Cannabis Travel Guide: Best US Destinations
Less than ten years ago, if you wanted to smoke cannabis legally without a medical card, you would have to be in Amsterdam. Today, 19 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational cannabis, making it easy to have a marijuana vacation experience with no passport required!
So, if you're looking to plan an epic marijuana-forward trip that offers access to dispensaries with an entire culture wrapped around tasty food, drink, and other activities, keep reading to check out the best US destinations below.
PORTLAND, OREGON
Recreational marijuana has been legal in Portland since 2014, so you can imagine this city is home to many cannabis-infused activities, making it a must-visit location on your Cannabis destination list.
You can find everything from cannabis art and aerobics classes to adult summer camps in this city. But if you're looking for something unique, check out High 5 Tours Multnomah Falls Tour. First, you climb aboard a party bus with some new or old friends, and you smoke on the way to Portland's most famous waterfall, Multnomah Falls. Just don't forget to bring your favorite coughless pipe because a dispensary stop is on the schedule after you see the falls. You'll also enjoy the scenic lookout, Vista House, which offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
It's hard for most people to believe that with Vegas' history of debauchery and psychedelia, until recently, the city was harsh on cannabis. However, since it was legalized, the state has wasted no time positioning itself as a top-notch cannabis destination.
In fact, Vegas is full of awesome bud shops, but it's also home to the largest dispensary in the world. Reminiscent of a mix between Disneyland and Costco, it's a 112,000-square-foot cannabis lovers' dream store. They are open 24/7, and there are shuttles that will take you to Planet 13 day or night.
Once in Vegas, you are in for non-stop stimulation, so after you've partaken, head on over to the Strip and find something to do. Though cannabis consumption is technically illegal in public, you can tell by the smell that few people obey. So, not saying you should, but bringing your Maze-X pipe would be a fantastic idea so as to not draw attention to yourself through coughing.
At any rate, be sure to check out activities such as eating wings at Wing King, where you'll enjoy CBD-infused sauces, partake in some marijuana pastry classes, or jump on one of the 420 bus tours.
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
This is one of the newer states for cannabis activities, so you'll find that there are many dispensaries just opening. Still, this art-focused city is home to an immersive psychedelic art experience known as Meow Wolf, or you can always partake and spend hours enjoying the adobe architecture or sipping margaritas at a rooftop restaurant. Regardless, knowing that you can legally purchase and consume cannabis while seeing one of America's prettiest states makes for a wonderful experience.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Cannabis was legalized in New York in 2021, and while regulators have not awarded business licenses yet for official dispensaries, this city allows you to legally possess three ounces of marijuana. And unlike other states, New York did not make it illegal to smoke cannabis in public, so if smoking is allowed, don't be afraid to light up a doobie or hit your coughless Maze-X pipe.
The only problem you'll run into in New York City is finding the green, but most tourists prefer to find one of several “Green Trucks.” They are also known as "Uncle Budd," and they run "food trucks" around the city. You order off a menu and then provide them with a "donation."
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
Michigan legalized cannabis for recreational use in 2020, and since then, cities across the state have started applying for business licenses to open dispensaries. Ann Arbor is home to more of these shops than any other city in Michigan, making it one of the state's most stoned cities. If you visit, be sure to check out shops such as 3Fifteen Cannabis Dispensary and the Exclusive Ann Arbor Marijuana Dispensary.
WASHINGTON D.C.
Perhaps you're looking to indulge in some American history along your cannabis trip. If so, you'll want to go to no other than our nation's capital, Washington, DC. Though most people associate this city with museums and politics, cannabis is slowly becoming a bigger part of the conversation.
Just be careful and understand that it's illegal to smoke and possess cannabis on federal land, and you're not allowed to smoke in public. Nonetheless, you'll have a great time visiting the trippy art museum Glenstone, watching an IMAX film at the National Air and Space Museum, or, if you visit in April, strolling through the National Cannabis Festival.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
For those looking to book a more VIP cannabis experience, head on over to San Francisco. This city is home to many wonderful weed-focused sights and attractions. For example, Emerald Farms offers a Cannabis-Infused City Cruise Tour, which chauffeurs you around in a limo as you drive by all of San Francisco's most famous weed attractions.
This is one of the best ways to meet other local enthusiasts and see the city while you're at it. The other great thing is that the tour takes you to many of the best retail marijuana lounges, where you'll get discounts as a tour guest.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
To say that cannabis flew off Chicago's shelves after it was legalized is an understatement. Just ask the girl scouts who posted up outside of Dispensary 33. They were hardly able to keep up with the demand, and for a great reason! Chicago is the perfect "high city." From GTI's unique strains to Mindy Segal's artisanal edibles, there are so many cannabis-infused places to visit in Chicago.
If you add the Windy City to your list of US cannabis destinations, be sure to stop by Emporium, enjoy a picnic with a free movie or concert in Millennium Park, or check out Holy Fuck Comedy Hour for some Adult Swim-type fun.
Ultimately, you have a lot of options when it comes to US destinations that are cannabis-friendly. Whether you choose to spend a week in Chicago or New York, you can rest easy knowing there won't be problems with the local authorities if you're caught taking hits from your marijuana pipe in approved places. So, grab your spouse or friends and embark on a new type of vacation!