travel where weed is legal

10 Weed-Friendly Countries to Visit in 2024

The US is making history by legalizing cannabis left, right, and center. It’s far from the only destination appreciating the herb, though. Lucky for you, many of the countries where weed is legal in 2023 make for amazing travel destinations .

White beaches and lively city events—legal consumption never looked better. So, get some easy-grow cannabis seeds and bulk up your stash. With so many top-rated 420 weed tours and places to visit on your own, your vacation plans are multiplying by the minute.

If you’re interested in cannabis tourism, here are 10 of the best weed-friendly countries for travel this year:

Why wonder about countries where weed is legal in 2022 when you can visit the cradle of cannabis culture? Jamaica is a haven for smokers , with Rastafarians and reggae amplifying your experience every step of the way.

Ganja resorts, wellness spas, Rasta events—you won’t get bored on this Caribbean island. Put your toes in the sand as you sit next to the ever-warm ocean. Indulge in the culinary and artistic delights of this weed-friendly country par excellence .

Visit Montego Bay and admire its British colonial architecture. Adventurers will enjoy diving in the crystalline waters of Negril. And don’t forget to pay your respects to the king of reggae at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston!

2. The Netherlands

Lauded as the most weed-friendly country in the world, the Netherlands has a lot to offer to a toker. With jaw-dropping architectural and natural landscapes , it’s the place to unplug and absorb the wonders around you.

A stay in Amsterdam is perfect. Get a creativity-boosting herb, have a small puff, and explore the countless museums. Who knew that Rembrandt and cannabis go hand in hand?

Taste unique European strains in the many coffee shops surrounding the Amstel River. Take the ganja walking tour to discover the best and cheapest coffee shops in town. Head to the markets to test your munchies against this region’s renowned cheeses.

Croatia is a weed-friendly country for an electrifying European break. The national parks let you lose yourself in the greenery, and the blue Adriatic Sea waters need one glance to banish the blues. Coastal towns like Dubrovnik and Split are packed with tourist attractions and open-armed locals .

The old towns combine the personality of the continent’s east with the clean beauty of its west. Visit Dubrovnik and its Old Town area and wander the streets of real-life King’s Landing . The sandy walls of Split pair well with a spliff, too.

4. Argentina

Argentina is among the most weed-friendly countries in the world for medical users. It’s also one of the safest South American areas, welcoming everybody curious about its rich history and wild natural life .

The dramatic landscapes and long coastline areas make Argentina ideal for an outdoorsy trip. Awaken your inner adrenaline junkie with surfing and rock climbing. Explore the sights on a bike or canoe if you want to connect with nature.

ⓘ TIP: Want to start the summer early? Visit during the festival of Cinco de Mayo. See the sky light up in the colors of revolution and experience the authenticity of this wonderful celebration.

Between Hinduism and having native cannabis plants, it’s no wonder India has become a weed-friendly country for tourists. Colorful and oh-so-unique, it bombards your senses with astonishing sights no psychedelia can match.

If you’re new to this massive territory, pick a historic spot like Delhi . Explore the mosques and bazaars, let flavor-packed Indian food satisfy your munchies, and don’t miss out on Bhang. This tasty cannabis-infused milkshake will take you soaring through the bright blue skies.

The capital is home to 20 festivals, too. Give one a visit and have fun like the natives.

6. Cambodia

Cambodia is one of those uncertain countries where weed is legal in 2022, but only to an extent. Notably, Happy restaurants country-wide sell various fun-infused food items. You’ve never had edibles until you’ve had them Cambodia-style.

The landscapes lend themselves to a long, THC-infused experience , too. The mountains and the coastline are breathtaking; the cities are brimming with amazing flavors; the temples are fun to explore . The architectural ruins around Siem Reap are a must-visit and world-famous.

Feeling more adventurous? Go to the coast. Skydiving and windsurfing across the clear ocean are exhilarating. Swim with the elephants, and don’t skip the magical Popokvil Waterfall.

How can you forget Uruguay when talking about weed-friendly countries? This niche destination is stunning but not very well-known. That means you will enjoy prime-quality locales without struggling with tourist crowds .

A vacation in this South American gem feels like an authentic adventure. Be the first American to step foot on tiny town promenades, small Spanish cathedrals, and old ports speckled with fishing ships. Admire the art deco homes of Montevideo , Uruguay’s capital, and swim with the Atlantic’s marine life.

Mexico is easily among the most weed-friendly countries in the world. Seeing the bud as a human right, it’s become a must-see place for cannabis activists and devotees.

This regions’ powdery, white sand beaches and pristine waters let you reconnect with your roots while blazing . The sights aren’t only natural, either. A lot of the Cozumel shore excursions are worth exploring, such as the Mayan ruins in Tulum —and that’s just for starters!

Catch some sun on a beach and snorkeling adventure , then go around the fascinating museums when you need a cool-down. Party-goers will love the nightlife driven by lively crowds packing the clubs.

9. Portugal

Portugal is a weed-friendly country whose freedom-loving values don’t stop at cannabis. Its government decriminalized all drugs, making it a go-to for fun-loving tourists .

This European country boasts multiple spots of massive historical significance. Its narrow streets leave you wandering around and stopping to see the sights for hours. Lose yourself in the cities and marvel at the architecture adorning every square mile.

The power of Portugal isn’t only in its towns. The natural sights and warm azure hug you into their lovely embrace. Visit the rocky medieval villages, indulge in Portugal’s excellent wines, and enjoy the wild nightlife after a jaw-dropping sunset.

10. The United States

The US isn’t the most weed-friendly country in the world, but many of its states are . Here are two states for globe-trotters looking to immerse themselves in local culture .

America has endless beaches where you’ll get energized for kayaking, diving, and sightseeing, or unleash your creativity and build a massive sandcastle. Alternatively, you might prefer to acquire an inflatable air mattress and bask in the sunlight while you float on the waves.

Hawaii is a weed-friendly state for the summer retreat of your dreams. Its volcanoes and shorelines make you feel like it’s just you and Mother Earth. And speaking of earth, you can take a cannabis farm tour in the Aloha state, too!

California is another hotbed of American cannabis culture. It’s a beautiful spot for a big city vacay with a dash of fun in the sun. You can take a 420 cannabis tour, explore Death Valley, visit the huge theme parks, and see the stars on Hollywood boulevard, and even eat at America’s first cannabis restaurant .

Have a 420-friendly summer

Now that you know in what countries weed is legal in 2022, it’s time to plan your next getaway. Pick a destination or combine several for some unforgettable ganja vacations.

Hit the bowl, the beach, and a club—these weed-friendly countries offer something for every visitor. Smoke an energizing sativa for a day of activity and light up an indica to chill out.

Share this story on social media and invite your friends to join your adventure. Then prepare for first-class indulgence.

ⓘ Is weed legal in Curacao? Contrary to Amsterdam and The Netherlands, it is illegal to possess or use marijuana on Dutch Caribbean islands. This includes Sint Maarten and Curaçao . 

Author’s bio

Derek Bennett, a Cannabis Extraction Technician at I49 Seed Bank, has more than 5 years of experience working in a weed processing field. He’s proficient in hemp products handling and familiar with separating and extracting the chemical compounds within cannabis. In addition, he has expertise in refining separated compounds to improve their overall purity.

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Flyin’ High: 2023 Cannabis Travel Guide

Sustainable travel expert, adventure seeker

Vermont, USA

Weed, marijuana, cannabis, pot, grass, ganja, dope, mary jane, hash: whatever you call it, we’re talking about that good stuff . Cannabis been used medicinally for thousands of years, but politics in the 20th century led to the criminalization of weed around the world. Lucky for us, in 2023, that legal status is quickly changing.

As countries move toward legalization, the cannabis industry is blowing up. Weed dispensaries , weed festivals , weed clubs , weed trips, weed hotels— the options for getting lit when you travel are pretty much endless. 

While more and more folks are getting their hands on the good green, the rules, regulations and laws remain super hazy. Can you travel with weed? Across state lines? On a plane? How do you purchase it legally? What are the best places for weed vacations? Are there weed…parties???

To help answer all of your questions (and more), here’s our complete guide to cannabis travel around the globe in 2023.

2023 Guide to Cannabis Travel

Where is weed legal.

In 2018, Canada made headlines when they became the second country in the world after Uruguay to fully legalize and regulate marijuana nationwide. 

Wondering if weed is legal in your country or state? Here’s the scoop on the legalization of cannabis around the world (updated December 2021):

Weed Legalization Map By State

Legalized:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Medical & Decriminalized: Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Ohio

Medical:  Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia (CBD oil only), Indiana (CBD oil only), Iowa (CBD oil only), Kentucky (CBD oil only), Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee (CBD oil only), Texas (CBD oil only), Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (CBD oil only).

Decriminalized: Nebraska, North Carolina

Illegal: Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Wyoming

For up-to-date info, view this map of weed legalization by state . 

Weed Legalization Map By Country

Legalized:  Uruguay, Georgia, South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Malta, and Thailand.

Illegal (but often unenforced):  Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Finland, India, Iran, Laos, Lesotho, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland

Medical & Decriminalized:  Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bermuda, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

Medical:  Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, South Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe

Decriminalized:  Antigua and Barbuda, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Moldova, Saint Kitts and Nevis,

Illegal:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic Chad, People’s Republic of China, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Greenland, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Nambia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinadad and Tobago, Tunisia Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia

For up-to-date info, view this  map of weed legalization by country . 

Can You Fly With Weed?

Now that we’ve figured out the the world’s best weed-friendly countries and states (and where to buy it safely), one question remains: can you fly with weed? The answer is…it’s complicated.

Even if you’re in a state or country where cannabis is legal, the moment you walk into an airport, you are officially in federal jurisdiction territory. For example, if you purchase cannabis and are flying out of a 420-friendly state , like Colorado, you’re technically still breaking the law because cannabis is illegal on a federal level and strictly prohibited on all federal property in the United States.

Still confused? Here are a few questions (and answers!) on what you should expect before flying with weed.

Can You Bring a Vape Pen on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring a vape pen on a plane, but only in your carry-on. The Transportation Security Administration states that “The FAA prohibits these devices in checked bags. Battery-powered E-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers, and electronic nicotine delivery systems may only be carried in the aircraft cabin (in carry-on baggage or on your person). Check with your airline for additional restrictions. Remove all electronic cigarette and vaping devices from carry-on bags if checked at the gate or planeside.”

While there’s no specification on the TSA website about whether marijuana vape pens fall under this policy, vape pens and marijuana vape pens are indistinguishable. When traveling with any type of cannabis product, use common sense and keep your products concealed for the duration of your trip. The use of vape pens and marijuana or otherwise is obviously forbidden on the plane and will result in passenger arrest.

Can You Fly with Medical Marijuana?

Yes, generally, you can fly with medical marijuana in both your carry-on and checked bags in the US— with some restrictions. Marijuana and some cannabis-infused products (CBD oil), are still illegal under federal law unless the products contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. If caught with more, TSA is well within its rights to report violations to local, state or federal authorities. 

To ensure you do not run into any trouble, travel with your medical marijuana card, pack your weed in airtight containers to contain the odor, and only fly with small amounts of weed that won’t attract attention.

Is It Legal To Fly With Recreational Weed?

Is it possible? Yes! Is it legal? Nope. However, many recreational marijuana users feel comfortable flying with small amounts of weed. They, of course, follow a few simple steps to ensure to avoid any trouble.

As previously mentioned, when traveling with weed and weed products, always place them in your carry-on, not your checked baggage. Checked bags are regularly searched at random, so your best bet at avoiding unwanted attention is to pack your weed in your carry-on in a nondescript, airtight container. Pill bottles are great for joints and small amounts of cannabis.

If you plan on flying with weed, keep in mind that you are breaking the law. If you’re flying with a large amount of weed and you are caught, you will likely be charged with the intent to distribute, which is a serious offense, so only fly with small amounts.

Should You Fly With Edibles?

While still illegal if purchased for recreational use, if you want to get on a plane with weed, flying with edibles may be the easiest way to go. Store all edibles in your carry-on and remove all of the original packaging for the best chance of making it through TSA safely.

Can you fly with delta-8 and other federally legal cannabinoids?

The popularity of legal cannabinoids has experienced significant growth in the US in recent years. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products were federally legalized in the US, including Delta-8 THC which provides some of the same psychoactive and medicinal benefits . It is totally legal to fly with these products as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Keep them in their original packaging and you should be good to go.

What Happens If You Get Caught With Weed at the Airport?

According to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein when speaking to the Wall Street Journal , “If a TSA officer comes across [pot] while they’re conducting a bag check, they are obligated to report it to the police, and then it’s up to the police how they want to handle it.” The severity of your punishment will depend on three factors: the amount of weed you’re traveling with, your location, and the officer’s mood. Farbstein goes on to say, “It’s up to the officers to make those sorts of decisions.” If you’re flying with small amounts of weed in a legal state, you’ll likely be waived through, asked to put your weed in an amnesty box , or simply have your weed confiscated and thrown out.

Remember, it is still a risk and getting arrested is always a possible outcome. Flying with any amount of marijuana over what is considered “a small amount” is asking for trouble, even in 420-friendly states.  

How Do You Bring Weed On a Plane?

Okay, so you understand the risks. Now what? Use common sense and only travel with a small amount. When packing, remember to only pack marijuana products in your carry-on bag. It’s vital to use an airtight container to hold your weed, edibles, and pre-rolled joints. If your container is not airtight, the easily identifiable smell will not be contained and you’ll probably get caught. Ziplock bags, pill bottles, and marijuana-specific stash devices are ideal containers for flying with marijuana.

Can you Travel with Weed Across State Lines?

Generally speaking, traveling with weed across state lines is not a good idea. So, leaving Colorado after a mountain vacation with weed in tow could have severe consequences. Unlike TSA agents, cops do prioritize finding weed. Additionally, cops tend to pull over travelers as they cross state lines. If a cop claims they smell marijuana, they probably have cause to search your vehicle. If you do plan on crossing state lines with marijuana, keep your weed in an airtight container and store it in your locked glove compartment where a cop would need a warrant to search.

Should You Travel With Cannabis When Visiting Different Countries?

Marijuana tourism isn’t just an American phenomenon. Weed legalization has spread rapidly across the globe. While stoners have been traveling to Amsterdam to sample the Dutch café culture for decades, countries like Canada and Argentina have recently legalized recreational marijuana. Still, countries with legalized recreational marijuana forbid crossing borders with the drug. So, not only can you not pack your favorite space cakes and pre-rolls in your suitcase after your trip, but you can’t bring any weed into the country either.

