With the recreational use of cannabis becoming increasingly accepted in the entirety of Canada, as well as more and more US states (hey now!), marijuana travel is booming. If you’re thinking about visiting one of these pot spots, but are unsure about which one to visit and what to do when you’re there, read on.
**One big caveat to this post: While some US states have elected to legalize cannabis, it remains illegal on a Federal level. The following blog is meant for informational purposes only, it is not legal advice and should not be used as such. We’re just here to give you all the information you need to travel confidently wherever you’re headed.
Where to go
Alaska
California
Colorado
Massachusetts
Nevada
Oregon
Washington
Canada
Up-and-coming pot spots
Where to go
Alaska
Getting there: While you’ll find the most dispensaries in Anchorage, Fairbanks is an especially attractive option for pot tourism with options for 420-friendly accommodation, a chance to catch nature’s best light show and 15 dispensaries within the city limits. Fly into Fairbanks International Airport, conveniently located only three miles from downtown.
Where to stay: Stay at the Fairbanks Moose Manor Bed and Breakfast, which has its own designated smoking area.
What to do: Head to Fairbanks between mid-September and April for a chance of catching the northern lights. Chances increase if you travel even further north. If you’re heading to Anchorage or Juneau, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
California
Getting there: While marijuana is legal throughout the state, you’ll find the most dispensaries in LA or San Francisco. Fly into the international airport in either city, but also compare prices with other area airports. Travelers to LA may score some savings by flying into Long Beach, while those San Fran-bound have the option of flying into Oakland and taking public transport or a taxi from there.
Where to stay: Those heading to Los Angeles can check-in to The Standard – Hollywood on the Sunset Strip. There are plans to open a dispensary within the hotel, and guests are permitted to smoke in the outdoor spaces. In San Francisco, stay at Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast close to the city’s Mission District. Smoking is permitted in their outdoor garden, but they also allow vaping from the comfort of your room.
What to do: This past August, San Francisco’s Outside Lands music festival was permitted to sell marijuana onsite in a sectioned off, adults-only area called “Grass Lands.” Whether large-scale events begin allowing this long-term is yet to be seen but this could be a predictor of what’s to come.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Colorado
Getting there: While there’s plenty to see in Colorado, if you want to explore the greener side of the state – Denver may be your best bet as it has the most dispensaries. Fly into Denver International Airport and easily reach the city center by airport rail for approximately $14 one-way.
Where to stay: Denver has a surplus of weed-friendly hotels to choose from, so you’ll have no problem finding accommodation to fit any travel style. Use the “Adults Only” filter on KAYAK when you search and compare your options – from the Adagio, a century-old Victorian turned B&B (that’s “bud and breakfast”) to the modern amenities of the Crowne Plaza Downtown Denver to the first US hotel designed for pot smokers – NATIV. Since rules may vary, always confirm with the hotel you choose before booking.
What to do: Enjoy the city’s natural beauty, take in a concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, or find like-minded travelers at one of the city’s cannabis-friendly classes. You can find everything from cannabis dinner pairings to walking tours in the Mile-High state.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Massachusetts
Getting there: Fly into Boston’s Logan International Airport and easily take public transportation to the city center or further afield.
Where to stay: While it’s about an hour north of Boston, The Stonehedge Hotel and Spa in Tyngsboro offers cannabis-friendly packages, thanks to its partnership with a local dispensary and spa that has bespoke packages along with a sauna and indoor swimming pool.
What to do: If you’re staying in Tyngsboro, take the Boston Express bus to South Station and in 45 minutes you’ll find yourself in the heart of Downtown Boston, where you can wander the historic Freedom Trail, relax on Boston Common or dine on fresh seafood at one of the area’s top restaurants like Atlantic Fish or Island Creek Oyster Bar.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Nevada
Getting there: Fly into McCarran International Airport and you’ll only be 5 miles south of Downtown Las Vegas.
Where to stay: While casino hotels are strict about keeping pot-smoking off their property, marijuana-friendly apartment rentals can be an alternative. If you plan to stay on the Strip, Circus Circus or the Stratosphere will put you in close proximity to a number of local dispensaries.
What to do: Head to the Neon Museum for a surreal glimpse at the history of Las Vegas. Walk among a “graveyard” of out-of-use neon signs from the city’s past. Take a tour at night to see the signs lit up. Hungry? Head to Ellis Island Casino and Brewery and take advantage of a steak dinner for less than $10.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Oregon
Getting there: With 175 dispensaries within the city limits, Portland should be top of mind for travelers heading to Oregon. Fly into Portland International and take the MAX Light Rail (Red Line) to the city centre.
Where to stay: Book a room at The Jupiter. This boutique property highlights the arts and culture of Portland with an on-site music venue. They offer a 420 package complete with munchie kit, vape pen, lighter and grinder. But you’ll have to take it off-site. Smoking at the hotel is prohibited.
What to do: It’s illegal to smoke in any public space, so head to a cannabis cafe. These lounges function as semi-private social clubs (some let you just walk in, while others may require an invite, so do your research ahead of time). Try the Northwest Cannabis Club for the added bonus of pool tables and arcade games. You can score a lifetime membership for $20.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Washington
Getting there: If you’re traveling to Washington to take advantage of the cannabis culture, Seattle should be your first stop (there are over 50 dispensaries in the city alone). Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and easily take the Link Light Rail downtown.
Where to stay: Book a stay at the Bacon Mansion B&B right on Capitol Hill. Head outside (around eight meters from the building to be exact) to light up, but feel free to vape indoors from your room.
What to do: You will not run out of things to do in Seattle. For an out-of-the-ordinary museum experience, head to the Museum of Pop Culture, the Olympic Sculpture Park or (if you’re very careful not to break anything) Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Canada
While marijuana is legal across the country (and home delivery is available), British Columbia is our pick for the 420-friendly province to visit.
Getting there: Fly into Vancouver and take the Canada Line rapid transit rail right from the airport to downtown Vancouver in less than 30 mins. Vancouver International Airport has also made its designated smoking areas cannabis-friendly.
Where to stay: Because BC law allows you to smoke or vape marijuana wherever you can smoke tobacco, not much is off-limits in terms of choosing a hotel. Filter to find a hotel room that meets your needs. Stay at boutique property Hotel Blu, where many suites have their own patio terraces with views of the Vancity skyline, or get nostalgic at retro-chic motel The Burrad, where you can relax in a courtyard surrounded by palm trees.
What to do: Vancouver has earned the nickname “Vansterdam” for its up-and-coming legal cannabis culture. Head to the city’s “Pot Block” to scope out a few of the area’s weed-friendly options, including The New Amsterdam Cafe, where you can rent vaporizers or bongs.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Up-and-coming pot spots to keep an eye on
While it may be easier to head to one of the other destinations on our list, you might want to keep an eye on these up-and-coming pot spots.
Illinois
Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana, but the legislation won’t take effect until January 1, 2020.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Maine
While some marijuana use was legalized in 2016, the state isn’t expected to begin recreational marijuana sales until March 2020.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Michigan
It may be legal, but as of right now, there’s no way for the public to legally purchase cannabis.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Vermont
While it may be legal, marijuana cannot be consumed in any public place and there are no recreational dispensaries there at this time.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.
Washington DC
It’s legal to consume for recreational purposes, but illegal to buy or sell it.
Read up on the current recreational marijuana rules and restrictions before you go.