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Play Hi! Stay Hi! Get Hi! HiBnB; Putting Canada on the map for cannabis tourism
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
There are aspects of this story that will intrigue, inspire, motivate, and even surprise you. There is something that I want to share with you that will hopefully shine some light during these dark times.
Last week, I was introduced to a concept that is not foreign to us but has opened up in a brand-new market. It is a getaway during this pandemic (for those who need a change), and a way for Canadians to make some extra money doing something that they love. This concept will give the public a few more options for local entertainment that allows you to follow COVID-19 protocols, and still enjoy all Canada has to offer. It has this ability to connect the consumer with its brand, and to possibly help de-stigmatize an industry that is gravely misunderstood.
HiBnb is exactly what it sounds like, an alternative to AirBnb for the cannabis community, and the canna-curious. Yes, those individuals who are new to cannabis or have never tried it before but are open to the idea. It is also for those who are eager to know or learn more about cannabis.
As a cannabis subscriber, I have to admit, I was very excited to learn about this idea. What is lucrative about this concept is that it provides business opportunities for the right individuals, especially those who are cannabis subscribers. It is time that we as Afro-Caribbean’s find a comfortable space to not only enjoy cannabis, but also make some money while enjoying it.
There are many misconceptions that will have to be addressed before the community completely opens up to it, but I thought, for now, it would be good to introduce the idea. This meant that I would have to speak to the minds behind the product.
I finally had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Becker (Founder of HiBbB), and her partner Kelly Ehler. I will tell you this; cannabis subscribers are some of the friendliest people in the world. I enjoyed the lightness of the interview, and how open both of them were to share their experiences.
“It was a bit of a process. It took some steps.”
Elizabeth Becker is a cannabis advocate, who has been pushing for marijuana legalization.
“Cannabis is blacklisted, and is stigmatized.” Elizabeth began. “As it became legalized, I wanted to get involved. I worked in a few jobs, but they didn’t work out. During my transition I started talking to more people, and I heard the passion when it came to what they were involved in with the cannabis industry. When the idea of AirBNB for cannabis came to me, it was a no-brainer.
I started a business plan, and pieces started falling together. I have always been a bit of a rebel. When it did legalize here, cannabis enjoyers seemed paralyzed by what they could and could not do. One of my goals is to de-stigmatize this industry and help stimulate dialogue around it.”
It was when she met Kelly that the pieces began to come together.
“I met Kelly and learned that he had a background in cannabis,” Elizabeth shares with me.
Kelly Ehler is the perfect business partner; he fills in the areas that Elizabeth needs assistance. He works on the back end and helps with the technical and financial aspects of the business.
“I got connected into the cannabis industry through education. I have heard the great medical benefits that are associated with cannabis, and I have also heard the misconceptions.
When I saw what Elizabeth was doing, I thought that she was onto something amazing. I want to assist her in de-stigmatizing cannabis and creating the dialogue around it.”
I want to take this time to share with you some of the experiences HiBnb has to offer. Hosts have the opportunity to offer a creative spin on activities and local entertainment. It is perfect for those who want to keep that spark of excitement alive in their weekly entertainment calendar, especially with these recent lockdowns.
Whether you are looking for something to do with friends or simply on their own, you can do it safely, and honour the COVID-19 protocols. Some current listings include:
- Learn about cannabis and walk an alpaca in Parkhill ON ($65)
- Belly Dance Bootcamp in Toronto ($20)
- Hike to a 60 ft waterfall and enjoy a cooked meal in Five Islands, Nova Scotia ($35)
- Engage in a bubble hash workshop in Toronto ($149)
- A partner dance class on Vancouver’s Granville Island ($75)
- A tour to learn about terpenes in Surrey BC ($35)
- A dispensary tour in Nelson BC ($125)
There are even classes on how to use media and publicity to build your reputation as a cannabis influencer.
I also learned about their Staycations. These are short-term stays in a variety of canna-friendly locations. You can choose a lounge-like experiences (pillow lounge, pool, Jacuzzi, fireplace) or challenge yourself with a creative experience. I really like some of their choices, which include:
- Staycation paradise in Hamilton with Jacuzzi tub, ping pong table and old school video arcade machines ($250/night)
- Tree View studio in Halifax on Dalhousie campus ($60/night)
- Luxury Suite in Downtown Toronto steps away from Ripley’s Aquarium and the CN Tower ($250/night)
- A series of clamping “Bunkies” in Hepworth ON ($49/night)
- A private room in a townhouse in Vancouver’s West end ($75/night)
- A spa in Cobourg backing on to a ravine where you can choose to hang out on your own or engage in a variety of kundalini, tantra, hatha, and other styles of yoga and meditation ($144/night)
And people, many of the hosts are ready to welcome you into their spaces even now.
“One thing that surprises some,” Elizabeth shares, “is that you would think that these engagements would be put on and run for the young, but they are not. Most of these events are actually run by mature cannabis lovers who have enjoyed the positive aspects of the cannabis plant for years and want to pass the good they’ve taken from it forward.”
Hosts take cleaning and sanitizing protocols seriously, especially with the current fears that people are facing. Like AirBnb, there are house rules that must be followed in order for the community to enjoy this experience without interruptions.
Becker and Ehler, plan on taking HiBnb into the US because consumers and hosts have already expressed an interest with several American listings already on the site. Visit regularly because new listings are being added every day!
Enough from me; go! Check the site out for yourself and Play Hi! Stay Hi! Get Hi!