Prohibition on cannabis is lifting state by state, and more and more people are turning to hemp derived D9 drinks as one of the most popular choices when looking for an alternative to alcohol.
That means the number of bars and restaurants that offer these drinks is exploding to the benefit of consumers and establishments alike!
But as with anything new, there are many important lessons to learn as the popularity for these products grow. And at Green Monké we have invested considerable efforts to support this growth in a responsible, fun, and uplifting way.
Our launch at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia was a perfect case study. It was ground-breaking, both as a monumental step for the industry and in the incredibly positive results for patrons and the venue.
As part of this launch, Green Monké worked to help establish how servers in restaurants, bars, and venues across the country should monitor patrons and identify when they are consuming too many D9 drinks in one sitting.
Unlike alcohol, where there are clear physical signs and standardized tests to determine intoxication, recognizing D9 impairment can be a bit more challenging if you don’t know what you’re looking for.. However, there are several indicators and best practices that servers can use to identify if someone might be high!
Visible Signs of Getting High
- Delayed Reactions: Classic . . .being high . . pauses . . . D9 can slow down a person’s reaction time. If a patron seems unusually slow to respond to questions or actions, this could be a sign of being stoned. We put this one at the top of the list . . . based on personal experience.
- Red or Bloodshot Eyes: One of the most common signs of cannabis use is red or bloodshot eyes. This occurs because D9 (the active compound in Green Monké drinks) causes blood vessels in the eyes to expand.
- Unusual Laughter: D9 often affects the part of the brain that controls emotions, leading to spontaneous and sometimes excessive laughter. We’re giggling just writing this. . .
- Altered Speech Patterns: Slurred speech or difficulty forming coherent sentences can indicate they’ve had too much cannabis. A patron might talk more slowly or lose their train of thought easily. But when that train comes back around, it will be Profound!
- Poor Coordination: Difficulty with coordination and motor skills is another sign. This might manifest as clumsiness, difficulty standing up, or an unsteady gait.
Behavioral Indicators
- Increased Appetite: Another one placed at the top of the list based on personal experience. Often referred to as "the munchies," an increased appetite is a common effect of D9 use. Hope your kitchen is open late!
- Euphoric or Relaxed Demeanor: Funny, that this is one of the main selling features of Green Monké - an exaggerated sense of euphoria or extreme relaxation can be a clue to patron’s being stoned. Do not be surprised if your patrons look to move from a bar stool to a booth.
- Heightened Sensory Perception: Think of the age-old connection between music and weed – one of the reasons is that D9 can enhance sensory experiences, so a patron might react more intensely to lights, sounds, and tastes. They might comment on how amazing the food tastes or how the music sounds better than usual.
- Paranoia or Anxiety: In some cases, cannabis can cause feelings of paranoia or anxiety. If a patron seems unusually nervous or paranoid, this could be a sign of being high. If only there was a D9 brand that had an equal dose of CBD to mitigate this common effect of D9.
Best Practices for Servers
- Stay Observant: Pay attention to the behavior and physical signs mentioned above. This can help in determining if someone is stoned and needs a different level of service or intervention.
- Track Consumption as if it was Alcohol. As part of your certification to serve alcoholic drinks, you will have learned to track a patron’s consumption. A (very) general rule is one drink per hour. We suggest tracking Green Monké consumption in the same manner. The D9 in our drinks has been formulated to be fast-acting like alcohol, so your patrons will start to feel the effects in 10 to 15 minutes. Keep this in mind when monitoring.
- Know the Law: Be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding D9 use in your area. In some places, it may be illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly under the influence of cannabis/hemp.
- Maintain Professionalism: Always maintain a professional demeanor. If a patron is behaving inappropriately or seems unable to make sound decisions, it might be necessary to involve a manager or security.
- Safety First: If a patron seems too impaired, it’s important to ensure their safety and the safety of others. This might mean refusing service or helping them find a safe way to get home.
While we tried to have some fun listing some of the main indicators of being high, you will note our tone changed in the second half of this blog post for the Best Practices section. Drinking D9 in a bar or restaurant is a new experience that has not been allowed for decades.
We are still surprised with how quickly laws have been liberalized and with how quickly so many establishments have started to serve D9 drinks. We are very fortunate that bars and restaurants are serving Green Monkés! So, please stay observant, discreet, and informed about local laws! If we can provide any further guidance or even training, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
We want this really good thing to keep going and growing!
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