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New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the past and ring in the coming new year. It’s also a time for resolutions and setting goals for what we want to accomplish in the next year! Instead of going out drinking with your friends on New Year’s Eve, though, how about hosting an upscale cannabis event? Cannabis parties are becoming more popular than ever as people discover they can enjoy their favorite herb without any hangover or side effects! You can even enjoy infused foods that will give you an experience like no other! Your guests will be impressed with your upscale cannabis event, and they’ll likely make it a tradition. Why Host a Cannabis Event on New Year’s Eve? Your party will be the talk of the town Hosting a cannabis event on New Year’s Eve is the perfect way to ring in the new year and you’ll wake up hangover-free and ready to start fresh! Plus, your guests will be talking about your party for years to come. You’ll be trending on the sober-curious scene Many people are choosing to explore alcohol-free lifestyles and enjoy letting loose and enjoying parties and social events without being around drunken crowds or having to watch everyone else have fun. As the night goes on, it becomes less fun for the sober folk to enjoy being in a drunken crowd. Offering something non-alcoholic, and thinking about infusing it, solves this and ensures everyone has a great experience! What You Can Expect at a Cannabis Event Cannabis events come with all kinds of treats that you won’t find at your average New Year’s Eve party. For starters, we rent out a canna bar where guests can enjoy cannabis in various forms. From flower to edibles to concentrates, there’s something for everyone! We have perfected infused drinks, canna-laden desserts, vape, smoked drinks, and more! Whether you and your guests prefer to take a hit the traditional way or try something new, we have you covered! Tips for Enjoying Public Consumption Without Overdoing It Ask Our Expert Budtenders for Tips If you’re new to cannabis, don’t worry! We know that not everyone is familiar with cannabis, and our goal is to create an upscale experience that will impress your guests without making anyone feel uncomfortable about not having experience with social use. We’ll help you choose the right strains and dosage for your event so that everyone can enjoy themselves without any worries! Depending on what you choose to offer to your guests, you may be providing new experiences or ways to consume canna. Be sure to let your guests know to use our budtenders and staff as resources and that they expect (and welcome) questions! Go Slow and Steady Starting the evening out slow and consuming steadily throughout the night is the best way to control your high. Cannabis hits your system at different speeds, depending on how you’re using it, what canna products you’re enjoying, your metabolism, and your tolerance. For some people, cannabis will take an hour or two to take effect fully, and loading up before waiting for the high can make for an uncomfortable high later. Go slow and wait to see how you react before using more. Why Plan Your New Year’s Cannabis Party with High-Minded Events? HME takes care of the details If you’re interested in hosting a cannabis party, the first step is to contact High-Minded Events. We’ll work with you to plan every detail of your event, so it’s perfect for your guests. From canna bars and vape stations to infused menus and dinners, we’ve got you covered! We are experts in the cannabis party planning space High Minded Events has combined decades of experience in the upscale party and event planning industry. We are also experts in cannabis consumption and preparation. We have great relationships with vendors, dispensaries, chefs, and event staff. Contact us today!

Whether you’re looking to try something new or you’re already passionate about cannabis, budtending in Chicago may be the perfect job for you. Cannabis events have become wildly popular over the past couple of years, and that means that event planners and companies are looking for knowledgeable budtenders to serve their events. If you’re interested in helping people find what they need or want from cannabis or you’re already passionate about cannabis and its effects read on to learn more about becoming a budtender at Chicago cannabis events and parties. What Is a Budtender? A budtender is someone who serves cannabis products to customers. In most cannabis dispensaries, budtenders will help customers with their selection, give advice about marijuana options, and answer any questions they may have. They’re also responsible for serving products directly to customers and helping them understand how they can use those products safely. In an event setting a budtender serves canna-infused drinks, edibles, vape, flower, and other offerings. This is a little different than bartending in that most are familiar with alcohol and the effects or taste of wine, beer, or hard liquor. At canna dinner parties or cannabis events, guests may not know much about cannabis, so your job is more involved. In addition to teaching about different strains and products, you also help guests decide what to consume to either relax or let loose, and how much