Christmas is only one day of the year, but winter runs until the middle of March. So, other than getting lit at all the holiday parties, what are some other fun winter activities Canadians enjoy doing while high?
In Canada, some winter activities are as popular as cannabis and have also been around just as long. With almost 3,500 cannabis retailers in Canada there’s not a lot of merch and swag opportunities available to help a brand stand out from one another. However, legal aged consumers do often look for quirky canna-culture gift items.
As a budtender involved in brand marketing, I understand retailers are bottlenecked in regulation on how to target a steady seasonal rush of euphoric customers. Here’s a list of seasonal activities that are accustomed to cannabis culture. The host venues for these events generally don’t have issues with patrons wearing cannabis branded apparel. This offers up an open season invitation to natural branding opportunities beyond the regular cap and gown.
Winter Activities Canadians Enjoy Doing Stoned
Hockey, Curling, Snowboarding, and Skiing
Hockey, curling, snowboarding, and skiing are all fairly high energy winter sports that are popular in Canada. Although the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) permits medically prescribed CBD with zero trace THC for some professional athletes. The recreational form of these activities come with committed wildlings and fans who often sport noise makers, seat cushions, onesies, jerseys, stickers, snow goggles, earmuffs, and ponchos. Slap a logo on that and those participants are walking billboards for their favorite cannabis brands.
In 2019, Wiarton, Ontario, hosted the Bongspiel. Canada’s first cannabis-infused curling bongspiel. Cannabis consumption was permitted in a parking lot across from the curling event center.
First cannabis-infused curling bongspiel in Wiarton, Ontario 2019. | Photo by John Hryniuk for Leafly Canada
Ice Fishing & Snowmobile Poker Derbies
Ice fishing has been around for thousands of years and is a great way to chill out (pun intended). On the other hand, snowmobile poker derbies are a more modern tradition. Both of these activities usually require automobile and ATV operation at some point. Do not operate vehicles, ATV machines or heavy equipment while consuming or after recently consuming cannabis.
Here’s some less common cannabis gift ideas for passengers and partners who get down with the herb. Camouflage anything, aviator sunglasses, pilot hats with ear flaps, lockable scent proof container-coolers, infused recipe books, and hemp fiber sweaters (the uglier, the better for the holidays) with matching socks. All of these items are must-haves for comfort during the winter season and these two activities in particular. So, why not promote your cannabis brand while keeping people cozy?
Snow Sculpting or Building Snow Forts, Quinzi’s & Igloos
Snow sculpting or building snow forts, quinzhees, and igloos can all be referred to as shoveling, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The grievous task leads to a number of heart attacks this time of year. Adult-use participants might be seeking anti-inflammation strains like Chem 91 or other strains high in CBD, CBG, and CBN.
An igloo roasting cannabis | Photo sourced from nunawhaaa.com
Tobogganing, Tubing and Hiking
Tobogganing, tubing, and hiking can require scouting for a safe spot to sesh in the outdoors! Mugs, flags, wristbands, beverage containers, infused cocoa mix, and anything s’mores trend well in these winter activities. Instagram tags from friends deep in the twigs, smoking trees by fireside generates a great social media boost for any brand.
Some Of These Events Can Apply To Their LGCA
Some of these decade-old, licensed events can apply to their Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba for special event status. If approved, they also qualify as a Cannabis Consumption Space. Until then, it’s not uncommon to find shelter in a warm shack or in the back of a capped truck when out on a frozen lake or off in the tundra.
More Content
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BACKWOODS AND HIP-HOP
TERPENES FOR ANXIETY: 3 TERPS IN CANNABIS WITH STRESS-RELIEVING PROPERTIES
RAPPER WEED: WHICH RAPPERS HAVE CANNABIS PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET? WHO ACTUALLY HAS THE FIRE?
18 COMPANIES THAT DON’T DRUG TEST THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR WEED
7 TIPS FOR MARKETING CANNABIS AND CBD ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM
