CleverRoot

3 8 | t h e c l e v e r r o o t AS THE SUN SET over the San Fernando Valley, a young couple exchanged vows in front of friends and family who had flown in from around the world. The bride and groom leaned in for a kiss, the crowd cheered, and as the couple lit a joint, the applause grew even louder, making it clear this was no ordinary wedding. This, in fact, was a cannabis wedding, a trend that's "definitely taking off" in legal states, according to wedding planner Jamie Lee McCormick. In addition to help- ing several brides and grooms incorporate cannabis into their weddings through his L.A.-based company The Flower Daddy, McCormick has showcased his work for cannabis lovers at events like the Can- nabis Wedding Expo; the event, which has popped up in various legal markets in the past two years, showcases cannabis- inspired wedding cakes, caterers, photo booths, floral designers, and more. One increasingly popular feature at cannabis-friendly weddings is the "bud bar," and in the San Fernando Valley, guests of the aforementioned gathering were greeted with a choice of edibles, pre-rolls, and flower. Cannabis leaves, which adorned the wedding cake, were also tastefully incorporated into the floral bouquets and table runners. A CBD bar, meanwhile, introduced the canna-curious to non-psychoactive cannabinoids, while a high-tech vaporizer helped people explore some emerging products. During the reception, there were no signs of awkwardness or discomfort from guests. "All generations of my family now appreciate the uplifting feeling of cannabis," the bride, Serena Baleja, told The Clever Root, and while we didn't see Baleja's grandmother visit the CBD dab bar, almost everyone seemed visibly recep- tive and open-minded. California-based Elevated Engagements, which operated the custom-built bud bar at the wedding, provided custom menus, grinders engraved with the couple's names, and a variety of edible gummies and candies. Their educated staff walked attendees through various consumption methods and dosing with a careful eye for informed con- sumption, especially when assisting novice cannabis consumers. "Making sure everyone is consuming responsibly is key to ensuring that all wedding guests enjoy themselves," co-owner Jackie Plummer said. "We've all been to weddings where guests have con- sumed too much alcohol, and the cannabis experience doesn't need to be like that. I love showing people that they can have just a little and have a really nice time." For those looking to incorporate can- nabis into their weddings, McCormick recommends starting small with a simple joint-rolling station. "It felt very luxury, like having personal sommeliers," said Baleja. "We didn't want to sneak away and hide to have a spliff—we wanted to celebrate the plant we love." As the bride and groom enjoyed pre- rolls from Henry's Original, nibbled on infused coconut macaroons from La Vida Verde, and swapped Champagne for Can- nabis Quencher, guests began to dance and mingle, and save for the occasional presence of cannabis-scented smoke, it felt like any other wedding filled with love and family togetherness. As the evening wore on, we couldn't help but marvel that cannabis has come a long way from a stigmatized item consumed in the shadows to an important centerpiece in one of society's most treasured occasions. CANNABIS TRENDS by Rachel Burkons / photos by Alana You Canna I EXPLORING THE NEWEST TREND IN GREEN STATES: CANNABIS WEDDINGS After sealing their marriage with a kiss, newlyweds Jeff and Serena Baleja lit a ceremonial marriage joint. A bud bar at the wedding reception offered everything from pre-rolls to infused treats. ■cr

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