How To Host Your Own Smoke and Paint

Cannabis and painting have always had an easy kind of chemistry. One slows you down, the other pulls you in, and together, they create the perfect pairing for letting go of stress and tapping into a different side of yourself. Hosting a smoke and paint is less about producing a masterpiece and more about enjoying the process: rolling up, picking up a brush, and seeing where the two take you.

So, how do you set the scene for a night like this? From choosing the right strain to curating the vibe and gathering supplies, here’s everything you need to know to host your own elevated art session.

Pick the perfect setting

Where you host your smoke and paint sets the tone for the whole experience. At home, you’ve got full control: comfy seating, your own playlist, and no questions about whether cannabis is allowed. Just make sure you’ve got enough space for people to spread out with canvases, paints, and ashtrays.

Thinking about booking a venue instead? This can be a fun way to elevate the night, but it usually comes with more costs. You’ll also need to confirm the venue’s policies around cannabis consumption. If smoking indoors isn’t an option, outdoor patios or private event spaces could be a good workaround.

Some people host virtually, with friends painting and smoking from their own homes while hanging out on a video conferencing app. Others like a hybrid approach, where a few people gather in person and others join online.

Once you’ve nailed down the setting, give guests plenty of notice so they can set aside time and gather supplies.

Consider a theme for your event

Adding a theme to your smoke and paint can make the experience more cohesive and memorable. It doesn’t have to be complicated — think seasonal motifs, favorite movies or TV shows, or even a color palette challenge.

Themes also make it easier for guests to get into the spirit and spark conversation. Whether it’s a tropical escape, NYC nights, or a psychedelic color explosion, a little thematic planning can elevate your smoke-and-paint session from casual hangout to full-on event.

Gather painting supplies

Before the painting (and the puffing) begins, make sure you’ve got everything you need within reach. Having your materials ready keeps the night flowing smoothly and lets everyone focus on the fun part: getting creative. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your smoke and paint night is fully stocked:

Paint (acrylic may be the most beginner-friendly)

Canvases

Brushes

Paint palettes

Water cups (for rinsing brushes)

Paper towels

Easels 

Aprons or smocks

Hair dryer (optional, to speed up drying time)

Decide what you’ll paint

Next up: choosing a subject. For at-home smoke and paint nights, YouTube is a gold mine. Search “paint night at home,” and the options will be endless. Play it on a screen big enough for everyone to look at, and you’re all set.

If you’re not confident leading the session yourself or don’t have someone to do it, you can rely entirely on these tutorials. Having everyone follow along with the same video keeps things fun, stress-free, and beginner-friendly so no one feels lost or stuck staring at a blank canvas.

Choose the right cannabis cultivars

For a creative and focused smoke and paint session, opt for sativa-dominant strains that enhance creativity, boost mood, and keep you engaged without causing couch-lock. Here are three excellent choices available at The Travel Agency:

Durban Poison. A legendary landrace sativa from South Africa, Durban Poison is a go-to for creativity, energy, and inspiration. You may find it uplifting, making it perfect for daytime painting sessions. With dominant terpenes like terpinolene, myrcene, and pinene, it offers sweet, spicy, piney, and citrusy notes while potentially keeping you focused and energized.

Ghost Train Haze. The award-winning cultivar Ghost Train Haze is a hybrid that’s all about creativity, energy, and good vibes. Fruity, citrusy, and slightly earthy, this strain is known to spark inspiration and focus, making it perfect for your next smoke and paint session.

Alaskan Thunder Fuck. Hailing from Alaska’s Matanuska Valley, Alaskan Thunder Fuck is a soulful sativa known for its creative, euphoric, and chill effects. ATF may inspire focus, conversation, and playful exploration — ideal for an at-home smoke and paint. Its funky, piney, and diesel aroma pairs with modest THC content to make this cultivar approachable for beginners and experienced consumers alike.

Set up your space

It helps to get your space organized before the brushes hit the canvas and the smoke hits the air. Doing so means covering your surfaces, putting art stations up, getting the vibe right, offering munchies, and placing your cannabis within reach.

Protect your surfaces

Even if acrylic paint is relatively easy to clean, spills happen. Cover tables and floors with old sheets, newspapers, or plastic tablecloths. Aprons or smocks will protect clothing, and paper towels should be within reach for quick clean-ups. Walls usually aren’t a problem, but better safe than sorry if anyone gets a little enthusiastic.

Arrange your art stations

Make sure each guest has enough space for their canvas, brushes, and paint. If you’re short on tables, consider a U-shaped or circular setup so that everyone can reach supplies comfortably without feeling cramped.

Set the mood

Lighting and music go a long way in creating a relaxed, creative vibe. Soft, warm lighting can make the space feel cozy and inviting, while a few candles or string lights can add some extra ambiance. Music sets the rhythm of the night — consider a playlist that’s mellow enough to help everyone focus but upbeat enough to keep energy flowing. Think of it as the soundtrack to your creativity.

Offer snacks and munchies

Keep easy, mess-free snacks on hand for when creativity sparks hunger. Finger foods, bite-sized treats, and items that won’t stain canvases are ideal. Save the heavier or messier foods for after the painting session to avoid interruptions.

Keep your cannabis accessible

Designate a central spot for your cannabis and accessories — jars, grinders, lighters, rolling papers, vape pens — so everyone can easily reach what they need. Keeping everything organized prevents distractions and helps the night flow smoothly.

Stock up for your smoke and paint at The Travel Agency

Hosting your own smoke and paint is all about creating a relaxed, creative space where friends can unwind, get inspired, and enjoy each other’s company. With a little planning, you can make it a night to remember.

Want to save time on setup? Consider same-day cannabis delivery from The Travel Agency to have your whole stash brought directly to your door. This way, you can focus on the painting, the playlist, and the vibes instead of running around the city at the last minute. You’ll feel much more relaxed — the exact mindset that makes for an excellent painting sesh.