Cannabis legalization in Canada and a few US states has ushered in a new era of business opportunities. However, when incorporating them into events, there are some limitations and risks to be mindful of. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
CBD, or cannabidiol derived from hemp, is a new, popular cannabis product that has recently taken much of the country by storm. It has become popular and easily available due to its reputation for various health and wellness advantages without the intoxicating effects of marijuana. However, it operates in a legal gray area, at least in the United States.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering including a cannabis-related activation at your event or if you’ll be attending an event where cannabis will be available.
The Basics of the Law
In most nations worldwide, cannabis has a long legal and regulatory history.
It was the first industry in the United States to be controlled by the federal government in the 20th century. Nonetheless, when California became the first state to authorize medicinal use in 1996, it was regarded as a viable treatment for specific medical ailments. Most other states have since followed suit.
In many states, cannabis is now legal for medicinal and recreational purposes. When discussing cannabis products and their legality, we refer to their recreational use for the purposes of this article.
Where is it permitted?
Only four nations, as of 2020, have fully legalized cannabis for recreational use: Uruguay, which was the first to do so in 2013; South Africa, Georgia, and, most recently, Canada. Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, but its sale and consumption are tolerated, and the limitations are rarely enforced.
Furthermore, as of January 2020, cannabis is legal in 11 US states and Washington, DC: Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
Cannabis law in the United States is complicated by contradictory federal and state regulations; although numerous states have legalized cannabis, it is still prohibited on the national level. While this is unlikely to impact individual cannabis users, it does create an interesting legal scenario for shops and cultivators. Planners who want to work with cannabis suppliers for their events should go with a recognized, local company.
Read also: How To Make Legal Money With Cannabis
It’s also important to remember that some jurisdictions, like California, make it illegal to use cannabis at an event where alcohol is also provided.
Using Cannabis at Your Events
Education is a major priority at “bud bars,” where dispensary employees promote and distribute cannabis goods. The groups that usually organize this type of activation aim to educate event attendees about cannabis, its benefits, and its use to help de-stigmatize the drug and raise awareness about its medicinal benefits. While we’re still far from “bud bars” replacing alcohol bars at events, several companies and event planners are taking advantage.
Cannabis-focused businesses have sprung up to accommodate the growing demand for cannabis activations at events. They provide customized cannabis experiences while also handling the legal and regulatory aspects of the industry to maintain compliance with current laws.
Creating a cannabis-themed experience that does not necessarily involve consumption or sales is a great approach to include cannabis in events without risking legal liability. In 2018, the Outside Lands Music Festival, for example, created a cannabis activation with non-infused foods and plants that attendees could touch, smell, and learn about.
And, at least in the United States, events can provide CBD activations that are risk-free. CBD-infused foods and beverages, CBD lotions and oils massages, and CBD product sampling are popular examples.
Although cannabis in various forms has gotten a lot of attention recently, and regulations in some parts of the world are loosening up, it’s crucial to remember that it’s still a restricted substance. Precautions must be taken when distributing, ingesting, and transporting it.
If you’re considering cannabis for your event, make sure you do your research and consult a lawyer if necessary to guarantee you understand and will be fully compliant with local legislation.
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