Posted by Mary Ekundayo on 03/05/2024 in Dispensary Resources
The tourism industry is one of the world’s most versatile and multifaceted sectors. Some people travel to different places to experience the traditions and lifestyle of regions outside their immediate environment, while others visit countries to enjoy their local foods, watch wildlife, or even attend events for leisure and recreational purposes.
One other type of tourism that has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly in countries with relaxed cannabis laws, is canna-tourism. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in 24 U.S. states, this industry is beginning to thrive in America. In fact, Forbes revealed in 2022 that the cannabis tourism sector was worth a whopping $17 billion.
If you are planning your next tourism canna-cation but are unsure where to find canna-cafes or social consumption lounges (SCLs) across the United States, you have nothing to worry about. In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best restaurants where you can order food dosed with weed, get a cup of cannabis-infused dark chocolate, or simply be served pre-rolls with your food.
Although cannabis lounges remain federally illegal in the United States, you can visit licensed social consumption lounges in states that allow cannabis use. All you’ll need is an ID that proves you are 21 years and above or your medical marijuana card for cannabis patients. Here is a list of cannabis cafes and lounges and their location in their corresponding legal cities.
Location: 1201 North La Brea Avenue, West Hollywood, California.
True to its name, the Original Cannabis Cafe was one of the first cannabis restaurants in the U.S. Designed with vintage brick walls, rough-hewn wood floors, and hanging plants, you can’t miss the trendy vibe of the cafe. There are also “Flower Hosts” in the lounge to make recommendations for customers based on their cannabis-use experience.
Location: 506 Merhar Ave., Suite B, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Good Titration has an on-site dispensary, and you can view the grow room from the homely lounge area. There are rules around the sale of cannabis products in Alaska. First, weed concentrates are not available in the lounges. Also, marijuana-infused beverages are only sold for consumption at home, not in the cafes. Additionally, flower (up to one gram) or edibles (can contain up to 10mg of THC) you purchase in the lounge must be consumed before leaving the premises.
Location: 3508 N. Broadway, Chicago, Illinois.
Wake-N-Bakery is the place to go if you are in Chicago and want a dose of cannabis-infused beverages like espresso, sweet tea, or matcha lattes. There are also bakery goodies like weed-infused muffins available. With other cannabis products, such as pre-rolls and edibles, available in the lounge, you won’t be in a hurry to leave.
Location: 416 Broadway, New York City.
This was the first cannabis cafe in New York City to sell cannabidiol (CBD) products. They offer traditional beverages and cannabis-infused options. There are restrictions around where cannabis lounges can be located in some parts of the state. For example, in Long Island, weed cafes must be 200 feet away from religious centers and 500 feet away from schools.
Location: 2340 Harrison St., Oakland, California.
Rose Mary Jane is Black-owned, and the energy in the cafe is full of positive vibes. It has a nice patio where you can relax to enjoy mocktails and THC products. You’ll definitely enjoy this place if you do not fancy the strong marijuana scent in weed shops.
Location: 1325 Armour Blvd., Mundelein, Illinois.
Rise Mundelein Lounge was built by Sasha Adler, and it has a wide range of quality cannabis products, including flowers, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, extracts, and tinctures. This cafe also provides online shopping and curbside pickup services for interested guests.
Location: 116 Water St., Worcester, Massachusetts.
You have the opportunity to soak in live music and play video games in this lounge as you enjoy different cannabis products. You can also rent or buy a bong and other smoking devices. When you get a membership or guest pass, you’ll have access to the different events organized within this exclusive lounge.
Location: 1276 Market St., San Francisco, California.
All kinds of people are welcome to relax in this sophisticated lounge. It has areas like a vaping zone, a place for consuming concentrated cannabis extracts, and a section for traditional smoking. We advise that you make a reservation to secure your spot because this cafe gets quite busy.
Location: 1130 Yuma Ct., Denver, Colorado.
The Coffee Joint is currently the only place in Colorado where you can consume cannabis legally and publicly. It also organizes many educational events that are cannabis-centric. However, keep in mind that there is a cost, alongside a liability waiver, for you to use the facilities.
Location: 8625 Santa Monica Blvd., 2nd Floor, West Hollywood, California.
This lounge serves cannabis products like weed-infused snacks and cocktails. It is designed in a way to boost your creativity as you consume marijuana. Feel free to use either the indoor or outdoor seating as you explore your creative side.
The cannabis tourism experience is infused with so many activities to explore. Sean Roby, the CEO of Bud and Breakfast, a platform where you can find weed-friendly lodgings, defined cannabis tourism as “leisure travel done for the purpose of indulging in marijuana use in areas where it is legal.” He added, “It is akin to the wine industry, where travelers gather from all over the world to check out the vineyards in a specific region. Similar is the case with cannabis tourism, when people visit the places where pot is legal. They can spend some time there, not just indulging in cannabis consumption but also doing other recreational things during the visit.”
Also, Brian Applegarth, the founder of the Cannabis Travel Association International and California Cannabis Tourism Association, once explained what canna-tourism is about. He said, “Cannabis travel activities today center around well-being.”
He further stated that “Cannabis is approached by travelers as a tool to improve quality of life and enhance experiences while on vacation. Cannabis visitors to a destination are medical-minded, leisure-orientated, or often a blend of both. Today’s travelers often include cannabis and CBD-infused activities like spa treatments as part of their destination itinerary.”
As the decriminalization of marijuana continues to spread across the U.S., there is a prediction that more of these cafes will crop up. More people are planning vacations to states where cannabis is legal to relax and have fun. According to Roby, this industry has the potential to hit hundreds of billions of dollars in the next few years. Additionally, this growth is expected to occur alongside other nations developing more cannabis-friendly policies.
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