Weed tourism. Had you said that to me 20 years ago I would have said: “as if.” With marijuana legalization on the rise, people are actively seeking places to trail blaze (pun intended).
Fact: when researching this article I found over 100k monthly google searches just for legal marijuana, weed legalization, marijuana legalization, and so on.
This is probably due to people within legalized states, like Arkansas, interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card in order to find the different products available to them.
Even though research is limited when it comes to some cannabis variations, there are big hopes that many of the cannabis products being brought to market today will have medical benefits for those that wish to consume medical marijuana in some form.
I aspire to be a stoner when I’m retired. Why? Because God knows I don’t have the time, money, or caloric deficit to be one now. But oh those college days…Still, there are tons, literally tons of people firing it up on the reg.
Recreational marijuana legalization is not as taboo as it once was. But what about those who can’t toke up? They live in one of the 46 states where burning a fat one is still illegal or maybe, like me, they don’t have the time to spare. Ding, ding, they travel!
I mean, after all, a vacation is meant to decompress, regroup and relax right? So, if you’re up in smoke, surely your mission will be accomplished.
And for this reason, I’ve put together this guide of weed-friendly places to visit. So whip out that bucket list!
Weed is either legal or decriminalized — which means you can possess small amounts for personal use — in more places around the world than ever before.
Marijuana legalization opens new doors for tokers.
Enthusiast Tip: Now I by no means condone anything illegal, but if you live in a place where growing a plant or two of your own is on the up, then let me recommend cannabis seeds online which I discovered while researching this for this article.
The Weed Tourist Guide to Weed-Friendly Places to Visit
Toker’s Tip: Don’t be “that guy” smoking weed in public in most places is a no-go. The general rule applies to keep your smoke to yourself.
Even if laws are 420 friendly or the destination has legalized recreational use be considerate of those around you.
Consider portable vaporizer as an alternative to smoking as it is a more discrete option and more convenient for travel! Make sure you get the most up-to-date info on a destination’s laws before you go.
These things are always changing.
Finally, always use the low profile method. Just because these places are cool with it, that doesn’t mean you should start passing the bong around on a park bench.
And while you’re at it, check out Bud and Breakfast the lodging search engine for weed-friendly accommodations.
Colorado
Marijuana legalization happened in January of 2014 for recreational marijuana in Colorado. This means you can possess up to ONE ounce of the funky monkey. Anything over that is a no-go.
You must be 21 and if you’re a traveler (more than likely this is you if you’re reading this) you can buy a quarter of an ounce with each transaction.
Colorado is a beautiful place to explore, fire it up and take it all in (the sights and the smoke).
Oregon
This is a new one on the list. Marijuana legalization made recreational marijuana legal here this year, on my birthday of all dates! July 1, 2015.
If you go this year you’ll be able to tell people you went the year it was legalized.
BUT this is one of the medical marijuana legalization states which means you can’t buy unless you HAVE A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD. Like Colorado, Oregon has countless places rich in natural beauty.
Alaska
Another newbie in the land of marijuana legalization is Alaska as it became the third weed-friendly state in February of this year. Still, like Oregon, it’s one of the medical marijuana states.
So the same rule applies as in Oregon. But if you’re there and you’re baked, can I just say seeing the Aurora Borealis is a must and will make your high school laser light show at the local planetarium seem like child’s play.
Washington
Washington was the second of the U.S. states to pass marijuana legalization.
Recreational marijuana in Washington is much like Colorado whereas adults can possess up to one ounce of retail marijuana, but unlike Colorado, out-of-staters can buy as much as residents (one ounce).
This is another amazingly beautiful place to visit with countless breathtaking vistas and natural landscapes.
Jamaica
Despite popular belief, weed legalization in Jamaica just happened this year. People are allowed up to two fat ounces of the dank.
With its beautiful beaches, this is definitely a place to smoke out and chill.
Costa Rica
Another destination that is rich in natural beauty, is Costa Rica. Possession of small amounts of marijuana is decriminalized here.
With the surfing and rain forest, breathtaking waterfalls, and wildlife, it’s no wonder there’s a huge weed scene here.
Peru
Not as lenient as some places in the states, but how much weed do you actually need to take up and see amazing places like Machu Picchu. With weed being decriminalized in Peru you can hold up to eight grams before you’re in trouble.
If you ask me that’s pretty dope.
Colombia
Another great place to explore mountains and hills. Not my favorite destination of choice but nonetheless a place where weed has been decriminalized since 1994.
You can have up to 22 grams without being charged!
Uruguay
Weed is legal here! Again, marijuana legalization for all! Oh wait…you can’t actually buy it here BUT you can smoke it all day long. How does that work? Do you just have it given to you?
Ecuador
Decriminalized but not legalized. Still, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore where you can toke up and chill.
Argentina
Marijuana use here is decriminalized for recreational use which gives you plenty of opportunities to burn one and kick it in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Netherlands
Where everyone went before everyone else started marijuana legalization. Here you can have up to five grams of marijuana in public, and possession is legal in coffee shops and decriminalized for public use.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city rich in history and art. I highly recommend it. And I highly recommend a space shake or two.
Portugal
This is a free-for-all country where, in 2001, they decriminalized the use of ALL drugs. You can possess up to 25 grams of weed for personal use.
There’s tons of history and natural landscapes to explore. Definitely one of my top choices.
Christiana, Denmark (in Copenhagen)
In this one little spot in Copenhagen for some reason, marijuana is legal. Its laws are separate from Denmark. You can actually buy up to several kilos on “Pusher Street” like what?!
Nepal
Talk about finding your Zen. I mean, isn’t this like the poster child for stoner paradise? Hitting the old peace pipe with Buddhists… All true and need I say stunning!
Cambodia
Here is the one exception where burning a fatty in public is legit. Weed is decriminalized here, and with their loose laws, It’s a very common sight to see people buying and smoking marijuana in public.
Look for “happy” restaurants for weed-filled foods. But seriously though, how about Angkor! Completely breathtaking.
Call it what you may, the 420 vacay, marijuana lust, stoner’s weekender…whatever you call it, weed tourism is pretty dope. Marijuana legalization around the globe is inspiring more and more people to travel.
Happy burning and safe travels!