Everything You Need to Know About Dispensaries

In 1970’s Amsterdam, you could walk into a “ coffeeshop ,” lay down a few guilders , and walk away with legal cannabis and paraphernalia without a worry. It took the rest of the world a few years to catch up, but today, dispensaries — or weed shops—are popping up like crazy around the world.

Medical Dispensaries 

Medical dispensaries provide patients with a secure location purchase medically prescribed cannabis to sooth and treat ailments. They’re usually regulated and taxed differently than recreational cannabis dispensaries, so prices may very between the two.  Before visiting a medical dispensary, you’ll need:

• A prescription from your doctor, medical cannabis certification, or whatever else is required by your state.
•  A valid, unexpired ID or passport (in most cases, you must be 18 or older to obtain medical cannabis in the US) 

Recreational Dispensaries

Unlike medical dispensaries, recreational dispensaries are available for people without a prescription from a doctor. Adult-use/recreational shops require fewer prerequisites than a medical dispensary, but there are still plenty of things you need to know before visiting. Before visiting a recreational dispensary, you’ll need:

• A valid, unexpired ID or passport (you must be 21 or older to purchase recreational cannabis in the US.

420-Friendly Hotels

Weed and a good night’s sleep is pretty much synonymous. It may be illegal to smoke inside most public spaces around the world, but hotels, hostels and resorts have found plenty of ways to skirt the law in favor of a good time. From mini-bars filled with edibles at The Standard in LA to weed welcome kits at the Jupiter in Portland and wake-n-bake samplers every morning at Adagio in Denver, 420 resorts and hotels are popping up all over the place. 

Cannabis-centric websites like Bud and Breakfast and USA Weed offer databases of listings for 420-friendly accommodations around the world. These sites allow travelers to search for hotels, hostels, and resorts that offer cannabis-friendly amenities and ensure that their stay is a comfortable and enjoyable one.

In addition to offering cannabis-friendly amenities, many 420-friendly hotels also provide information on local dispensaries, cannabis tours, and other cannabis-related activities in the area. Some hotels even offer cannabis-infused spa treatments or other wellness experiences.

When it comes down to it, 420-friendly hotels provide a unique and comfortable option for cannabis enthusiasts looking for a place to stay that accommodates their lifestyle. With the growing acceptance of cannabis around the world, it is likely that we will see more of these hotels popping up, offering an increasingly diverse range of cannabis-friendly amenities and experiences.

Cannabis Cafes & Clubs

If you’ve been to Europe, you’ve definitely heard of weed cafes . But what about cannabis clubs?

The first cannabis club popped up in Barcelona in 2001 as a way to legally obtain and consume weed in the city. While recreational weed is still illegal in Spain, clubs are able to exist on a technicality: Consumption and cultivation by adults in a private space is totally legal. This legal loophole has allowed cannabis clubs to exist and thrive in Spain for the last two decades.

Cannabis clubs are membership-based establishments that operate much like a dispensary. Members pay a fee to access the club, and then they’re able to purchase and consume cannabis on the premises. These clubs are typically designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for cannabis users to consume their preferred strains of cannabis without fear of legal repercussions.

Cannabis clubs typically require members to be at least 18 years old and to provide identification when joining. Members are also expected to abide by certain rules, such as not sharing cannabis with non-members and not selling cannabis to others. Most clubs also have a maximum amount of cannabis that members can purchase and consume in a single visit.

In addition to providing a safe and legal space for cannabis consumption, cannabis clubs can also offer a social aspect for members. Many clubs organize events and activities for members, such as live music performances, educational workshops, and cannabis tastings.

While cannabis clubs are not legal in all parts of the world, they have become increasingly popular in many European countries, and are beginning to gain traction in North America as well. As more and more countries legalize cannabis, it is likely that cannabis clubs will become more widespread, providing cannabis users with a safe and legal way to enjoy their preferred strains in a social setting.

Cannabis & CBD Spas

We get it, you love weed. But do you love it enough to let a stranger rub it all over your body?

Cannabis spas are another emerging trend in the cannabis industry, offering a unique way for cannabis enthusiasts to relax and unwind. These spas typically offer a range of cannabis-infused treatments and therapies, including massages, facials, and body wraps.

Cannabis spas have their roots in ancient cultures, where cannabis was used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Today, cannabis spas have been modernized, incorporating the latest technologies and techniques to provide a luxurious and immersive experience for guests.

At a cannabis spa, guests can expect to be greeted by a peaceful and relaxing environment, with soothing music, comfortable seating, and aromatherapy scents. Before any treatments begin, guests are usually required to fill out a medical questionnaire and provide identification to confirm their age.

The treatments at a cannabis spa are typically infused with cannabis or CBD, which are known to have calming and anti-inflammatory properties. These treatments can range from a simple foot massage to a full-body wrap, with cannabis-infused products like oils, lotions, and balms.

One of the most popular treatments at cannabis spas is the cannabis-infused massage, which involves the use of cannabis-infused oils to soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. Cannabis facials are also gaining popularity, as they can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

While cannabis spas are still relatively new, they have quickly become a popular destination for cannabis enthusiasts and those looking for a unique spa experience. As cannabis continues to become more widely accepted, it is likely that we will see more cannabis spas opening up around the world, providing a new way for people to enjoy the benefits of this versatile plant.

420 Tours and Weed Vacations

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the globe, a new type of seeker is emerging: cannabis travelers, or people who look for cannabis-friendly destinations for some much-needed R&R (without giving up the green).

420 tours and weed vacations are in high-demand among cannabis enthusiasts who want to explore the world of cannabis and its culture. These tours and vacations provide a unique and immersive experience for travelers who want to learn more about the plant and its uses, while also enjoying the local sights and activities.

420 tours are typically guided tours that take visitors to different cannabis-related destinations, like dispensaries, grow facilities, and cannabis cafes. These tours can be found in many places around the world where cannabis is legal, including Amsterdam, Colorado, and California.

On a 420 tour, visitors can expect to learn about the history of cannabis, its various strains, and the different methods of consumption. They can also see first-hand how cannabis is grown and processed, and even try some samples themselves. Many 420 tours also include visits to local attractions and cultural landmarks, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the local culture.

Weed vacations, on the other hand, are more like traditional vacations, but with a cannabis twist. These vacations are designed to provide cannabis enthusiasts with a relaxing and enjoyable experience, while also offering the opportunity to learn more about the plant and its culture.

Weed vacations can take many forms, from beachside retreats to mountain getaways, and can include activities such as cannabis cooking classes, cannabis yoga, and cannabis-infused spa treatments. These vacations can also provide opportunities to explore local attractions and activities, such as hiking, skiing, and sightseeing.

Both 420 tours and weed vacations offer a unique and immersive experience for cannabis enthusiasts who want to learn more about the plant and its culture. As cannabis becomes more widely accepted around the world, it is likely that we will see more of these tours and vacations popping up, providing travelers with a new and exciting way to explore the world of cannabis.

420 Festivals

420 events and festivals are generally a good time, but believe it or not, they also help break stigmas and pave the way for legalization around the world. Festival organizers pull off throwing events in states and countries where cannabis is still illegal via the Temporary Autonomous Zone principle—creating temporary spaces that elude formal structures of control.

Today, 420 festivals can take many forms, from outdoor concerts to cannabis expos, and are typically held on or around April 20th, which is considered a holiday among cannabis enthusiasts.

420 festivals provide a unique opportunity for cannabis enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their love for the plant. These events often feature live music, food and drink vendors, cannabis dispensaries, and educational seminars and workshops.

One of the most famous 420 festivals is the annual “ Sweetwater 420 Fest ” held in Atlanta, Georgia. This festival features three days of live music, art exhibits, and cannabis-related vendors and attractions.

Other popular 420 festivals and events include the High Times Cannabis Cup , which is held in various locations around the world and features a competition for the best cannabis strains and products, as well as the Hash Bash in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which has been held annually since 1972 and is one of the longest-running cannabis events in the world.

420 festivals and events also provide an opportunity for cannabis advocates to come together and push for the legalization of cannabis. Many events feature speakers and activists who share their knowledge and experiences with the crowd, and use the event as a platform to raise awareness and advocate for cannabis reform.

Overall, 420 festivals and events are a fun and exciting way for cannabis enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their love for the plant. As cannabis continues to become more widely accepted around the world, it is likely that we will see more of these events popping up, providing a platform for cannabis culture to thrive and grow.

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Planning a cannabis vacation? Here are the top 10 cities for a weed enthusiast's getaway including paint-and-puff classes and ganja yoga

• Upgraded Points ranked the best US cities to visit for a 'canna-cation' based on 26 factors.
• Cannabis tourism is a $17 billion industry, reports say.
• Activities include ganja yoga, paint-and-puff, and a cannabis-infused dinner.

Cannabis may not be legal in every US state, but the places that permit recreational use have carved out a unique corner in the travel industry.

Weed-infused tourism is a $17 billion industry despite only being legal in 19 states. As people become more comfortable experimenting with it, we're seeing more weed-friendly travel guides for those who want to experience the high life.

Upgraded Points — a site dedicated to information on all things travel and reward programs — ranked the best and worst places for a "canna-cation" based on 26 factors including cost and weed friendly activities.

On Thursday, President Biden moved to pardon thousands with federal marijuana convictions and encourage states to follow suit. If you're feeling more empowered to dive into the world of cannabis, here are the top 10 best cities for a ganja getaway, according to Upgraded Points.

10. Las Vegas, Nevada

Although the use of weed is prohibited in public places, Las Vegas still managed to crack the top 10 best cities. Travelers can find activities and places to stay that permit the use of cannabis — including cannabis bus tours and smoking at the Las Vegas location of popular chain Topgolf.

Overall score out of 50:  32.19

9. San Jose, California

Like another California city on the list, San Jose's location in the Bay Area means you're just an hour away from San Francisco. You've heard of food delivery services, but in San Jose you can get weed delivered to your door.

Overall score out of 50:  32.50

8. Colorado Springs, Colorado

According to Upgraded Points, Colorado is the third cheapest place to buy an ounce of marijuana for an average cost of $241.75. It's no wonder three Colorado cities have landed on the list — including Colorado Springs.

The creative weed user might enjoy painting some "pothead pottery."

Overall score out of 50:  33.95

7. Henderson, Nevada

Henderson landed itself in the top 10 thanks to its 118 weed-friendly Airbnb listings per 100,000 people, according to Upgraded Points.

Like others on the list, its wide offering of affordable lodging where weed is allowed earned it the seventh spot. And, of course, there are multiple local dispensaries to visit.

Overall score out of 50:  34.89

6. Scottsdale, Arizona

Located just 13 miles outside of Phoenix, Scottsdale, offers cheaper accommodations with a proximity to activities, including a cannabis-infused dinner with private chefs.

Overall score out of 50:  35.45

5. Portland, Oregon

According to Upgraded Points, Portland offers a wide variety of fun that doesn't just allow the use of cannabis, but also includes it in the activity.

Yoga enthusiasts can enjoy ganja yoga where each session begins with marijuana use followed by a yoga class for all levels. Wake-and-bake drag shows also are not to be missed if you're in Portland, Upgrade Points says. 

Overall score out of 50:  36.09

4. Boulder, Colorado

The city of Boulder describes itself as a "perfect balance of urban and outdoors." In addition to being able to enjoy a joint while you hike, it offers cannabis tours of local dispensaries for those who want a look behind the scenes of the industry.

Overall score out of 50: 36.70

3. Oakland, California

Coming in at number three, Oakland offers its very own Cannabis Trail — a map of cannabis-friendly businesses and activities for visitors. Situated in the Bay Area of California, the city has proximity to San Francisco and the wine country as well.

According to Upgraded Points, Oakland is the cheapest city for a four-day cannabis vacation for one person.

Overall score out of 50:  36.90

2. Portland, Maine

Like Henderson, Portland, Maine, finds itself on this traveler's list for its many 420-friendly stays. Activities include a walking tour for the cannabis curious and many "bud and breakfasts."

Overall score out of 50:  37.68

1. Denver, Colorado

Denver ranks number one on Upgraded Points' list by quite a few points. According to the site, cannabis-friendly accommodations are much more affordable compared to cities like Los Angeles or Reno, Nevada.

Those planning a trip to Colorado's capital can add a paint-and-puff class to their itinerary if they want to paint while enjoying marijuana.

Overall score out of 50:  41.19

• Main content

21 Destinations For Cannabis Tourism

As more and more places around the world legalize the use of marijuana, entrepreneurs in the cannabis community are rolling out painting classes, extravagant tours, cooking demonstrations and a whole host of other marijuana-infused experiences, making some cities must-stops for cannabis enthusiasts. Regardless of your other hobbies, there's a cannabis destination that is a good fit for you.

Monroe, Washington

The state of Washington has many tourist accommodations that allow you to partake in cannabis on-site, but only in Monroe can you stay and smoke in a tree house at Mountain Views Tree House Joint . Monroe also boasts the award-winning dispensary A Greener Today Gold Bar. Taking a trip to Monroe offers a smaller-town feel than Seattle and the area also has skiing and a state park with waterfalls. Tourists should note that it's illegal to consume marijuana in view of the public in Washington, but it is allowed on private property.

Barcelona, Spain

Cannabis clubs are increasingly popular in European cities, especially in Barcelona, where there are over 200 . Tourists are welcome, but there are a few things you should know before stopping by one. It is illegal to purchase , cultivate, possess or use cannabis in a public place in Spain, and if a person is found in possession of cannabis on the street, they can be punished with a fine . It's also important to know that Spain has decriminalized personal use . Most Barcelona cannabis clubs rely on this loophole in the law by charging membership fees then distributing cannabis to their private members, making it "personal cultivation and personal use" of marijuana. Many clubs allow foreigners and tourists to join. Outside of its cannabis clubs, as a city, Barcelona is something to see. Contemporary architecture, open street markets and ancient Roman and medieval treasures are just a few of the things tourists can enjoy.

