Steps Towards Inclusivity: Charting the Course for Cannabis-Friendliness

Hard to believe, but it really wasn’t all that long ago Health Canada released new regulations in an effort to pave the way for the next wave of cannabis legalization.

Kicking off in the coming weeks, these regulations reflect an attempt to shift the cannabis industry away from its currently limited legal offerings, and towards more consumer-packaged goods. Think drinkables. Think edibles. Think topicals. Think vape pens. That sort of thing.

From creams and pills to beverages and bites, surely the prototypical image of the cannabis consumer won’t just evolve with this move — taking the seemingly standard profile of the recreational user that favours the plant for its psychoactive properties, and expanding it to encompass more medicinal and/or lifestyle-based types — but we’re also likely to see a well-overdue reduction in the stigma surrounding cannabis itself.

Obviously that means more extensive and broad-ranging acceptance of cannabis. Make no mistake about it, that’s quite a positive development. Except we think the road to increased cannabis-friendliness at large, especially here in Canada, may just go beyond these new regulations.

It could require making it more possible for cannabis users of all kinds, both new and old, to enjoy its benefits in social settings, and not just at your everyday cannabis cafés. And if this is indeed the right direction, an intrepid few in the Great White North are already making encouraging strides in it.

Take Toronto’s Cannabis Air, which has become the first luxury hotel in the world to feature smoking lounges, in addition to providing its guests a 24-hour concierge service staffed by trained cannabis experts. Likewise, Cannabis Hotels, a travel advisory featuring responsible cannabis-friendly experiences around the globe, recently announced the listing of Canada's first publicly cannabis-friendly resort in a collaboration with Sir Sam's Inn & Spa in Eagle Lake, Ontario. Here, you will not only have access to balconies with smoking and vaping privileges, but in designated areas, too.

The decision to make these accommodations cannabis-friendly should be considered a milestone for the entire country. By proactively ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests, whether they’re using cannabis or not, the two destinations are positioned to play a key role in the emerging cannabis tourism industry.

On a similar note, Canada’s debut cannabis-friendly golf course arrived in Eastern Ontario mere months ago. Like Cannabis Air, it actually claims to be the world’s first. And while Rolling Greens, formerly Lombard Glen Golf Course, doesn’t sell or grow cannabis, it proudly welcomes it.

By completely revitalizing and transforming its grounds into what’s been described as a pot smoker’s paradise, and in exploring an untapped market, Rolling Greens has said it hopes to be a critical part of the cannabis capital of Canada, welcoming foreign tourists to both the golf course and to Smiths Falls. To assist, a drive-in movie theatre, amusement rides and concert grounds are all expected in the coming year.

The above examples aren’t alone, either. Parks Canada now allows cannabis consumption on campsites nationwide. Canada High Tours is helping its guests locate legal spots to purchase and consume cannabis, ushering them around scenic and cultural destinations in the process. Increasing numbers of catered dinners are also being hosted from coast to coast, covering the history and basics of cannabis, plus using it as their star ingredient. Even cannabis singles events are picking up steam.

Is this the course we must chart for greater cannabis-friendliness? If not exactly normalizing use, then helping normalize the conversation around it? Time will tell, but we’re ready to give it a shot.

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This article was written by The Blissed Team.

This article was published October 3rd, 2019.