5 Pro Tips to Throwing a Classy Cannabis Party
Originally written for Elle by Jane West
Jane West is often referred to as the "Martha Stewart" of the pot industry. She founded Edible Events Co. in November 2013 after noticing a demand for large-scale events that incorporate cannabis consumption into the evening's menu. She is also the executive director and co-founder of Women Grow, a professional networking organization empowering women to succeed in the cannabis industry. Below, five easy steps to throwing the perfect pot party:
The key to throwing an exceptional cannabis event is to cater to your guests' heightened senses. Keep your focus on the overall user experience and you will succeed. Provide visual stimulation, steady background beats, and fill the evening with appropriate scents and tastes to ensure a cohesive, relaxing atmosphere. Always remember that after consuming cannabis, one's senses of smell and taste are more acute.
Courtesy of Roese Photography
STEP 1: BOOK IT
Check out your local library for a great selection of large format art books that match your evening's theme. These will be perfect for more introspective guests to peacefully page through. Make note, your attendees' dilated pupils will take in bolder colors, so go for graphic imagery. May I recommend Andy Warhol's "Giant" Size? Always a staple.
STEP 2: TUNE IN
Personally, I like to cue up the initial 90 minutes of music for the events and then let the evening go random based on the guests' mood. Go for a downtempo, steady background beat for the initial high. Then, mix in an instrumental group, like The Greyboy Allstars, to accompany dinner. Right now I'm loving "Paper Trails" by Darkside, "No Diggity" by Chet Faker, and anything by The Fugees.
STEP 3: PLAY WITH THEIR MINDS
Small brainteasers are the perfect outlet for guests' increased focus. Hanayama's Cast puzzles are mind-bending tabletop art. Crayons and a roll of brown paper are an inexpensive way to turn a boring coffee table into a playful imagination station. Think young! And play up on your guests' impending giddiness.
STEP 4: ...AND THEIR NOSES
When I start planning an event, I always stand in the space, close my eyes, and take a deep breath to determine the ideal aroma. Our sense of smell is deeply connected to memories and feelings, and these first impressions set the tone of the evening. I suggest splurging on Cire Trudon Room Spray. The hand-blown glass and vintage balloon details make the bottle a great tabletop addition. If you don't want to spend $190, eucalyptus is a crisp, natural room freshener. Pick some up from the florist and crush the leaves before guests arrive to release the succulent aromatic oils.
STEP 5: THE DEVIL IS IN THE COMFY DETAILS
Hurricane candles, super-soft blankets, like UGG Australia Mohair Blend Throws, and velvet floor pillows can turn a chilly patio or drafty hardwood floor into a warm den perfect for an after-dinner toke. I also like to keep dishes of small dark chocolate nibs and alluring gold almond dragées out at all times for whenever a sweet tooth moment strikes.
Courtesy of Roese Photography
SOME DOS AND DON'TS
DO pace the evening. With great friends, decadent food, and artisanal cannabis, it's easy to get swept up in the moment. As the event planner, make yourself a simple note card before guests arrive, determining the set times for evening milestones and ensuring the nights casual vibe seems effortless.
DO thoughtfully offer THC-infused foods. Make sure guests know what and how much they are consuming.
DO offer a mellow, dark room where guests can peacefully relax if they have overindulged.
DON'T feature alcohol in the evening's events. Alcohol dulls the senses. Instead, encourage refreshments via infused waters, sparkling soda bars, or a gourmet coffee station.
DON'T forget to set the lavatory scene. Offer individual-use Visine bottles in a dish and stock a top-shelf soap and lotion combo in a gender-neutral scent like almond. Make sure to tone down harsh bathroom bulbs with a backlit shower curtain.
