As the dynamics of global marijuana laws continue to shift, a unique niche of tourism has blossomed — cannabis tourism. From marijuana-friendly cities to dispensaries abroad, there’s an ever-growing list of travel destinations embracing marijuana culture and inviting tourists to partake. In this guide, we explore the top cannabis-friendly destinations, events, and accommodations worldwide.
First on the map is Amsterdam, known worldwide for its Amsterdam coffee shops where one can legally buy and consume cannabis. The Netherlands, and especially Amsterdam, has historically been at the forefront of the cannabis tourism industry, drawing in tourists from around the globe. For travelers interested in broadening their cannabis experience beyond coffee shops, the Cannabis College offers free advice on safe use of the plant, while the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum provides an educational look at the history and uses of cannabis.
Over in North America, Denver, Colorado, is a marijuana hotspot with a thriving cannabis industry. Colorado’s legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana has driven significant growth in cannabis-centric activities, making it one of the top marijuana-friendly cities. My 420 Tours, one of the largest and well-respected cannabis-friendly tour operators, offers unique experiences including cooking with cannabis classes, 420-friendly luxury hotel accommodations, and grow operation tours.
In California, the city of San Francisco has firmly established its stance towards legal cannabis, offering dozens of licensed dispensaries. The Bay Area also offers cannabis-dominated events and festivals such as the Emerald Cup, heralded as the “Academy Awards of Cannabis.”
Venturing up north, Canada has proven itself to be an emerging leader in cannabis tourism. With marijuana laws in this country allowing nationwide recreational use, Canadians and travelers alike can freely enjoy cannabis cafes and purchase products from licensed retailers. In particular, Vancouver’s yearly 420 event draws in massive crowds from across the globe for music, education, and advocacy.
Heading down under, Canberra, Australia stands out. As the first city in Australia to legalize recreational cannabis usage, Canberra offers a selection of legal dispensaries and is fast becoming a popular destination for cannabis tourists. Similarly, Spain’s private cannabis clubs, especially those of Barcelona, offer a unique model for legal and recreational use.
It’s not just cities and countries making the leap into this emerging market; accommodation providers are too. From 420-friendly hotels to private rentals, many providers now offer cannabis-friendly accommodations. Bud and Breakfast, for example, prides itself as the Airbnb of cannabis-friendly accommodation, offering a wide variety of locations globally where travelers may freely smoke or consume cannabis without fear of discrimination or legal repercussion.
To get the most out of these experiences, knowledgeable cannabis-friendly tour operators such as Green Guide Tours in San Francisco and Canadian Kush Tours in Toronto provide insightful, education-focused tours and packages.
It’s important to remember that despite the increasing acceptance and legalization, marijuana laws in different countries vary greatly. As a result, it’s imperative to research and respect the local laws and guidelines regarding marijuana use in your chosen destination.
In conclusion, with a seemingly endless array of cannabis events and festivals, a rich selection of dispensaries abroad, and a growing number of cannabis-friendly accommodations, the world of cannabis tourism is wide open. For those willing to explore and adapt, the cannabis-friendly travel destinations on offer are as diverse and welcoming as they are fascinating.