Bay Area, California

The Bay Area's eccentric vibe and the multitude of dispensaries make it a top cannabis destination. On top of standard dispensary shopping, tourists can go on a tour sipping cannabis-infused wines to experience how San Francisco's wine and marijuana culture come together. Also in the Bay Area is the world's first all-solar powered medical marijuana dispensary . Nestled on a 12-acre "permaculture oasis," Emerald Pharms welcomes curious visitors looking to learn more about the land and what they do. Another popular spot is Haight Street where the city's counterculture was born — locals and tourists alike can enjoy the trendy neighborhood that leads to Golden Gate Park. Visitors should know that public consumption of marijuana is not allowed.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam might be the most obvious tourist destination for marijuana — travelers have been visiting for years in order to experience walking into a "coffee shop" to buy marijuana products from an extensive menu and enjoy them right there. Though that's now been made possible in many other places around the world, Amsterdam is still one of the top-rated cities to consider for a cannabis vacation, particularly if you're after quality. The small, old-timey Grey Area Coffee Shop has lines out the door on a daily basis, according to hundreds of raving TripAdvisor reviews. Amsterdam in the fall is full of thousands of cannabis enthusiasts from around the world who attend the annual High Times Cannabis Cup , a popular cannabis trade show.

St. Louis, Missouri

Though recreational marijuana is illegal in the state, purchasing CBD is federally legal as long as it doesn't contain more than 0.3% THC. St. Louis is one of many American cities capitalizing on the CBD trend. Painters of all levels of expertise come together to Puff, Pass & Paint in an intimate setting along the Mississippi River. This is "canvas and cocktails" class with a cannabis twist that allows participants to use CBD flower. Guests with a medical card may also bring and consume cannabis. And if you prefer a more quiet environment, you can get a CBD-infused facial or massage at The Spa at Hotel Saint Louis . The spa is located in the heart of Downtown St. Louis, which has a charming and historic vibe.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

In Canada, where you can smoke marijuana depends on what province you're in . In Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta, anyone over 18 can legally consume cannabis wherever smoking cigarettes is allowed . However to purchase marijuana, you have to be 19. Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, is famous for its electric street art along "Graffiti alley," which you can learn about while smoking on a guided tour. In Calgary, you can find marijuana-infused tours and experiences for everything from video gaming to paddle boating.

Seattle, Washington

While Seattle offers a lot of tourist hot spots already, its dispensaries are plentiful. Since 2012, anyone 21 and older can legally purchase marijuana from a licensed store in the state of Washington, making it a bustling place for cannabis tourism. Visitors can go on a number of marijuana tours for a look at the "seed-to-sale" process and find a cannabis-friendly place to lodge. A popular neighborhood in the Emerald City is Capitol Hill — people praise the neighborhood vibe as well as the marijuana shops. Even though recreational marijuana is legal in the state, it is only within the law to buy 1 ounce of marijuana, and tourists may not be able to smoke on-site depending on the dispensary. Whether you're visiting Seattle to smoke marijuana or not, you can always check out the view from the Space Needle and people-watch at Pike Place Market.

Las Vegas, Nevada

There is no shortage of tourist activities in Vegas, but there are also a dozen licensed dispensaries in the city limits. The Brews and Buds Tour is the city's first way to experience both the city's cannabis and craft beer scenes. And for a more glitzy Vegas experience, Planet 13 is expected to be a cross between a nightclub and a dispensary. For now, the self-described "cannabis superstore and entertainment complex" will require some additional changes in local legal marijuana legislation before realizing this vision. Despite the boom in cannabis culture and increasing number of dispensaries in Vegas, consumption is only legal in a private residence. And the only legal way to buy marijuana is from a state-licensed store or dispensary.

Coachella Valley, California

Coachella Valley is teeming with canyons, creeks and a host of wilderness adventures, but it's also becoming a hotbed for cannabis. The valley contains the city of Palm Springs, where dispensaries and massive grow operations are booming. At some licensed cannabis businesses in Palm Springs , onsite consumption of marijuana is allowed, making it even more appealing for tourists. Palm Springs also recently issued the first Cannabis Lounge Permit in Southern California to Coachella Valley Green Dragon with a handful of other dispensary and lounge applications awaiting approval from the city. Also in the Coachella Valley region is a cannabis-friendly spa that offers both CBD and THC products with a wide selection of edibles, flowers and concentrates. If you're planning on visiting during the popular Coachella music festival, you should note that cannabis or cannabis products are not allowed inside .

Burlington, Vermont

In Vermont, possession of up to 1 ounce, growing and sharing cannabis are legal, but buying and selling aren't. For travelers, that means it might be more of a wellness trip rather than recreational. And for leaf-peeping tourists, the small, cozy town of Burlington is best in the fall. You can take a stroll under all the foliage and then duck into Jolita Brilliant Massage for a relaxing way to experience cannabis. They offer CBD oil massages and carry CBD infused bath salts, deodorant, soaps and lip balms. Burlington's small-town feel is perfect for strolling through its many waterfront parks or stopping by the farmers market.

Westmoreland, Jamaica

For a cannabis destination off the beaten path, Coral Cove Cannabis Resort is a prime getaway, especially for beach bums. The Jamaican resort is an 18-room oceanfront property bordering a renowned farming village. On the property is a cannabis garden that visitors can walk through. Coral Cove's cannabis is grown in cooperation with the island's Bobo Shanti Rastafarian sect, who are allowed a religious exemption for cannabis cultivation by the Jamaican government. Smoking cannabis as a sacrament is a way of life and protected status at the resort. Otherwise in Jamaica, cannabis is decriminalized but not legal, though the laws are very relaxed, which is why tourists from all over the world flock there to smoke marijuana with an ocean view. If you're looking to extend your trip to other parts of Jamaica, be aware that smoking marijuana in a public place is prohibited, but it is legal to smoke in licensed dispensaries.

Boston, Massachusetts

Like Colorado, Massachusetts is fated to see a hike in cannabis tourism after the first recreational pot shops on the East Coast opened in 2018. Boston Cannabis Tours provides cannabis sight-seeing in the Greater Boston Area, featuring trips to dispensaries, cultivation facilities and restaurants. Visitors can bring up to the state's legal amount of cannabis on the bus, and the guide will indicate when and where it is appropriate to consume. There are also plenty of other ways to experience cannabis, including baking classes. Soul Fresh, a cannabis activities and wellness company, offers a " Salves and Sweets" cooking class as well as marijuana-enhanced meditation and yoga. The same company that offers the Puff, Pass & Paint class in St. Louis has one in Boston, too. The marijuana is B.Y.O.C and the consumption is a lot more fluid. On top of weed activities, Boston's historic architecture and bustling sports scene make it a memorable destination.

Portland, Oregon

What sets Portland's marijuana scene apart from others is the city's history with the plant. The Potlandia Experience Marijuana Tour is the latest offering from Great Oregon Tours. The tour takes to cannabis dispensaries along with places that make Portland such a unique tourist destination — like microbreweries, food carts and other iconic spots. There's also a popular CBD cafe with offerings like vegan chocolate bars and hemp-infused CBD sauces. Public use of marijuana is illegal in Oregon, but people can use recreational marijuana on private property . Portland is also just 45 miles from Salem, where the Hemp and Cannabis Fair is held in the fall. Also called the THC Fair, the event encourages cannabis users as well as entrepreneurs to showcase their contribution to the community. If visitors are hopping states, it's worth noting that transporting marijuana across state lines is not allowed. That even includes California and Washington, where it is legal.

Juneau, Alaska

Alaska's beautiful wilderness and wide variety of animals already make it a bucket-list attraction. And now, tourists can also experience America's northernmost cannabis industry. In Juneau — the capital city of Alaska — visitors can hop on Juneau Cannabis Tours . The tour includes two dispensary visits, seeing part of a grow operation and walking Juneau's historic downtown. Juneau is home to seven marijuana dispensaries and hosts several interesting non-marijuana events that celebrate Alaskan culture as well as music festivals. Anyone 21 years or older can buy and carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana in Alaska. Recently, an ordinance was passed that allows people in Juneau to consume marijuana edibles inside licensed retailers and smoke in designated outdoor areas. Aside from that, the law bans all other public use. For travelers visiting Alaska, be aware that it is also illegal to use marijuana in national parks or forests.

Auburn, Maine

Maine recently legalized recreational marijuana , but due to the state's regulations, there are no official recreational marijuana tours. There are, however, some marijuana-infused activities and destinations, and one in particular offers a little more than a typical bed and breakfast. Maine Greenyards is an eight-bedroom mansion in Auburn on 16 acres of land that bills itself as a "bud and breakfast." The owners do not sell cannabis , but they do organically grow a legal, personal adult-use garden, which they make available to visitors free of charge. Auburn is located on the Androscoggin River, which has picturesque hiking trails and ski slopes.

Montevideo, Uruguay

For tourists heading to Uruguay, the Cannabis Tour of Montevideo includes visits to "grow shops," local bars and a marijuana farming site where a professional cultivator will explain the secrets of the practice. Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalize marijuana in 2013, and the town of Montevideo was integral in that movement. Visitors should definitely try a cup or two of mate — an herbal tea-like drink that originated in South America — infused with weed. Montevideo is a small city full of culture. Travelers should visit the Solis Theatre , a beautiful building and the center of Montevideo's acting scene. It's one of the most renowned theaters in the world and was built in 1856 by a popular Italian architect.

Denver, Colorado

No list of cannabis tourist hotspots would be complete without Dever. Colorado is no stranger to cannabis tourism — in 2016, the state saw 6.5 million tourists visit its ski slopes, mountain vistas and pot shops. And Denver alone is home to over 300 dispensaries . There are plenty of things to do, including an Introductory Cooking with Cannabis class and a Sushi and Joint Rolling class . Some marijuana experiences require you to B.Y.O.C. (bring your own cannabis), and it's as close as they can legally get to including it. Another place worth dipping into is a tour at Euflora dispensary's 6,000-square-foot space. They display marijuana in large plastic containers on tables and allow customers to closely examine and smell the different buds without touching them. With cannabis culture at the forefront, there are companies in Denver that provide safe transportation to and from marijuana-friendly places. Visitors should be aware that public consumption remains illegal in Colorado , and smoking is allowed only in designated areas or marijuana-friendly places.

Remus, Michigan

Another destination where tourists can get their cannabis fix is Remus, Michigan, which hosts the CMCP Harvest Festival . The fest features art, music, food and seminars educating consumers about cannabis cultivation and the culture surrounding it. Topics include how cannabis plays a role in the possible treatment of cancer. Michigan may not be an obvious choice for a cannabis holiday, but it has an active community focused on marijuana and related events since legalizing it in 2018. If visiting, keep a calendar of weed-related events across Michigan handy. Per law, it is illegal to consume cannabis in a public space but onsite consumption at licensed dispensaries may be allowed. Also nearby Remus are over 100 lakes , the Muskegon River, award-winning golf courses and wineries.

British Columbia, Canada

If a luxury cannabis vacation is what you're looking for, embark on the Highest of Highs experience in the province British Columbia, Canada, where recreational adult marijuana use is legal. The adventure takes off from Victoria in a helicopter where fliers are whisked off to a secret mountaintop location for the day with hand-selected bags full of locally made marijuana strains and products. For those looking for more luxury, there are options to chopper in a local chef to cook for the group or even bring along a yoga instructor. They will be launching more luxury cannabis experiences soon. While in British Columbia, you should also take part in nearby Vancouver's Cannabis Crawl. The crawl starts at Victory Square, which is home to the infamous Vancouver "Pot Block," a line of quirky cannabis shops and cafes, and goes through all the cultural hotspots.

Berlin, Germany

Museums are most likely on every tourist's to-see list, and the Hanf Museum in Berlin should be on yours if you're planning a cannabis-related expedition. The exhibition space is devoted exclusively to the agricultural, manufacturing and industrial use of hemp, including legal aspects surrounding it. And for a cool non-marijuana related exhibit, head to the East Side Gallery near the center of Berlin. The open-air gallery consists of a series of murals painted directly on a long remnant of the Berlin Wall. Personal possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana is legal in Berlin. It is illegal to buy and sell it, but there's a gray area when it comes to the legality of actually consuming marijuana. But one thing is for sure, you can't smoke in public.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is loaded with art and adventure and features dramatic vistas and scenic spots. It's also the place to go for an educational cannabis vacation. Marijuana has not been legalized in New Zealand, but low-level THC cannabis like hemp is acceptable . The Whakamana Cannabis Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand, is at the forefront of the country's push for legalization. The museum's library stocks over 100 books about cannabis, including material on politics and ancient cultures that have had an impact on the global cannabis community. In Christchurch, travelers can also find customised tours that showcase New Zealand's trendy side including " gondola rides " and wineries.

Traveling with Marijuana

Whether you're travelling by airplane, car or train, here's everything you need to know about travelling with cannabis in the us.

Sure, you’re aware of your state laws , but what are your rights as a recreational or medical marijuana consumer when traveling? Unfortunately, the complexities and ‘gray area’ of cannabis law are only amplified.

Federal law governs airplane travel, and because marijuana is illegal under federal law, so is flying with pot even if you’re traveling from one legal state to another. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) efforts are focused on potential threats to aviation and passengers, so security officials scanning your bags are not on the lookout for marijuana or other illegal drugs. But, if they do discover marijuana, local law enforcement will be notified.

What happens next depends on which state you’re in. Certain airports like LAX in California and O’Hare in Chicago publicly announced that they will not prosecute travelers possessing less than an ounce of cannabis, while non-legal states may charge a traveler with a misdemeanor or felony drug charge.

Medical marijuana patients don’t receive special treatment from TSA, but may from local officials depending on the state. Keep your medical recommendation or I.D. card on you while traveling, if you chose to take a risk and travel with marijuana.

Official notices about cannabis from the airport websites:

Denver international airport.

At one point, the airport allowed possession of one ounce or less. But, as of 2021, the city’s website states that DIA prohibits the possession, use, display, and transfer of all marijuana on its property. Under Amendment 64, the city and county governments have established this policy and restriction to combat illegal interstate transportation of cannabis. Those caught with marijuana could face a fine of up to $999, though recreational adult-use and purchase is legal in the state.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Officials DFW are notoriously known for the arrest and prosecution of a 71-year-old grandmother carrying CBD in May 2019. Penalties for cannabis consumption in Texas remain some of the harshest in the US. The drug is not decriminalized and local authorities are quick to arrest and charge travelers found with marijuana.

Dulles International Airport

Travelers caught with marijuana flower or products at Dulles airport can receive up to $500 in civil fines.

McCarran International Airport

The message is clear on the airport’s website: Pursuant to Clark County Code 20.04.090, it is unlawful to possess or advertise Marijuana/Cannabis/THC on Clark County Department of Aviation (DOA) owned property. Penalties include but are not limited to prosecution, arrest, civil and/or criminal fines, or a combination thereof.

