CANNABIS MOMENTUM
Oregon State may not be ready for its cannabis tourism success, but it’s happening anyway. When Oregon legalized cannabis in 2014, it not only granted its residents who are 21 and over the ability to purchase and consume cannabis, the law allowed visitors the same freedoms. Although Travel Oregon has not promoted cannabis tourism, it doesn’t mean cannabis tourism isn’t popular. There are plenty of companies in Portland and other Oregon cities that have been offering tourists bus tours, lodging and other interesting events.
Travel Oregon, which is “The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information” does not capitalize on cannabis tourism, as the website only has one quick mention about legal cannabis. “As of July 1, Oregon’s recreational marijuana laws are in effect,” the website states. “That means adults ages 21 and older can legally possess and use recreational marijuana.” The statement includes a link to whatslegaloregon.com. The website provides guides for tourists like “Oregon Food Trips” and “Oregon Wine Touring Guide,” but it hasn’t yet provided a guide for adult use cannabis stops.
Oregon isn’t the only state with a tourism office that has yet to embrace cannabis tourism, despite its draw. Colorado Tourism Office has also stated they are not ready to promote it, despite releasing data that cannabis tourism is a driving factor for visitors to the Centennial State. Colorado Tourism Office was running an ad campaign called “Come to Life.” The office took surveys last October and November of people who had seen their ads and may visit the state in the summer. Out of the polled individuals, 49 percent of the visitors said they their decision to visit Colorado was influenced by the state’s recreational cannabis laws.
Even if the Oregon’s tourism board doesn’t attract visitors with information surrounding legal cannabis, there are still plenty of organizations and companies dedicated to doing exactly that. From cannabis-friendly bed and breakfasts to cannabis-friendly bus tours, the popularity of cannabis tourism in Oregon since 2014 cannot be denied.
The Original Cannabus, Portland Cannabus, Bridge Town Weed Tours, Franco’s Finest and High 5 tours are just some of the cannabis-friendly tours that visitors and locals frequently enjoy. Websites like kushtourism.com and potguide.com are both brimming with cannabis-friendly lodging, dispensaries, weed and wine tours and more throughout Oregon.
Although recreational cannabis is legal for possession and consumption of an adult ages 21 and over in Oregon, there are still issues that can arise for cannabis tourism. First, public use of cannabis is still illegal. This means that any type of consumption from smoking to vaping or edibles must be done on private property when permitted.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission recently began licensing cannabis retailers and setting out stricter regulations on cannabis and cannabis products. It will be interesting to see if the industry that is starting to gain more and more legitimacy may soon become included in Travel Oregon’s marketing plan.
