Guest etiquette – how to act at a cannabis wedding

Cannabis wedding etiquette: guests walk under balloons at event.

The tulips are peeking out of the soil, the bird songs are diversifying—you know what that means. It’s the return of the wedding season. Invitations have likely started arriving, and as they get put on the fridge, some of us are lucky enough to be invited to an event with a cannabis bar.

Weed weddings aren’t anything new, and cannabis bars and party favors are becoming more regular in legal states. However, there are things to consider when planning cannabis service for your wedding:

  • How will the products be offered?
  • Will there be education?
  • Can someone legally serve the products to guests?

We’ve explored these topics, but what is the proper etiquette for attending a cannabis-friendly wedding?

Do ask questions.

If you’re new to the cannabis plant or a seasoned consumer, you should not be shy about asking questions. Ask the budtender serving about what the effects could be and how long it will take to feel them.

Some weddings have a table of cannabis offerings rather than someone tending the cannabis bar. At these events, check for fliers or placards to explain dosage, effects, or instructions for use before lighting up or chowing down. If you don’t see any information, track down the wedding planner and ask them.

Do make sure to take it slow.

Weddings almost always have a bar, and we do not recommend consuming alcohol and cannabis together, especially if you’re a beginner. Cannabis effects can be different for everyone. How much someone needs and how long it takes to take effect are subjective. To avoid being uncomfortably overhigh, take less than you think is enough. If you take edibles, wait up to an hour and a half before deciding to re-dose.

Do be responsible.

We’d like to think that the wedding planner already considered keeping smoke out of common areas and ensured that no products could get into kids’ hands– but it’s always wise to be extra careful. Don’t blow clouds of smoke into crowds of guests, especially those who remain separate from the cannabis bar.

If you enjoy products in a designated area, be aware of keeping everything in the right place. Don’t set bongs, roaches, lighters, and other cannabis products down on any random surface. Doing this could not only put paraphernalia into the hands of kids, but it could also break compliance with the service and put the venue in danger of a ticket. Be respectful and responsible to ensure underage guests stay separate from the wedding weed bar.

Don’t be judgmental.

If you don’t want to smoke, eat, or vape cannabis at a wedding, that’s ok! But don’t be judgmental. The married couple wanted to offer guests cannabis. Keep judgments to yourself just like you would if the bride’s dress wasn’t to your taste or the best man’s speech was majorly cringe. Some people like to have cocktails at a wedding, and others steal away to puff on a joint while others choose to stay sober. There’s no need to worry about how somebody comes to celebrate as long as people are responsible.

Don’t take all of the products for yourself.

Some weed weddings have a small buffet of cannabis products available for grazing. Those lucky enough to attend one of these functions should respect their fellow guests and leave some behind. Don’t shove ten joints into your handbag or take a 1-gram dab. Instead, share with others and be communal. Cannabis should bring people together, after all.

The concept of offering cannabis to wedding guests is no longer outrageous. Now it’s time for wedding guests to learn about safe, responsible consumption. With these tips, everyone is ready to attend a cannabis wedding this season.

Cara Wietstock is Senior Content Producer of GreenState.com and has been working in the cannabis space since 2011. She has covered the cannabis business beat for Ganjapreneur and The Spokesman Review. You can find her living in Bellingham, Washington with her husband, son, and a small zoo of pets.