to use so they can enjoy the event without getting uncomfortably high. What Do I Need to Know Before Getting Started? In Illinois, cannabis is only legal for consumers over 21 and only on private property. At High-Minded Events we do not provide cannabis products to our clients. Instead, we plan out menus and offerings. We then provide a list of what to buy, how much is needed for the event, and reputable dispensaries to buy from. Budtenders in Illinois need a state license to dispense cannabis products. The regulations and licensing requirements can change, so it’s best to read up on the most current requirements here . What Kind of Events Would I Work as a Budtender? There are many kinds of events and venues where you could serve at as a budtender. First, think about what kind of events you’d like to work. High Minded Events specializes in upscale and high-end events, dinner parties , and weddings. No matter what kind of atmosphere or event type you’d like to work in, you will need to be thoroughly educated about the products and concoctions on the menu or on tap. You will also need be able to communicate well with people from many different backgrounds. Are There Any Training Programs Available That Will Help Me Prepare? Luckily, there are! Online programs are popping up every day and hands-on training from responsible dispensaries is also available. Courses may vary in tone or intensity, but all courses in Illinois must follow a syllabus and training program approved by the state. We have some exciting news coming early next year about how to get certified as a budtender! Follow us on Instagram or Linked In to learn about this exciting opportunity! Benefits of Being a Budtender There are many great perks that come with being a budtender! Bartending has always been a profitable job, especially for those working in upscale or popular venues. Budtending is no different, and the financial rewards can be great! On top of the financial perks, working as a budtender means meeting new people, helping guests learn about cannabis, and being involved with fun events and parties. Next Steps If you are interested in becoming a budtender or would like more information, please email us with your resume. For more information about cannabis events and news in Chicago, sign up for our newsletter or follow us online!

Switch up your pumpkin spice latte for a drink that will have you feeling the Fall vibes in a whole new way! Are you sober curious ? Cannabis cocktails or CBD drinks can be a new way to enjoy a party or dinner without feeling like you are missing out. It’s Fall in Chicago, and we are here for it! We have been serving up our Fall and Winter drinks at events and parties. What could be better than a fun seasonal drink with no hangover? Canna infused drinks are a great alternative to mixers loaded with alcohol. Socializing with alcohol can be fun, but replacing with cannabis can be a great time, without regretting it the next day. Be Your Own Budtender with Hangover-Free Fall Drinks Chicago has a robust alcohol-free social scene, with more people choosing to leave the cork in the bottle. If you are hosting an event, having options for guests who don’t drink is always appreciated. High-Minded Events has perfected some of your Fall favorites, and even several new drinks that will have you loving the cooler weather menu. Our Canna Bar is available for rent for parties and events, and these drinks would be a unique offering for your guests! Check out our event information if you would like to book an event. Staying in? Try your hand at mixing up canna concoctions at home! Cannabis Mocktail Recipes, Fall Drinks Edition Spiced Apple Mule An apple a day? Try our delicious alcohol-free, infused Spiced Apple Mule. (Beta-Caryophyllene, Alpha-Farnesene) .5 OZ Apple-Ginger Syrup .5 OZ Holiday Spiced Syrup 1.5 OZ Apple Cider .75 Lemon Juice 2.5 MG Vanilla Surp 4 OZ Ginger Beer Garnish: Apple Slice Pairs well with a bonfire night with the soccer moms. Hot Toddy Mocktail A citrus and spice mocktail to warm you up on cooler nights. (Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Myrcene) 1 OZ Holiday Spiced Syrup .5 OZ Turmeric-Cardamom Syrup 2 Bags Orange-Spiced Tea .5 OZ Citrus Seedlip .5 OZ Lemon Juice Dash Angostura Bitters 2.5MG Infused Honey Garnish: Blood Orange Slice Pairs well with a restorative night in under heavy quilts, with a good book. Golden Latte Our golden latte is a little bit extra, and that’s the only way we want it. If it sounds like a rich, warm, honey-laden dream, that’s because it is. (Terpinolene, Myrcene, Linalool, Beta-Caryophyllene) 1.5 OZ Turmeric-Cardamom Syrup 2 OZ Plant Based Milk 3 OZ Chai Tea 2.5 MG Infused Honey Pairs well with a lazy night in bed, streaming documentaries. Winter Sangria You won’t miss the wine in this Winter Sangria. This is a seasonal drink with serious personality. Bubbly and bright with just enough spice. (Alpha Pinene, Myrcene, Terpinolene, Limonene) 1 OZ Holiday Spiced Syrup .5 OZ Turmeric-Cardamom Syrup .5 OZ Citrus Seedlip 3 OZ Cranberry Juice 2 OZ Sparkling Grape Juice 2.5 MG Orange Tonic Garnish: Blood Orange Slice, Cranberries Pairs well with the Type A colleague you become best friends with at the office holiday party. Elderberry Fizz This Elderberry Fizz is loaded with flavor