San Francisco International Airport

The airport follows guidelines police use within the city of SF. Card-holding medical marijuana patients are permitted to carry up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis when traveling.

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Small amounts of marijuana are decriminalized in the big apple, so local authorities at JFK may allow you to continue on your way after seizing your stash.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Be prepared to spend the night at Clayton County Jail if you’re caught with marijuana at the Atlanta airport. Travelers charged with trafficking (possessing large amounts of marijuana) will be denied bond.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

It is legal to have fewer than 40 grams of marijuana in your checked bag or carry-on bag when you arrive at Sea-Tac. Keep in mind, regulations change when you land at your destination.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Possessing even small amounts of personal marijuana can result in being charged with a drug crime. Possession with intent to distribute becomes trafficking charges when in possession of 10 pounds or more, and the severity of charges increases over 4 levels.

Can I take marijuana across state lines?

When you cross state lines, you fall within the jurisdiction of the federal government—even if cannabis is legal in both states. Because the federal government views cannabis as a Schedule I drug, transporting the federally restricted substance is alike to transporting heroin or LSD.

But, how likely is it that you’ll run into a DEA agent at the state border? Slim to none. A more feasible scenario is receiving additional aggravated charges if arrested in a state that doesn’t permit possession of marijuana. Charges will vary based on the amount of marijuana possessed, but any federal charge will come with a felony drug charge.

Are the rules the same/different for medical marijuana?

Registered patients cannot travel between states with medical marijuana, even if their departure and arrival state honors their patient status. Technically, all MMJ patients everywhere are violating federal law when possessing medical marijuana. And, the federal government can prosecute those who cross state lines with a drug crime. Just as with consumers, the probability of arrest at state lines is slim, but the penalties can be severe—to the tune of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for a first offense.

If you are caught possessing marijuana at the airport and TSA officers pass you on to local authorities from the state where you are registered as a patient, you may receive leniency, but that is on a case-by-case basis.

Travel tips for patients

• Always keep a valid doctor’s recommendation or patient ID card on your person.
• Put a copy of the recommendation and ID in any checked luggage that contains marijuana products.
• Know the state laws of where you’re traveling.
• Begin recording on your phone if stopped by police or government authorities.
• Keep a lawyer’s contact logged in your phone.

The risk of travel and the likelihood of getting caught increases immensely when crossing borders between countries. Traveling across country borders with marijuana is highly discouraged. Border Patrol and Customs checkpoints almost always include a search. If marijuana is found, you will likely face a drug trafficking charge.

What if I accidentally bring marijuana to the airport?

Airports like the O’Hare Airport in Chicago offer cannabis amnesty boxes for departing travelers. Here, you can deposit marijuana products safely before passing through security and boarding your flight. If your airport doesn’t offer the boxes, you can always throw it in the trash.

Can I travel with CBD?

Because CBD is legal on a federal level, you can travel with CBD products that are either FDA approved or contain no more than .3 percent THC.

Until marijuana is legalized on a federal level, there is always a risk in travel. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Our mission: keeping you informed on your state’s laws. Grow comfortably, drive confidently, and smoke in peace with an understanding of your rights.

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Content on this site is purely informational and should not be considered legal advice. Consult a lawyer in your state for any legal needs.

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5 Great Travel Destinations Where Cannabis Is Legal

These days, there’s no shortage of destinations where you can go and do the usual tourist stuff all while having easy access to cannabis. The changing perspective on marijuana use is slowly but surely opening up the world to people who want to enjoy the effects of the herb while making themselves feel at home in a new location.

If you feel like spending the holidays and celebrating personal milestones elsewhere while also incorporating cannabis products into your everyday activities, make sure to add the following destinations to your possible travel options.

Cannabis enthusiasts from the US who want to stay in Northern America for their holiday can also include Canada in their list of countries to visit. The country has a very liberal approach to the personal consumption of weed for recreational or medicinal purposes. You can have a staycation in the country and simply order herb delivery to your location for a carefree holiday, or you can visit establishments that support cannabis culture and see how people here treat and use weed. 

The Netherlands

Located in Northwestern Europe, the Netherlands is a tourist destination all on its own. It has a storied past, rich culture, natural resources, and highly-functional urban areas that offer its residents and guests alike the means to enjoy a high standard of living. At the same time, though, the Netherlands is a popular tourist destination for people who want to partake in cannabis. Here, one can access the herb in coffee shops, and the recreational use of marijuana is tolerated by the government. If you’re keen on exploring a European country that exemplifies modernity, champions egalitarian values, and tolerates the responsible use of marijuana, the Netherlands is an excellent choice. 

Tourists who want to have easy access to good food and organic weed can plan a trip to Spain for the holidays, particularly its Catalonia region. There are designated clubs in the area where it’s legal to smoke weed, though there are also places where people smoke publicly. The dedicated clubs offer a worthwhile experience, though, as these places are safe and comfortable and they often serve food and drinks for patrons. 

If you’re planning to enjoy a holiday in South America, you’ll be delighted to know that there are plenty of places in this part of the world where you can use weed. On top of the list is Chile, the country with the highest per capita use of cannabis in the continent. It’s best if you stay off the streets when using the herb, as the public production and consumption of cannabis are still illegal here. However, the private growing and consumption of marijuana are both permitted–and clearly, many people who are living in Chile are taking advantage of this fact. 

Mexico is another accessible holiday venue for avid weed users. There are still legislative issues concerning the use of cannabis in the country, but the Supreme Court of Mexico deemed the laws prohibiting the recreational use of cannabis unconstitutional. There are plenty of places where one can get weed while on a holiday in Mexico, but it’s advised to only get your supply from legitimate dealers to ensure the quality of the product. It’s too easy to get products laced with impurities if you choose to get weed from street sellers, so be careful who you are dealing with. 

Tourists who are based in the United States and wish to enjoy their holidays without leaving the country can enjoy weed in certain states. Do take note, though, that there are places in the US where cannabis remains illegal. Before booking your flight or preparing for a road trip, then, make sure to do your research and double-check how your destination regards the use of cannabis products and their legal limitations.

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These Weed-Friendly Travel Spots Will Make You Want To Plan An Escape

Vacations are freaking fantastic. Cannabis can also be freaking fantastic, when used wisely. Combining the two is a no-brainer.

The list below includes some of the best weed-friendly travel spots in the country. They each offer something that the others don’t, so you can make them fit your needs. Wanna get back to nature? Done. Wanna spend all night in a club? Done. Consider our food and lodging recommendations a starting point and hit up Google to plan a full itinerary. Or hop in the car and wing it. Either way, a few days spent getting high in a rad city that won’t haul you downtown or ticket you for your vice of choice is a luxury that a lot of people don’t have.

Los Angeles, California

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California came out swinging as the first to legalize cannabis for medical use in 1996 and then stalled for some time on the recreational front. Everyone seemed to have a medical card for a hot minute in the late 90s and 2000s. Now, the huge state functions as one of the top destinations for weed enthusiasts and general travelers alike.

We’ve mentioned The Standard, Hollywood as the first hotel with a dispensary in the past , and it’s a genuinely wonderful option for a 420-friendly vacay. But we also think Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast is awesome. It’s the first of its kind in the state, and cannabis is cool in all public areas, community vaporizers are provided (so no need to pack paraphernalia), and you can even smoke in room 420. Plus, the décor is wild.

If you want to keep your high going all day long, consider Alchemy Lounge and/or Hitman Coffee Shop , which both require membership (but you can get a day pass). They are amazing creative centers that encourage guests to use cannabis while hanging out and enjoying an espresso and some cool company. These places don’t sell herb (though they do rent rigs), so stop by one of the many local dispensaries before heading out.

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Denver, Colorado

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As the first state to legalize recreational marijuana use, Colorado has a bit of a jump on the rest of the country. Denver is cool af out of the gate, but its growing cannabis hospitality industry makes it a premier destination for a weed vacation. Before we even get to a place to stay, we want to firmly encourage you to take advantage of services like Loopr , a mobile cannabis lounge, and High End Transportation , a minority- and female-owned weed transportation company. They are worth it.

When it comes to lodgings, you have to get in on the bud and breakfast culture that was born in Denver. If you’re feeling, stay at The Adagio — a Victorian home in a historic neighborhood and the first hotel of its kind. But if you really prefer a standard option, try the 420 Tours inclusion package at the 16th Street Mall Hotel , which offers a complimentary vaporizer rental, Uber/Lyft coupons for first-time riders, dispensary coupons, and local cannabis lifestyle magazines.

There is a ton of great food in Denver, but we love a theme, so we think you should consider one of the city’s brews and bud tours. And, if you want to really give in to the munchies and freaking devour everything in sight, get thee to Ian’s Pizza and order the mac n’ cheese, burrito, or loaded baked potato pizza.

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Seattle, Washington

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Seattle is known as The Emerald City not because it bears any relationship to the Wizard of Oz, but because the verdant Pacific Northwest in which it is nestled is breathtakingly green (which I guess you can take as a weed pun as well as a landscape fact). Between the city’s natural beauty, exciting activities, and tons of dispensaries, Seattle is a no-brainer when it comes to picking a weed-friendly destination.

You have some accommodations options, but all of them will have you smoking outside. We like the vibe at this urban Seattle Airbnb , which boasts a hot tub and claims to be cannabis inspired. It’s not terribly different than most offerings in the city. However, we like knowing upfront that a homeowner is cool with cannabis before e spark up, and this lodging’s owner is very accepting. We also want to mention Innthrall (damn, Seattle loves a pun), a kinky b&b with toys and furniture and play spaces for exploring all things erotic. They have created a curtained, heated patio for cannabis use, and it is a treat.

Of course, Seattle also has a vibrant, progressive foodie scene and the restaurants that make it are a solid visit on a vacation. But if you get super high and just want to fill your face with tasty yums in a place no one will judge your heavy-lidded, pink eyes, you gotta go to Beth’s Café , a 24-hour diner. You can mow through a 12-egg omelet and one of the best milkshakes of your life. If you are less couchlocked stoner and more healthy, hiking cannabis enthusiast, hit up Betsutenjin for some dreamy, creamy ramen. It’s not a place where diners are meant to linger, so get in, slurp down some noodles and pork bone broth, and head out for new adventures.

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Portland, Oregon

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Most people don’t know that Oregon was the first state in the nation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis in 1973. From 1999 to 2005, the ratio of residents using pot in the state outpaced the general populace by 32-45 percent. Oregon loves it some cannabis, and though the state has a number of gorgeous areas to visit, Portland with its quirks is a can’t miss travel spot.

It’s probably an obvious pick to suggest you take advantage of the 420 package at Jupiter Hotel because it was the first cannabis-friendly hotel deal in the state, and it has gotten a lot of press. But honestly, it remains a solid set-up for a visit. The hotel is in a great location for walking to bars, restaurants, and shopping. It’s a funky (yet well-maintained) midcentury marvel. And, you get a munchie kit, a vape pen, a t-shirt, and coupons to local dispensaries. All you need is to buy some weed, and you are set.

There’s no rule saying that you have to hit a food truck when you visit Portland, but with over 500 operating, you are really missing out if you don’t. The most famous one is probably Nong’s Khao Man Gai , where they serve signature chicken and rice that people line up to get their hands on. You also have the option of seeing a show and grabbing a bite at the Jupiter’s Doug Fir Lounge , which is world renowned. And, if you are thinking a doughnut sounds great when you are stoned, forget about VooDoo. They are so ten years ago. Right now, the Portland chain doing the most is Blue Star .

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Las Vegas, Nevada

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Las Vegas is fun no matter how you slice it. It is, after all, America’s Playground. But with the legalization of recreational cannabis sales in Nevada in 2017, the fun-meter is dialed to 11.

There are a fair number of Las Vegas hotels that will accommodate cannabis use, but we think travel should be fun and exciting and there is no reason to visit Vegas and book a cookie cutter room. That’s why we love Clairbnb , the bed and breakfast brainchild of 2011 Playmate of the Year and former headliner at The Stratosphere, Clair Sinclair. This weed-friendly space blocks from Fremont Street in downtown is too cool. Every room is themed and meticulously designed. From the Swingin’ 70s Suite to the Vintage Glitz Suite, you will be impressed. Plus, any pictures you take while you are there will be fire because they all look like movie sets.

Alright, you are gonna hit the strip for sure, and if you have killer munchies, chances are you will head into the first buffet you see and get your goddamn money’s worth. But if you want to set a mood and embrace an old-school Vegas treasure (not to mention pretend you are Robert De Niro or Sharon Stone in Casino or anyone in Showgirls ), you have to hit The Peppermill . The service is friendly, the food is decent (breakfast all day, yo), and the drinks are creative. But it’s the neon lights and the straight up nostalgia that make it awesome. Be sure to spend some time in the Fireside Lounge while you are there. A few pics of you lounging near the famed fire pit that sits over water will make your vacation shots complete.

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Anchorage, Alaska

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Anchorage can be a year-round destination if a subarctic winter climate and near total absence of sun doesn’t scare you, but we would recommend taking your vacation during warmer months when the area is truly a natural wonder to behold.

There are some accommodations in the area that will look the other way if you vape while staying as a guest, but we prefer to stay places that are totally down with cannabis culture, which is why we can’t like this Anchorage Airbnb. Blocks from downtown, this home is completely 420-friendly and has a great yard with a hammock, outdoor games, smoker, and barbeque to enjoy when the weather is nice. It’s a nice homebase for exploring the city, including nearby dispensaries, where you can stock up on weed to enjoy once you get back to your lodgings.

As cannabis was made legal by a ballot initiative in 2014, the state has had time to develop their weed scene a fair bit but it’s still illegal to smoke pot outdoors and the city hasn’t provided safe indoor spaces to do it since shutting down the city’s last remaining cannabis club. If you go to Anchorage for a weed-friendly trip, the laws of Alaska pretty much mean you are going to have fun at some dispensaries and get high at your lodgings while enjoying a really cool city. While you are there, be sure to score a pie from Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria , a local institution and the maker of a mac n’ cheese pizza with reindeer sausage, as well as the Shrimp Fiesta pizza. Be prepared to wait because everybody loves this place.

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Boston, Massachusetts

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For a few years, Massachusetts wasn’t getting many tourists looking to explore the state’s weed culture because though it was legal to possess, sales didn’t become legal until July 1, 2018. This put people in the difficult position of having to choose between the risk of getting popped traveling with cannabis or trying to find it once they arrived. That should be changing soon, although it remains an issue.

