The coronavirus pandemic is thankfully winding down and restrictions across the country are lifting, including in your Fort Collins dispensary. For example, you may have noticed that you don’t have to have your temperature taken anymore before entering the store. This is great news as more people are getting vaccinated, and it means that smoke sessions with your friends can be a thing again.
But does that mean you should go back to your pre-pandemic social smoking habits? Not necessarily. If the idea of sharing a joint with someone you just met freaks you out a little now, you’re not alone. Here are some ways to make post-pandemic pot parties with your friends safer and more enjoyable.
BYOJ
Bring-Your-Own-Joint get-togethers are no longer the party foul they used to be before COVID-19. If you’re inviting friends over, let them know ahead of time if they’re expected to bring their own stash or smoking apparatus. Or, everyone can put in a nug or a few bucks, and you can roll a personal joint for each person who chipped in. BYOJ can also be bring-your-own-pipe, bring-your-own-bong, or bring-your-own-weed. After COVID-19, your stoner friends are going to be more excited about having a proper smoke sesh again than they’ll be worried about who has to bring what. Make it clear that guests should come prepared with their own whatever, and you should be good to go.
Grab a Box of Alcohol Wipes
Chances are, you already have rubbing alcohol stashed away to clean your pipes and other smoking or dabbing accessories. If you’re going to have people over, however, consider buying a box of easy-to-use alcohol wipes that you can put in a bowl on the table. People can grab them to sanitize the mouthpiece of a pipe or bong if they are puffing and passing.
Ask Guests to Wear Masks When Not Smoking or Eating
One thing science has learned about the coronavirus is that masks and reduced exposure time help curtail its spread. Ask your guests to wear masks at your place when they’re not actively smoking or eating to reduce the risk of transmission if anyone is carrying the virus at your party, particularly if guests will be indoors most of the time. If you are able to, hosting your get-together outdoors would be ideal and according to new CDC guidelines, vaccinated individuals can choose not to wear masks outdoors.
Mind the Coughing
Every seasoned stoner knows you cough to get off, but in the era of COVID-19, coughing wildly into the air after a big hit may be seen as just as much of a faux pas as bogarting. It may be difficult to navigate coughing at a stoner session, but getting creative with ideas to help protect you and your guests can be worthwhile. Consider having a smoking room with social distancing, or have people go outside to smoke before coming back in to enjoy the party. Most stoners are accommodating and won’t have an issue as long as it’s clear, so there’s no confusion.
Ask Your Guests If They’re Sick or Have Been Exposed
The day before or the day of your party, send a quick message to guests to ask them if they aren’t feeling well or if they’ve been exposed to anyone with the coronavirus or who was waiting for the results of a coronavirus test. You don’t have to get too invasive, but let guests know if they’re at risk, they should stay home. Consider putting together a small “sorry you’re going to miss the party” basket with an edible, a joint, and some candies or other snacks. Drop them off quickly (at a distance!) to anyone needing to stay home prior to the shindig, so they feel less like they’re missing out — and less encouraged to come anyway.
Have Hand Sanitizer and Soap Readily Available
Do your dishes and clean your bathroom, so guests have a place to wash their hands with soap and warm water when they arrive at your place and throughout their stay. You could also place a few bottles of hand sanitizer around to make it easier for guests to absentmindedly grab a squirt as they meander around. Even if you don’t want to be overbearing about safety, this is a great way to quietly encourage your guests to practice good hygiene. You can also have disposable masks on hand for anyone that doesn’t have their own.
Finally, Enjoy!
If you’ve taken as many precautions as you can, the only thing left to do now is visit your nearest Fort Collins dispensary now to stock up for your first (or next) post-pandemic smokeout! Have fun enjoying an activity sorely missed by stoners around the globe, even if it is a bit modified from the way things used to be.