and packed with antioxidants. (Limonene and p-cymene, Alpha-Pinene, Ocimene) .5 OZ Holiday Spiced Syrup 1 OZ Rosemary Syrup .75 OZ Lemon Juice 2 OZ Elderberry Juice 3 OZ Soda Water 2.5 MG Pomegranate Tonic Garnish: Tarragon Spring Pairs well with a flannel blanket on the porch swing on a sunny Autumn afternoon. Citrus Digestif Sip this this fresh citrus and herb mocktail with just enough lemon and bubbles to start your day with a little lift. (Limonene, Myrcene,) 1 OZ Turmeric-Cardamom Syrup .5 OZ Herbal Seedlip 1 OZ Orange Juice .5 OZ Lemon Juice 3 OZ Soda Water 2.5MG Orange or lime Tonic Garnish: Lemon Slice Pairs well with a relaxed Saturday morning spent binge buying houseplants at the Farmer’s Market. Rosemary-Ginger Sparkler Flavor bomb your day with this bold Rosemary-Ginger Sparkler. (Alpha-Pinene, Alpha-Farnesene, Limonene) 1 OZ Rosemary Syrup .5 OZ Apple- Ginger Syrup 1 OZ Blood Orange Juice 2 OZ Sparkling Apple Cider 2 OZ Soda Water 2.5 MG Orange Tonic Garnish: Dash Bitters, Orange Slice Pairs well with bougie cheese and crackers on blanket at the park. Do you want to host dinner and drinks with cannabis? Host a cannabis dinner, party, or event! Contact us to see what we have available for the Fall and Winter months. With over two decades of combined experience in the event and hospitality industry, we have made connections with the top chefs and caterers in the city. We also refer you to the most reputable legal cannabis suppliers in the Chicago area. Let us show you how cannabis can enhance your party and wow your guests.

Why should you use cannabis socially and offer your guests canna consumption at social events? Cannabis is a fantastic addition to any social gathering or event. For many, it’s also a great alternative to alcohol. Social use of alcohol is so common it’s become expected at any event. While socializing with alcohol can be fun, there are also many drawbacks to regular drinking. Having a busy social calendar and event schedule often means having a taxed liver and perpetual headache. At High-Minded Events we are experts in cannabis event planning and regularly see the benefits of serving canna at social gatherings and parties. From intimate backyard dinners to large-scale events, the pros of social cannabis consumption are clear. Read on to learn more about social cannabis use. Unique Benefits to Social Consumption No hangover necessary Parties are fun and events are exciting, but hangovers are awful! When your social calendar is filled with work and leisure events, all involving alcohol, the effects start to add up. The hangover from a couple of mixed drinks or a few glasses of wine can range from annoying to debilitating. It’s nice to have a social lubricant, especially at a party. However, if you are regularly socializing, the alcohol takes a toll. Responsible social consumption of cannabis can save you from the inevitable hangover that follows a night out. At High-Minded Events, we have seen our infused dinners and cannabis bars help guests relax and enjoy their night, with no alcohol on board and no hangover required. Have regret-free fun in any crowd We all love a party, but let’s face it, most of us have had one too many glasses of wine in a social situation. Overindulging with alcohol can inspire bad decision-making, awkward Mondays in the office, and uncomfortable conversations. Cannabis is a mellow alternative to alcohol and rarely lowers inhibitions enough to be embarrassing. With proper dosing and responsible consumption, social cannabis use can inspire drama-free, safe fun for yourself and your guests. As a top cannabis event planner, High Minded Events can help you find the best cannabis products and dosing to ensure a fabulous time without the social gaffes and incapacitated attendees. Check out our very own Mindy Moore dancing the night away at a cannabis event! https://video.wixstatic.com/video/1236eb_7546e08869fd405c8d36f07b2f22af20/480p/mp4/file.mp4 Inclusive fun without awkward excuses Many people are living an alcohol-free lifestyle . Some are bored with booze and some would rather not have to explain themselves, thank you very much! There are so many reasons people may choose not to drink. For many regulars on the social scene, this can lead to awkward conversations defending why they are choosing not to drink. While it may seem odd that this is a concern among adults, it is! In fact, it is something newly sober people worry about and bring up frequently. No one wants to explain their personal choices, health history, medication interactions, or reasons for cutting back on alcohol to others on a fun night out. Having a cannabis-infused event or offering guests social cannabis consumption at your next dinner can provide a fun alternative to alcohol for those who choose to partake. Intrigued? The social consumption of cannabis is a newer development in the Chicago event industry. If you haven’t considered hosting or attending a cannabis event reach out to us so we can share our expertise, ideas, and experience! We have over 25 years of combined experience in the event and hospitality industry, and connections to the top chefs and most reputable cannabis suppliers in the Chicago area. Let us show you how social consumption can take your gatherings and events to the next level!