Lodgings that profess to be 420-friendly are still hard to find. Though there was a company poised to establish themselves in the area, difficulty with federal laws forced them to pause their brand. You are, therefore, left primarily with private lodgings. We recommend hitting up the website Bud & Breakfast for a rental. They range in set-up, but there are totally some perfect ones. We are big fans of the rental that comes with an ounce of cannabis . Medical grade pot and the option to smoke indoors? Yes, please.

Once you find yourself comfortably high in Boston, you have your choice of completely delectable munchies. Word on the street is that you have to try the Shadowless duck fat fries at Shojo . Hand-cut Russets are fried twice in bubbling duck fat, then topped with mapo tofu and a cheese sauce made of kimchi brine, American cheese, and gelatin. Or, hit up Citrus & Salt for some coastal Mexican cuisine that includes an inspired take on elote using Flamin’ Hot Cheeto crumbs.

Fact: Boston is making the food stoners crave.

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Auburn/Lewiston, Maine

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Auburn and Lewiston, like Boston, are a bit of a conundrum because it will likely be the spring of 2019 before the first recreational retail stores are open and running despite the legalization of recreational cannabis passing a couple years ago. The upside is that when you get your hands on some pot, you can carry it around freely (and in larger amounts than in any other state) and use it in a private location without legal trouble. And that’s more than you can say about the majority of the other states.

Although we think Portland, with its breweries and its lobster rolls, may be the coolest city in Maine, Auburn and its close neighbor across the Androscoggin River, Lewiston, are super underrated. Head inland, let go of your need for lighthouses, and give these historic mill towns a shot. For one thing, Auburn offers you the chance to stay at Maine Greenyards — a boutique cannabis accommodation. The property features a midcentury mansion, and people who choose to stay get homegrown gifts from the garden, eggs from the free-ranging chickens on the property, and access to the owners who keep a cannabis garden and can answer any questions guests may have. Although, sadly, you can’t buy any of the weed they grow, but you can trim it if the season is right and bolster your own cultivation skills.

Pop into Labadie’s Bakery in Lewiston for the state’s signature dessert, the whoopie pie. They were actually invented here. Sure, the recipe can be traced back to the Amish in Lancaster County, but it took New Englanders to add marshmallow fluff. And, you have to hit Fuel for a specialty cocktail alongside a rich, seasonal dinner like a tender, braised pork shank with brussels sprouts and sweet potato hash in a red wine and balsamic reduction.

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Burlington, Vermont

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Here we go again. You can possess recreational cannabis legally in Vermont, but cannot yet purchase it. And, this is why cannabis tourism is growing and thriving on the west coast and just has not picked up out east yet. It will, soon enough. In the meantime, there are still a ton of cool cities to visit and nice weed-friendly scenes. Burlington is just such a town with just such a scene.

When it comes to accommodations, we like our stays with some character. That’s why we suggest you opt for an Airbnb stay when you go to Burlington. For a relatively low price, you can stay at the Fresh and Funky apartment downtown. It’s a two-bedroom unit in a classic home that has been painted in a variety of bright hues and filled with unique furniture. Plus, there is a whirlpool tub and a costume closet. You’ll be able to take some great photos here, as well as really enjoy getting high and hanging out.

Though you can’t settle in to a restaurant, brewery, or bar and start vaping away, the Airbnb option puts you walking distance to downtown, so you can totally pre-game. Then, it’s time to have some beer because Vermont has the most craft breweries per capita, and Burlington is no slouch. Start at Fiddlehead , move to Magic Hat , head to Switchback , and wind things up at Citizen Cider . Also, maybe it’s trite, but get all the maple syrup that you can. In addition to downing crepes and pancakes, search for a maple creemee (creemeee is Vermonter for soft serve).

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Washington, DC

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Since 2014, the nation’s capital has allowed people to carry around less than two ounces of weed, but as yet you cannot purchase it, leaving you to rely on kind people who choose to “gift” it to you (which is legal). Or, keep your ear to the ground for cannabis pop-ups, the city’s popular way to get around the law. If you buy a t-shirt and the vendor just happens to like your face and give you some bud, what are you gonna do?

One way to get around asking a bunch of people if they feel like gifting you some pot is to pick a savvy accommodation that includes a free sample. For example, The Cozy Canna-Inn offers guest a free pre-roll when they stay, as well as relaxing cannabis-infused massage oil. There are even free hookah sessions. We love hookah! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the hosts treat guests like family and are on-hand to offer tourism and weed guidance.

If you want to have a true D.C. experience, you have to DIY a U Street Taco, a fatty delight created by the Washington City Paper . You buy a chili half smoke (a half beef, half pork hot dog smothered in homemade chili) at Ben’s Chili Bowl and take it across the street to Jumbo Pizza , where you purchase a giant slice to cradle your half smoke. Then, you down that beast.

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

6 questions about flying with marijuana, answered

What to know about federal laws, TSA and flying with CBD

This story has been updated to reflect regulations as of October 2022.

America’s relationship with pot is changing. While the substance is illegal to use or possess on a national level under the Controlled Substances Act, some of the country’s states, territories and the District of Columbia have been passing laws to the contrary, and in very different ways, since 1996.

On Oct. 6, President Biden announced mass pardons for anyone convicted of a federal crime for simple possession and directed his administration to review whether marijuana should still be a Schedule I substance.

As of the 2022 midterm elections, 21 states , the District of Columbia, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have legalized recreational pot, and 37 states, the District of Columbia and four permanently inhabited U.S. territories have legalized pot’s medical use. Other states have moved to decriminalize pot, but not legalize it altogether.

Illinois is a more recent state to legalize recreational use. As a result, its most prominent airports, O’Hare International and Midway, are now equipped with so-called pot amnesty boxes at the end of every security checkpoint. The boxes are in place for travelers who may arrive with cannabis products and don’t want to break the law by flying with them.

“The amnesty boxes are owned by the Department of Aviation here in Chicago and serviced by us at the police department,” says Maggie Huynh, public relations coordinator at the Chicago Police Department. “The boxes are where travelers can safely dispose of cannabis and cannabis products before travel.”

The placement may seem counterintuitive to those who want to avoid running into legal trouble, so we spoke with experts to find out exactly what you need to know about flying domestically with pot.

So, to be clear, can I fly with pot?

No. Despite Biden’s new directive, travelers are still not permitted to bring marijuana through TSA.

According to Larry Mishkin, a Northbrook, Ill., lawyer at the Hoban Law Group, which provides legal services for the clients in the marijuana industry in the United States and internationally, carrying pot onto a plane is a federal crime.

“Marijuana is illegal under federal law, and federal law governs airplane travel in this country,” he says.

No, you still can't bring marijuana through TSA

The airspace you’ll be traveling through is considered federal territory; hence, why it can’t come on your flight. That includes flying within states where pot use is legal, or flying between states — even if both allow it for recreation. If you leave a state with marijuana, “you’ve broken the law of the state that you purchased it in, you’ve broken the law of the state that you’re going into, and you’ve broken federal law,” Mishkin says.

What should I do if I get to the airport and still have pot?

That depends on a few factors, like where you’re flying out of and how much pot you have in your possession, says Mishkin.

Despite pot being illegal on the federal level, “certain airports, like LAX and O’Hare, have publicly announced that they will not stop any outbound passenger in possession of an ounce or less of marijuana,” Mishkin says. “If, however, you arrive at the airport and realize you have marijuana in your possession and do not want to travel with it, you can deposit it in the amnesty boxes if there are any present, or you can throw it in the trash.”

Todd Maybrown, a partner at Allen, Hansen, Maybrown and Offenbecher in Seattle, has similar suggestions for passengers who show up to the airport with pot in tow.

“In a perfect world, I would recommend that people return to their vehicle and place any marijuana in a secure compartment, such as the trunk or a locked glove box,” Maybrown says. “In an imperfect world, where the passenger does not have a vehicle at the airport, a trip to the bathroom may be the best solution. There are no cameras in the bathroom, and toilet bowls can be flushed.”

Where is marijuana legal?

You can check where marijuana is legal on websites such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and Leafly . The laws governing it in the United States are ever-changing and confusing to follow. What applies one day might not the next.

“We try to give people advice, and then sometimes the laws change on us literally overnight,” Mishkin says. “This is not an industry to take chances.”

States have different rules around usage. In California, for example, a person 21 and older can carry up to an ounce of marijuana, or eight grams of it (a third of the weight) in concentrated form. In Illinois , your limit is also about an ounce, but with a smaller amount of concentrated marijuana — a maximum of five grams — and no more than 500 mg of THC in the form of edibles. Users need to familiarize themselves with the existing laws in the places they intend on consuming marijuana.

What happens if TSA finds marijuana in someone’s luggage?

TSA’s primary concern is passenger safety and detecting potential threats to aviation. In fact, the TSA website states: “TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs.”

“The TSA has gone out of its way to say that its focus is not on marijuana ,” Mishkin says.

Because TSA is a federal agency, its officers must enforce federal laws. If an illegal substance is found in a traveler’s luggage, the passenger will not be allowed to bring it beyond the checkpoint.

With states passing new legislation on the issue or changing existing laws, a pot-carrier’s fate is hard to predict.

You asked: Can I fly with edibles?

If marijuana is legal in the state, TSA spokeswoman Alexa Lopez said a passenger found with a small amount will typically be allowed to dispose of it. The discovery of larger amounts or if a small amount is found in a state where it is illegal might result in local law enforcement being called.

“You really run the risk of becoming a guinea pig if you decide to go on a plane with marijuana, even if it’s legal in the place where you started, or in a place where you get to finish the trip,” says Maybrown. “There’s so much confusion and uncertainty about what new rules could, or would, apply.”

Lawyers say it is unclear what exactly TSA would do if you had weed in your bag. If you’re caught with pot at an airport in Chicago, or another place in America where pot use is allowed, you may be waived on or simply asked to get rid of it before you board. “It’s up to the officers to make those sorts of decisions,” TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said.

“TSA will encourage [amnesty boxes] to travelers if they have cannabis on them,” adds Huynh, of the Chicago Police Department. “They don’t call us unless it appears to be clearly illegal amounts, like a suitcase-full.”

What if I have a medical marijuana ID card?

Mishkin says that there’s a distinction for medical use of marijuana in the eyes of the law.

“People who have their state medical card that shows they are patients are typically treated a little more leniently than somebody else,” he says.

But having a medical marijuana card may only help you sometimes. At the airport, TSA doesn’t have the jurisdiction or ability to check the validity of those cards. The agent could still pass you off to the local police, who will assess the situation. The state you’re in is also important. If there’s no medical-marijuana program there, a card will mean “absolutely nothing,” Mishkin says.

Can I fly with CBD?

As long as your CBD product contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, or is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, you can bring it on a flight. If the product is a liquid or food, it must comply with the usual TSA carry-on policy (3.4 ounces or less per liquid item, for example).

Ian Duncan contributed to this report.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

The 10 best cannabis tours and experiences in the US

Apr 19, 2021 • 6 min read

Side view of beautiful woman with hat smoking joint in marijuana plantation at sunset. ©Getty Images

As cannabis tourism starts to go mainstream, cities with robust weed culture have turned the typical travel offerings on their heads.

These days, you might find yourself going on a rolling sushi and joints in Denver, puffing while painting in Portland, or ripping a vape on a party bus tour of San Francisco. In other words, getting stoned on the go has gotten a lot more creative than just toking up in the parking lot before a show.

In states where recreational cannabis is legal, you can now find bud-and-breakfasts for lodging, ganja-fueled empowerment getaways for women, and even spiritual church services to put you in tune with a higher power. Here are 10 of the best cannabis experiences you'll find coast to coast.

Multnomah Falls Tour in Portland, Oregon

High5Tours offers an outing within Portland, Oregon that's a lot of fun – after all, smoking pot on a private party bus with your crew or a handful of new friends is already super appealing. But you can really take it up to eleven with the Multnomah Falls Tour , which heads into the Columbia River Gorge to see Portland's most beloved waterfall. No, seriously – Multnomah Falls is so revered there's a LEGO version in the PDX airport. After taking in the falls, you'll have a chance to see the Gorge from above at Vista House, a scenic overlook, with a stop at a dispensary to stock up on supplies.

Puff, Pass and Paint

Founded by Denver-based landscape painter Heidi Keyes Puff, Pass and Paint began with painting classes in Colorado. It has now expanded to dozens of art-based classes and tours in 13 cities across the US including Washington, DC, and Boston .

These classes are held in private residences and BYOMJ (Bring Your Own Mary Jane), but smoking, vaping and eating edibles are all encouraged (though not required). The company also offers Puff, Pass & Bake cooking classes where you’ll learn how to make ‘budder,’ (cannabis infused butter for baking) as well as other infused concoctions from ice cream to hard candy.

Glowing Goddess Getaways

Open only to those who identify as women, Glowing Goddess Getaways are weekend ganja retreats meant to be shared with a few of your favorite friends — so long as you don’t mind glamping.

The retreats are held at private outdoor destinations across the US in states where recreational marijuana consumption is legal. The experience combines all-you-can-consume-cannabis, from dab bars loaded with smoky rips of shatter to infused chocolate fountains to platters of joints, with activities from yoga to dance to meditation meant to uplift and empower your inner goddess.

Cannabis Supper Club in Los Angeles

Leave it to Los Angeles to combine cannabis and haut cuisine for a high-flying, exclusive fine dining experience. The Cannabis Supper Club counts great strains of flower as just one of the Cali-fresh farm to table ingredients that are the backbone of a great meal. Chefs, growers, mixologists, and event specialists team up to create one-of-a-kind meals in private spaces that skirt the state's public consumption laws.

Strains of cannabis are paired with each course or incorporated into the dishes the way you typically include fine wine in a dinner. Every supper club is different, but one thing is for sure – the munchies hit different when you're slurping Shigoku oysters and dashi-dusted filet to satisfy your cravings instead of emptying a stale bag of Cheetos into your mouth.

Cannabition Immersive Cannabis Museum in Las Vegas

You can’t currently get high inside Cannabition, the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to weed, although founder JJ Walker hopes that will change at some point in the future. Hit up a dispensary or one of the city’s new cannabis social lounges to blaze up before heading to this immersive, highly Instagram-friendly museum — or just pop an edible an hour before arriving and you’ll be in exactly the right state of mind.

Inside you can ride a slide into a pool of kind bud or snap a selfie lighting joint that is longer than you. But besides the fun photo ops, Cannabition is also educational, giving a great history of the cannabis plant’s biology, use and the culture around it.

