Cannabis Tourism Destinations
- @highlyangie
- Jan 14
- 5 min read
Two of my favorite things are weed and travel so naturally I'm always looking for a way to combine the two. I've always been the type to have my stash or find a way to get a stash no matter where in the world I am. Like the time in 2009 when I won a trip to Hawaii on 4/20 and managed to score an eighth all because I said "happy 420!" to a group of people. One of the guys in the group asked if I needed any, and after a few phone calls voila my vacay got a whole lot higher (shoutout to Hobart if you're reading this!). There was also the time I was in Rome hanging out in Trastevere with the cool kids and I just happened to strike up a conversation with the right guy. After that chance encounter I was able to start each morning of my honeymoon out on our private terrace with some tea and a joint. While 42 year old me cringes at the thought of getting my weed from an unknown source, 20-something me was far less discerning...and don't even get me started on the questionable lengths teenage me would go to for a bag of "kind bud". But with age comes wisdom, and now I prefer to have a much more tailored experience when it comes to my vacations, and that's where cannabis tourism comes in.
No matter where you are in the world you can find dispensaries and lounges, some that have only sprouted up recently others that have been around for years, but lately boutique hotels and unique experiences catered to those that like to live life higher are also starting to pop up. Whether you want a tropical beach getaway or a snowy mountain retreat, there's a perfect place for all of us tokers who wanna see the world through stoney eyes. If you're ready to puff, puff, jet then keep reading to discover some great destinations for your next sesh.
California
If you know me then you're probably rolling your eyes because this is where I live, but it really is a great destination if you want a canna-centric vacation. There's beaches, mountains, nightlife and family fun to be had at every turn. Whether you opt to explore the iconic Haight Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco or the Emerald Village in Los Angeles you'll be able to find some of the best flower there is. In addition to great product, you'll also have great scenery to enjoy it in because NorCal and SoCal offer diverse and beautiful natural landscapes. The LA neighborhood of West Hollywood has the highest concentration of dispensaries and lounges in the city making it an easy choice for cannabis tourism. They've even dubbed themselves the Emerald Village (www.emeraldvillageweho.com) in a nod to Northern California's Emerald Triangle, notorious for the abundance of award worthy cannabis it produces. On their website they've compiled lists of dispensaries and lounges in the area, they also included a map that makes a great starting point if you want to plan a lounge crawl...which is basically a bar crawl, minus the hangover!
Amsterdam
If you’re a true blue stoner then Amsterdam is the quintessential cannabis tourism destination. The coffee shops, which is the name used for weed shops, are plentiful and offer a space to accommodate whatever your vibe is. Most shops offer up an array of flower or pre-rolls and some places even have a selection of edibles. You’ll also find a number of beverage options like coffee drinks and juices, including my personal favorite Looza. If you’re the type that likes more of a club style vibe, then you should definitely look into Smokey Coffeeshop in Rembrandtplein.
Barcelona
While the cannabis tourism scene in Barcelona has been going strong for years, the plant isn't totally legal like it is in other cities and countries. Private weed clubs are generally how tourists can partake while visiting. Depending on when you visit you'll probably have around 20 clubs to choose from, but you'll have to do your research on the process for going to one. Some clubs require multiple steps to join while others have a quick process more suited to travelers and folks that are just passing through. Once you do secure your "plug" there will be plenty to keep you entertained while you fly high. I really enjoyed visiting the Hash & Hemp Museum (www.hashmuseum.com) on my trip because in true stoner fashion, I love to nerd out about Mary Jane. But if you're into more mainstream destinations, La Sagrada Familia is an obvious choice...and you're gonna wanna be baked before you go because the line to get in can take awhile!
New York City
If you're more into the East coast vibes then the Big Apple has got you covered. With a number of dispensaries and lounges that cater to the canna crowd you'll be sure to find a place that feels right for your needs. As is the case with most places that have legalized cannabis, you'll probably find it easier to buy than to partake, but luckily NYC makes it pretty easy to do both. The abundant public transportation makes it a great candidate for a dispensary crawl, which won't result in a hangover like it's boozy counterpart the bar crawl. As always, be sure to stick with legal businesses so you can avoid any unfortunate experiences. For the best selection of brands that are owned by Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ folks check out The Travel Agency (www.travelagency.co).
Thailand
This southeast Asian destination may be a lesser known spot but it has already made it's mark on the cannabis industry. In 2022 the country decriminalized weed which led to a surge in cannabis tourism, that surge was apparently unwanted so they've scaled back and adjusted the laws. You're still able to visit dispensaries and buy weed but you have to get a prescription from a licensed practitioner. One of the places that caters specifically to the canna crowd is The Beach Samui (www.thebeachsamui.com), a luxury hotel that sits right on the beach. Located in a fishing village away from all the hustle of places like Phuket or Bangkok, this resort leans heavily into wellness vibes by offering infused massages and other infused experiences.
Colorado
Growing up in middle America during the 90's meant that our weed mostly came from the west coast, and more specifically Colorado. One of the first states to legalize cannabis recreationally, Colorado has always been one of the places to go if you want great flower. Bursting with natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes it's and easy tourism choice, and when you pair that with access to great weed you can't go wrong. It doesn't matter which season you visit, this state will have some form of outdoor adventure for you to enjoy. And even if you prefer to have your fun indoors, you'll be able to get a taste of city life in Denver while still being able to get to a mountain range in no time.
While there are a number of destinations to choose from I feel like these locations are currently the best options because of things like availability, legality, quality and overall enjoyment. If you're traveling for cannabis you want to make sure that you're aware of the local laws and customs surrounding cannabis consumption since it almost always operates in some sort of legal gray area. The six places listed above have the most information readily available to help you enjoy your vacation without having to worry about the ins and outs of the laws. Now that you know where to go, all that's left to do is book your stay and pack your bags for a highly enjoyable vacay!
Happy Travels!
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