Throw the party everyone wants an invite to when you plan a cannabis dinner with High-Minded Events. In this post, we’ll familiarize you with the cannabis dinner event, a.k.a., the infused dinner experience. Chicago is a city to watch on the cannabis dining scene and at High-minded Events we’ve been perfecting the upscale cannabis social event so you can host a party everyone will be talking about. Read on to find out how you can host a dinner event to rave about. Cool things to know about Chicago’s hottest dinner party trend 1. It’s a new way to shake up your cocktail hour We’ve all small-talked our way through mixers and cocktail hours, now you can give your guests a novel experience and introduce them to new and sophisticated ways to consume canna. We offer a cannabis bar and modern ways to use canna that will impress your guests and get them talking. Your guests will have the best contemporary and classic canna offerings available from infused appetizers, meals, and desserts to smokeless sipping vapors. Our cannabis bar is one of the most popular additions to dinner parties and events. 2. Education can be entertaining Canna dinners are a relatively recent addition to the social scene and will be a new experience for many guests. There are strains and products to inspire different moods and highs, and our educators will recommend dosing and explain the product selection to help attendees make informed decisions. Whether you have a classic smoke bar in addition to your regular party or are dosing your entire meal, your guests will have all the information they need to have a good time, consume responsibly, and choose what they want to consume to have the best experience. 3. Sober curious? We’ve got that covered, too. The demand for mocktails and alcohol-free options for the sober curious crowd is at an all-time high and our bar has a wide array of options for your alcohol-free needs. This is a great way to entertain, provide libations, and have an option for people who enjoy events and dinners but decline the drinks. This may seem like an unintended benefit, but it is becoming more mainstream for those who love socializing and don’t drink alcohol. Impress your dinner guests with your inclusive menu options and fun atmosphere. 4. Dosing for every delicious dish We can help you find the perfect menu, dosing, and pairings for your party. Cannabis is a surprisingly versatile ingredient that makes the options for your menu diverse and exciting. We have relationships with executive chefs and catering companies around the Chicago area and across the US. If you are using your own catering service or chef, we can consult with them to provide the info and ingredient list needed to dose any dinner items you’re offering. Dosing must be done with your guests in mind to ensure a good time without consuming too much cannabis. The chefs we work with understand proper dosing and preparation, in addition to their excellent culinary skills. 5. We provide the shopping list Due to local legislation, High-Minded Events cannot provide you with the cannabis products needed for your event. Rather, like many other event planners, we have established relationships with reputable vendors to provide a wide range of high-quality products. Once we have established your plan and menu, we will provide you with the recommended product list, vendors, and details you need to purchase cannabis for your dinner party. We will ensure that no detail is overlooked and that you have everything you need to execute an enjoyable and sophisticated cannabis event. Ready to plan the perfect infused dinner party? Cannabis dinner events are the hottest trend on the Chicago social scene. Host an upscale party with exciting ways to consume cannabis. The emerging products and ingredients make for endless options to impress your guest list. Plan a night that everyone will be talking about! Contact us at High-Minded Events to set up a consultation. We can’t wait to work with you on your next dinner party!

