Event Overview: Mindful Consumption with the Cannabinista
Photo by Vanessa Cassar for Anna Li, The Cannabinista
Mindful Consumption with the Cannabinista was all about approaching cannabis with intention and heart. The event was a thoughtful curation of cannabis experiences, breaking down the different layers of a well-rounded journey.
We kicked things off with Chew and Chill, a workshop designed for intention setting. It gave us a chance to reflect on cannabis use, focusing on the mindful and purposeful aspects.
Then, we dove into the hands-on mocktail creation with Aspire Infusions' SPARK Moonshot. This workshop wasn't just about mixing drinks; it highlighted the creative and social dimensions of cannabis consumption.
Adding a communal touch, the joint rolling session with Humble and Fume brought everyone together for a shared, practical experience.
As the Cannabinista, this event wasn't just about hosting; it was a strategic move to destigmatize cannabis and promote education. The goal was clear: encourage open conversations about cannabis and its responsible integration into personal growth journeys.
This event wasn't just a milestone; it was a step towards a more informed, enlightened, and stigma-free approach to cannabis. Join me as we revisit the vibrant workshops and discussions that unfolded during this groundbreaking event.
How It All Started
Photo by Vanessa Cassar for Anna Li, The Cannabinista
Organizing Mindful Consumption with the Cannabinista within a tight three-month timeframe was a challenging yet rewarding endeavour. Recognizing the need for additional support, I reached out to the Branders’ Brand to collaborate on bringing my vision to life. From the outset, I envisioned a premium experience for my guests. It was crucial to ensure attendees, who would be investing time and money to join from across the Greater Toronto Area, felt they received unparalleled value.
Maintaining an intimate yet sizable event, I capped attendance at 40 people based on the venue size. However, the overwhelming demand and substantial waitlist surprised me, hinting at the potential for even grander events in the future. This initial success underscored the need for immersive experiences centered around mindful cannabis consumption.
The planning process was meticulous and comprehensive. Project documents, budget trackers, to-do lists, and various project management tools were instrumental in mapping out every detail. The focus on securing key sponsors aligned with my values and finding a suitable venue set the foundation for the event's success. Weekly meetings became the norm as we delved into the elaborateness of recipe development, table settings, food selection, invitations, content creation, and the logistical aspects of hiring rentals.
The whole event planning journey really opened my eyes to the diverse world of pulling off a successful shindig. I found myself gaining a deep appreciation for all those behind-the-scenes efforts that often go unnoticed. Trust me, it's the little things that make an event shine.
Leading up to the big day was no walk in the park. The stress was practically palpable. I was in the thick of it, balancing daily social media content creation, client projects, and the nitty-gritty logistics of the event. It demanded a serious level of commitment and some serious multitasking skills.
But you know what? Despite all the challenges, the excitement of creating an extraordinary experience for fellow enthusiasts of mindful cannabis use kept me going. The event's success was a true testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication poured into making it happen. It set the stage for more adventures in the world of top-notch cannabis education experiences.
Show Time
The day of the event was a marathon that began at 5 am and didn't offer a moment of true relaxation until around 11 pm. The physical demands kicked in early, as I found myself transporting goods from my condo to the car and then to the venue—a workout that rivalled my heavy lifting sessions at the gym.
Coordination with various parties was a constant, ensuring the content team was set up for success and troubleshooting issues like a brief disturbance with an upstairs venue blasting heavy music that reverberated through our space. In the nick of time, everything was set up, and guests began arriving slightly early, signalling the commencement of the main event.
Photo of Anna Li, the Cannabinista
Why mindful consumption is so important
Mindful consumption took center stage as I welcomed guests into the venue, emphasizing the importance of setting intentions before engaging in cannabis use. An intention-setting activity with Chew and Chill not only served as an icebreaker but also laid the foundation for a purposeful evening. Together, we took a moment to reflect on why we were choosing to consume cannabis—whether it was to relax, enhance creativity, alleviate anxiety, or any other specific intention. This collective exercise served to seal our intentions as a shared, positive energy for the night.
The Chew and Chill cannabis-infused gummies, carefully curated to be sugar-free and vegan, became more than just a delightful treat. As guests savoured flavours like Mango Tango and Strawberry Kiwi, they were not merely indulging; they were actively participating in intentional consumption. Each gummy bite became a mindful experience, aligning with the individual intentions set earlier in the evening.
