Seven Cannabis-Friendly Cities to Visit in 2017

Things are looking up for cannabis travelers in 2017. The last of the ballots have been tallied up from the November election. Thus, eight states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine and Alaska) and Washington D.C. have fully legalized cannabis and the new laws will soon take effect. This means it is now or it will soon be legal to purchase, consume and carry a certain amount of cannabis in these states. This is perfect for the cannabis traveler because it broadens the travel horizons.

Vacations are always something to look forward to, but going on a cannabis friendly vacation tops it all. Remember to look up the local laws before going to one of these cities, as each state’s (and sometimes even city’s) laws are different. Public consumption is illegal almost everywhere, so be leery of lighting up in the streets. Otherwise, it’s time to embrace and elevate your traveling experience. Check out these fantastic cannabis friendly cities to visit in 2017.

Boston, Massachusetts

This college town has been highly tolerant of cannabis for many years. The best time to go is at the end of September when the Boston Freedom Rally will be happening for the 28th year in a row. This event brings in thousands a day and even though smoking is technically illegal, people are lighting up everywhere. However, this will be the first year that the city will be celebrating the weekend long event with recreational cannabis fully legal.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte is for the adventurous cannabis consumer. Skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and more await you in this great canna-town. If you have some down time, visit the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Museum. There are music festivals in the spring and summer, then ice carving and movie festivals in the winter. Ski all day and then enjoy a nice massage at your ski-in/ski-out hotel, Elevation Resort and Spa. Restaurants, room service, spa services and a ski concierge make this a perfect winter resort. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, hike from Crested Butte to Conundrum Hot Springs. Most people take two days to do this seven-hour hike. If not, you can the take the 40-minute drive up to the end of the road. Then, hike four miles or so to Conundrum Hot Springs, a beautiful spot in a large natural hot spring.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada or California

Since both California and Nevada are both recreationally legal, why not spend some time in both? This gorgeous town is split between the two states and has everything an adventurous person could want. Of course, there’s the lake ready for boating and jet skiing in the summer. Then, during the winter months you can ski and snowboard. Oh and there’s a huge New Year’s Eve winter music festival there as well. So, bundle up, smoke some cannabis and enjoy all that Tahoe has to offer.

Olympia, Washington

Olympia, Tumwater and Lacy all connect to make this charming, little area a perfect vacation spot. Enjoy seafood by the pier, shop at the cutest shops downtown and then hike your heart out during the day, with mountains just 30 minutes away. Wake up at your bud-and-breakfast with an outdoor cannabis grow at your fingertips when you stay at the SONshine House right outside of town. Enjoy cannabis-friendly accommodations and a tour of the fantastic grow any time after May 1.

Hope, Alaska

Alaska legalized recreational cannabis use in 2015. Without formal dispensaries, tourists have not been flooding in. However, Bowman’s Bear Creek Lodge may change that. This all-inclusive, bud-and-breakfast has five course meals that are simply amazing. Moose wander the breathtaking property that boasts seven luxurious log cabins. Activities include white water rafting, kayaking, trail rides and whale watching tours. Plus, they have their own ice cream truck. The town has a gold mining museum and some restaurants and shopping. And if you go at the right time of the year, you may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights, while puffing on some Northern Lights.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Medical card holders around the nation jumped for joy when Nevada decided on reciprocity. Now you don’t have to have a medical card at all to consume and purchase cannabis before heading to the casino. Recreational shops could be open on the first of this month. If you’re all tapped out from the holidays, the best time of the year to visit is during “Weed Week” in mid-November, when the cream of the crop of the cannabis world meet to network, learn and party.

Lima, Peru

The architecture is beautiful, people are friendly and there are plenty of things to do. Stay on the beach at Belmond Miraflores Park. The hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows, ocean views and an infinity edge pool that looks right into the water. For great food, check out Rafael’s Restaurant. This Vietnamese and French Style restaurant has some of the best ceviche around. La Rosa Nautica is a great place to hang out and have a drink. The restaurant and bar sit right on the beach, so you can enjoy your Pisco, the national drink while listening to music and watching the waves.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a detour to Machu Picchu. These mysterious Incan ruins call people from around the world, but the trip is not the simplest. A plane, taxi and then a train is the fastest way to get there. Other people choose to take the several days’ journey on foot. The best part is that you can do it all high because Peru allows you to carry up to eight grams of cannabis with you.