Pride Month celebrations are over until 2022. But one 2021 Pride Month celebration will go down in history as the first one to celebrate open cannabis consumption! Higher Love Pride Tea Dance, an event hosted by High-Minded Events, was the first event of its kind. Here’s what you need to know about the 2021 Tea Dance and what it means for the future of Pride. The Event The Higher Love Pride Tea Dance was a revolutionary, city-compliant cannabis event held in Chicago on June 27, 2021. The goal was to host a celebratory event that encouraged the safe and fun use of cannabis for adults in attendance. Guests were able to enjoy cannabis in a social setting that was fully compliant with Illinois’ current Cannabis regulation and tax act. It was a great opportunity to show the state of Illinois and city of Chicago that cannabis is a safe, enjoyable addition to public events. The success of the dance will hopefully open up future opportunities for similar types of events that help bring cannabis experiences to the masses – not only in Chicago, but in other cities around the world! The Experience The Higher Love Pride Tea Dance hosted a number of booths and experiences to create a fun, exciting atmosphere. The event, which hopefully will be brought back again in coming years, had: DJ, music, and dancing Samples of cannabis products (including tinctures, smokable products, and more) Food and product vendors City-compliant cannabis usage Drag queens, rainbows, and more! The Sponsors Because Higher Love Pride Tea Dance was a cannabis-centered event, several cannabis-related sponsors were needed – and they came through with some amazing and innovative products! Some of the products that helped make this historical event possible included: VapeXhale . VapeXhale provides the perfect aromatherapy cannabis experience and was a hit among attendees! Stundenglass and GPen Connect . Both easy to use and easy to understand, these cannabis devices are a perfect fit for an enjoyable, cannabis-inclusive celebration. Bello . Bello is an on-tap vapor that allows you to enjoy cannabis consumption socially, safely, and hygienically. It’s very similar to how you would enjoy a beverage on tap, but instead, you can choose from different types of vapor! You Can Make History with High-Minded Events! Thanks to High-Minded Events and sponsors, the Higher Love Pride Tea Dance will go down in history as the first event of its kind. To create your own history-making, cannabis-inclusive event, contact High-Minded Events and book a consultation today! Photos from the Higher Love event below!

Elevate Your Event Menu with Cannabis Infusions Adding cannabis to an event menu requires preparation most event planners aren’t equipped to handle. Edible cannabis has delayed results increasing the likelihood of guests overindulging. Everyone has an edible story; they take a reasonable dose, waited an hour, and increase the dosage after not feeling the effects. Dosing is the most challenging part of consuming edible cannabis. An event planner is responsible for creating a social atmosphere where guests feel the effects of the infusions but aren’t so high they forget their names. With proper preparation and an understanding of edible cannabis consumption, infusing your wedding or event menu can create a unique experience your guests will be raving about for years to come. Cannabis Infusions 101 Edible THC products are metabolized by our bodies much differently than other delivery methods. A user has control over how much smoke they inhale, and because the effects are nearly instantaneous, they have the luxury of tapping out. Eating THC products is a different story. The taste is masked in most cases and the effects are delayed sometimes up to 2 hours after consumption. These two factors create the perfect circumstances for users to consume too much for comfort. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic dosage achieving the perfect high for all guests. A 10mg dose is going to affect one person much differently than another. Our bodies are complex and metabolize compounds differently. These factors are too complicated to manage on the fly, so event planners have to err on the side of underdosing the guests. Preparation When preparing an infused menu, you want to provide guests with micro-dosing opportunities early on in the meal. Having clear communication between the kitchen, wait staff, and guests is imperative. We recommend delivering a total of 10mg of THC for the entire meal. All other infusions, like drinks and deserts, contain a small dose of up to 5mg per serving. An infused menu shouldn’t result in guests getting too high they aren’t able to function. Also, you want guests to feel the effects during the celebration, particularly when it’s time to hit the dance floor. Build your infused menu with the intent of getting the guests the majority of their dose as early on as possible so they can enjoy the effects during the event. Creating a Cannabis-Infused Menu The perfect infused event or wedding menu includes options for every person in attendance. You must consider the edible veterans that dose every day, the casual cannabis user, first-timers, and people who aren’t interested in taking an edible at an event. Consuming the entire infused menu shouldn’t be overwhelming for casual or first-time users. A 10mg dose is enough to feel the effects but won’t have guests hallucinating. A successful infused menu also gives options to cannabis connoisseurs who need a much higher dose to feel the effects. With careful planning and an array of options, achieving the