Just because there’s more widespread cannabis legalization doesn’t necessarily mean there are more places to legally consume it. For example, across the nation, it is illegal to consume or even bring cannabis on to Federal lands. This includes national parks, monuments, and forests, recreation areas, as well as 245 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management, accounting for 1/10 of America’s land mass. Of the legal states, New York has some of the most permissive consumption laws, which essentially follow cigarette and vaping rules. These regulations forbid smoking in any establishment or public space that is subject to New York’s clean air laws, leaving few, if any, indoor options. Even in Colorado, marijuana’s elder statesman, there are only three fully licensed and 21+ consumption sites. Most states are in some similar early stage of allowing consumption lounges, or are without lounges entirely. For many consumers, part of the cannabis experience is to enjoy it with others — just like you can with a beer or cocktail. Unless and until there are more legal spots for people to smoke together, creative minds are stepping in and starting private cannabis clubs, personal cannabis groups, painting and smoking cannabis classes, and even churches where people can consume with other like-minded folks. Here’s a sampling of what’s out there.
Private Cannabis Clubs
Private cannabis clubs can take a lot of different shapes — especially if you think of them less like a dance club or bar, for example, and more like a private space where owners charge a fee for adults 21 and older to consume cannabis on the premises.
Cannabis and Yoga
Another place cannabis consumers seem to come together is around cannabis and yoga, an ancient body, breath, and practice that originated in Northern India. It’s believed that the Vedas (Hindu holy texts) placed cannabis among its five holy plants, and that cannabis lover Lord Shiva offered the herb to his followers.
Cannabis Social and Networking Groups
In New York City, an organization called High NY is dedicated to cannabis networking, information sharing and events for cannabis consumers and business folks. There are more than a dozen business, entrepreneur, social, and networking groups in Los Angeles, and in the Windy City, a business-heavy offering of networking and workshops.
Puff, Pass, and Paint
For many folks, cannabis and creativity go hand-in-hand, and you see this in the popularity of Puff, Pass, and Paint classes all over the country. Just check out the official website, with classes listed in Denver, Brooklyn, Orlando, St. Louis, and Washington D.C.
Cooking with Cannabis
Cooking with cannabis is not only popular, but it’s an opportunity for people to gather around the kitchen table to enjoy infused meals and each other’s company. You could make an infused meal of your own, of course, but there are plenty of opportunities to take cannabis cooking lessons or attend dinners.
Cannabis Churches
Some people go to church to practice their faith. Others may take a more secular approach and think of church as a place to make friends and build community. Still others might go to church to consume weed. Take for example Denver’s International Church of Cannabis, where anyone 21 and older can sign-up and consume at Sunday service.
Wrap Up
While cannabis continues to legalize bit by bit across the country, the laws that allow people to gather and safely consume (with a safe and tested product) still lag far behind. Nevertheless, people are gathering and consuming all the same, and private cannabis clubs and groups are a good way to meet like-minded people, get creative, connect with body and mind, or just have a good time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cannabis Good for Yoga?
For some consumers and yogis, cannabis may enhance the yogic experience.
Is Yoga While High Good?
That very much depends on you. Your experience with cannabis is very much your own, and what works great for your friend might not work so well for you. The only way to know is to give it a try.
Where Can You Find Cannabis Painting Classes?
Puff, Pass, and Paint is a good place to get started, but you should definitely search your locality as well.
How Can You Start a Cannabis Hobby Club?
Meet-Up is a great place to get started. You could also consider social media like Facebook or other platforms as a good place to find others that share your interests.