Beyond the Dispensary: A Look at Cannabis Tourism Across the U.S.

If your idea of a cannabis-friendly vacation ends at visiting a dispensary, it’s time to take another look.
Cannabis tourism across the US is evolving into a major travel trend, focusing on experiences, education, connection, and exploration, beyond just buying legal weed.
We teamed up with DACUT Dispensary, one of the most trusted names in legal cannabis, to share their firsthand insight on how cannabis tourism is growing and evolving across the U.S.
Imagine sipping a THC-infused mocktail under the stars in California wine country, joining a tour of a cannabis farm in Oregon, or attending a wellness retreat in Colorado pairing yoga with CBD massage.
These aren’t pipe dreams, they’re real, curated adventures happening now across the U.S.
Let’s dive into what cannabis tourism looks like in 2025, and why more travelers are choosing trips that come with a legal green twist.
What Exactly Is Cannabis Tourism?
Cannabis tourism is all about travel experiences that include or revolve around legal cannabis.
That could mean visiting a dispensary in a state where recreational use is allowed, sure, but today’s cannabis-focused trips are so much more.
You might stay at a cannabis-friendly resort, take a class on cooking with cannabis, or join a guided tour that brings you behind the scenes of cultivation.
The point isn’t just consumption, it’s immersion.
Where in the U.S. Is Cannabis Tourism Taking Off?
Some states have taken the lead when it comes to welcoming cannabis travelers.
- California is a top destination, offering everything from infused dinners to luxury resorts with designated consumption lounges.
- Colorado, one of the original pioneers of legalization, has built a robust scene with grow tours, private lounges, and elevated spa retreats.
- Oregon, Washington, and Michigan are also gaining attention, especially in cities like Portland, Seattle, and Ann Arbor.
- Even newer markets like New Mexico and New York are starting to introduce cannabis tourism experiences with a strong cultural and wellness focus.
If you’re wondering whether your next trip could include cannabis, the answer depends on where you’re headed, but the options are growing fast.
What Kinds of Experiences Are Out There?
Cannabis tourism is no longer just about visiting a dispensary or lighting up in a legal state. It’s about curated, memorable experiences that connect cannabis with food, wellness, education, and culture.
Perhaps you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just curious to learn more in a safe, welcoming environment; there’s likely a cannabis-centered experience that fits your interests.
Here’s a deeper look at some of the most popular(and growing) types of cannabis experiences available across the U.S.:
Cannabis Farm and Cultivation Tours
These behind-the-scenes tours are a favorite for those who want to understand the plant from seed to sale.
Visitors can walk through large-scale greenhouses or boutique outdoor farms, learning how cannabis is grown, processed, and tested for quality.
Tours often include insights from expert cultivators and can end with tastings (in legal areas), product recommendations, or take-home educational materials.
For many, this is a rare chance to see how legal cannabis production works, far beyond the retail experience.
Infused Dining and Culinary Events
One of the most exciting developments in cannabis tourism is the emergence of infused dining.
These are professionally hosted meals where each dish is thoughtfully paired or prepared with cannabis, usually with low, manageable doses for a balanced experience.
Some chefs specialize in full-course THC or CBD-infused menus, while others focus on pairing flower aromas with food flavors, similar to wine pairings.
These events often emphasize education, responsible use, and culinary creativity, offering a sophisticated take on cannabis consumption.
It’s about enjoying the plant safely and responsibly.
Wellness Retreats and Mindful Consumption
Cannabis and wellness have become increasingly intertwined, and that connection is showing up in tourism.
Retreats focused on mental clarity, relaxation, and holistic healing are incorporating cannabis into their offerings, often alongside guided meditation, sound therapy, or spa treatments.
CBD oils and topicals are common, but some retreats also include options for light THC consumption in structured settings.
The goal is not intoxication, it’s restoration and balance.
Cannabis-Friendly Lodging
More travelers are looking for places where they can legally and comfortably enjoy cannabis during their stay. That’s led to a rise in cannabis-friendly lodging, from boutique hotels to private.
Airbnbs that allow or even cater to responsible use. Some offer designated smoking areas, vape-only rooms, or outdoor lounges.
Others go further, providing welcome kits, preferred dispensary partners, or even on-site consumption events.
It’s hospitality with a cannabis twist, designed for comfort and convenience.
Social and Cultural Experiences
Cannabis tourism is also becoming more social and cultural. These experiences often blend cannabis use with local culture, nightlife, or creative expression, creating inclusive spaces where people can enjoy cannabis in ways that feel social, relaxed, and fun, but still safe and legal.
Why Is Cannabis Tourism Booming?
Travelers today are looking for more than just sights to see. They want experiences. They want to learn, connect, relax, and return home with a story.
Cannabis fits beautifully into that model, especially when it’s framed around culture, wellness, and education.
For the cannabis industry, tourism offers a new path beyond retail. And for states, it brings in fresh tourism dollars, spent not just on cannabis, but on lodging, dining, events, and local attractions.
Put simply, cannabis tourism is good for business, and it’s suitable for curious travelers.
More Than a Trip, It’s a Shift
Cannabis tourism in the U.S. is growing. It’s not a trend, it’s a new category of travel that blends lifestyle, learning, and culture in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
Suppose you’re planning a relaxing retreat, a weekend of discovery, or just want to understand how cannabis is changing the travel scene. In that case, you’ll find more than just dispensaries waiting for you.
You’ll find a whole new way to explore.