Cannabis Etiquette

When it comes to cannabis, the first rule I learned was puff-puff-pass. With legalization, there are few things we all need to consider: whether you decide to partake or not. It’s 2019, cannabis is legal in Canada and people are smoking it in public, parks, and at home. At the same time, it’s important that if you are consuming, consider your surroundings, time, and place.

Cannabis is about community. It’s great when it’s shared but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Here are a few things to keep in mind when enjoying our favourite plant.

Cannabis Etiquette – Things to Consider

Be Considerate: Are there kids around? Animals? Are you smoking indoors? Although cannabis is legal, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t be a jerk and smoke beside someone who might not be into it. Not sure? Ask.

Neighbours: Along the lines of consideration, think of your neighbours. This is especially a concern with people who don’t consume cannabis, smoking indoors can pass through vents or onto other people’s balconies and inside their space. If you’re smoking inside or near neighbours, remember smoke and scent travel.

Puff-Puff-Pass: REMEMBER, a joint is not a microphone. When sharing a spliff, it’s customary to take two tokes and pass it on. Cool story bro, but pass that joint!

Sharing: Cannabis is great when shared. Go ahead, invite a friend, neighbour, or new person at a party. On that note, if you want a toke, it’s not usually cool to approach someone and ask for some. You wouldn’t ask for a sip of their wine, would you? If you’re joining a circle of people, make sure it’s a-ok and insert yourself to the right of the person with the joint. Stay until it’s done, don’t jump in, take a hit and peace out. Be considerate.

Rollers Rights: This might be old school, but it’s about respect. The person who rolls the joint, lights it. Sometimes the roller will ask someone else to light it, that’s ok, their call.

Storage: Get yourself a scent-free bag or storage container. Great cannabis has a beautiful aromatic smell but the scent can be overpowering. Remember that some people are scent sensitive and not everyone wants to smell your stash.

“Don’t try and be a hero by consuming too much cannabis, especially if you have been drinking. If you’re new, start low and go slow.”

Buzz Management: Don’t try and be a hero by consuming too much cannabis, especially if you have been drinking. If you’re new, start low and go slow. You’ll add more value to any situation by knowing your limits and staying within them. Manage your buzz, have fun, be responsible.

Peer Pressure: Do not pressure anyone into smoking or consuming cannabis. Offer, and if they say no, let it go. Everyone has a unique endocannabinoid system and it affects people differently. Let people make their own decisions.

Don’t Steal Lighters: Do you need this reminder? I’ve been guilty of this and try to always pass back after lighting.

Hosting: Be clear if your home is 420 friendly or is not 420 friendly. It’s cool either way! If your party is BYOB (bring your own bud) let it be known in the invite, text, or Facebook event. Other options include having a house stash available for guests to consume at your house, including papers and a grinder for extra hosting points. Also very important, if you have edibles at your party, LABEL THEM.

Edibles: Go easy here. Edibles are great! I’m a huge fan of Twisted Extracts Jelly Bombs and Caramels. Know your dose and if you don’t, start with just a little bit. Take it easy, start low and go slow. It can take several hours for edibles to reach their full effect.

I hope you find these tips useful and I welcome any cannabis etiquette rules you live by. Most of all, consume with courtesy, share with kindness, and be safe.

Stay tuned till next time!