6 Travel Destinations Where You Can Legally Use Cannabis

By: Madeleine Balestrier

With laws changing globally, it’s time for cannabis-lovers to hop on the travelers trail and visit the 42-friendly travel destinations that are popping up.

Here are some of Miss Marijuana’s favorite spots and bucket-list destinations for the ultimate cannabis holiday:

Alaska, United States

Imagine lighting a j under the Northern Lights! If you’re able to make the trek, you don’t even have to just imagine this on your bucket-list anymore because Alaska decriminalized marijuana in 1975, legalized recreational use in 2014 and became the first state to allow on-site consumption in 2019.

So you can buy and smoke all under the same roof! Claps for our faraway friends!

Like microbreweries in the rest of the United States, dispensaries are popping up all over Alaska.

We have special shout outs to Weed Dudes in Sitka for their positive reviews on helping first-time customers get involved with cannabis products and Red Run Cannabis Company in Kenai for its dedication to keeping cannabis natural (and apparently they have a dope location too).

While Anchorage has an established cannabis scene, we recommend exploring as much of the “Last Frontier” as you can for all the best cannabis, hiking and moose experiences!

For more information on 420-friendly lodging and tours, check out PotGuide.com.

Colorado, United States

Hike. Smoke. Repeat.

Colorado to cannabis is like California to wine. The entire state seems to really have the whole microbrewery and dispensary thing down for both locals and tourists.

Denver is literally overflowing with cannabis. Colorado Cannabis Tours offers everything from painting and cooking classes, hemp and CBD educational tours and growing facility tours too!

Denver’s easily accessible airport makes for a cheaper trip, especially if your local airport flies Frontier.

If you’re staying in or near Denver, I also suggest renting a car and making a day out of hiking the Fourth of July trail near Nederland, Colorado. Boulder is also on the way!

Breckenridge is also a rad place to experience cannabis culture. Check out Breckenridge Organic Therapy, a dispensary with all the choices from flower and edibles to topicals and oils.

Next time I’m in the area, I want to check out the local Bud+Breakfast. It’s a chain of B&B’s that are 420-friendly, themed and offer events like 420 happy hour.

If you’re curious as to where the cannabis industry is heading, then hop on the next flight to Colorado ASAP.

Jamaica

Like Amsterdam and the Netherlands, Jamaica is an obvious destination for marijuana users. So why is Jamaica on this list, and the Netherlands is not?

Because I think the general population (cough, cough, me) is misinformed about Jamaica’s cannabis laws, and we should all take the time to learn more about this beautiful country!

While the Rastafarian community has historically used marijuana for spiritual means during religious ceremonies, cannabis actually has only recently become decriminalized in the country.

According to kushtourism.com, “In mid-2015, the country passed a drug law amendment that decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Under the new law, possession of up to 2 ounces (or 56 grams) of marijuana is a petty offence punishable by a maximum fine of about $5.”

This law also legalized medical marijuana, and Jamaica will honor medical marijuana prescriptions from other countries or you can also purchase a prescription in country too.

The island has three licensed cannabis centers: Kaya Herb House in Ocho Rios, Epican outside of Kingston and Island strains near the airport.

Stop by one of these hotspots to experience Jamaica’s legal cannabis culture or make friends with a local then head to Negril! Negril’s home to the famous Rick’s Cafe.

Unless you love crowds and spending money, I would post up next to this tourist haunt, catch some tunes, watch the sunrise roll in and enjoy your cannabis goodies without all the added distractions.

Los Angeles, California, United States

I hopped off the plane at LAX – sorry, couldn’t help myself.

Ever since LA legalized recreational marijuana the city has not looked back. I mean are we surprised?

They have everything from dispensaries, retail stores, delivery services and even co-working spaces! I’d also like to note Richard Madden is moving here, so they literally have everything.

I’m most stoked to hear about ParagonSpace, a co-working space similar to others like WeWork, but it’s 420-friendly, woman-owned and the first of its kind in LA. Jessica VerSteeg, the owner, has even created her own cryptocurrency in allegiance to ParagonSpace. This is a great option for any digital nomads!

Whatever Los Angeles is smoking, I want.

Portugal

**Disclaimer: I’m about to be very biased.

Portugal is 100% worth a visit, regardless if you’re on the hunt for a leafy green plant or not, but it is worth noting the country decriminalized weed back in 2001, well before cannabis culture became more mainstream. Kudos to you my Portuguese friends!

Although decriminalized, it is still not recreationally legal, but in 2018 medical marijuana became A-OK according to law.

My suggestion? Head to Porto, find Mirajazz, roll a spliff, listen to live jazz music and take in the rooftop views. You’re welcome.

Uruguay

Did you know Uruguay was the first country to legalize recreational cannabis?

Here’s the lowdown:

It’s legal for residents to buy commercial products, grow up to 6 plants and join private clubs.

It’s legal for tourists to be gifted weed, but it is illegal to buy.

So moral of the story is if you’re a tourist, then befriend a local and exchange cultures! Travel’s more fun that way anyway.

According to Prøhbtd, “You can smoke cannabis anywhere you can smoke cigarettes—on the beach, at the park, on the sidewalks, on your balcony, etc.”

For a more accessible english-friendly side of Uruguay, check out Montevideo or Punta Del Este! For a more immersive experience, find your way to Cabo Polonio and it’s beach vibes.

Prøhbtd is a great travel resource for everything Uruguay!

Vancouver, Canada

In 2018, Justin Trudeau and Canada lit the blunt smelled around the world. Like Uruguay, they too legalized recreational and medicinal marijuana.

Vancouver is similar to Denver as a staple for the industry. It’s long been known for its cannabis culture, which has made it an industry leader since the country’s legalization.

Lotusland Cannabis Club is a chain of dispensaries across British Columbia. It’s website says,

“Lotusland carries a wide selection of high-grade medicinal marijuana products including medical marijuana flowers, concentrates, edibles and much more.” And it comes highly recommended by tourists and Canadians, alike.

New Amsterdam Cafe is the spot you should hit up after Lotusland. Come here to enjoy the baked goodies and get baked yourself.

This spot is located on the 300-block of West Hastings Street where travelers and locals can also find Cannabis Culture magazine headquarters, the Herb Museum and the Vancouver Seed Bank for any green thumbs out there.

I also forgot to mention this is home to the Marijuana Party. Yes, Canada has a political party dedicated to fighting cannabis prohibition – I’d say they’re doing a pretty good job.

Stop by Vancouver before you head out on an Alaskan cruise or come to the city after a weekend of riding Whistler.

**As a reminder to myself and other travelers, with the privilege of travel comes the responsibility to respect cultures, laws and people as we experience this beautiful world. Travel in the offseason, stay in locally-owned Air BnBs, contribute to sustainability efforts, go off the beaten path, etc.

Honorable Mentions:

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Barcelona, Spain

Boston, Massachusetts

Costa Rica

Freetown Christiania, Denmark

Nimbin, Australia

West Coast United States

Madeleine Balestrier is a writer who covers cannabis culture and new trends in the cannabis community.