perfect menu that will accommodate all guests is possible. Appetizers and Salads Only infusing the first dishes is a strategy that will ensure your guests will experience the effects of THC during the celebration. A 5mg dose in the salad dressing or one of the appetizers can get the majority of the dose into the guest’s system early on. After the salad and appetizers, the menu can switch over to only cannabis-free options. If you are looking for a more complete infused menu, with options throughout the entire meal, it is still wise to deliver the majority of the dosage in the salad or appetizer. Infused Drinks Adding an infused drink option to the menu is easily done through simple syrup or honey. Having an infused simple syrup gives guests the option to add cannabis to most cocktails. We recommend a low-dose syrup that delivers 2-5mg for every 2 ounces. Drink infusions give frequent cannabis users the option to add to their dose throughout the night. Main Courses The best option for infusing the main course is through a side sauce. Guests who don’t want any cannabis can request a sauce that won’t get them high, and guests who desire to increase their dose can add more to their meal. Featured Flavor Dishes Infused sauce, salad dressing, and simple syrups will accomplish the psychoactive effects of THC, but the flavor is masked. To elevate the cannabis theme of the menu, add cannabis concentrates to one or multiple dishes. Cannabis extracts are available in oils that feature all aspects of the plant, including other compounds and their earthy flavors. Incorporating cannabis-infused oil into the dish will be a hit for the cannabis connoisseurs at the party. We have found that tuna tartar with avocado-infused cannabis oil is the perfect dish for guests wanting a comprehensive cannabis experience. Dessert Infusions Adding a few cute, infused desserts is a perfect way to top off the guest’s total dosage (who won’t be driving home) for the night. Edible chocolates, cookies, or even an infused chocolate fountain available at the end of the night will certainly be a crowd-pleaser. Infused desserts are one of the most popular types of edibles. Challenges of Infusing Your Menu Adding cannabis to an event is challenging. First, you must have approval from the venue to give guests cannabis products. Each state has different regulations in place. We recommend getting advice from someone who has experience dealing with local laws and venues before moving forward with infusing your wedding menu. Cannabis is still new to many people. A wedding or event will have an assortment of people with varied knowledge regarding cannabis edibles. Be sure to be as transparent as possible with dosage and what foods are infused and which ones aren’t. Communication with the waitstaff, bartenders, kitchen, and event management is essential in delivering a positive experience for every guest. Timing is everything with cannabis edibles. We recommend dosing low and early. No one wants to deal with someone who ate too much THC or an edible unknowingly. Get Help with Chicago’s Cannabis Event Service Company – High Minded Events As the premier cannabis event service company in Chicago, we have the knowledge and capability to infuse wedding menus. Adding cannabis to a wedding can create a unique, unforgettable celebration when done properly. Contact us today to learn how we can transform your wedding into an infused cannabis experience.

“No touching” dances, Fire Island, Stonewall Inn, and Greenwich Village: How the high society tea dance became an iconic piece of gay history. A quick search of Stonewall from ,www.brittanica.com summarizes the Stonewall Riots as a “series of violent confrontations that began in the early hours of June 28, 1969, between police and gay rights activists outside the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City . As the riots progressed, an international gay rights movement was born.” In 1969, the Stonewall Inn was one of the few places where gay and lesbian patrons could socialize in relative peace despite the near-constant barrage of police raids. But, on June 28, 1969, the bar patrons had had enough and decided to fight back. The riots lasted 6 days and served as a catalyst for the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ people everywhere. The Stonewall riots also played a role in revolutionizing the traditional tea dance from high society to the more grounded working-class phenomenon well known during the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Check out this NY Post article for a detailed history of the Stonewall Inn Sunday tea dances were a weekly highlight for the high society social scene from the late 1800s to WW1 as the late afternoon tea service was quite popular. These social melees included an appropriate place for single women and men to meet and socialize. These types of social clubs eventually petered out in the ’50s. Gay people were still very closeted in the ’50’s due, in large part, to the asinine laws that forbid men dancing with men, women dancing with women, and knowingly selling alcohol to homosexuals, but found some respite in the speakeasies and underground social bars. Should a raid happen on one of these establishments, men and women could quickly pair up as a mixed couple to avoid arrest. About a decade later, the tea dance had taken over Cherry Grove on Fire Island in Suffolk County, New York. As it was still illegal to sell alcohol to known homosexuals, many venues did not have alcohol licenses and promoted the afternoon dance as a way to avoid attention. Holding them during