With over 800 dispensaries, California offers a vast variety of cannabis options to explore. Here’s a Cannabis Tourism Etiquette primer so when you visit you can find the strains, extraction technology or new age infusion you’re interested in without worry.
When you’re planning your visit, it’s always a good idea to not only understand a little bit about planning a cannabis vacation, but also how to get the most out of your time here—and that starts with some cannabis etiquette. Below are ten tips for your next cannabis experience in California, whether it’s a dispensary, lounge, infused dining, beauty treatments, 420-friendly lodging or travel accommodations. When you show up like a pro, you’re sure to be treated like one!
CANNABIS TOURISM ETIQUETTE WHEN TOURING DISPENSARIES OR OTHER LOCATIONS
RULE #1: GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF A DESIGNATED DRIVER
Driving under the influence is a bad idea no matter where you are. So do yourself a favor and take advantage of all of the transportation options in Sonoma Valley! It’s a sure way to get where you want to go without any worries. Whether you ride with Happy Travelers Tours, book a limousine or town car through Old Vine Wine Tours, or hire a designated driver to drive your own car, you won’t miss a beat. Depending on the transportation company, some allow vaping in transit!
RULE #2: FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
While dispensaries don’t require appointments for shopping, if you’re interested in learning more about cannabis at a location that cultivates on-site (vertically-integrated), then you’ll need to schedule a custom or private tour ahead of time at the appropriate dispensary. Some offer ‘backroom’ access experiences where guests learn the ins and outs of growing cannabis (typically indoors) and the technology required to do so. Booking appointments is a great way to ensure that, no matter how busy a dispensary may be, that they have time devoted entirely to you and what you are looking to learn.
Budtenders love to talk about cannabis. Most of them have a lot of knowledge to share about the particular brands or formats (vape, flower, edible) available in their store. If you’re at a vertically integrated dispensary, then you have the opportunity to ask specifically about their strains and products, which is akin to being in a Winery Tasting Room and learning about the Estate varietals.
Meeting the grower/operator and learning directly from them about their cannabis strains is an exciting opportunity and should not be missed, just like an opportunity to talk with a wine maker.
RULE #3: MUNCH OUT BEFORE YOU GET THE MUNCHIES
Remember, cannabis consumption typically stimulates your appetite and so it’s recommended to eat something before you start your sampling. Just like you shouldn’t go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, you shouldn’t purchase edibles on an empty stomach. Impulse buys often lead to uncharted highs.
On the other hand, one of the benefits of consuming cannabis is the taste and texture of food and beverages is enhanced, making the dining experience more pleasurable! We recommend bringing snacks so you don’t overindulge on infused treats.
RULE #4: REFRAIN FROM WEARING STRONG SCENTS OR EATING STRONG FLAVORS BEFORE YOUR TASTING
This is not the most important of all our tips, but if you’re interested in experiencing the different scents and flavor profiles of terpenes or flowers, avoiding wearing strong scents or eating strong flavors is a good idea.
RULE #5: DISPENSARIES ARE DIFFERENT FROM SMOKING LOUNGES
Dispensaries are extremely different from smoking lounges. Most dispensaries are just retailers (satellite locations), although some are vertically integrated “indoor grows” which sell their products at the same site where they grow, and a FEW are connected to smoking lounges.
For the most part, making a purchase at a dispensary is like shopping at any specialty store. The staff will be knowledgeable about their products, and you’ll be able to make your purchase comfortably. However, once you’re done with your purchase, etiquette dictates you leave the store and the general vicinity before you consume your purchases.
It is NOT okay to smoke outside the store – especially if you’re in your car!
RULE #6: CHILL OUT
The beauty of Sonoma Valley is that the area has a quieter and slower pace of life—that’s what locals love about living here, and that’s the pace most visitors love to embrace on their vacations here. However, in the summer months, when the tourism season is in full-swing locations are busier, it’s possible that you may feel a little impatient. Dispensary staff work hard to ensure you have an authentic experience. Please be patient, refrain from unnecessary urgency to make sure you’re comfortable and happy with your education or purchases. Once you embrace the pace of life here, you may never want to leave!