Following this thoughtful introduction, the event seamlessly transitioned to the mocktail workshop. Here, I took the opportunity to further emphasize the significance of intentional cannabis use. Guiding guests through the creation of cannabis-infused mocktails featuring Aspire Infusions' SPARK Moonshot, we explored the versatile and water-soluble properties of the product. The workshop wasn't just about mixing drinks; it was a hands-on lesson in curating an experience that aligns with one's intentions.
Two recipes were made during the workshop:
Basically, the evening drove home the point that using cannabis is more than just a recreational thing; it's a personal journey guided by intentions. We made a deliberate effort to set the tone for the night and infused purpose into every aspect. The result? The event turned into a celebration of all the different reasons people turn to cannabis. It created a vibe of mindfulness and intentionality that didn't just stop when the event ended—it stuck around and became a part of our culture.
"Are you Oprah?"
I combined munchies and cannabis education, discussing the products in the gift bags and sharing how I incorporated them into my lifestyle. Guests were in for a surprise as the gift bags, valued at over $300, exceeded expectations. Prizes, including Stundenglass, LEVO, Zenco, and a PAX Pro, added an extra layer of excitement.
Here are some brands guests found on their goodie bags:
HYTN
Wyld
Kronic Relief
Sweet Juice
Manna
Purple Hills
Carmel
uFeelu
Carmel
To wrap up the night, the joint rolling session with Humble and Fume added a fun and communal twist. An expert walked us through the ins and outs of rolling joints, sparking laughter, connections, and a sweet little treat for everyone to enjoy after the event. With a well-rounded and engaging lineup of activities, the event didn't just meet expectations—it went above and beyond. Guests left with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for mindful cannabis consumption.
Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned:
Go All-In with Intent: Planning an event to create a memorable experience is paramount. Recognize that people have limited time in their schedules, so make the event worth their while. Aim to leave a lasting impression that attendees will talk about for weeks, share with their friends, and eagerly anticipate future editions.
Build a Strong Team: The success of any event relies heavily on a well-coordinated team. Having a dedicated group of individuals to assist in both the planning and execution stages is crucial. As the host, focus on engaging with guests and connecting with them on a personal level. A supportive team allows you to navigate logistical challenges while ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
Guest Engagement is Key: The more you engage with guests during the event, the better you understand their connection to your brand and the event's purpose. Actively connecting with attendees not only enhances their experience but also provides valuable insights into what resonates with your audience.
Feedback Matters: Create a post-event survey to gather feedback from attendees. This not only helps in evaluating the success of the event but also provides insights into your guest demographic. To encourage participation, incentivize the survey with exciting prizes, fostering a continuous feedback loop for future improvements.
Details Make a Difference: Small details contribute significantly to the overall guest experience. Thoughtful touches such as cannabis leaves as decor, an elevated bathroom experience with candles and premium soap, and providing guests with the option to dose in their preferred manner all contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable event.
Strategic Seating and Icebreaker Activities: Pay attention to the arrangement of seating, considering the dynamics of solo attendees versus groups. Purposeful seating arrangements encourage conversations and connections. Incorporating icebreaker games focused on common interests adds a layer of engagement, breaking the ice and fostering a sense of community among attendees.
In a nutshell, throwing a great event isn't just about the big moments—it's about nailing the finer details that come together to craft a complete and unforgettable experience. These insights and lessons learned aren't just reflections; they're guideposts for future events. They pave the way for constant improvement, guaranteeing that each gathering is better than the last, making it a win-win for both the host and the attendees.
Conclusion
Looking back, "Mindful Consumption with the Cannabinista" was a total hit, leaving a lasting impression on the lively world of cannabis events. This first venture went above and beyond what I expected, and now I'm officially hooked on the thrill of creating immersive experiences. The crazy demand and the fantastic energy from all the attendees have lit a fire in me to host even more events down the line.
A huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to every guest who played a part in making the event a success and shared in the passion for mindful cannabis use. Your excitement is what keeps the Cannabinista journey going strong. And for those itching to join me on this wild ride, sign up for my newsletter. You'll be the first to know about ticket sales and all things Cannabinista. Let's keep this journey rolling together—exploring, learning, and celebrating the transformative power of mindful cannabis use.
A special thank you to our partners: FIKA, Chew and Chill and Aspire Infusions
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