For some, the holidays are a time of tradition and togetherness. For others, it’s a tinsel-covered hell on Earth. Whatever your perspective, we bet every chocolate in our advent calendar that wreaths aren’t the only green making a cameo this holiday season.
With this being the first holiday season where cannabis is legal in Canada, we thought we’d offer a guide to help navigate etiquette around cannabis during the holidays. That’s why we spoke to etiquette expert Mindy Lockard and founder and CEO of Altitude Products Krista Whitley for a five-part weediquette guide for the season.
Generally speaking, at social events, cigarette smokers step outside and smoke in the backyard, front porch, or out on the balcony. But if one smokes marijuana, should things be handled similarly? Or would you be better advised to hide your cannabis consumption to not ruffle any feathers?
Both Lockhard and Whitley are ardent that secrets don’t make friends and communication around cannabis is fundamental to having positive consumption experiences.
“It is important that you know where your host stands on cannabis consumption, especially if they’re hosting in a private space,” Whitely suggests. “At my best friend’s wedding, I checked with the couple ahead of time and shared with all the guests at the reception. It was a wonderful experience for guests and myself.”
However, if you even have the slightest inkling the party host may have an issue, Lockard advises you abstain.
“Just as you would with smoking, always make sure that it’s OK with your host or hostess and find a place away from other guests so that the smoke won’t bother other party-goers.”
In any case, this doesn’t mean you can’t consume. There are many other, less invasive ways to consume cannabis that won’t spook your host, so perhaps opt for something more discrete, like an edible or cannabis oil.
This article was originally published by Lift & Co.