Cannabis tourism is now an estimated $17 billion industry, yes $17 billion!
Cafes, tours, experiences and shops are opening up throughout the USA allowing people to easily and legally buy weed with the simple show of ID.
Cannabis is now available to buy in 18 states and hundreds of cities across America, but where are some of the top places to go and experiences to be had?
Check out our guide to the most cannabis friendly vacation destinations in the United States.
1. Denver, Colorado
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana over 10 years ago back in 2012 and it is now rated as one of the best places to go to sample amazing weed.
Denver is a great city to visit all year round whilst there are lots of fun Colorado summer travel ideas. If visiting for canabbis, local companies offer tours and experiences, including My 420 Tours who offer an education and rather unique Sushi & Joint Rolling class.
If you like the idea of visiting Denver, you might also want to do a road trip and check out other top rated cannabis destinations in the state too - including: Boulder, Colorado Springs and Breckenridge.
2. Portland, Oregon
Portland is the biggest city in the state of Oregon, and is a must visit destination on the Pacific Northwest. Portland is a very vibrant city famous for its green space, parks, scenery, and live music.
Portland is a very eco-friendly city with microbreweries and coffeehouses, whilst it is also now one of the top travel destinations for cannabis tourists.
There are lots of activities available here, including yoga sessions which begin with marijuana followed by classes. Another highlight for tourists is the wake-and-bake drag shows. High5Tours also offer private bus parties where you can smoke weed with your friends.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is world famous for casinos and gambling, and although smoking cannabis in public locations is not allowed, this city is still a top city to visit due to the amount of activities available.
You can enjoy the bright lights of the city, whilst discovering more than just the casinos and clubs on a weed experience.
Although the use of weed is prohibited in public places, Las Vegas is still a really popular city for weed tourism. There are lots of activities and places to stay that allow using cannabis — including bus tours and checking out local hotspots like Topgolf.
The Cannabition Immersive Cannabis Museum in Las Vegas is also a really great place to check out.
4. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is one of the most famous and recognisable cities in the world, home to celebrities and the rich and famous.
Los Angeles is one of the most popular places to go in the USA with amazing bars, clubs and nightlife, and if you enjoy weed then the Cannabis Supper Club is somewhere you need to add to your itinerary.
Although not the cheapest destination on our list, LA is LA, and somewhere you need to visit. Places like Venice Beach are really popular to see, especially if you like weed.
5. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the USA with amazing attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Trendy neighbourhoods like Haight-Ashbury have long been on the hippy trail. And was made famous in the 1960's. Haight Ashbury has been the home to revolutionaries, famous singers (including the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin) and cult leaders.
For a unique experience, check out Emerald Farm’s Cannabis City Cruise Tour. You'll get to ride in style in a luxury limo and discover the highlights of the city, as well as the weed side to the city.
Other
This list could have easily turned into a top 10, 20 or 100 destinations, but we wanted to highlight a few of the most popular places to go.
Nowadays, the number of states and countries legalizing cannabis is increasing, and if you are looking for more ideas, then these locations are also recommended which have events, dinners, tours and experiences:
- Fairbanks, AZ
- Tucson, AZ
- Chicago, IL
- Washington DC
- Boston, MA
- Santa Fe, NM
- Seattle, WA
Cannabis: Benefits, Risks and Side Effects
The destinations featured on our list have a range of cannabis options available with smoking being popular. But one of the most convenient ways to consume cannabis is edibles, including baked goods, gummies, chocolates, and even drinks. However, it's important to understand the benefits, risks, and side effects of consuming cannabis edibles before actually trying them to get the best experience.
Benefits:
Longer-lasting effects: The effects of cannabis edibles can last for several hours, making them a good option for people who need relief for a longer period of time. The reason for that is the process of passing through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, which can take longer than other forms of consumption like smoking or vaping, and it's present in your body for longer.
Discreet consumption: Cannabis edibles do not produce any odor or vapor, making them a discreet way to consume cannabis. It can be particularly useful for people who want to consume cannabis in public without drawing too much attention.
Tailored effects: Different types of cannabis edibles can provide different effects, such as energizing or relaxing, so if you're looking for specific effects, this can be a good option. For example, Sativa strains may get you into a more energizing and uplifting mood, while Indica strains are more relaxing and sedative.
Dosing control: Edibles come in a variety of doses, and it's easier to control the amount of THC consumed by eating edibles. That's highly useful for people who are new to cannabis or have a low tolerance.
Risks:
Delay in onset: The effects of cannabis edibles can take longer to kick in than other forms of cannabis consumption, which can lead to overconsumption. It can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours for people to feel the effects of cannabis edibles. This can be particularly dangerous if someone consumes too much before the effects kick in.
Risk of overconsumption: Eating too much THC can lead to a bad experience, some people may even experience anxiety, paranoia, and dizziness. It's important to start with a small amount and slowly increase it if necessary.
Risk of accidental consumption: Cannabis edibles can be easily mistaken for regular non-infused food, which can lead to accidental consumption by children. It's important to keep cannabis edibles in a secure and labeled place, particularly if you have children or pets in the house, and order products like delta 8 edibles that have child-resistant packaging, meeting Poison Prevention requirements.
Risk of drug interactions: Cannabis can interact with other medications, so it's necessary to talk to a doctor before consuming edibles if you're taking any other medications.
Side effects:
Drowsiness: One of the most common side effects of cannabis edibles is drowsiness. This can be particularly beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping, but it can also be a downside for people who need to be alert during the day.
Dry mouth: Many cannabis users experience dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth. However, it can be easily remedied by drinking water or something else, and it's not that common with edibles.
Increased appetite: Cannabis can also increase appetite, also known as "the munchies". This can be beneficial for people who have trouble eating, but it can also lead to weight gain if not managed properly.
Bloodshot eyes: Cannabis can cause bloodshot eyes. Even though smokers have to cope with that mostly, it's still a common side effect of consuming cannabis and usually goes away after a few hours.
Keep in mind that cannabis edibles are not legal in all states, so you should check the laws in your area before purchasing or consuming cannabis edibles. Additionally, it's important to purchase cannabis edibles from a reliable store to ensure that they are safe to consume and don't contain any harmful components.
Hopefully our picks for the best cities to visit for a cannabis vacation have given you inspiration for where to go and what to try. Now go enjoy the best trip!
