Top Cannabis-Related Travel Destinations Around the World

Anyone who enjoys legal recreational cannabis consumption in their home city or country then travels to another jurisdiction where cannabis is illegal or in a grey area, and they must therefore tread carefully, knows that it takes away from the enjoyment.

There are some places in the world where to try and procure or use cannabis in public would be taking a major gamble with your life. Luckily, there is a steadily growing list of places where recreational cannabis use is legal, and many of these places are amazing tourist destinations in their own right.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles has long been known as one of the cannabis and marijuana culture capitals of the world. California was where the hippy movement was birthed and spread out from, and still survives to this day.

If you are a traveller who uses cannabis recreationally and wants to be able to purchase and consume cannabis products freely and legally while on vacation, Los Angeles should be high on your list of places to go not only because you are free to enjoy legal, guilt-free cannabis but because of all the incredible things there are to do throughout and around the city. There is a reason Los Angeles continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and around the world.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam, and The Netherlands more broadly, is recognized around the world for being a bastion of progressivism and its almost unparalleled easy-going attitude towards drugs and sexuality. The cannabis cafes of Amsterdam are world-renowned and have been attracting travellers for decades.

Amsterdam is also filled with history, as it was one of the epicentres of the global economy in the 17th century and is widely regarded as a marvel of urban planning since the city officially sits below sea level. The canals, walkability, bikeability, great food, parks and cosmopolitanism of Amsterdam make it a great world city to enjoy after a coffee and a joint.

Canada

Canada, and especially cities like Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, have been major tourist destinations for many years, but even more so now thanks to the federal legalization of recreational cannabis use and selling. While there are definitely some rules and regulations governing where you can and can’t smoke, you can enjoy cannabis legally in Canada by purchasing it from one of the many dispensaries, cafes and retail stores scattered throughout the country's cities.

Places like Vancouver are ideal for a cannabis-friendly vacation because of how spectacular the scenery is and how accessible the natural spaces in and just outside of the city are, including places like Stanley Park, Lynn Canyon, and the local coastal mountains Cypress, Grouse and Mount Seymour.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay and even its capital city of 1.4 million people are places that most travellers, and even those passing through Latin America, wouldn’t think to go. But in 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully regulate its cannabis market. The country is well-recognized and even admired throughout Latin America for its relatively prosperous economy, it’s beloved former President Alberto “Pepe” Mujica, and its soccer (futbol) success on the world stage despite being such a small nation.

Montevideo is known for its beaches, its modern public transportation and infrastructure, its pleasant climate, and its European feel. A perfect, less well-known South American destination that combines sun and sand with interesting urban design and history.

Mexico City D.F., Mexico

The Federal District of Mexico City, or the D.F. as it used to commonly be referred to, just passed a bill to legalize the recreational use of cannabis and it is big news for a country that, for the past 15 years, has been devastated by drug wars. While most travellers to Mexico, especially those who are there only for a short time, prefer to catch rays and drink margaritas in places like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Cancun, Mexico’s capital city offers something much different.

Whether you are interested in world-class shopping in the city’s ritzy Polanco district, visiting ancient Meso-American archaeological sites, taking a walking tour of some of the city’s myriad historic locations, or wandering through its various sprawling parks, the ability to do all of this while freely and legally enjoying cannabis is a major upside for the cannabis-friendly traveller.

Washington D.C., The United States

Recreational cannabis use, cultivation and retail selling has been legal in Washington D.C. since 2014 and since that time, a vibrant cannabis culture, including a large network of independent stores, delivery services and dispensaries, has grown in the city. Washington D.C. continues to be one of the most visited cities in the United States, both by national and international travellers, and it is now a well-known destination for cannabis-friendly voyagers looking to be able to mix site-seeing with recreational cannabis enjoyment.

Conclusion

It is always important to have a firm grasp of the relevant drug laws, and the laws in general, whenever you visit a new city or country to avoid misunderstandings and potentially life-altering consequences. Luckily, for travellers in the above destinations, you can fully enjoy recreational cannabis legally while appreciating all of the many stunning site-seeing and tourist opportunities.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes