The best countries for cannabis tourism in 2021 and 2022

As the introduction of vaccinations becomes more efficient and travel restrictions relaxed, many avid stoner travelers will want to see the best countries for cannabis tourism in 2021 and 2022.

Lighting up in the comfort of your own home brings a special kind of satisfaction that many stoners are familiar with, but after two years of lockdown and constant quarantine, even the most introverted of us may be itching for a change of scenery.

What is cannabis tourism?

Cannabis tourism isn’t just about traveling to countries that are 420 friendly so you can ignite freely – it’s also about experiencing different cannabis cultures around the world. These differences provide insight and enrich one’s own experience with cannabis. In fact, the quintessential stoner traveler is someone who is curious and adventurous, but also intrigued by the different ways cannabis has influenced around the world.

Of course, there are many countries around the world that have a lot to offer in terms of their local cannabis culture. India, for example, is known to give the term ganja the name of one of its holiest sites, the Ganges. However, the unique travel climate of 2021 means certain places are taboo. Deciding where to travel to during these times will be a more complex affair than usual, with a lot of planning.

Here are the best countries to visit for cannabis tourism in 2021 and 2022:

Canada

Photo by: Clement Fusil

Canada is considered to be one of the world’s hotbeds for cannabis. Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal are littered with shops and cafes that have played a pivotal role in the struggle to legalize cannabis in the country. British Columbia in particular is known as the origin of many legendary Canadian cannabis strains such as God Bud, Timewarp, and Island Sweet Skunk. There are even tour operators who organize unique cannabis-themed excursions in many major cities, taking you to lounges, iconic locations, and natural beauty while you enjoy the best that Canada has to offer.

• What should I do:
  • Take part in the lively 420 celebrations across the country read here
  • Bring something to eat for your camping trip to one of Canada’s unbeatable natural attractions
  • Conquer the thrill of Canada’s Wonderland with a little help from Mary Jane
  • Chill out in a hip cannabis lounge in town
• Is it legal: Recreational use of cannabis is legal in Canada. Here you can familiarize yourself with the regulations of the individual federal states.
• Pandemic Travel Considerations: As of this article, Canada opens up to international tourists who are fully vaccinated, and domestic travel for citizens and residents is also allowed. Find out more about travel and health documents, eligibility and restrictions here.

Mexico

Photo by: Marisol Benitez

Mexico has always been a popular travel destination, especially for other North Americans. The recent reforms of the recreational cannabis legislation are sure to attract more cannabis tourism. Entrepreneurial locals are already talking of creating “marijuana cities” with the hope that cannabis tours will become the new wine tours. Mezcal enriched with cannabis is already a popular tourist souvenir and a must-try delicacy. In fact, Mexico is known for its fairly fluid laws regarding recreational drug use. Even today, it’s easy to take a variety of tours for peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, and more. This is not surprising when you consider that these crops are grown locally and many people have strong cultural and economic ties with them. Talk to some friendly locals about the substance of your choice and they will point you in the right direction.

• What should I do:
  • Get some light and visit one of Mexico City’s many museums and art galleries
  • Try cannabis-infused mezcal
  • Fade over with pulque, a traditional alcoholic drink of the Aztecs
  • Chill out with a joint on one of the many beautiful beaches Mexico has to offer
  • Enjoy delicious tacos al pastor when the nibbles begin
  • Hike high up in the misty, lush hills of San Jose del Pacifico and maybe take a mushroom tour in this quaint town where our fantastic mushroom friends are legally sold and consumed
• Is it legal: The recreational and personal use of cannabis has been decriminalized in Mexico. However, the laws surrounding commercialization are still unclear.
• Pandemic Travel Considerations: As of this article, there are no pandemic-related tests, vaccinations, or quarantine requirements for tourism in Mexico. Find out more here.

Thailand

Photo by: GeoTravellers

As the world collectively begins to realize the futility and deception of the war on drugs, even the Asia-Pacific region, notoriously punished for drug allegations, has begun to tone down its stance on cannabis. Countries like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand are working to reform their cannabis laws for the benefit of the local economy, the well-being of their people and the tourism industry. As the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical cannabis, reports now suggest that Thailand is further easing regulations. However, since the pandemic has closed much of the Asia-Pacific region to tourism, Thailand has only opened certain places such as Phuket and Koh Samui to fully vaccinated travelers. Softer stoners who prefer lazy vacation, island vibes, and chilling out on the beach won’t find this an issue. Against this background, other locations such as Bangkok could also be opened shortly.

• What should I do:
  • Get an inside look at Thailand’s legal medical marijuana scene that is soon to become a blueprint for its neighbors
  • Get lighted at a full moon party
  • Check out Thailand’s cannabis conventions and exhibitions, the only ones in the region
  • If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the iconic Thai Stick, Thailand’s premier cannabis product.
• Is it legal: Only medical marijuana is legal in Thailand. The penalties for recreational use and possession can be severe, and the risks are generally high. Do your research and build relationships with locals.
• Pandemic Travel Considerations: At the moment, tourism to Thailand is still operated in “bubbles” and only fully vaccinated travelers are allowed. Find out more here.

The usual suspects

Any seasoned stoner already knows some proven cannabis tourism hotspots. Popular destinations that remain open to tourists who meet Covid’s travel requirements are:

• The Netherlands
• Jamaica
• The United States
• Portugal
• Spain

Live with the Portland hippies, get spiritual with Rastafarians in Negril, or put on your cannabis connoisseur hat in an Amsterdam cafe – whatever your activity, stay safe and in a good mood.

Do you have a favorite country for cannabis tourism? Let us know in the comments and follow us at @cannalifenet for more cannabis news.