Cannabis use is on the rise in the United States, and is seen as increasingly mainstream and acceptable as more and more states legalize its use for medical and even recreational purposes. Currently, medical use of marijuana is legal in 29 states, and it’s also legal for medical and recreational use in nine states. We’ve handpicked 10 locations–half of them within the United States, half international–to help you figure out where to take your next cannabis-friendly trip.
Best marijuana-friendly destinations within the U.S.
For those who’d like to stay within the United States for whatever reason (ease of travel, budget, etc.), here is a list of the country’s absolute best vacation spots for cannabis users.
Denver, Colorado
The state of Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, and Denver’s South Broadway corridor is actually known as the “Green Mile” for its dozens of dispensaries (all identified with a green-cross symbol).
The city even offers marijuana-friendly walking tours, pot-infused massages, and an art class called “Puff Pass and Paint.” Also consider attending during Denver’s Cannabis Week, which occurs–fittingly–around 4/20. There are even three-course cannabis pairing dinners and other high-end fine dining experiences.
Plus, Colorado is known for its incredible and idyllic natural beauty, and the state’s culture emphasizes outdoorsy fun: in addition to enjoying its cannabis offerings, visitors also enjoy hiking, camping, skiing and other thrilling activities.
Seattle, Washington
Washington was just the second state to legalize marijuana. Like Denver, Seattle also hosts a yearly celebration of cannabis culture, known as Hempfest.
Hempfest is now celebrating its 27th year, and is especially known for its focus on political activism and social responsibility–it’s the world’s biggest yearly gathering advocating for marijuana decriminalization. It’s a huge festival, taking place in mid-August every year and with more than 100,000 people typically in attendance!
Seattle also offers the Kush Tour, a 3+ hour tour of the city’s best cannabis companies. Besides its appeal as a cannabis-friendly destination, Seattle is also an incredible vacation destination in other senses, with great food and drinks, tons of museums, and nearby islands accessible by ferry offering incredible natural beauty.
Portland, Oregon
Like Seattle, this is also a Pacific Northwestern state. Environmentalist attitudes are popular in this region, and Portland in particular is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
Oregon legalized recreational marijuana in 2015, and since then, the cannabis culture in Portland has grown considerably. There are 150 dispensaries, offering everything from flower and tinctures to cannabis caviar! Like other marijuana-friendly cities, marijuana tours like those at High 5 Tours are a fun way to spend a day visiting a farm, visiting Portland’s Green Mile, or even attending an ice bong carving.
Alaska
Most people travel to Alaska to get a taste of its incredible, rugged outdoors–it’s the ideal destination for skiers, hikers, campers, and anyone else who enjoys breathtaking natural landscapes and untouched wilderness. Kush Tourism offers cannabis-centered tours of Alaska that introduce participants to Alaska’s cannabis culture.
While this is an ideal destination for those that love the outdoors, the marijuana industry itself is still in the process of beginning; nevertheless, the natural beauty makes it a worthwhile destination, and cannabis is legal there.
Northern California
Recreational marijuana was only recently legalized in California; up until then, Pot Appetit recommended that California medical cannabis travelers “carry their doctors’ medical cannabis recommendations like passports.” Now, recreational marijuana legalization makes Northern California an even more appealing vacation option.
San Francisco offers elevated experiences like smoking lounges, fine dining paired with cannabis, and marijuana yoga. Humboldt is best known for its food and drink sourced from local farms along with its marijuana farming and outdoor activities. Mendocino is wine country AND pot country, and has a strong hippie vibe plus incredible hot springs. Whatever you prefer from your cannabis-friendly vacation, Northern California has it in spades.
Best marijuana-friendly international destinations
For those who’d like to get a bit more adventurous and see the world while partaking in cannabis and cannabis-related activities, here are some of the most appealing destinations to consider.
Uruguay
In 2013, Uruguay was the first country to legalize marijuana. Note that only residents can grow marijuana or buy it at pharmacies approved by the government, BUT these residents can also give cannabis away. There are cannabis clubs and home-grows, and Uruguayan citizens are willing to offer their home-grown products. The licensed pharmacies also sell it for a tenth of the cost of American marijuana.
Plus, Uruguay has amazing beaches, and the culture of the capital, Montevideo, is extremely laid-back and relaxed. Wine lovers will also enjoy Uruguay’s vineyards, and history buffs will want to visit Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680. Uruguay is absolutely worth a visit.
Jamaica
The Jamaican government decriminalized marijuana in the last few years. Now, up to two ounces of cannabis is acceptable to carry for tourists who have a medical marijuana recommendation from their own country.
Marijuana is also very affordable in Jamaica, with many reporting that cannabis sells for $100 or less per ounce. Residents are allowed to grow plants themselves, and religious and medical use is legal as well. Jamaica is also known for its incredibly vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful natural sights (especially its beaches).
Portugal
Since 2001, the country of Portugal has decriminalized possession not just of marijuana, but of all drugs, whether hard or soft. Although not legal to possess, use, buy, or grow, tourists typically face no consequences for marijuana use. According to the Portugalist, “The police generally turn a blind eye to someone smoking a joint and, unless you do it in their face or are carrying a considerable amount [more than 25 grams], they’re usually not interested in pressing charges.”
Portugal is also an incredible destination in and of itself: history comes alive at its ancient castles; its beaches are absolutely stunning; its wine has been world-renowned since ancient times; its traditional music (Fado) is beautiful; and its nightlife is thrilling.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This is probably the most famous destination appealing to cannabis enthusiasts. It would have been ridiculous to leave it off this list. The government allows possession of 5 grams or less of marijuana, and both purchase and use of marijuana are allowed in Amsterdam’s famous “coffee shops”–and there are hundreds around the city.
It’s also an incredibly culturally diverse city, extremely progressive politically, and the most bike-centered city in the world (there are more bikes than people: 850,000 bikes, and only 800,000 people). Those who love arts and culture will enjoy Amsterdam’s fabulous museums. And it’s absolutely beautiful, known for its canals and colorful, gabled buildings.
The ideal vacation
If you enjoy using cannabis, whether for medical or recreational reasons, visiting any of these destinations is sure to be awesome. Even without marijuana they’d be incredible destinations; with it, they’re that much more enjoyable!
