There’s nothing quite like getting away from it all to rest and recharge. If you’ve been thinking about taking a much-needed vacation, one of your toughest decisions is likely to determine where you should go. If you’re a cannabis user, that choice can be even harder.
We have great news! Taking a vacation doesn’t have to exclude cannabis use. There are plenty of weed-friendly destinations throughout the US and around the world. Here, we’ll provide some helpful tips for finding an ideal vacation spot and offer a few recommendations.
What Makes a Vacation Spot “Weed-Friendly?”
At the very least, a weed-friendly travel destination is a place where cannabis is legal. You can visit a dispensary, purchase your favorite products, and discover new strains. However, seeing as you’re on vacation, you’ll likely want to visit a location that has plenty of fun activities to enjoy, too.
Choosing Weed-Friendly Vacation Destinations: 8 Tips for Florida Locals
The ideal weed-friendly vacation spot depends heavily on you and your travel companions. Currently, medical cannabis is legal in 37 states and Washington, DC, and recreational cannabis is legal in 19 (as well as DC). There are also numerous weed-friendly places outside of the US. In other words, you have a lot of options.
Here are a few tips that can help you narrow down where you might want to go:
1. Assess Your Budget
Weed-friendly vacation or not, one of the most critical factors in determining where to go is your budget. After all, you want to enjoy yourself while you’re away, not stress out about how you’re going to pay for everything.
2. Read Up on Local Laws
Every state (and country) has its own set of weed laws. Knowing the specifics of any potential destination is critical for avoiding legal trouble when you’re supposed to be having fun and relaxing. For instance, Massachusetts doesn’t recognize out-of-state medical cards, but Florida locals can still purchase products from recreational shops. Additionally, you can’t travel across state lines (or across the ocean) with any cannabis products, even if you’re going from one weed-friendly place to another.
3. Determine Your Goals
What is it that you want out of your vacation? Are you looking to relax somewhere quiet and soak up the sunshine? Or would you prefer a more lively location with exciting activities and vibrant nightlife? Your answers will help ensure you pinpoint the right places to visit.
4. Consider Your Post-Cannabis Use Interests
Since you’re planning a weed-friendly vacation, you’ll also want to keep the things you like doing after you smoke, vape, or consume an edible in mind. If you enjoy expressing yourself, a city that offers public art classes may be ideal. If you prefer cranking up the radio, a destination with plenty of live music may be more your style.
Consider researching cannabis-related activities in potential vacation destinations, too. Some cities feature unique offerings like “ Puff, Pass, and Paint” or cannabis yoga classes. You could also sign up for a cannabis tour and explore some of the area’s best dispensaries, check out production facilities, and learn about that location’s weed history.
Don’t be afraid to explore. You may find new favorite hobbies and make some new friends in the process.
4. Check Out Weed-Friendly Accommodations
Pretty much every conventional hotel has rules prohibiting cannabis use on their properties, even those in weed-friendly cities. Take some time to research alternative accommodations that allow you to partake in your room. Websites like Bud and Breakfast help make that process easier.
5. Look Into Local Dispensaries
As you start narrowing down your destinations, take some time to research the local dispensaries. That will give you a better idea of your product and strain options. Visit websites, peruse menus, and don’t forget to read customer reviews. Knowing where to go ahead of time also means you won’t be wasting precious vacation time trying to find the best places to visit.
6. Know the Type of Traveler You Are (Without Weed)
What are your travel options for getting to your desired destination, and are you okay with them? Let’s say you don’t like flying but want to travel to the other side of the country. Are you comfortable making a long drive?
7. Keep Fellow Travelers in Mind
If you aren’t vacationing alone, who’s coming with you? Whether they use cannabis or not, it’s their vacation, too. Consider their interests and vacation goals when choosing your destination.
Weed-Friendly Vacations USA and Beyond: Top Places to Visit
Now let’s take a look at some of the top destinations for cannabis enthusiasts:
Boston, Massachusetts
While Massachusetts legalized recreational weed only a few years ago (2018), Boston is quickly becoming one of the hottest weed-friendly travel destinations in the northeast. Top cannabis-related activities include cannabis tours, painting classes, and the Boston Freedom Rally.
Los Angeles, California
LA has a reputation for being one of the best weed-friendly cities in California. You’ll find plenty of places where you can buy products and consume them on-site, lots of cannabis bus tours to choose from, and spas like Earthbody that offer cannabis-infused treatments. You can also relax on the beach, visit Disneyland, or check out the offerings at Smorgasburg.
Denver, Colorado
Colorado has been a pioneer of cannabis legalization. It legalized medical cannabis in 2000 and recreational in 2012 (one of the first two states to do so). Check out The Coffee Joint and enjoy a cannabis pairing dinner at Cultivating Spirits. The city also has plenty of weed-friendly accommodations, including the Adagio Bed and Breakfast and the Lumbar Baron Inn and Gardens.
Miami, Florida
Florida might only allow medical use (for now), but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good option for weed-friendly travel. Florida locals can head to Miami to immerse themselves in the area’s rich culture and incredible nightlife. The beach also isn’t that far away. If you prefer things a little quieter, you can head up to Fort Lauderdale or Deerfield Beach.
No matter where you go along the southeastern coast, you’ll find plenty of high-quality medical dispensaries, including VidaCann.
International Destinations
There are plenty of countries with incredible cannabis scenes you don’t want to miss. Here are some of the top international destinations you should consider if you can swing it:
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Vancouver, Canada
- Barcelona, Spain
- Negril, Jamaica
Discover Your New Favorite Travel Destinations
Whether you’re a Florida local who wants to stick close to home, visit the other side of the country, or check out the world’s top destinations, there are plenty of places to take a weed-friendly vacation. No matter where you go, locating the most reputable, highest-quality dispensaries should be a top consideration. After all, a memorable vacation should include some of the area’s premium buds.If you do plan on sticking to Florida destinations, look no further than VidaCann for your medical cannabis needs. With a wide variety of some of the best strains and products and several locations throughout the state, we’re here to help make your vacation one you won’t soon forget. Visit VidaCann to find your nearest dispensary and check out our menus online today!
