Break Free

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]S[/dropcap]pring break—two little words that give so much hope to overworked humans. From early March to mid-April, it’s a time in the year between the holidays and summer, where the weather can be drab and when people need a light at the end of their tunnel of life. Spring break vacations are a time to reconnect with friends, family and self. For some, it means warm weather destinations. For others, it means hitting the slopes or just visiting a new city or state. If you are someone who needs cannabis to stay pain-free or to reduce stress and anxiety, you might be concerned about medicating at your destination. Do you want to spend your vacation in a place that encourages or doesn’t discriminate against cannabis consumption? Here are a few destinations that will provide a safe haven for spring breakers.

Jamaica

The island of Jamaica is the place to go to wash away memories of those traumatic late nights you just spent studying for finals or working late. Negril, Jamaica is an excellent destination on the island for spring breakers. Negril’s claim to fame, Seven Mile Beach, is consistently regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

You can buy anything from a freshly caught lobster, a sun hat, a boat ride, a meat pie while hanging out on Seven Mile Beach. The food is delicious, the culture is unique and the snorkeling is a must. There are all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels and house rentals.

The laws? Although cannabis isn’t technically legal in Jamaica, a blind eye has sometimes been turned towards tourists partaking. Since 2015, the Jamaican House of Parliament declared that less than two ounces of flower is a petty offense. You may feel inclined to ask a staff member or concierge at your hotel where to find something to smoke, as it is not recommended to head into rural parts of the island to find your own doobie. Be sure to visit the famous Rick’s Café to enjoy a daiquiri, a joint and watch cliff divers.

Florida

People have been flocking to Florida for spring break since spring break first came to be and for good reason. (Fun fact: Spring break has been observed since the 1930s.) Florida has a tropical landscape, beaches for days and some notorious party cities like Miami, Panama City and Fort Myers. These towns thrive on spring break tourism. Boat parties, beach parties, foam parties, themed parties, pool parties and more fill the calendars for the months of March and April. The current cannabis law in Florida states that less that 20 grams of flower is a misdemeanor, however, is still considered a criminal offense so be discreet when lighting up in public. Talk to the locals to find out which clubs don’t discriminate.

California

The Golden State has something for everyone. If you’re looking for the music festival experience, head to the Empire Polo Club in Indio for a diverse lineup of artists at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April 13-15 and 20-22) or catch Stagecoach, California’s Country Music Festival (April 27-29). Cannabis consumers can feel right at home at the Desert Hot Springs Inn, just eight minutes from the Empire Polo Club. Vaping is permitted indoors and smoking outdoors. Treat yourself to a cannabis oil massage at its spa. Enjoy beautiful views of Southern Californian mountains from the hot mineral pools. Want to be on the move? California’s coastline is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fly into Southern California, spend a couple days relaxing on warm beaches, then rent a car and drive up Highway 1 toward the redwood forest in Northern California.

Colorado

The Rocky Mountains may not be the tropics but you can count on sunny days and blue skies. Head to Aspen to enjoy world-renowned skiing and gorgeous views. Channel those spring break vibes and head out to the ultimate party, the Bud Light Spring Jam 2018 (March 23-April 1) with events in going down in Aspen and Snowmass. While no hotels boast 420-friendly in the area, there are seriously amazing private rentals for you to discreetly consume your purchases on balconies or with vaporizers. Check out the “Cozy, Quiet, Private, Aspen Studio” on Airbnb as a friendly lodging option. Just two hours from Denver International Airport sits Breckenridge—a down-to-earth ski town. Depending on your spring break dates, you can attend events during LGBT appreciation week (March 7-11) or its Mardi Gras Celebration, both which are a part of the town’s Spring Fever month-long events. Or get to know all of Breckenridge’s notable breweries at the Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival (April 7). As for lodging, check out “The Breck Haus-With Private Hot Tub-420 Friendly” or “420 Friendly Cabin on Peak 7 in Breckenridge” on Airbnb. Both towns have plenty of recreational dispensaries where visitors who are 21 and over can purchase consumables.

Cannabis tourism isn’t a secret anymore and tourists are benefiting from legal states’ laws. Before you go, familiarize yourself with the laws of the town you’re heading to and where you’re staying to avoid any hang-ups and so you can max and relax to the fullest. Be sure to respect the locals and represent wherever it is that you came from with style and grace. This list is not exhaustive and we hope we got your wheels turning. There is something exciting for every connoisseur in each of the legal states. Be creative, do your research and use your resources to create the ultimate cannabis-friendly break.