The travel industry is greening – literally. As global attitudes toward cannabis continue to shift, a new kind of tourism is taking root: one that blends the plant’s therapeutic and recreational properties with a thirst for exploration, culture, and connection. From the mountains of South Africa to the valleys of California, cannabis tourism is transforming the way people experience the world.

And it’s not just a trend. According to a 2023 report from Forbes, cannabis tourism contributes an estimated $17 billion annually to the U.S. economy alone. Internationally, the market is expected to grow as more countries move toward legalization. For modern travelers seeking experiences over souvenirs, cannabis is becoming a passport to deeper, more mindful journeys.

The Green Global Trail: Top Cannabis Destinations

The days of limiting cannabis adventures to the red-lit streets of Amsterdam are long gone. Today, cannabis travelers have a world of options – and each destination offers something unique.

Canada, the first G7 nation to legalize recreational cannabis in 2018, is home to an increasingly sophisticated cannabis tourism scene. Visitors can explore licensed cannabis lounges in Toronto, take guided tours of large-scale organic grow operations in British Columbia, or participate in cannabis-infused wellness retreats in the Rockies.

In the United States, cannabis is legal for recreational use in 24 states and Washington D.C., covering more than half the population. Cities like Denver, Portland, and San Francisco have become cannabis tourism hubs, offering everything from infused gourmet dinners to educational walking tours and 420-friendly Airbnb experiences. Cultivating Spirits, one of Colorado’s first cannabis pairing companies, combines fine dining with strain education and sommelier-style presentations.

Thailand made international headlines in 2022 by decriminalizing cannabis, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. This bold move has positioned the country as a rising star in cannabis travel. Tourists now have access to dispensaries, infused spas, and farm tours in places like Chiang Mai and Phuket. The government, recognizing the tourism potential, has promoted cannabis as part of its “wellness tourism” strategy.

Emerging destinations like South Africa and Uruguay are also entering the conversation. Uruguay, the first country to fully legalize cannabis back in 2013, has started to see a trickle of curious visitors interested in its unique government-controlled system. In South Africa, the Cannabis Expo held annually in Johannesburg and Cape Town is drawing international attention, while local farms are developing eco-tourism experiences combining cannabis cultivation with sustainable agriculture.

Cultivation, Connection, and Culture

Cannabis travel is no longer just about consumption – it’s about context. Many travelers today are less interested in smoking a joint and more interested in understanding where that joint came from, how it was grown, and what it does to the body.

“We’re seeing a growing demand for cannabis travel that is both educational and immersive,” says Brian Applegarth, founder of the Cannabis Travel Association International (CTAI). “People want to connect with the plant on a deeper level. They want farm tours, hands-on workshops, and access to trusted information.”

This shift aligns with the rise of sustainable and conscious travel. Cannabis farms – especially those practicing organic, sun-grown, regenerative agriculture – are attracting eco-conscious tourists interested in ethical consumption. Northern California’s Emerald Triangle is a prime example, where legacy growers are opening their gates to visitors seeking transparency, craft, and authenticity.

Brands like Dutch Passion, one of the oldest seed banks in Europe, have helped shape this global narrative. Based in the Netherlands and operating since 1987, Dutch Passion has been instrumental in developing stable, high-quality genetics and promoting a culture of safe, informed cannabis use. Today, their award-winning strains are grown and sold legally across the globe, connecting consumers to a tradition of craftsmanship and botanical expertise.

The Wellness Factor

It’s no coincidence that cannabis tourism is gaining ground alongside the booming wellness travel industry, which is expected to surpass $1.3 trillion globally by 2025. Cannabis is increasingly integrated into wellness experiences – be it for stress reduction, pain relief, sleep support, or enhanced mindfulness.

Retreats in California, Costa Rica, and Jamaica offer CBD massages, cannabis yoga, and even psychedelic-assisted therapies where cannabis is used as a tool for self-inquiry and trauma processing. At Coral Cove Wellness Resort in Negril, guests can enjoy a cannabis-friendly spa with ocean views, combining herbal treatments with mindfulness practices.

This appeal is especially strong for travelers aged 25–45, who are often seeking alternatives to alcohol-heavy vacation packages. A 2022 study from MMGY Global found that nearly 29% of U.S. leisure travelers were interested in cannabis-related travel activities – rising to 50% among Millennials.

The Fine Print: Know Before You Go

While the world opens up to cannabis tourism, travelers must remain vigilant. Cannabis laws vary drastically across borders, and what’s legal in one region could result in jail time in another.

For instance, it’s legal to purchase and consume cannabis in Las Vegas, but trying to fly out of the airport with even a small amount can lead to seizure or fines. Similarly, while Barcelona has a thriving cannabis club scene, membership is restricted and public consumption remains illegal.

Organizations like NORML, Leafly, and The Cannigma provide up-to-date legal maps and travel advisories. Apps like Weedmaps can help locate legal dispensaries, lounges, and experiences – but personal research is essential.

Also critical is respecting local customs. Cannabis tourism is not a license to break rules or ignore social norms. Responsible tourism means knowing the laws, supporting local businesses, and leaving a positive impact – on the environment and the community.

My Journey: How Cannabis Changed the Way I Travel

As someone who’s used cannabis for over a decade – for everything from chronic back pain to creative inspiration – traveling with cannabis in mind has made my adventures deeper and more intentional. I’ve sipped infused teas under moonlight in Oregon, watched the sun rise over a misty vineyard in British Columbia after a low-dose edible, and shared a pipe with a Thai grower who explained his grandfather’s landrace genetics.

But what stays with me the most is the connection. Cannabis has a way of bringing people together – across languages, cultures, and backgrounds. Whether you’re in a small dispensary in Cape Town or a beachside café in Montevideo, there’s a quiet bond among cannabis consumers: a shared curiosity, a love for nature, a desire for better living.

The Future of High-Minded Travel

The green road ahead looks promising. As more governments legalize or decriminalize cannabis, the opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, sustainable business, and personal growth will only expand.

Cannabis tourism is not just about lighting up in new places – it’s about exploring the world through a different lens. One that’s more curious, more conscious, and more connected.

So if you’re planning your next escape, maybe skip the souvenir shop – and look for a cannabis farm, a rolling paper, and a story worth inhaling.