Exploring Cannabis Tourism: Top Destinations and Experiences for 2025

Cannabis tourism is a relatively new and rapidly expanding area of the travel industry centered around legal cannabis consumption and culture.

As cannabis restrictions continue to ease across jurisdictions, travelers are increasingly seeking out new and exciting destinations to enjoy novel cannabis strains, establishments, and events.

From guided dispensary tours and cannabis farm visits to curated culinary experiences and event spaces offering THC drinks, the burgeoning cannabis tourism sector encompasses a wide range of activities.

What is Cannabis Tourism?

Unlike traditional tourism, which typically focuses on historical landmarks or natural wonders, cannabis tourism revolves around the plant itself, as well as its cultivation and diverse potential applications. Catering to a range of customers, from experienced cannabis consumers to the canna-curious, cannabis tourism is all about providing a wholly unique experience to visitors.

• Distinction and scope. Cannabis tourism goes beyond simply consuming cannabis products, incorporating educational tours of cultivation facilities, participation in cannabis-themed festivals or events, and exploration of local cannabis culture. It can even extend into experiencing cannabis-infused culinary offerings or wellness treatments, showcasing just how many ways individuals can interact with the plant.
• Benefits for local economies. As the economies of current cannabis destinations have shown, local governments stand to generate substantial tax revenues through cannabis products. The influx of capital can fund public services and infrastructure projects, all while the industry creates jobs in cultivation, processing, retail, and hospitality. This, in turn, stimulates related businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and transportation services, leading to broader economic growth and diversification.

Top Considerations & Destinations

Most places that have legalized cannabis have implemented strict regulations around THC products.

For example, in the U.S., THC products are federally legal if they contain only hemp-derived cannabinoids and less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Above that threshold, they are considered marijuana products and are not federally legal.

It’s essential to understand the distinction between hemp and marijuana and research local laws around public possession or consumption, as they’re subject to constant changes.

Without further ado, let’s go over our picks for top cannabis tourism hotspots below.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands: The Original Cannabis Capital

Amsterdam’s reputation as the world’s cannabis capital stems from its pioneering approach to cannabis policy. For decades, the city allowed the sale and consumption of cannabis in its iconic “coffee shops,” establishing a unique and enduring cultural phenomenon. Amsterdam’s tourism industry has greatly benefited from cannabis tourism, as visitors embrace the city’s open and relaxed attitude around cannabis.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the city for weed lovers is the Cannabis Museum of Amsterdam, which has centuries’ worth of art and artifacts, as well as lectures and workshops around the medicinal and spiritual use of both marijuana and hemp.

Los Angeles: The “New World” of Cannabis Cafes

Since the 60s, Los Angeles has rapidly emerged as a prominent cannabis tourism destination, capitalizing on California’s legalization of recreational marijuana. The city boasts a vibrant and diverse cannabis scene wherein visitors can explore some of the country’s best dispensaries, each offering a unique selection of products from flowers and edibles to concentrates and topicals.

Beyond retail, LA is known for its many cannabis cafes, where patrons can consume cannabis products amid comfortable lounges, enjoying curated menus and a highly social atmosphere where cannabis enthusiasts connect and enjoy their favorite strains. For those looking to escape downtown LA, guided tours of farms and cultivation facilities just outside the city offer insights into the finer points of cannabis growing, providing an educational change of pace.

New Orleans: Hemp Legalization Done Right

Carving out a niche in cannabis tourism, New Orleans is leveraging its reputation as a hub for diverse cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife. While recreational marijuana remains illegal in Louisiana, the emergence of hemp-derived THC products creates a unique landscape for cannabis enthusiasts. It’s led to the consumption of hemp-derived THC beverages in bars, restaurants, and music venues. These drinks, just like alcohol in New Orleans, can even be enjoyed out on the street.

The city’s relaxed atmosphere lends itself well to its evolving stance on cannabis. Even some of the city’s biggest music festivals, including Funk Fest and Bayou Boogaloo, have embraced THC drinks, offering them to attendees.

South Africa: An Up-and-Comer in Cannabis Tourism

South Africa is quickly establishing itself as a destination for cannabis tourism, leveraging its rich history with the plant and the recent legalization of private use. Adults in South Africa may now grow, possess, and gift cannabis.

The country offers breathtaking natural beauty, and the traditional use of “dagga” (as cannabis is known locally) adds a layer of cultural significance to the experience.

Regions like the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are known for their favorable climate for cannabis cultivation, aptly giving rise to the nickname Dagga Belt. These areas have a long history of traditional cultivation and are the point of origin for Durban Poison and other popular landrace strains.

Bonus: Notable Cannabis Events and Festivals

1. The Cannabis Cup, founded by High Times magazine, is a renowned series of events celebrating cannabis culture and products. Initially held in Amsterdam but now held annually in various locations in the United States, it features competitions judging the best strains, edibles, and concentrates, attracting cultivators and enthusiasts worldwide.
2. Spannabis is held annually in Barcelona, Spain, and is one of Europe’s most prominent cannabis fairs. It showcases a diverse range of cannabis-related products, from cultivation equipment and seeds to CBD products and hemp textiles. Attendees can participate in workshops, attend conferences, enjoy live music, and take in the vibrant diversity of the European cannabis community.
3. The Emerald Cup focuses on organic and sun-grown cannabis and is a prominent event in California’s Emerald Triangle. It celebrates the unique terroir and craftsmanship of the state’s cannabis industry, allowing visitors to sample award-winning strains, learn about organic farming techniques, enjoy live music, and connect with local cultivators and producers.

Trends & Predictions Around The Cannabis Tourism Industry

Hemp and marijuana tourism are quickly expanding industries, thanks to increasing legalization as well as evolving social attitudes toward recreational cannabis. The growing number of cannabis-friendly destinations and the proliferation of events and festivals serve as opportunities for fostering community and advocacy. Events also provide education and understanding of cultivation, consumption, and potential therapeutic applications.

As the industry matures and more countries legalize cannabis, expect to see more specialized and immersive tourism experiences. The evolution of laws and regulations will play a pivotal role in shaping the industry, leading to greater standardization and consumer safety protocols. The symbiosis between growers, businesses, and city officials will ensure the long-term viability and positive impact of cannabis tourism.