Functional Wellness Meets 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: the intersection of Functional Wellness and 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 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS" AND "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. 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 contributes positively to your overall lifestyle goals.

Functional wellness is about sustaining long-term health through mindful practices. It integrates nutrition, movement, mental health, and holistic healing to enhance daily well-being. This approach often includes supplements, fitness routines, stress management techniques, and alternative therapies designed to optimize physical and mental performance.

Functional recreation, on the other hand, is about approaching indulgence with mindfulness. It applies the same intentionality found in functional wellness to recreational substances and experiences, such as cannabis, psychedelics, alcohol, or other social and sensory activities. Instead of excess or escapism, functional recreation encourages moderation, personalization, and control—helping individuals enjoy their vices without negative side effects, whether that’s cutting back on tobacco, microdosing for creativity, or curating a cannabis experience that fits their mood and responsibilities.

HOW DO BARBARI PRODUCTS SUPPORT "FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS" IN 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. But beyond that, they were designed with functional wellness in mind—supporting a more balanced and intentional approach to recreation.

Innate in the product development was a desire for more control over the recreational experience, the impact it had on our lifestyle, and overall well-being—both in the long term and immediately after a sesh. We crafted blends that align with an active, engaged lifestyle, ensuring that relaxation and productivity don’t have to be at odds.

Our herbal blends leverage the same terpene science found in cannabis strains, offering what is essentially a “mixer” for the cocktail, allowing you to personalize your experience. Whether you’re looking for a subtle lift, a calming exhale, or something in between, these blends provide a way to moderate your cannabis consumption while maintaining the clarity and functionality you need throughout the day.

Barbari’s products empower you to enjoy your smoking ritual without the fog, giving you the flexibility to enhance your downtime without disrupting your flow. Whether you're easing into the morning, fueling creative work, or winding down after a long day, our blends offer a mindful way to engage with cannabis that aligns with your daily routine.

BRINGING "FUNCTIONAL RECREATION" INTO PRACTICE

Throughout the afternoon, the concept of "functional recreation" (and "functional wellness") 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 functional wellness and 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