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Tiffany Wedekind

A “puff and paint” event at Tiffany Wedekind’sWanderlust Studio invites guests to mix cannabis with creativity.

Ohio lawmakers are considering modifications to the state’s recreational cannabis law, almost 18 months after voters passed the issue. Yet, legislators messing with a good thing hasn’t stopped area entrepreneurs from integrating marijuana-centric events into the run of their businesses.

If and when Ohio straightens itself out legally, these meticulously crafted experiences can lead to a cultural shift in how we eat, relax and heal, said cannabis-friendly owners interviewed by Scene.

Clevelander Jay Kaye incorporates cannabis into wellness practices at Zen Den studio on St. Clair Avenue, offering “wake and bake” yoga and other events. Marijuana is a natural fit for an ancient art that prizes health, well-being and a deeper body-mind connection, said Kaye.

“It was an organic idea for me – all I did was take my personal practice and turn it into an experience (for others),” Kaye said. “I knew that if I felt this good, and benefitted this much, then my neighbors would, too.”

For veteran imbibers, cannabis promotes well-being, heightens sensory awareness and serves as a mood enhancer, said Kaye. Translating those effects to yoga allows practitioners to become more attuned to their bodies, she added.

Zen Den prioritizes enjoyable movement and mental engagement, meaning you can skip the painful contortions and still have a great class, said Kaye. Sessions are split into two hours – one for smoking and unwinding, the second centered on slow, intentional movement.

“It’s not a bunch of fancy moves,” Kaye said. “There’s hands-on assistance, and you’ll walk away feeling like you got a full-body stretch. It’s for everyday people who need movement and guidance (to come to) a relaxed state.”

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Courtesy Photo

The relaxing effects of marijuana enhance the natural well-being and body-mind connection provided by yoga, Kaye said.

Negative into positive

It was a bad encounter with cannabis that led chef Stacy Primack to fully appreciate its therapeutic value. While at a party, a friend offered Primack marijuana-laced cookies that were far too potent for her usual tolerance.

“I learned how some edibles are lacking in dosing and transparency,” said Primack. “There’s a huge variance in the feeling you get from smoking as compared to eating. That experience highlighted the importance of education and responsible consumption.”

Along with research into marijuana’s effects on chronic illness, the cookie incident led to Primack’s creation of Elevated Fork, a catering and private event company that specializes in cannabis-infused cuisine.

The invite-only dining club curates unique dinners, brunches, cook-outs, tea parties and other events for newbies and established consumers alike. Primack, now residing in Toledo after four years in Cleveland, mostly serves American continental cuisine – a panoply of dishes such as lobster stew or summer squash with fresh ragout.

The long-tenured chef may also mix in an Italian night, or meals that emphasize fruits and vegetables. Ingredients including cannabis are locally sourced – Primack puts a special importance on microdosing dishes with meticulously balanced amounts of THC and CBD.

“I may have an older woman and her grandson, and want them both to have an amazing experience,” Primack said. “But I won’t give them the same dosage. So, I curate menus based on needs and dosage preferences. Everyone should get an even-keel high and still be functional.”

Elevated Fork offers bespoke events throughout northern Ohio – homes, backyards or barns play host a to veritable feast for the senses, said Primack. Violinists playing Metallica, for example, may be accompanied by a small art installation. Upon infusion with cannabis, the dishes develop a terpene aroma that can range from citrusy to earthy and herbal.

“All your senses are exploding – you’re not just eating food and seeing what happens,” said Primack. “There can be lots of things going on, or there can be a quiet event somewhere with comfortable seating and dim lighting. Or I’ll give you a pair of headphones with some light music. I might have a masseuse there to offer massage therapy.”

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James Godwin

“Canna crusader” Tiffany Wedekind hostsmarijuana-friendly events at her Columbus studio, where she also creates jewelry and candles.

A proud ‘canna crusader’
Cannabis is part of the daily wellness regimen for Tiffany Wedekind, owner of Wanderlust Studio in Columbus. A self-described “canna crusader” who goes by the moniker “Tenacious Tiffany,” Wedekind uses marijuana to mitigate cardiovascular and other attendant effects of progeria, a disease that causes her to age at an accelerated pace. Her advocacy includes collaborating with cannabis product provider Ancient Roots on a hash rosin gummy sold at Cleveland dispensaries.

At her studio, Wedekind hosts cannabis-related events alongside her work creating jewelry and candles and showcasing other artists. Marijuana meetups include a showcase of musicians who work in the industry, and a “puff and paint” event where guests enjoy cannabis in between brush strokes.

“I’m also planning a yoga class that will incorporate cannabis,” said Wedekind. “I’m hoping that having more events like this will take away some of the taboo or fear (of cannabis). I wish people would understand that if you’re going to regulate alcohol and tobacco, why wouldn’t you educate yourself about what this is, too? I’ve got a rapid aging disease, and I’ll die on the cannabis hill.”

While also tracking a complex legal landscape, chef Primack purchases cannabis for her business from licensed dispensaries, or even legal home growers at the event site. The fact that only guests receive meeting invitations lends the proceedings a Prohibition-era air of mystery, she said.

Meanwhile, Primack seeks to challenge outdated perceptions of marijuana, a mission that includes bringing industry experts to speak at her dinners.

“These are relatable people,” Primack said. “And you’re coming to a fine dinner with violin players and a nice table setting. I want you to be nourished, informed and more open-minded about cannabis.”

A number of cannabis events throughout Cleveland are publicized by Instagram group thesession216.

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