Bud & Breakfast, Multiple Locations

This expanding brand has cannabis-friendly properties around the world where vaping, and in some cases smoking, is allowed in rooms or public spaces.

In the town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, about 100 miles from Los Angeles , Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast is the first of its kind in the state. There are 10 themed rooms and smoking is allowed in Room 420. All common areas are also weed friendly providing you vape, along with, community vaporizers are on offer.  

Sushi & Joint Rolling in Denver

In Denver , My 420 Tours offers a number of cannabis-focused experiences including a Sushi & Joint Rolling class . First, you learn to hand roll a dispensary-professional quality joint packed with the herb of your choice — before class, you’ll get a coupon to purchase two grams of weed for $10 from a local recreational dispensary. After perfecting your spliff, it’s time to head outside and puff in the designated smoking area before returning to the classroom to learn how to roll sushi.

Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in a residential space (so you can legally smoke outside), the two-hour class frequently sells out. The experience costs $79 per person.

Mary Jane Fonda in Portland, Oregon

Founder Amarett Jans busts both stereotypes and moves with Mary Jane Fonda , a popup fitness experience in which participants get more than their heart rates high. 

Forget the picture of couchlock and munchies you might have in your head when you picture blazing. Instead, this blend of aerobics, yoga, and smoke sessions lasts longer than your typical workout and instead becomes a party dedicated to wellness on all fronts. 

Cannabis-Infused City Cruise Tours, San Francisco

If you want a VIP cannabis experience in San Francisco then sign up for Emerald Farm’s Cannabis-Infused City Cruise Tour . Ride in style in a luxury limo and as you check out San Francisco’s most famous sights and weed-focused tourist attractions.

‘The Cannabis-Infused City Tour is a great way to meet local enthusiasts and see the city while you’re doing it,’ says Victro Pinho, the CEO and Founder of Emerald Farm Tours. ‘All through the lens of someone who cares about the community and not just the business. Oh, and you can smoke weed.’

You’ll also get top-shelf VIP treatment at all the retail cannabis lounges you visit and deep discounts on cannabis that's only offered only to tour guests.

Puff Puff Pour, Portland, Oregon

Oregon was the first state in the US to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis in 1973. It was the third state to legalize recreational marijuana and today, one of its biggest industry issues is its weed surplus .

With all this herb, it’s little wonder Oregon also has some cool cannabis experiences. Puff Puff Pour by the Oregon Cannabis Concierge is a twist on food and beverage pairings by replacing the food with weed.

During the two-hour sessions, you’ll sample three unique strains of cannabis via a vape pen paired with three carefully selected beverages from craft beer to small-batch spirits and even cold brew coffees depending on the herb. You’ll also have an opportunity to speak with the cannabis farmers about the strains selected for your pairing.

You may also like:   The cannabis tourist's guide to legal US states The complete guide to cannabis tourism in Portland, Oregon The best cannabis dispensaries, lodging and experiences in Denver

This article was first published Aug 21, 2019 and updated Apr 19, 2021.

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Avoid Getting Busted With Our Guide To Traveling with Cannabis

Safely transport your stash with these guidelines.

Rob Hoffman

Cannabis may be legal in states like California and Colorado. But that doesn’t mean that all cannabis is legal, all the time . Just like smoking cigarettes indoors, or driving with open alcohol, there are limits to what you can do with your legally purchased cannabis.

This is especially true if you’re looking to travel with cannabis.

Maybe this means in your car, if you’re on the way home from a dispensary. It might mean on a train, if you’re traveling across your state and looking to take your cannabis with you. It might even mean on an airplane, if you’re trying to travel between two states with legal cannabis laws.

But traveling with cannabis isn’t always legal, and largely depends on your mode of transportation, how you store your cannabis, where you live, the transportation company’s policies, among other factors.

If you’re confused, you should be: legally traveling with cannabis is confusing. That’s why we’re here to make sure you take the appropriate precautions.

Here are the most important things to know if you plan on bringing cannabis on your next trip.

Traveling with Cannabis On A Plane

Even though 30 states have already legalized some form of cannabis, flying from one legal state to the next with cannabis often exists in a sort of legal grey zone.  

This year, the LAX Airport in Los Angeles made an unprecedented decision to allow travelers to bring cannabis on domestic flights. But the laws around this are still somewhat confusing, as even though cannabis is legal in the state of California, it’s still illegal on a federal level.

This means you still have to be cautious with the TSA. (You probably know them better as the serious looking agents in blue uniforms that X-ray your luggage and make you nervous.) While the TSA could technically try to take law enforcement action against you if you’re caught with cannabis, the truth is that they’re much more concerned with weapons disguised as household items—like small shampoo bottles .

If you are caught with cannabis by a TSA agent, their typical policy is to contact local law enforcement officials for the airport, as a TSA spokeswoman tells USA Today . But if this happens to you in certain legal-cannabis states like California, you won’t suffer any repercussions, since cannabis is not illegal there. Instead, you’ll likely be given options to either throw it out, store it, or hand it off to a friend who isn’t flying.

But in other legal states, like Nevada, airport-wide bans on cannabis may be in place. This is one reason why some cities like Denver and Las Vegas have installed “amnesty boxes” where travelers can safely dispose of their cannabis without fear of persecution, rather than frantically flushing it down the airport toilets or cramming it into garbage cans at the last minute.

Bottom line is: if you’re in a legal cannabis state, and if you by chance get caught with cannabis at the airport, your chances of facing legal repercussions are slim to none (so long as you’re not breaking local laws, such as carrying more than the maximum amount of cannabis.)

Driving with Weed

Laws for driving with cannabis in legal cannabis states are evolving, and—you guessed it—complicated. They also vary state-by-state.  

In California, the nation’s largest legal cannabis state, it’s still illegal to travel with cannabis if it’s not stored properly. Just like alcohol, driving with cannabis that is not in a container, or is in a container that has been opened, is illegal. The fine for this is less than $100 .

But if it’s properly stored in a sealed container, you can drive with cannabis in California.

The same sort of law exists in Colorado , which can easily be found on the state’s website. But other legal states like Washington, however, do not clearly list their laws for traveling by car with cannabis . Therefore, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to always know your rights and keep your cannabis out-of-site in a sealed container.

If you are ever stopped by the police and asked about cannabis, it’s important to know that you have the right not to respond. Just make sure to cooperate with the necessary processes of a traffic stop, such as presenting your license and registration.

You also have the right not to consent to a search. If an officer tries to search you or asks to search you, stay respectful and state clearly “I do not consent to any searches.” Try to remain polite—the more reasonable you are, the more reasonable the police officer is likely to be. Depending on the officer and the state, the officer could always try to claim they have “probable cause”—like the smell of cannabis—to search your car.

In some states like Arizona, court rulings have made it so the “smell” of cannabis does not constitute probable cause for a search . But this isn’t true in all legal cannabis states . So your best bet is to keep your cannabis sealed in a smell proof container, so that even if the police officer does find it, you’re carrying it legally.

Traveling with Cannabis by Train

There’s a number of different train companies operating in the United States, but the biggest and most commonly used is Amtrak. Unlike many other railway companies, like the BNSF Railway, Amtrak states their policy towards cannabis directly on their website.

“The use or transportation of marijuana for any purpose is prohibited, even in states where recreational use is legal or permitted medically,” reads the Amtrak website .

So bringing cannabis on this train would be against the company’s policy. And it is important to know that you are putting yourself at risk if the police board and search the train, or if police dogs are used at the stations.

As for your likelihood of being searched on an Amtrak train if your cannabis is sealed in a smell-proof container? If you’re not acting in any way that could lead to a police search, then slim to none. Some sources claim that even police dogs cannot identify cannabis if it’s kept in an air-tight, smell-proof container or bag.

Buying a Smell-proof Bag or Container

At this point, you may have (rightly) come to the conclusion that it’s a good idea to purchase a smell-proof bag for your cannabis. There are a number of companies that sell these types of bags. One company, Skunk Bags , offers smell-proof bags that range from a duffle bag, to a knapsack, to a small pouch the size of a pencil case. What separates all of these from other smell-proof packaging is Skunk Bags’s activated carbon technology and silver antibacterial lining.

This technology works to neutralize odors and trap harmful chemicals, gases, and bacteria . Make sure you’re prepared the next time you want to travel with cannabis, no matter the size of the package you’re bringing along.

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Is delta-8 THC legal? Where (and why) the hemp product skirts marijuana laws.

The legal framework for  delta-8  THC that exists is a bit of a patchwork. The intoxicating cannabinoid has had a meteoric rise in popularity across the country, in part due to its availability even in states where marijuana is illegal. 

The substance , which is sourced from hemp, is legal at the federal level through a loophole in the 2018 farm bill. However, various states have banned it and others are actively working on regulation.

The result is a map that is confusing for both consumers and producers.

Here's what you should know about the hazy and ever-evolving legal landscape of delta-8 legislation. 

Is delta-8 legal?

Since delta-8 THC is sourced from hemp, and not marijuana, it is legal and unregulated at the federal level. The 2018 farm bill legalized hemp, cracking open an industry with offshoots in textile manufacturing, medicine and (albeit accidentally) intoxicants.

With sales exploding across the country, legislators and medical professionals have begun to sound the alarm on not only the unchecked accessibility but also the unregulated production process.  

“What I am paranoid about is legalizing and using legally stuff that we don’t know anything about. And we know very little about delta-8,” said  Daniele Piomelli, the director of the Centfor the Study of Cannabis at the University of California Irvine. 

As a state-by-state regulations begin to take shape, Piomelli worries that the right voices are not being heard. Most lawyers have no idea about the chemistry, he said.

Though delta-8 is similar to delta-9 — the chemical component of marijuana that accounts for that "high" feeling — they are not identical. Both are psychoactive and connect to the same receptor in the brain to cause intoxication, but delta-8's connection is weaker, creating a lesser effect (hence the nickname "diet weed"). That said, without formal regulation, the potency of delta-8 products varies and may not be reliably less psychoactive than delta-9 products.

Most delta-8 is not sourced directly from the plant, but instead synthesized from CBD, which occurs more plentifully in hemp. That process can involve chemicals not fit to consume.

Why is delta-8 legal?

The government defines hemp as any part of the cannabis sativa plant with no more than 0.3% of THC — anything over that ventures into illegality.

A legal dispute challenging the legitimacy of the loophole created by the 2018 farm bill was shot down in May 2022 when a federal judge in California ruled that the production of delta-8 along with other hemp-derived cannabidiols was legal.  

“Regardless of the wisdom of legalizing delta-8 THC products, this court will not substitute its own policy judgment for that of Congress,” Judge D. Michael Fisher wrote in the court’s unanimous decision.

In punting the decision to Congress, the court left room for states to step in and create their own legislation.

What is delta-8?  The battle over 'diet weed' is heating up nationally. What to know.

In what states is delta-8 legal?

Twenty-four states including Washington DC have unintentionallylegalized hemp-derived intoxicants by updating their controlled substance law to reflect changes in the 2018 farm bill, said Chris Lindsey, the Director of State Campaigns and Public Policy at the American Trade Association of Cannabis and Hemp.

Because the farm bill defined hemp as being cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, delta-8, as well as delta-10, are technically legal in those 24 states. 

The rest of the map is ever-evolving, but this is where it currently stands, according to materials from the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp.

States that regulate delta-8

Rather than let the proliferation go unchecked, a number of legislatures have chosen to regulate the production and sale of delta-8. Those states include:

• South Dakota

For states that have already legalized marijuana, delta-8 is regulated by agencies that were already charged with keeping an eye on intoxicating cannabis substances. These states include:

• Connecticut

States where delta-8 is banned

Other states had laws on the books that prohibited the sale of delta-8 or have put in place bans after the 2018 farm bill. Those states include:

• Mississippi
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island

One state passed regulatory authority to their marijuana programs and those bodies chose to ban it. Those states are:

Delta-8 is also banned in Hawaii but by an administrative rule, not a law.

In Arkansas and Maryland, state laws have been passed attempting to regulate Delta-8 but actions brought in federal court have stalled a regulatory framework. While for now, it remains unregulated, the gears are in motion for a change, Lindsey says. A similar case could arise in Indiana, but the courts have not yet ruled on a preliminary injunction which stalls the regulation. In Virginia, a court ruled recently that the state was free to regulate.

The cannabis conundrum 

A question that resurfaces often in the delta-8 debate is whether, if marijuana were more widely legal, there would even be a market for delta-8 products.

Piomelli thinks not. While there are always a few outliers who want to experiment, he believes the vast majority of people would prefer regular "pot" if given the choice. It has been more extensively studied and, ostensibly, yields better results (aka, a stronger high). 

Miller said anecdotally, delta-8 has seen increased popularity in states where weed is not legal and it can be used as a substitute. 

“There is only one simple solution to this and it is not regulating but deregulating, removing cannabis from Schedule I," Piomelli said. 

With one unambiguous step, the federal government could quash the delta-8 issue and financially de-incentivize the marijuana-look-alike market, he argued. 

Others are not as certain. 

“We’re not vouching for the use of gin but we need to take the bathtub out of bathtub gin,” Lindsey said. 

While he understands that some scientists and medical professionals believe delta-8 has not been sufficiently studied to justify legality, he believes regulation is a public health need. 

“Creating a regulatory program isn’t the same as embracing the product," he said, explaining that the government wouldn't be endorsing delta-8, it's creating a harm reduction framework.

In a system Piomelli describes as "born of confusion," the growing consensus among advocates is that there should be at least a few clear lines. 

My dog ate weed: What do I do? How to sober up pup.

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What is hanxiety?" to "How long does weed stay in your system?" to "What is the biggest snake in the world?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you. 

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States With Legal Weed Outnumber Those Without

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As a remnant of the legacy of President Nixon and the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, cannabis plants are still categorized as Schedule I narcotics at the federal level. Although federal law remains less progressive than state laws, several states with legal weed permit medical or recreational use for citizens.

As of publication, there are currently 24 states — plus the District of Columbia — which have fully legalized weed for adult use, while only six states are standing their ground with no path to marijuana legalization in the foreseeable future.

Marijuana laws are dynamic across all 50 states, and specific laws around the legalization of medical and recreational use can quickly change within a state. Although varied and changing laws can be confusing, it's important to research and respect the laws within a state if you are a current resident or visiting as a tourist.

What Is the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?

14 states where marijuana is legalized for medical use, 24 states where marijuana is legalized for recreational use, 7 states where marijuana is decriminalized but not fully legal, ongoing debates over legalizing marijuana.

