8 Amazing Cannabis-friendly Cities in the World
So, you want to smoke marijuana, but it’s illegal in your city?
Cannabis has become extremely popular over the years, but it’s still illegal in many countries.
The laws vary from one country to another, but, unfortunately, what’s considered medicinal in one country can get you in jail in another.
Many patients suffering from severe ailments are still deprived of this wonderful herb, and it may take decades for some countries to legalize it. Worse, it may never be legalized at all.
So, if you’re waiting for decriminalization or amendments, don’t hold your breath — it may take a long, long while before you notice any improvement.
Instead, book a flight to a cannabis-friendly city and indulge in cannabis as much as you want!
We have curated a list of the best cities that don’t mind using marijuana. All it takes is some planning, and you’ll be swimming in buds without having to look over your shoulder constantly.
Here are a few best cannabis-friendly cities in the world that you can visit to smoke cannabis legally.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Any cannabis-friendly cities list would be incomplete without mentioning Amsterdam — the Mecca of cannabis tourism. Being one of the top free-thinking cities globally, Amsterdam is the most popular destination for cannabis lovers.
Amsterdam has over 160 coffee shops around the city. Coffee and cannabis — what’s not to like about it, eh?
Of course, legal cannabis isn’t the only thing the city is known for — you can roll a doobie and start exploring the city. There are charming canals, mesmerizing architecture, museums, and rich local culture!
As long as you are over 18, you can buy cannabis in coffee shops. The daily limit is 5 grams per day, but this should suffice (unless you’re Snoop Dogg).
2. Denver, Colorado, USA
Denver is one of the first cities to legalize cannabis and is known as the American pioneer, considering how it embraced CBD much before everyone else. Unfortunately, many people assume that Denver is a city of stoners, but they can’t be further from the truth! Indeed, it is a stoner’s paradise, but the city has focused more on the medical aspect of marijuana than its recreational purposes.
Denver was all over the news when Charlotte Figi’s parents — a little girl suffering from seizures due to Dravet’s Syndrome — approached cannabis cultivators to grow a unique CBD strain used to treat the girl. Charlotte struggled with more than 300 seizures per week, but CBD controlled them to a large extent.
CNN published Charlotte’s struggle as a documentary, highlighting the positive effects of cannabis, and the rest is history. Suffice it to say that Colorado led the way for other states, and since 2012, cannabis tourism has only been exploding!
Here, you can either spend the day getting high on the slopes of the Rockies or huddle up in one of the cute cannabis cafes. And if you are one of the active ones, you can even walk around the city for hours, enjoying its gorgeous skyline backed by the Rockies and the warm sun.
3. Vancouver, Canada
Also known as Vasterdam — Canada’s robust response to the cannabis Mecca, Amsterdam in Europe — Vancouver is home to some of Canada’s first smokehouses, thus becoming the hotspot for cannabis tourism.
In Vancouver, you’ll find some terrific cafes and dispensaries selling all kinds of cannabis products, including buds, edibles, and concentrates. Still, we recommend visiting the New Amsterdam Cafe or Blunt Bros at least once for an authentic Vancouver stoner experience.
As of now, you can purchase and carry up to 30 grams of the herb, making Canada one of the most cannabis-friendly countries existing today.
Even if you’re not into cannabis, the sunset at the English Bay or the stunning mountain views and forest walks is something you should experience once in a lifetime.
4. Kingston, Jamaica
Bob Marley — the one name that comes to mind when you think of cannabis — made Jamaica so famous that people flock to Jamaica even today to experience some of the world’s best cannabis. Rastafarians are one of the torchbearers of the cannabis culture, and paying a visit to their homeland is a must for any cannabis lover.
Here, you must focus on the landscape and culture first; cannabis follows second. The sprawling views of the Blue Mountains, the pristine shores, bustling markets and nightlife, and colorful culture are what make Kingston such a unique destination.
As for cannabis, you won’t be disappointed. Although Jamaica is not so friendly yet where you can buy cannabis from dispensaries, you can do it the old school way. Just walk around the city, and local Rastafarians will approach you with quality ganja.
