Jon,
Your story with the pot references brought back memories, some funny as hell, most just frustrating as hell. :P
I used to be 1 of 4 guys who made annual backpacking/paddling trips.
I wasn't opposed to a little recreational herb at the end of the day, but when you end/start and smoke ALL day and try to keep some semblance of order/schedule, it becomes one big FUBAR.
I got tired of it and went my own way. Another reason to make sure everyone is on the same page.
MT's suggestion about paddling separate but not leaving one lake for another until you meet up is a good one.
Unfortunately it only works if everyone leaves camp sometime before the day is over. :(