Florists keen to add a certain multipronged leaf to bouquets, dress makers with a flair for hemp fabric, and pot sommeliers have a new business opportunity in Canada: weddings.
In March, the first Canadian Cannabis Weddings Expo will bring together vendors in Calgary that have one thing in common – the ability to present weed in a classy, discreet and social way.
“I’m a wedding planner and 75 per cent of the time, any of the weddings I’ve planned, there are at least a few people who get together to have cannabis, hidden in the shadows somewhere,” said Laureen Cauryn Cameron, who together with her husband Corey Cameron owns Mary J Brides, and is organizing the expo.
“We want to give couples and families who have cannabis in their lifestyle as a regular thing the opportunity to make it a part of their wedding day in a way that’s authentic to them.”
The couple has a few cannabis weddings already scheduled in the Calgary area this year.
The expo is expected to draw around 35 pot-friendly vendors ranging from retailers to venues to florists to food companies.
“We’re finding that businesses now are jumping on board because they realize with the legalization, there’s whole untapped market,” Mr. Cameron said.
And of course, the rule of the land still reigns. Smoking will only be permitted in areas designated by wedding venues, and any pot purchases must be made by the bride and groom, who must bring corresponding receipts from licensed stores.
“People can have an alcohol bar and a bud bar, if they want. Any event can have a bud bar where there could be pre-rolls, vaporizers that are nice and classy, stylistic bongs,” Mr. Cameron said.
“Eventually when edibles become legal, I’m sure a lot of companies will be showcasing those products too.”