What you Need to Know About Cannabis at Weddings

Since Canada legalized recreational cannabis in 2018, the way people incorporate it into social gatherings, including weddings, has evolved. For couples who want to feature cannabis as part of their celebration, it’s important to understand the legalities, responsibilities as a host, and how to include it with class. When a couple is considering hosting a wedding with a cannabis bar, the wedding planner plays a crucial role in advising them on the legal, logistical, and etiquette aspects to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.

The Legal Landscape

Canada’s cannabis laws are clear, but they vary slightly by province and territory. It’s essential to follow both federal and provincial regulations:

1. Age Restrictions: In most provinces, the legal age to consume cannabis is 19, except in Alberta (18) and Quebec (21). A budtender or hired staff should verify the age of guests at the bar to ensure compliance.
2. Venue Restrictions: Not all venues allow cannabis consumption. Private property owners can decide if cannabis is permitted on their premises. Public venues or spaces with specific licenses, such as banquet halls, might restrict or prohibit cannabis use. The wedding planner should check with the venue well in advance to confirm whether cannabis can be consumed on-site and, if so, under what conditions. If the venue doesn’t permit cannabis use, the planner will need to help the couple explore alternative locations or make other plans.
3. Consumption Areas: Even if your venue allows cannabis, you need to consider where guests will consume it. Most public venues require designated areas for smoking or vaping, separate from tobacco smoking zones. For edibles, these concerns are less pressing, but still, it’s polite to have a designated space where guests can enjoy cannabis in comfort.
4. Transportation of Cannabis: Keep in mind that transporting cannabis across provincial borders or outside Canada is illegal. If you’re hosting a destination wedding within Canada, ensure your couple and their guests understand the local cannabis laws, particularly around transporting cannabis to and from the event.

Budtenders: The Experts You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re planning to serve cannabis at your wedding, consider hiring a budtender—a professional who specializes in cannabis service. Much like bartenders manage alcohol service, budtenders ensure safe, responsible, and enjoyable cannabis consumption.

Budtenders can offer a variety of services:

• Guiding Guests: Not all guests will be familiar with cannabis products. Budtenders help by educating guests about different strains, dosages, and methods of consumption, ensuring no one overindulges or tries something they’re uncomfortable with.
• Serving Responsibly: Budtenders help monitor consumption to avoid potential mishaps or overuse. They can advise guests on how to consume cannabis safely, especially if it’s in edible form, which has delayed effects.
• Curating the Experience: Budtenders can tailor the cannabis menu to your wedding theme, offering strains and products that complement the mood, such as energizing sativas for the dance floor or relaxing indicas for post-dinner relaxation.

The Host’s Obligations

As the wedding host, you hold certain responsibilities when it comes to cannabis consumption:

1. Ensure Legal Consumption: You must make sure all cannabis consumption is legal. This includes ensuring that your guests are of legal age, and that cannabis is consumed in approved areas.
2. Provide Education and Guidance: A wedding planner should suggest that the couple give guests advance notice about the presence of a cannabis bar, whether through the wedding website or an elegant note with the invitations. Some guests may need to prepare accordingly.
3. Dosage and Consumption Information: Edibles can be tricky, as they take longer to take effect. The planner should ensure that clear information is provided at the cannabis bar about serving sizes and effects. They should advise budtenders to offer low-dose options, especially for inexperienced users.
4. Set Up Designated Areas: Just like with alcohol, your couple should provide designated areas for cannabis use. These areas should be clearly marked, comfortable, and ideally separate from the main event space to avoid making non-cannabis-using guests uncomfortable.
5. Address Safety: As with alcohol, it’s important to consider the safety of your couple’s guests after the event. The planner must remind their couple of the importance of providing safe transportation options for guests who have consumed cannabis, as driving under the influence is illegal. This could include shuttle services, rideshare discounts, or nearby accommodations.

Cannabis Etiquette for Weddings

Incorporating cannabis into your wedding requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some etiquette tips to keep your event classy and comfortable for all:

1. Inform Your Guests: It’s polite to let the guests know in advance that cannabis will be available at the wedding, particularly if some may not be familiar or comfortable with it. A subtle note on your couple’s wedding website or invitation will suffice.
2. Create a Balanced Atmosphere: Not all of your guests will want to partake, so it’s essential to keep the event inclusive. Make sure that cannabis isn’t the sole focus of the reception. Have plenty of non-cannabis activities and areas for those who prefer to avoid it.
3. Mind the Dosages: For edibles, consider providing microdoses (5 mg or less of THC per serving), especially if the guests are not regular cannabis users. This allows people to enjoy without overdoing it.
4. Consider Smoke-Free Options: Some guests may not want to be around smoke or vapors. Offering edibles, beverages, or oils can allow them to enjoy cannabis without discomfort.
5. Respect Non-Users: While cannabis may be a fun addition for some, others may not want to engage with it. Make sure there are plenty of non-cannabis zones and activities, and that no one feels pressured to partake.

Final Thought

Including cannabis at your couple’s weddings can be a unique and enjoyable addition to their big day, but it comes with responsibilities. By understanding the legalities, hiring a knowledgeable budtender, and providing clear guidelines and safe consumption spaces, you can ensure that guests have a fun and memorable experience while keeping the celebration safe and inclusive.

*Please note: Always research the most current laws in your area. WPIC Inc. does not dispense legal advice, all rules and regulations mentioned were the rules and regulations at the time of print. You are responsible for doing your own due diligence.

Read more about hosting a wedding with Cannabis.