Since we've left the pandemic in the past, cannabis tourism is flourishing and offering new opportunities to travel. On Oct. 24, Upgraded Points—a travel information website—published a data report explaining which states are ideal or avoidable for a “canna-cation” in the US.
Colorado cities such as Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs topped the list for best places; followed by Oakland and San Jose in California; Henderson and Las Vegas in Nevada; with Portland, Maine being the only east coast state to make the cut. “In these states," said Upgraded Points founder Alex Miller, "economies of scale have been built over the last decade from a booming weed market that dispensary tours, cannabis lounges, etc." The industry alone supports over 83 thousand jobs in California.
The Upgraded Points analysts spent four days on a marijuana-themed vacation, analyzing various prices - like airfare and food - as well as the cost of weed and edibles.
The report discovered that cannabis flower prices in western states are more affordable than those in eastern states. Furthermore, the northern states have a higher price for vacation factors as well. The most expensive states mentioned in the report include Burlington, Vermont; Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Boston, Massachusetts. Canna-cations (vacations involving cannabis) can be much pricier in eastern states like Connecticut, Vermont, and Massachusetts due to less established infrastructure for using, purchasing, and producing cannabis.
The most budget-friendly places to stay were Oakland, California ($1,068 per day) and Spokane, Washington ($1,135 per day). These locations were both 22% less expensive than the national average of $1,262.
Denver was unsurprisingly at the top of the list due to its many cannabis-related attractions, such as bus tours and a plethora of licensed dispensaries. However, other more affordable locations include states on the west coast that have had an adult-use market in place for 6-10 years.
The price of flowers fluctuates depending on the location, with some places costing more than others. For example, an ounce of flowers costs $590.50 in Washington D.C., Illinois and Vermont.
TOURISM in the U.S. Cannabis industry is booming and does not look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. Although cannabis use is legal in19 states, Washington D.C., and Guam- there are more recreational sales of marijuana taking place this year which means that even more jobs will open up in the tourism sector associated with Cannabis (an anticipated 428,000). By 2030, It is estimated that sales from Weed Tourism alone will reach a staggering 72 billion dollars! According to a research report, by the year 2025 half of all travelers in America will be millennials. These younger people have normal views about cannabis use compared to today's generation.
Brian Applegarth, founder of the Cannabis Travel Association says that this industry could be worth $17 billion by 2023. So if you're considering taking a 'canna-cation' soon, cities like Denver, Oakland, Boulder, and Portland would be great destination spots.
As the world of cannabis begins to open up, we are seeing a shift in the tourism industry. Recently, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates lifted its ban on jail time for travelers with THC
In Canada, adult-use programs are thriving, but as of July 2021, it is still prohibited to bring cannabis over the border.
Cannabis museums are becoming more popular, with a hemp museum recently opening in Spain. These attractions offer visitors the chance to learn about the history and cultivation of cannabis, as well as see some of the unique products made from it.
The city capital of Zagreb, Croatia opened up a museum in April. Last year, the University of California had an exhibit called “Pleasure, Poison, Prescription, Prayer: The Worlds of Mind-Altering Substances” on limited display.
Soon enough, Las Vegas will have its very own Cannabition Cannabis Museum, as well as, city council approved consumption lounges which are predicted to raise tourism rates.