The green boom is here, and it’s not just about cultivating and consuming cannabis. It’s also about witnessing and learning about the interesting dynamics of the cannabis industry. A modern, progressive, and lucrative industry, cannabis is quickly changing the travel industry, giving birth to a new form of tourism: cannabis tourism.
Cannabis tourism caters to those interested in exploring different, often unique, travel destinations where recreational use of cannabis is legal and even celebrated.
The concept is simple. Cannabis enthusiasts visit cities, states, or countries where cannabis is legally consumed recreationally. They book marijuana-friendly accommodations, tour local cannabis farms, check out recreational dispensaries, and dive into the local cannabis culture.
But cannabis tourism isn’t just about smoking or vaping. Tourists are also seeking cannabis culinary experiences, engaging in activities like weed wine tours, and even attending cannabis festivals.
For instance, in Denver, Colorado, a city where recreational cannabis use was legalized in 2012, businesses offer a range of cannabis tours that take explorers around the city’s best recreational dispensaries and cultivation facilities. They offer a hands-on perspective of the burgeoning industry, providing insights into its protocol and best practices, and giving patrons a peek at what goes into crafting their favourite strains.
Along the Californian wine trail, shuttle tours not only offer wine but also marijuana pairings. These tours give tourists an insight into the world of gourmet cannabis edibles and wines that are infused with THC – the psychoactive component of cannabis.
And let’s not forget the multitude of cannabis festivals, where tourists can immerse themselves in cannabis culture, listening to music, trying unique food, even dabbling in cannabis-infused paint and yoga classes.
However, being a fairly new industry, there is a learning curve for both tourists and providers. The specifics of what’s legal can vary greatly from one location to another. Local laws and regulations in various states, provinces and countries have their stipulations on possession limits, where it’s legal to consume, and how the cannabis must be purchased.
In some states, public consumption is still prohibited, regardless of whether or not you’re a tourist or a resident. Even in those states where it is legal to purchase cannabis, you need to consume it within that same state, as carrying it across state lines remains illegal.
Moreover, while there’s an evident lacuna vis-à-vis regulations regarding cannabis tourism, the importance of responsible cannabis consumption cannot be stressed enough. The cannabis industry and the governments that regulate them insist it’s a question of public safety.
Personal responsibility is paramount for travelers to ensure the adventure ends well. This includes knowing your own tolerance, keeping hydrated, and never operating a vehicle while impaired, just as you would approach drinking alcohol responsibly.
At its core, the growing trend of cannabis tourism offers enthusiasts a deeper respect for the plant, its cultivation, and the entire cultural milieu associated with it. It demystifies it, alleviating some stigmas associated with the forbidden leaf, and enables people to experience the plant in a safer environment.
Cannabis tourism operators often offer education as part of the experience, teaching tourists about respectful consumption, the reasons behind specific laws, and how to comprehend their own tolerance levels.
In conclusion, cannabis tourism, a niche sector of the global tourism industry, has proven to be a phenomenal revenue generator, revolutionizing the way people travel and experience new places. As more states and countries legalize the use of cannabis, this niche is only expected to grow, as will the need for comprehensive laws and regulations that ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.