One of the most important distinctions in state laws on marijuana focuses on recreational and medical use. Accepted medical marijuana laws provide a legal exception for citizens smoking marijuana (or consuming via another method) for medical purposes.

Medical weed laws vary widely, with some permitting home cultivation of marijuana plants, typically with a limit ranging up to six plants per patient or household. However, some states, like South Carolina or Texas , may only allow concentrated cannabis oil high in CBD or other byproducts of the cannabis plant.

Recreational cannabis state laws also vary from universal adult-use marijuana legalization to strong legalized medical marijuana legislation with a clear path to surpass accepted medical use.

Revision of state law by ballot measure can take a strong medical program to a legalized marijuana state in a short time. For example, Ohio voters recently passed Section 3780 on December 7, 2023, to become the most recent state where it is legal to grow, cultivate, sell and consume marijuana.

If a state has firm laws on medical cannabis use , it allows its citizens to consume marijuana for an accepted medical use, like to treat symptoms of a chronic medical condition such as glaucoma or cancer.

In these instances smoking cannabis plants and growing medical marijuana is legal as long as all stipulations are met. Medical cannabis users may opt to grow a single plant outdoors or take their green thumb to the next level with a grow house to cultivate their own medical marijuana.

However, some state medical cannabis laws are either confusing or under threat of reversing. For example, North Dakota , South Dakota and Utah are all states with a medical marijuana law, but recreational marijuana legalization or decriminalized cannabis statutes are still under debate.

The following states have legalized marijuana for medical use only.

• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

The push to legalize marijuana for commercial production and retail sales for adults 21 and over has become a hot-button issue as states with recreational weed income have enjoyed increased taxes from legal marijuana sales.

However, these first states with legalized recreational cannabis sales have also become the pioneers of marijuana regulation. In most cases, states rely on systems already in place for alcohol sales and depend heavily on government organizations like the OLCC in Oregon to regulate cannabis and ensure safety for minors.

The following states have state-sanctioned recreational marijuana dispensaries and have made leaps and bounds on the decriminalized marijuana front.

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island

Different from legalization, some states have opted to pass laws to decriminalize marijuana without going so far as to legalize recreational marijuana.

Typically, decriminalization would mean that arrest, a prison sentence or a criminal record would not be in the cards for a first-time offender. Possession of a small amount of marijuana intended for personal consumption could be treated with the severity of a minor traffic violation in states or municipalities that have decriminalized marijuana.

Some of the states that have decriminalized marijuana have also legalized its use, for either medical or recreational purposes, while in other states possession of cannabis is still considered a criminal offense, but the historic repercussion of jail time has been removed.

The following states have decriminalized the possession of marijuana, to varying degrees.

• North Carolina

Although the federal government still ranks marijuana at the same destructive level as heroin and other hard drugs, the growing trend of states moving toward marijuana legalization has pressured the justice department to reevaluate how they handle certain cannabis offenses in the court of law.

This example of when a state law contradicts a U.S. federal law challenges governing bodies and can prompt changes in enforcement.

Federal prosecution still leans on the controlled substance legislation in place. However, the Obama administration began supporting decriminalized cannabis and cannabis offense record clearance as early as the 2010s.

With quotes like, "Good people don't smoke marijuana," and "This drug is dangerous," it's no leap of the imagination to say that Jeff Sessions was anti-cannabis. However, by openly rejecting popular belief and damning the idea of ever achieving federal cannabis legalization, former attorney general Sessions ignited a passionate group of pro-cannabis states to enact legislation for recreational use. Through his staunch opposition, Sessions became the unlikely hero of the marijuana legalization cause.

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Las Vegas Strip fixed its cannabis problem but may have a new one

Nevada legalized cannabis without really considering its impact on the Las Vegas Strip.

In theory, it's a positive to add another legal sin to the list of things you can do in Las Vegas. Tourists certainly felt that way as legal cannabis has become a big piece, at least for some people, of the Las Vegas experience.

Related: Las Vegas Strip casinos sign music superstar to new residency

People who may not partake in their regular lives, give themselves to indulge because they're on vacation and, well, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. The problem, and it's a big one, is that Nevada's law legalizing cannabis only allows for it to be smoked and consumed in private homes. 

That's not an issue for people ingesting edibles. While taking edibles was technically not allowed in public spaces or your hotel room, nobody can tell which gummy bear or chocolate bar you happen to be eating. 

When it comes to smoking marijuana, however, it's not actually legal anywhere on the Las Vegas Strip. You can't smoke in your hotel room, and because of federal laws, casinos cannot offer consumption lounges, even after Nevada legalized them.

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That new law has led to the leading cannabis retailer, Planet13 ( PLNHF ) , creating its own legal consumption lounge. The problem is that while it offers people a legal place to smoke pot, which should lessen them doing it in casino parking lots or breaking the rules by smoking in their rooms, it also takes them away from the Strip.

Las Vegas casinos have new competition

Las Vegas casinos are essentially land-based cruise ships. They offer everything from your hotel room to gambling, spas, bars, shopping, countless restaurants, shows, and other entertainment offerings. Basically, casinos individually, and the Las Vegas Strip more broadly want to offer everything so nobody ever leaves. 

That's why the Strip has added the NHL's Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Raiders, who play on the Strip and just off the Strip respectively. It's why the Strip will add a Major League Baseball team, the former Oakland A's in a new stadium being built on the site of the former Tropicana, and why it will eventually add an NBA team.

Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, and other Las Vegas Strip players don't want customers leaving the Strip or spending money elsewhere. They would prefer to keep people in their resorts, but keeping on the Strip for as much of their trip as possible.

Pushing legal cannabis consumption off the Strip could be dangerous if multiple operators follow the lead of Planet 13, which has built a cannabis consumption destination that could keep people away from the Strip.

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Planet 13 built a cannabis destination  

Planet 13 has always been a shopping destination as it's a huge store that offers pretty much any THC or CBD product you could imagine. It offered some museum-like features, a restaurant, and a coffee shop, but it would likely only captivate customers for an hour or two before they went back to the Strip. 

In April. the company opened Dazed! "a first-of-its-kind, 3,000 square foot, high-end consumption lounge featuring VIP booths, expertly crafted canna-cocktails, and top-tier entertainment," the company shared on its website.

Dazed on its own, of course, won't impact the Las Vegas Strip, but it's a blueprint for cannabis consumption lounges that take business away from bars, shows, casinos, and other Strip activities.

Planet 13 calls it a premium experience.

"Guests will be welcomed through a speak-easy inspired secret phone booth door, beneath a striking bong chandelier, and into a realm of eclectic artistry designed to captivate the senses. Offering versatile seating options for any occasion, from intimate solo sessions to lively group celebrations, every corner of Dazed provides a unique perspective and experience of the lounge," the company added.

Cannabis consumption lounges cannot sell alcohol, and Planet 13 gave up its liquor license before opening Dazed. The space offers reservable VIP booths 'each equipped with personal flatscreen TVs and table service. Delve into the menu, to discover an array of premium cannabis products, from edibles and flowers to concentrates and vapes, complemented by top-tier smoking devices to elevate the experience. Indulge in specialty crafted canna-cocktails, offering a distinctive way to savor delightful beverages with friends," Planet 13 shared.

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The Real Problem With Legal Weed

New York is trying to treat an addictive substance just like any other product.

Credit... Illustration by Luca Schenardi

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By Charles Fain Lehman

Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal and a 2023-24 Robert Novak Journalism Fellow with the Fund for American Studies.

• July 3, 2024

When New York legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, the future seemed bright. “It has been a long road to get here, but it will be worth the wait,” State Senator Liz Krueger, a sponsor of the legislation, told New Yorkers. Legalization, she and others said, meant a wave of new jobs and new tax revenue. It meant an end to racist policing of marijuana and the start of equity, with rules that put those harmed by prohibition at the front of the line for licenses. And it meant easy-to-buy weed for the 1.6 million adult New Yorkers who already partook.

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Three years later, things are not going to plan. Gov. Kathy Hochul has called New York’s legalization rollout “a disaster.” Mayor Eric Adams has spent months demanding that Albany fix the current system. “What happened?” The New Yorker recently asked in a feature on the collapse of the state’s marijuana “revolution.” Many New Yorkers are asking the same thing.

There are around 140 recreational dispensaries operating statewide — about one for every 148,000 New Yorkers. Instead of shopping legally, New Yorkers tend to get their weed from the illegal shops that now blanket the state. Estimates suggest that there are anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 in New York City alone, with uncounted more from Ithaca to Oneonta. Recent crackdowns have temporarily sealed more than 400 stores — only a small fraction of the total in the city.

These shops undercut the legal stores, offering the same high at a fraction of the price. And they attract crime: There were 736 robbery complaints at unlicensed shops last year, according to the New York Police Department. Shootings are not uncommon, including the killing of a 36-year-old man captured on video last April.

They also sell to teenagers, as The Times has reported . Teachers, prevention experts and pediatricians have raised the alarm about high schoolers smoking or vaping marijuana at school. “Kids will do it in the bathrooms,” one student in Westchester says, “and it’s become a pretty normal occurrence for you to walk into a bathroom and you can smell it.” Disciplinary incidents involving drugs and paraphernalia rose 17 percent in the 2022-23 school year, according to New York City officials.

Pressed on why things are going poorly, defenders of the law have pointed to a series of roadblocks. Ongoing litigation has ground licensing to a halt. The programs meant to give disadvantaged license holders a head start have struggled to secure funds and storefronts. The state’s main marijuana regulator, the Office of Cannabis Management, was given almost no enforcement power in the initial law, and its powers remain too weak, its executive director, Chris Alexander, told a State Senate subcommittee before resigning last month. These setbacks can’t be helping. But there are flaws in every policy rollout. So why does this one seem worse?

To millions of Americans, marijuana legalization seems not only good but obvious. The case against pot — made in retro public-service announcements and the DARE program — feels like laughable scaremongering, so ineffective that it can even increase marijuana use. Cautious moves toward legalization, like the Biden administration’s recent push to change the legal status of marijuana, seem like inexplicable half-measures. Fears about “reefer madness” are so unpersuasive today that even a majority of self-identified conservatives supports legalization.

I used to be one of those. I am a writer and researcher at a conservative think tank who has been on the right since high school, but I’m also a millennial, part of the age cohort most supportive of legalization. I’ve smoked pot; it was harmless fun. In college, I even participated in a (mostly tongue-in-cheek) protest of conservatives supporting legalization; we called it “Tweed for Weed.” And as someone committed to individual liberty, for a long time I thought we should let people do what they want and not judge them for what amounts to a personal choice.

I still believe much of that. But I’ve also come to think that debating whether individuals should use marijuana obscures the harms that come when we let businesses sell it. While marijuana may not be as bad as some critics claim, the medical evidence is clear that it can do substantial harm. Marijuana is addictive — around 30 percent of users use compulsively, even as their use harms themselves and the people around them. And while I, as a conservative, think that free markets do enormous good, I also think that combining addiction with the profit motive creates perverse incentives, letting corporations compete to help people ruin their lives.

Once you understand these dynamics, New York’s weed problems are no longer confusing — they’re obvious. They’re so obvious, in fact, that public-health researchers have been talking about them for decades. But nobody — not New York’s leaders, not the millions of Americans excited about legalization — wanted to listen. Blinded by excitement, they saw marijuana as a great opportunity with no downside. As they are slowly finding out, they were wrong.

It’s a little weird how marijuana-obsessed Americans are. In 2022 , more than 60 million people reported using it. There’s a multibillion-dollar industry dedicated to it. Americans buy coffee-table books about it, attend festivals dedicated to it, take guided t ours focused on it. If they want to watch people cook with weed, they can choose between Netflix’s “Cooked With Cannabis” or “Chopped 420” from the Food Network. Big stars talk about it: Seth Rogen says he smokes “all day, every single day,” and Bella Thorne has an entire area of her kitchen devoted to marijuana. In 1992, Bill Clinton had to claim he “didn’t inhale it.” In 2022, the Democratic Senate nominee in Louisiana released a pro-legalization ad featuring him smoking a blunt.

Much of this, of course, is a reaction to how we used to think about “the devil’s lettuce.” President Richard M. Nixon, and a great many of his voters, would have been shocked and dismayed to hear that one in five Americans smokes. In 1969, when Gallup first asked, just 12 percent of Americans favored legalization. Today , 70 percent do. But we seem to have gone beyond just rejecting Nixon-style prudery. We’ve gone from “Just Say No” to an enthusiastic yes.

Part of our excitement is a sense that, contra the DARE view, marijuana is pretty safe. Sure, people will mouth the words “consume in moderation.” But in 2023, high schoolers were less likely than at almost any point on record to say that regular marijuana use carried great risk. And how worried do they really need to be? Cannabis is a plant that humans have been consuming for thousands of years. Deaths from cannabis toxicity are extremely rare . Many people rely on it to treat chronic conditions.

Marijuana’s addictive potential, though, gives us at least one reason to worry. Modern psychiatry tends to characterize addiction — today usually called “substance-use disorder” — as continued use of a substance in spite of negative consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that roughly three in 10 marijuana users qualify as having a “cannabis-use disorder,” known as CUD; the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual defines CUD in part as “an inability to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and social problems.” Federal survey data indicate that 19 million Americans suffered from cannabis-use disorder in 2023.

This may come as a surprise to readers who have heard that marijuana is not “physically addictive,” meaning that marijuana does not induce dangerous withdrawal the way alcohol does. But it is entirely possible for regular marijuana users to develop tolerance (needing more to generate the same effect) and dependence (experiencing unpleasant symptoms when they don’t use). Nearly half of regular cannabis users will experience “marijuana withdrawal,” characterized in the journal Addiction as involving anxiety, irritability, anger, depression and sometimes “chills, headaches, physical tension, sweating and stomach pain.”

Somewhat perversely, our culture regards such people with amusement. If someone says they need to start drinking the moment they wake up, we say they have a problem; if they “wake and bake,” we think that’s kind of funny. But in reality, cannabis-use disorder can be debilitating, causing problems with concentration, memory, focus and motivation, as well as mental-health issues. As with any addiction, marijuana can come to take priority over the rest of the user’s life, causing job loss, damage to personal relationships and profound distress. “Do people die from cannabis-use disorder? Almost never, unless they have an accident,” says Keith Humphreys, an addiction specialist at Stanford University. “But can their lives be severely damaged? Absolutely.”