There is no issue with looking up menus ahead of time and knowing what you want though! Many dispensaries show product lines on their websites.
RULE #7: START LOW, GO SLOW
Consuming cannabis is an enjoyable experience, however, remember to pace yourself as you consume. One of the ‘beauty’ parts of smoking or vaping cannabis is you can measure your ‘high’ after each inhale. This enables you to enjoy your consumption without getting out of control.
As fun as it is to smoke a joint, when testing your tolerance or a strains flavor and taste, we recommend using a glass pipe or vape and to take a puff and then wait about 10 or 15 minutes. This method of controlling your dosing means you’ll maximize your pleasure while minimizing how much you ‘burn’, and, frankly, this is the most economical way to consume cannabis. Save the joints for groups and social settings!
RULE #8: COMBATTING COTTONMOUTH
The plant’s most notorious side effect is thirst. This phenomenon is often referred to as “dry mouth” or, more culturally, “cottonmouth.”
Drink water. Cannabis makes you thirsty! It’s just part of the process, so, have some water on hand to quench your thirst! Sugar-free gum also helps to stimulate your saliva glands through the act of chewing to fight off the dry-mouth.
RULE #9: PLEASE ASK BEFORE STROLLING THE GROUNDS
If you’re lucky enough to be on a Cannabis Farm Tour please remember there will be rules about strolling the grounds and touching the plants. Always wait until the grower/operator invites you into the grow and respectfully listen to their instructions regarding how to walk in and through their garden. The guide will let you know which plants are available for you to get up-close-and-personal with cannabis.
REMEMBER: DON’T PICK THE FLOWERS.
RULE #10: THANKS FOR THE TIP!
Dispensaries and other cannabis focused experiences are places of business and some have rules regarding tipping staff. If you’ve had an exceptional experience with your budtender or host, ask them if tipping is allowed in their business.
CANNABIS TOURISM ETIQUETTE WHEN SMOKING CANNABIS IN A GROUP
RULE 1: DON’T BOGART THAT JOINT, MY FRIEND
Yup. It’s true. Sometimes when you’re in a smoking session you might ‘drift off’ conversationally while holding onto the vape, pipe or joint. Don’t be a roadblock! Take your hit and keep it moving through the circle!
Of course, in these days of COVID, most people are smoking their own stash in the circle. However, when the pandemic is over, remember: don’t bogart that joint!
RULE 2: BRING SOMETHING TO SHARE
Regardless of the pandemic, if you’re going to a ‘sesh’, bring something to share with the group! It’s similar to the expectation that you shouldn’t show up to a party empty-handed.
RULE 3: PASS THE DOUCHY ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE
Did you know the circle goes to the left? Yup. There’s an old-school etiquette for passing the pipe, joint or vape to the left-hand side … just sayin’!
RULE 4: ROLLER’S RIGHTS
Whoever rolls it, sparks it. In other terms, if you rolled the joint, you get the first puffs. This also applies to whoever packs the pipe or vape.
RULE 5: KEEP YOUR COUGHING TO YOURSELF
OK, so, you’ve just had a hit and you’re about to bust a lung. Turn away from the circle (or get up and leave) before you cough all over the stash, group, and yourself. This rule applies even without a pandemic.
RULE 6: ASH BEFORE YOU PASS
Don’t pass your buddy the joint without ashing it. It is a customary act to ash the joint when passing it amongst a group of friends. It’ll save you from the mess and stress of cleanup and clothing stains.
RULE 7: KEEP IT GREEN
In the same vein as ash before you pass, keep it green just means you don’t “blow torch” a pipe load and then pass on a smoldering mess. Etiquette says you just ignite the edge of the bowl (called: edging or cornering) and then, pass the pipe with a slight glow so the next person can either ignite more green or continue to heat your hit.
And, of course, if the pipe ends up with you and it’s toasted, then, load up more green and start it up again!
RULE 8: HAVE FUN!
The whole point of sharing cannabis is to have fun, so, make sure you do!
NEXT STEPS
Now that you’ve got some of the basics figured out, put your cannabis tourism etiquette to the test and Book a Happy Travelers Tours Cannabis Experience! Send an email to: [email protected] or call 707-386-9859!