverages or start drinking because they haven’t felt the effects of the food yet.”
Healthcare providers like High Bar’s Margulis say they are working hard to make sure everyone gets home safely. “Our ‘bartenders’ and ‘cannabis sommeliers’ complete rigorous certifications and are trained in preventing overconsumption, performing proper identification, and adhering to best practices for hosting cannabis and alcohol events.”