Cannabis-use disorder is still less widely recognized than other addictions. Humphreys says that’s because it was less common when marijuana was less potent. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, average THC concentration has risen from around 4 percent in the mid-1990s to 15 percent in 2021. Legalization has also permitted the production and sale of high-potency concentrates, with THC levels as high as 80 percent. As a result, addiction has become more common, even as public perception has lagged.

Although more data are needed, the best evidence indicates that where legalization has taken place, addiction has surged. A 2023 review of the literature found that the research “generally support[s] an increase in CUD prevalence among adolescents and adults post-legalization.” This makes sense. Legalization has let companies create higher-potency products. It has also let them advertise to users, which can trigger cravings in much the same way that sports-gambling ads trigger people to place bets. And most of all, it has made pot more available, at lower prices than ever, making it easier for people on the margins of addiction to be pushed into overconsuming.

That marijuana is addictive does not necessarily mean it should be illegal. Nor is it an indictment of its users. People with a cannabis-use disorder have a health problem, not a moral problem. But by the same token, if marijuana creates a health issue for as many as 30 percent of its users, then maybe the government should be concerned with how it affects public health. Consumers of marijuana — like recipients of high-interest loans or purchasers of other legal drugs — might still need some form of consumer protection.

To understand why, it’s helpful to think about the economics, and to consider how markets for addictive products function differently from others. In most markets, what’s good for the seller is also good for the buyer. If a farmer sells me fresh vegetables, for example, we both profit — he gets money, and I get a healthy, delicious meal. But what’s good for the seller of an addictive good is often bad for the addicted buyer. Whether selling an ounce will hurt his customer might affect a retailer’s conscience, it’s still good for his bottom line. And if an ethical dispensary won’t sell the ounce, an unethical one will.

People who are addicted to a substance — like heroin or alcohol — tend to consume a lot more of that substance than those who are not. If one person has five drinks a day, he consumes more in a week than 17 twice-a-week drinkers. This is also true for marijuana: RAND Corporation and Carnegie Mellon researchers have estimated that daily or near-daily marijuana users account for 37 percent of the using population but 80 percent of marijuana used. As a result, most sales will come from people whose use is likely to be harmful, and the preferences of those people will end up shaping the market.

One preference in particular will matter a lot: price. Smoking a lot of marijuana can mean spending a lot of money. Addicted marijuana users, moreover, want to consume a certain amount, regardless of how much it costs to buy that amount. In economics terms, their demand is “inelastic”: In general, they don’t respond to higher prices by consuming proportionally less. Instead, they may try to cut back other costs — or look for cheaper product. That cheaper product often comes at the expense of other qualities, like safety or ethical sourcing. A RAND web survey in 2013 found that those who used daily would pay only about $2 more per gram for cannabis that was “legal, labeled and tested for pesticides and other contaminants.” More than a third of respondents would not pay any more at all.

The importance of price to markets in addictive substances explains why New York’s unlicensed market is so big: It’s cheaper. To understand, consider a retailer like Hell’s Kitchen Cannabis Collective, which sells legal marijuana in Midtown. The founders, Bijan Joobeen and Patrick Conlin, have backgrounds in hospitality and wine, and the store, with its mahogany wood and tasteful decorations, is reminiscent of a high-end bottle shop. Conlin described the product as “small-batch”; he couldn’t call it “craft,” he noted, until the state labeled it as such.

Not itself licensed to sell, H.K.C.C. functioned as a sort of marijuana farmers’ market that gave growers somewhere to take their product so it didn’t rot in their warehouses as they waited for legal storefronts to open. As of late last year, an eighth of an ounce at H.K.C.C. cost between $34 and $62. That is, Joobeen says, “more than you would pay at any of the illicit shops around the corner.” But H.K.C.C.’s bet is that the quality difference — and the legality — is worth the cost.

That may be true for casual customers. But it’s probably not true for someone like Joseph, a daily smoker who was window shopping at H.K.C.C. Joseph smokes about an ounce of marijuana a week, meaning that buying from H.K.C.C. could run him upward of $14,000 per year. Instead, Joseph buys at the bodega around the corner, where he can get an eighth for $12.50 to $15. Shopping illegally probably saves Joseph nearly $9,000 annually. But it also renders H.K.C.C.’s business model nonviable. “It’s extremely likely that we will be the first licensed retailer to fail in the state,” Joobeen says. “It’s impossible for us to compete with the 24 illegal dispensaries in a three-block radius that present themselves as legal shops.” (H.K.C.C.’s showcase license has lapsed, and the store remains closed as Joobeen and Conlin struggle to reopen under a full license.)

Why is legal weed more expensive? Because its sellers comply with the rules. Regulating a commodity imposes costs on producers, which are then passed on to consumers as higher prices. New York’s 9 percent tax on marijuana sales means that legal weed costs more. Requirements that marijuana be sourced in-state or restrictions on the number of licenses limit the number of competitors in the market, further raising prices.

New York has made certain choices that exacerbate this dynamic, like initially restricting its dispensary licenses to people who had been convicted of marijuana-related offenses (or their close relatives). But the problem is not unique to the state. In their book “ Can Legal Weed Win? ” the economists Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner argue that licensed and unlicensed marijuana are basically the same product — the same plant, with the same psychoactive effects. The difference is that licensed weed is heavily regulated, which results in higher prices. That’s true outside New York: In their 2019 s tudy of the prices of over 200,000 marijuana products in California, Goldstein and Sumner and their colleague Raffaele Saposhnik estimated that licensed cannabis is 10 to 25 percent more expensive than unlicensed cannabis. The cheapest unlicensed product costs half as much as licensed ones. (California, like New York, has a huge unlicensed market.)

This dynamic isn’t caused by lawsuits or government incompetence. It’s fundamental to the way the markets work. “Everything involves a trade-off,” Goldstein says. Every time you add a costly regulation to legal weed, you “add that much more cost to legal product, which makes it that much more difficult for it to compete with the illegal seller down the street whose product doesn’t have to comply.”

What all this means is that the size and vibrancy of New York’s unlicensed market doesn’t stem from just a few missteps in implementation. It’s a necessary consequence of how the state designed its legal marijuana regime. A small number of legal licenses, issued to people without much business experience, with stringent regulation of the product, all adds up to an expensive legal market. Customers, especially addicted customers, instead go to the cheaper, illegal market. So long as the licensed market can’t compete with the unlicensed market, the unlicensed one is here to stay.

One solution would be to deregulate. Give out licenses to anyone who wants one, slash taxes to nominal levels and let business flourish. Goldstein says he would regulate marijuana “like kale”: test for contamination, but otherwise treat it like any old plant. “I think you would see the disappearance of the illegal competitors, because there’s almost no illegal kale on the market,” he says. Minimizing regulation would end the headache of the unlicensed market. Would a marijuana market free-for-all really be so bad?

Large firms would be much, much better at growing and selling marijuana at agribusiness scale, drastically reducing prices and driving the illegal shops out of business. Jonathan Caulkins, a drug-policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, has argued that industrial-scale growing and other efficiencies could drive prices down to pennies a joint, much as automated cigarette rollers instigated the transition from pipe smoking to pack-a-day cigarette consumption.

This all may sound fine if we think that marijuana is just a fun version of kale. But if marijuana is a harmful, addictive substance, then letting Amazon or Walmart sell joints by the pack might give us pause. Yes, deregulation would kill off the black market. But would it be better to have big businesses selling to addicted consumers?

We know, after all, what markets in addictive, harmful substances look like. “Big tobacco” continues to dominate an industry worth tens of billions of dollars in the United States alone. Alcohol retailers are abundant and much less regulated. And while many people enjoy a drink or a smoke safely, in the aggregate they do sweeping social damage. Research consistently finds that alcohol is a major driver of criminal offending. Smoking-related illnesses cause an estimated $300 billion in economic costs in this country each year. And both alcohol and cigarettes are involved in more deaths every year than all illegal drugs combined.

Marijuana, too, can be harmful. Some of the harms are acute: Ingesting too much can cause abnormal heart rate and central nervous system depression, particularly in children. Recreational legalization is consistently associated with an increase in cannabis-related hospitalizations, according to a review in the journal Public Health. Intoxication also impairs basic functioning, and legalization has caused up to an additional 1,400 road deaths a year, according to a recent study in The International Journal of Drug Policy. It’s probably not a coincidence that, according to Quest Diagnostics, the share of American workers testing positive for marijuana after an accident on the job is at a quarter-century high.

Risks can accumulate over time, too. Some are unsurprising: A growing body of evidence links cannabis smoking with a number of lung issues, including cancer. (The existence of edible products lessens this concern, though 78 percent of marijuana users still smoke it.) Recent research in The Journal of the American Heart Association also finds a connection — though not necessarily a causal one — between marijuana use and heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke. There are also associations between marijuana use and mental illness, with the strongest evidence linking regular consumption in adolescence to psychosis and schizophrenia.

Perhaps marijuana is not as bad as alcohol or cigarettes. But saying it is not as bad misses the point: Marijuana does hurt a substantial portion of its consumers, often quite badly. And there is no reason to think that businesses won’t sell marijuana to those it hurts, if they’re allowed to. What the alcohol and tobacco markets show us, rather, is that addiction and profit don’t mix well.

Concerns about this dynamic have led some drug-policy scholars to look for alternative approaches. Beau Kilmer, a co-director of RAND’S Drug Policy Research Center, has with his colleagues tried to define a spectrum of options between prohibition (punishing people for selling or possessing a drug) and commercialization (letting businesses sell the drug at a profit). These include limiting sales to nonprofit operations, letting individuals grow their own plants and creating state-owned retailers. The goal is to find a balance between the harms of prohibition and those of commercialization.

These aren’t pie-in-the-sky ideas. “When you get outside of the United States,” Kilmer says, “there’s much more interest in some of these middle-ground options.” The Netherlands has long declined to prosecute the sale of small quantities of marijuana in its famous “coffee shops,” but it otherwise prohibits the trade. Germany is creating “cannabis social clubs,” small groups that grow cannabis for their own consumption. These models have their own challenges . But they are a far cry from the crass commercialism of the emerging U.S. approach.

New York had the chance to do things differently. Back in the 1970s, it was part of a wave of 11 states that decriminalized marijuana possession. Legislators replaced jail time with small fines in most cases, but kept sales and manufacturing illegal. As a result, arrests for marijuana possession were relatively rare. In 1987, at the peak of the “war on drugs,” there were only about 4,000 possession arrests in New York City; that figure fell below 1,000 by the early 1990s.

But while possession was decriminalized, smoking or possessing marijuana “open to public view” was still an arrestable offense. That prohibition became a key part of the Giuliani and Bloomberg “stop and frisk” strategy. N.Y.P.D. officers would ask young Black men to turn out their pockets, then arrest them for the now-visible marijuana. In 1992, there were just 722 marijuana possession arrests in all of New York City. By 2000, there were over 50,000.

The public’s support for legalization was motivated in large part by a backlash against this approach, and especially its impact on Black and brown New Yorkers. Across New York State, from 2002 to 2017, Black residents were roughly 12 times as likely as white ones to be arrested for marijuana possession. Voters saw this glaring discrepancy as evidence of a system in need of fundamental reform.

Succeeding Michael Bloomberg, Mayor Bill de Blasio championed such reform. N.Y.P.D. officers were advised to issue a citation, rather than make an arrest, for “public view” offenses. Over the next several years, arrests fell steadily . Then, in 2019, the state revisited its decriminalization statute, making “public view” no longer an arrestable offense. In 2020, the N.Y.P.D. reported just 437 marijuana-related arrests.

Elizabeth Glazer, who ran de Blasio’s Office of Criminal Justice, believed that changing the public-view rules made sense, but even then she thought “it was a terrible idea to have pot shops lining the streets available more or less for all who might want it.” Now she feels that she was right. Legalization “seems to have been disastrous,” Glazer says. “To me, it’s one more example of how crucially important governance and operations is in the execution of any policy at all. This seems like Exhibit A.”

What was obvious to Glazer then was also obvious to the researchers who have thought long and hard about the challenges of marijuana legalization. But New York’s leaders were apparently uninterested in the careful balancing that successful commercialization entails. After all, how bad can marijuana be, really? There is, one might speculate, a connection between how New Yorkers — how Americans — regarded marijuana and the disaster that followed. Our collective enthusiasm about it blinded us to the hard trade-offs involved in actually letting businesses sell it.

What to do now? It’s hard to take seriously the idea of New York undoing legalization — returning to decriminalized, but not commercialized, marijuana. Such an about-face is unlikely to get past the voters. But what might be possible is a change not in marijuana’s legal status but in its social status. Marijuana is still a cool drug, with few aware of its risks and harms. But if we start to understand that marijuana is not benign, that it can do real harm, then perhaps we can begin to address our pot problems.

What, for example, if we thought of marijuana more like cigarettes? Smoking, too, was once seen as harmless fun. Today, a vast majority of Americans recognize cigarettes as a noxious irritant peddled by an industry that preys on children and adults alike. The decline in smoking, particularly among teenagers, was accomplished without war-on-drugs-style enforcement. It is one of the great triumphs of public health.

Marijuana and cigarettes are in many regards quite similar. A puff of either is essentially harmless, and often pleasurable. Many people can use them recreationally — the weekend pot or cigarette smoker are established types. For some, they are addictive. And while the ultimate effects of that addiction are different, they have in common the perverse incentives that are created when someone is allowed to sell them for profit.

More to the point, our experience with cigarettes shows that just because a substance is technically legal does not mean that we, as a society, have to like it. Nor does it mean that the government cannot discourage its consumption without banning it. The recent crackdown on pot shops is a good start, though it is likely too small to have much effect. The pervasive smell of marijuana in New York City frequently violates the city’s smoke-free air laws; a little enforcement would go a long way toward making marijuana smoking less prevalent. Similarly, the state government could spend less money advertising for weed and more warning citizens about its risks.

Mark A.R. Kleiman, the eminent scholar of drug policy who died in 2019, often argued that vices like cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana needed what he called “grudging toleration”: legal permission combined with stiff restrictions designed to mitigate the social and individual harms of use. Such an approach also requires social intolerance — a collective sense that a behavior is permitted but just barely. Animated by a genuine desire to undo racial injustice, New Yorkers have shifted from intolerance of marijuana to enthusiastic embrace. Perhaps that swing was a little too hard. A little less tolerance, and a little more grudge, could do everyone a world of good.

Read by Cody Sloan

Narration produced by Tanya Pérez

Engineered by Zak Mouton

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