Mindful Smoking, A New Way to Indulge
In January we cohosted a workshop and conversation with Lauren Yoshiko, cannabis journalist and author of Green Scenes, a travel guide for the weed-inclined in the US. The event was facilitated by Soho House Portland as part of their Week of Wellness to kick off the New Year. Our topic of conversation: Functional Recreation, or in other words, mindful indulgence.
Attendees found their seats adorned with loaded gift bags courtesy of The Flower Pot, with rolling supplies provided by Yew Yew, Sackville and Barbari. On the tables, an assortment of herbal smoking blends and Oregon hemp provided by Pilot Farms. Guests engaged with each other while keeping their hands occupied rolling herbal spliffs and hemp joints. I sat down with Lauren Yoshiko to fill the air with a conversation about “functional recreation” and a brief pulse check on the state of the cannabis industry in 2025.
WHAT IS "FUNCTIONAL RECREATION"?
Perhaps the fraternal twin of “functional wellness”, functional recreation is an approach to enjoying vice and intoxicants, like cannabis, psychedelics, and alcohol, with intention and mindfulness. It’s about being in conversation with yourself and your desired experience, setting boundaries, and enjoying the social, emotional, or mental benefits of recreational substances in a manner that minimizes any unwanted side-effects or consequences.
HOW DO BARBARI PRODUCTS SUPPORT "FUNCTIONAL RECREATION"?
Our herbal spliffs and smoking blends were born from two desires: 1. to enjoy a joint without getting so stoned that it impacted our to-do list for the rest of the day and 2. to find a tobacco alternative to cut the potency of our spliff.
Innate in the product development was a desire for more control over the recreational experience, the impact it had on our lifestyle and wellness in the longterm, and immediately after a sesh. The herbal blends leverage the same terpene science that is present in cannabis strains and offers what is essentially a “mixer” for the cocktail, so that you can enjoy an entire joint, or bowl, without consuming enough THC to derail your day.
BRINGING FUNCTIONAL RECREATION INTO PRACTICE
Throughout the afternoon, the concept of "functional recreation" came to life through both conversation and hands-on experience. As guests experimented with blending hemp with our botanical smoking blends, they explored firsthand how subtle shifts in ingredients could transform the experience of smoking—whether to soften the intensity of cannabis, enhance relaxation, or simply savor a flavorful and nicotine-free ritual. Lauren Yoshiko also shared insights from her career documenting cannabis culture, highlighting the evolving ways people across the U.S. are redefining their relationship with recreational substances (to follow Lauren's ongoing reporting, subscribe to her Substack HERE).
Whether it’s microdosing THC to enhance creativity, choosing low/no alcohol cocktails, or swapping tobacco for botanical spliffs, the movement toward mindful indulgence is growing. Guests reflected on their own rituals, sharing how they incorporate cannabis and other plant allies into their daily lives with balance and intention.
LOOKING AHEAD
This event was more than just a conversation—it was a glimpse into the future of recreational culture. As the industry shifts toward greater personalization and intentional use, we’re excited to continue pushing the conversation forward. Functional recreation isn’t about restriction—it’s about curating your experience, so that cannabis and other plant-based allies enhance your life without overpowering it.
We’re deeply grateful to Lauren Yoshiko, Soho House Portland, Pilot Farm, Yew Yew, Sackville, and The Flower Pot for helping us create an afternoon of education, connection, and elevated smoking rituals. If you joined us, we hope you walked away inspired to own your elevation—on your terms. And if you missed it, stay tuned for more events where we’ll continue exploring the intersection of cannabis, recreation, and mindful indulgence.
Photography by Kristin Ellis