the day also allowed New Yorkers to catch the last ferry home. By the late ’60s, tea dances were held as many as 7 days a week. Source The Suffolk Police Department constantly raided venues on Fire Island searching for same-sex dancers. There are stories told of gay men being chained to poles as the local police used these raids as a way to meet their monthly arrest quotas. Post Stonewall riots, the sense of freedom from a hard-earned step up in equality for gay people everywhere was evident all over New York City. At the same time, disco music was burgeoning and found a strong base in nightclubs all over America. This prompted the tea dance to migrate and morph as it made its way to the streets of Greenwich Village. While the Fire Island dances were designed for rich upper-middle-class gays, the downtown gays of Greenwich Village and the surrounding neighborhoods sought to break down the formality and stiffness of the afternoon tea dance. This working-class facet of the gay community sought to reject the more feminine version of the event and co-opted the “tea” into “t” representing a fashion shift to the t-shirt and denim look of the mid-’70s. The timing of the dances was also pushed back to nighttime as disco overtook dance clubs all over the world. The tea dance has waned in popularity as many of the laws requiring it to exist have been reversed over the decades. But, join us on Sunday, June 27th as we revive the tea dance to celebrate cannabis and Pride 52 years after the Stonewall riots. Consume cannabis openly and safely at our Pride tea dance held from 2-6pm. For more information or book a cannabis event, email us at phil@highmindedevents.com or visit us at www.highmindedevents.com

As cannabis regulations around the country are relaxed or removed, a new emerging wedding trend is to incorporate cannabis as part of the wedding festivities. From the engagement party to the honeymoon, we cover some of the most fun and innovative ways to include cannabis as part of your upcoming celebrations. Cannabis and Canvas Bachelorettes are discovering the fun and excitement of a Cannabis and Canvas bridal shower or bachelorette party. Set up an edible or vape bar and educate your shower guests on the different ways to responsibly consume cannabis. Offer CBD cocktails at the beginning to help assuage any nerves for first-time users. Guests will paint or sketch a unique piece giving them a fun outlet to express their creativity. With a completed canvas and an introduction to cannabis, your guest won’t soon forget your shower or party. PRO TIP: If you start to experience anxiety or paranoia from THC, ingest CBD. The CBD will neutralize the anxiety and paranoia allowing you to comfortably experience and enjoy THC. Flower & Flowers Hosting a floral arranging party is another great way to experience and safely consume cannabis! Hire a pro to teach the basics of flowers and to help your guests make their own arrangements. Offer butcher paper and twine for them to turn their bundle into a lovely takeaway gift. Include a flower and vape bar as a lovely way to elevate the experience without alcohol. Mix & Sip: Mocktology Class Cannabis certainly doesn’t need to be eaten or smoked to be consumed. Learn how to use popular THC syrups and tonics with more traditional cocktail mix-ins to create mocktails to die for. Smoked cocktails are all the rage at the moment and using THC vapor to smoke the ingredients is a stunning way to wow your guests. Meditation, Yoga, and Mari Jane Weddings can be stressful. Book a meditation, yoga, and mari jane experience to bring back the peace and calm you should be feeling as you embark on the rest of your life. Your guests will enjoy the quiet time as they ready their bodies and minds for the fun ahead. Wedding Reception Canna Bar The stigma surrounding cannabis consumption is rapidly evaporating, making this an ideal time to incorporate a little bit bud into your special day. Personalized pre-rolls in a cute package make lovely hostess favors. You can infuse cannabis into some of the food items as well. Smoked egg yolks, dressings with oils, and bite-sized treats using infused butter are just a few ways to use cannabis in your menu. PRO TIP: Make sure to make it very clear to your guests that the dish is infused and provide ample dosing and ingredient information so your guests can make an informed decision. Hosting a vape and flower bar alongside a traditional bar offers a unique opportunity for non-drinking guests to engage in the festivities without the associated hangovers. Using our Vapexhale and Bello instruments guarantees the smell won’t bother non-users and is a sanitary way to allow guests to sample multiple strains from your bar. Our budtenders are educated and professional in teaching newbies and pros alike about the contents and usage. Morning After Brunch Who wants to deal with the morning after wedding hangover? Offer your guests some THC treats via baked goods, edible bar, or pre-rolls. Baked goods make great carriers for cannabinoids and mask the flavor for some of your new-to-cannabis guests. PRO TIP: THC and CBD are great for treating hangovers. As cannabis inches its way toward full acceptance, finding ways to implement it into your wedding plans makes for a fun, engaging, and safe way to integrate cannabis into your event. Surprise and delight your guests with our fun ideas for incorporating cannabis into your upcoming nuptials. For more information on these event experiences or to discuss other ways to infuse cannabis into your event, contact us at phil@highmindedevents.com or click here.