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In most workplaces across America, the idea of smoking a joint during your lunch break or consuming cannabis-infused edibles at your desk is seen as a taboo. However, there are some progressive companies in states where marijuana is legal that not only allow their employees to consume cannabis at work but actually encourage it. These companies believe that marijuana can enhance creativity, productivity, and overall well-being among their employees.
One such company is Flowhub, a Denver-based startup founded by Kyle Sherman and Chase Wiseman in 2015. From day one, Flowhub has embraced a weed-friendly workplace culture. Sherman and Wiseman both consume marijuana at work, whether it’s during weekly brainstorming sessions or towards the end of the day. They believe that cannabis can help surface new ideas and provide a fresh perspective on things. The 18 employees at Flowhub, most of whom are millennials, are free to bring in cannabis-infused edibles, drinks, and snacks to consume during the workday.
Despite the relaxed attitude towards marijuana consumption at Flowhub, the company has not experienced any negative outcomes. In fact, Sherman believes that allowing employees to consume cannabis has actually improved their performance. He stated, “Our clients are some of the biggest firms in the cannabis industry. We have to be on point with our work. We’ve never had a problem yet.”
Flowhub is not the only company in Denver that has embraced a pro-marijuana workplace culture. Just across the street from Flowhub are High There! and MassRoots, two social networking platforms for cannabis users. Both startups allow their employees to consume marijuana at work, believing that it is a natural part of their culture and can lead to breakthrough moments for their business.
Darren Roberts, co-founder of High There!, stated, “Cannabis is part of our culture. It has led us to breakthrough moments for our business. So yes, it’s been very effective for us.” Isaac Dietrich, co-founder of MassRoots, goes a step further by scheduling weekly rooftop smoke sessions at his apartment building for strategic planning and employee bonding. Dietrich believes that allowing cannabis consumption at work can enhance productivity and creativity within the company.
While pot-oriented businesses like Flowhub, High There!, and MassRoots are open about their consumption of marijuana at work, not all companies are as forthcoming. Many startups fear that openly discussing their marijuana-friendly workplace policies could hurt their chances with potential investors. In states like California, where marijuana is still only legal for medical purposes, companies may also be hesitant to openly embrace cannabis consumption in the workplace.
However, there are employees like Brandon David, a sales executive at a San Francisco-based software firm, who are not afraid to talk about their cannabis consumption at work. David uses a cannabis vaporizer daily at work for medical reasons, stating that it helps him manage stress and anxiety and stay focused on his tasks. He believes that many more businesses are embracing the idea of consuming pot at work, even if they are not willing to openly talk about it.
Overall, the trend of allowing employees to consume marijuana at work seems to be on the rise, particularly in states where marijuana is legal. Companies like Flowhub, High There!, and MassRoots believe that cannabis can enhance creativity, productivity, and collaboration among their employees. While the stigma around marijuana consumption in the workplace remains in many industries, the attitude towards cannabis is slowly evolving as more companies recognize the potential benefits of allowing their employees to consume marijuana at work.
