Cannabis tourism is growing every year. That’s because this oh-so-delicious green stuff is becoming legal in more and more countries, which means that an increasing number of travelers are planning 420-friendly trips and have more and more options to choose from. No, globetrotters no longer have to make a special trip to Amsterdam (which we’ll skip for now) to legally enjoy a joint; they can find a spot on nearly every continent. In this article, you’ll find some of the most cannabis-friendly cities out there. Time for a trip? Check out our headshop for some must-have cannabis accessories.
1. Denver, Colorado (United States)
Who would have thought ten years ago that the United States would be so cannabis-friendly? Absolutely no one. The land of the “war on drugs” already has a number of places where cannabis is completely legal, but in Denver, they’re really making the most of it. Colorado was one of the first U.S. states to fully legalize and then tax marijuana, which turned out to be a huge social and economic success. There’s a cannabis Bud and Breakfast, cannabis hotels with “wake and bake” breakfasts, and beautiful green gardens where you can enjoy your cannabis. In addition, Denver was also the first city to legalize magic mushrooms and magic truffles. They’re really on a roll there!
2. Vancouver (Canada)
With the nickname “Vansterdam,” you know what time it is. Vancouver is also known as the cannabis Mecca of North America and was the overseas answer to Amsterdam. Among other things, it offers the best weed in the Western Hemisphere and is undoubtedly considered one of the most marijuana-friendly cities in the world. You’ll find specially designed smoking lounges there, but a must-visit for us is, of course, the Amsterdam Cafe. A trip to Vancouver gives you the chance to try out quite a few different types of bud, so we recommend just wandering around. A must-visit hotspot for cannabis tourism!
3. Montevideo (Uruguay)
As the first country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis, Uruguay naturally can’t be left off this list. And although it’s been legal for years, they only started selling it themselves in 2017. To get it, you have to go to a pharmacy, and it’s a bit more complicated than just walking into a coffee shop here. You have to register when you buy cannabis, and your purchase is limited to 10 grams per week. Still, for the average cannabis user, 10 grams a week is plenty, and besides, there’s plenty more to see and do in Montevideo.
4. Barcelona (Spain)
Most of us Dutch folks have visited Barcelona at some point. We’ve probably hit the beaches and had a way-too-expensive beer on the Ramblas. But chances are you haven’t seen the best spots yet: the so-called Cannabis Clubs. Does this sound like heaven on earth to you? Then a trip to Barcelona is definitely worth it. The city is becoming increasingly known for its cannabis clubs—places where you can sign up and make a donation in exchange for some delicious buds. And although you have to smoke the cannabis on the spot, they’re often so beautifully decorated that you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
5. Colombo (Sri Lanka)
In Sri Lanka, the use of cannabis has always been closely linked to spiritual celebrations and traditional medicine. In the 1980s, the Ayurveda Act ensured that its use and subsequent sale for those purposes were legally protected activities. Ayurvedic doctors still prescribe marijuana to treat certain ailments, and Ayurvedic pharmacies are permitted to sell the plant as part of medicinal mixtures. Cultivation is also permitted, but only by the government and government-sanctioned growers. So, as a tourist, you can definitely pay a visit to enjoy some spiritual cannabis!
6. Kingston (Jamaica)
If cannabis makes you think of Bob Marley’s wonderful music, then a visit to the birthplace of the legendary reggae artist is a no-brainer. However, cannabis was only decriminalized there in 2015, and you’re allowed to possess about 50 grams for personal use. You can’t buy weed here in coffee shops or even cannabis clubs. But there are plenty of Rastafarians walking up and down the sandy shores of Jamaica, selling quality ganja to willing tourists. In addition, it’s sometimes possible to obtain a medical license to buy weed—even after a self-assessment. Plenty of options...
7. Nimbin (Australia)
As Australia’s self-proclaimed cannabis capital, Nimbin is everything a marijuana lover could want. A trip to the town will turn you into a true hippie in no time, and there are plenty of fun places to visit where you can smoke and enjoy delicious cannabis cookies. Although medical use is legal throughout Australia, personal use has only been decriminalized in a few states, including this beautiful town. So if you’re still looking for a fun destination and are truly at a loss, Nimbin is the place to be.
