Emily Post’s New Expectations and Etiquette Regarding Marijuana Now That Your State has Legalized Recreational Use

Many people are curious about the expectations and protocol regarding the hosting of social parties in the home now that marijuana is legal for personal use under certain states’ laws. Knowing how to approach this new substance and introduce it to your beer, wine and spirits selection can very well determine if your soirée is a raving success.

Because marijuana at parties is a relatively new idea—despite being popular for a limited time in the 1940s—many guests may be confused or hesitant to partake in the substance. It is crucial to the party’s success that your attendees feel relaxed and comfortable in this uncharted territory. The savvy host should become familiar with the varieties of plant offered, as well as the operation and utilization of the various paraphernalia.

One way to ensure an easy introduction to those guests unfamiliar with this exciting new culture is to keep the nomenclature simple. Marijuana should only be referred to as such or by its more scientific name, cannabis. However, take care not to confuse your guests by switching between the two socially acceptable terms. Never call marijuana by its nicknames, such as grass, pot, or weed.

Likewise, bong is the gauche term for the much more elegant water pipe. The use of too much slang may make some of your guests uncomfortable, leading them to collect their coats and head for the door prematurely.

Water pipes should be clean and free of smudges and fingerprints, as should any glass pipes or table lighters (disposable lighters are acceptable only if you are hosting an outdoor gathering). All paraphernalia should be free of defects and in good working order. Furthermore, a variety of smoking devices should be available so all of your guests can access the marijuana within a reasonable amount of time. They should never need to resort to fashioning their own pipes from aluminum cans or by hollowing out tree fruits of any kind.

A more formal gathering would favor pipes over marijuana cigarettes. For casual affairs, offer a selection of pre-rolled cigarettes fanned out elegantly, and assist your guests in choosing their preferred variety.

You may be tempted to allow your guests to roll their own cigarettes. Unless you are entertaining a small group or planning a marijuana-cigarette-rolling instructional evening, proper etiquette dictates that you simply supply pre-rolled cigarettes for your informal gathering. (That being said, learning to roll a marijuana cigarette properly can be a fun activity for couples bored of the usual bridge and mahjong.)

As always, one passes the pipe or marijuana cigarette in a counterclockwise direction.

Antique hookah pipes can add a stylish centerpiece to your marijuana party. Make sure each hose is cleared and clean before allowing your guests access. If you are planning a more intimate affair, your hookah may be the only equipment necessary. In either case, have plenty of marijuana on hand if your group has trouble addressing all the inhaling stations simultaneously. Although the hookah is a lovely piece for entertaining, it can be a less-economical use of your marijuana supply.

Knife hits should be discouraged.

As your guests become more familiar with the subtleties of the many types of marijuana, they will learn which plant strains they enjoy most. As the host, you are expected to help shepherd your guests through this enlightening experience. If you are a marijuana novice, it is advised that you hire an expert from a local dispensary to act as a guide. This person will explain the different types of marijuana you will be selecting for your guests. Ideally, the marijuana authority would also be a sommelier or beer cicerone and therefore able to suggest wine and/or beer pairings for the varieties of marijuana you are offering.

Your expert will advise you to purchase a variety of marijuana types to produce different desirable sensations for your guests. This person will also advise just how much of the substance should be used to avoid a bad experience. It would be very unfortunate to have a room full of people who do not know if time is standing still or whether your party will ever end.

Marijuana has been rumored to enhance the taste of food and increase the appetite. This makes your responsibilities as host even more important. It is highly recommended that you offer a wide variety of both sweet and savory foods. No matter what you serve, by the end of the evening your guests will be certain it is the finest food they have ever tasted.

A buffet-style presentation is the ideal food-service option for a marijuana party. This will give your guests easy access to all the choices, as well as the proportions they desire. It may also discourage your guests from ordering pizza to be delivered to your residence during the party.

Setting the appropriate ambiance is crucial for your marijuana party to be considered a success. Lighting should be low, but not dark. Candles may be used a safe distance from your guests, but not as the primary light source. Comfortable seating should be arranged to provide your guests an opportunity to speak to one another about minutiae of everyday life or just stare into space indefinitely.

Having a spare bedroom available for any guest who may need to lie down to ease off of a negative reaction is an excellent way to avoid any unpleasant yelling or crying.

Removing items from the area to be occupied by your guests may be necessary. This may include scary artwork or native peoples’ masks. Children’s toys that move or speak on their own must never be present. Also take care to remove any photographs of people or pets that may appear to be judging your guests or that might resemble ghosts.

Music can make or break a marijuana party. Avoid music that is too loud or aggressive. Songs with political messages should also be avoided, as this will undoubtedly lead to marathon conversations in which the same eight sentences are repeated over the course of several hours. Smooth jazz or long-play selections will make it extremely difficult for your guests to judge the passage of time. Stick to short, melodic pieces that do not rely heavily on a rhythm section and can be followed easily by an untrained ear.

The introduction of marijuana to your entertaining repertoire may take some getting used to. But if done right, it can make for a magical evening that your guests may never remember.