Cannabis bus tours are fun and trending, but there are a few rules to remember
Cannabis tourism is a booming business, yet one of the undocumented side effects of its surge is something you won’t find on a warning label: love. Unlike bars and restaurants, mobile cannabis tours are new and intriguing when it comes to date ideas. After all, cannabis has a dedicated following that takes away the awkward step of finding something in common with a potential partner. “On a cannabis tour, your affinity for cannabis already places you within a subculture where you’re more likely to have similar shared experiences,” suggests Michael Eymer, Founder and CEO of several cannabis related businesses including CannabisTours.com.
Susan Trombetti, Matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, chalks up the appeal of cannabis tours as a fun dating activity to the drug’s rebellious reputation. “Remember, smoking pot is still against the federal law, so it’s not only a novelty, it seems illicit. Anything illicit seems intriguing and passion fueled, so ride that wave,” encourages Trombetti. However, despite its youthfulness, there are already well-established ground rules on how to behave appropriately.
And while bartenders and sommeliers are the pairing experts of the hospitality industry, it is cannabis tour operators—aka cannabus drivers—that are the unsung heroes helping guests light it up between the sheets. Part local tour guide, and part designated driver, these ganja gurus have seen it all when it comes to how guests can fly high or crash and burn when attempting to woo. “As a cannabis tour bus, responsibility is our responsibility. Drivers are CDL licensed and certified sober. Bustenders maintain a head-counselor presence, mingling with the guests, helping them to get to know each other,” explained Brian Spatz, founder and owner of Loopr, a mobile cannabis lounge operating out of Denver.
“Dose low and take it slow. Don’t show off by hitting the weed a bunch up front. You hit, and you chill. It’s much sexier to keep it going all night than to wreck yourself at take off.”
“As bustender and head chroncierge of the Loopr lounge, I’ve seen everything from tourists to locals meeting up on the bus and sometimes even leaving together” noted Hal Taback. So, what do novice cannabus riders need to know before embarking on an unforgettable journey? For starters, leave the tie-dye t-shirts and stereotypical stoner attitude at home if you want to get laid. Modern cannabis experiences are all about respectful camaraderie, so if you plan on meeting someone special, you’re going to have to act the part.
To get the most out of a tour, you’re going to have to pace yourself. “First, always know your limits…Nobody wants to see you snoozing in an ashtray or sleeping on a blunt,” advises Taback. But since limits aren’t always obvious for casual cannabis users, Emily Resling, Senior Lifestyle Editor at Leafly, has a specific routine she recommends. “Dose low and take it slow. Don’t show off by hitting the weed a bunch up front. You hit, and you chill. It’s much sexier to keep it going all night than to wreck yourself at take off,” Resling recommends. Since many dispensaries offer a variety of cannabis products, such as edibles and concentrates, it’s important to understand the potency each product carries and how long it takes to kick in.
For edibles, drivers note that it usually takes just over an hour for guests to start feeling its effects, while concentrates are best tried for the first time in a private setting. Some guests may even wish to microdose before they embark on a tour. While bringing a sidekick is advised to ensure you don’t break rule number one, at some point, you’re going to need to strike up more than just a match. “Spark up a conversation. Strain comparisons and joint rolling technique are a great way to begin a dialogue” advised Spatz. Since one of the most important aspect of cannabus tours is educating yourself about the industry, speaking with guests is highly encouraged. “Your seatmate might have a strain preference or a favorite terpene. What’s a terpene? Ask! Curiosity is sexy. Being a know-it-all? Not so much,” advises Resling.
Many cannabus tours allow guests to hop on and hop off at their convenience, so picking up snacks and water are a must—though some tours are designed to stop at pizzerias. “Bring sparkling water. If I ever feel too high, or feel great but have dry mouth, sparkling water will put pizzazz back in your banter” suggests Resling.
Experiencing cannabis can be different for everyone, but a pro-tip from Michael Eymer serves as a cautionary tale that tends to hold true time and time again. “Avoid pre-parting with alcohol and leave the edibles for later, as these are typically the substances that lead people to get into a bad way during our experiences,” instructs Eymer.
Mixing and mingling are crucial between humans, but when it comes to alcohol and cannabis, the two don’t always get along. And being woken up or asked to leave by a bus driver, no matter how friendly they are, might be the least romantic way to end the night.