Cannabis Dinner Party Etiquette: A Guest's Guide

You've been invited to a cannabis dinner. Congratulations. Now don't be the guest who eats three infused brownies at 7:05 and spends dessert in the bathroom.

I've cooked a lot of these dinners. Here's what the best guests do.

Adults 21+ only, where cannabis is legal.

Before you go

• Be honest with the host about your experience level. Nobody's judging.
• Eat a normal lunch. Don't arrive starving.
• Arrange your ride home before you leave the house.
• Ask what's expected. Some hosts provide, some ask guests to bring their own legally purchased products.

At the table

• Read the labels. A good host lists the mg per serving.
• Start low. Many newer adults begin at 2.5 to 5 mg.
• Wait. Edibles can take up to two hours. "I don't feel it yet" is not a reason for seconds.
• Skip the alcohol with dosed courses.
• Drink water and eat the non-infused food too. It's probably the best part.

Respect the room

• Never pressure anyone who isn't partaking
• Don't take infused leftovers or goodie bag items home to anyone under 21
• Keep photos of guests off social media unless they say yes
• Don't drive. Not even "just around the corner."

If you overdo it

Tell the host, find a quiet spot, drink water and eat something. Most of the time the answer is rest and time. If you're worried about how someone is doing, get medical help.

Be the guest who gets invited back

Thank the cook. Ask about the food, not just the dose. A great cannabis dinner is a great dinner first. That's my whole philosophy: Cooking With Cannabis: A Chef's Complete Guide.

Hosting one yourself? Start here: How to Host a Cannabis Dinner Party. Want a chef to run it? I cater private dinners, mixers, buffets, cooking classes and any food event, nationwide. See how booking works.

— Chef Matt

21+ only. Cannabis is consumed only where legal. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.