However, remember you can only possess up to two ounces of cannabis for personal use.
5. Montevideo, Uruguay
While other countries were still contemplating the benefits, side effects, and the business potential of legalizing marijuana, Uruguay just went ahead and took action. Who knew a small country would be the first to legalize cannabis?
Uruguay proved that it’s possible to stamp down on illegal drug trafficking by legalizing cannabis. Gone are the days when cannabis was paired along with deadly substances like heroin, meth, etc. The country made both recreational and medical marijuana legal in 2013 and paved the path for other countries to follow suit. In addition, their bold steps have borne fruit as the country has been relatively successful in reducing drug trafficking.
The city of Montevideo is rimmed by the Rambla, a promenade ashore the Rio de la Plata, which is one of the longest sidewalks on the planet! Walking on this while high is a terrific experience.
Apart from the extensive promenade, you’ll see spacious streets, charming cafes and parks, and the characteristic sea breeze.
To purchase cannabis in Montevideo, you have to visit a cannabis pharmacy, register yourself, and then buy cannabis. At first, you could only purchase up to 10 grams per week. However, the government has amended the laws for both medical and recreational users.
As of today, you can even grow cannabis, hang out in clubs and smoke some of the best cannabis in the world, and buy up to 40 grams per month, which is pretty much 10 grams per week. Of course, 10 grams may not seem a lot for many of you cannabis enthusiasts, but the locals are more than happy to share their stuff!
6. Nimbin, Australia
Australia is not particularly a cannabis-friendly place, but ask, and you shall find! You’ve probably heard of Lismore, but just 30 km away from this diverse city lies Nimbin — a sleepy sweet village that will awe you with its lush greenery.
Once upon a time, Nimbin was once a tiny village, unknown to many. However, it hosted the Aquarius Festival in 1973, attracting hippies, artists, and students from all over the globe. Once the party was over and most folks left, some dreamers stayed back to experience a lot more. Needless to say, Nimbin is one of the world’s most popular hippie destinations today.
With a population of only 1,477, this city is usually crowded with cannabis lovers and hippies. But, whether you enjoy cannabis or just want to relax and rest in the lap of Mother Nature, Nimbin has a lot to offer. You can relax in luxurious cabins hidden in rainforests or go trekking to catch a beautiful sunrise amidst spectacular mountains.
And the best part? The city seems to be stuck in the 60s hippy culture! This sleepy (or stoned?) town is a unique destination with colorful streets, tie-dye shirts, flower-covered signals, and old Volkswagen vans.
The city is home to numerous smoke shops and cafes where you can buy cannabis of various kinds, including the tasty pot cookies.
7. Las Vegas
The city that never sleeps is properly lit (if you know what we mean). Las Vegas is the go-to partying destination, and it is only fitting that the city has embraced cannabis!
The cannabis culture of Las Vegas is unique — there’s loud music, parties, magnificent hotels, and people flocking from all around the world to have a good time. And some hotels even offer edibles straight to your room!
There’s a cannabis museum coming soon, too.
Here, you can carry an ounce of cannabis or an eighth of an ounce of concentrate, as long as you are over 21.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Who doesn’t want to visit Spain? And with cannabis, the destination seems even more appealing!
Barcelona is known for its cannabis clubs, where members can consume cannabis in various ways! But check the laws again because they aren’t the same for tourists and locals.
Apart from the clubs, there’s a lot more to see here, like art museums, architecture, pristine beaches, street parties, and music festivals. And if you’re lucky, you can even catch FC Barcelona in action!
Summary: 8 Amazing Cannabis-friendly Cities In the World
While various countries are on the path to legalizing cannabis, it would still be another few years when cannabis is readily available everywhere.
Until then, visiting these destinations is your best bet if you want to experience cannabis (and the cities’ unique cultures).
Finally, remember to read the local cannabis laws before visiting. While consuming cannabis is legal in these cities, it is still regulated. You don’t want to end up on the wrong side of the law, as the fines can be pretty high (pun not intended).
