Summer Trip? Here are the Most Cannabis Friendly Cities in America

Few things go together better than weed and exploring a new city. As cannabis legalization grows across the country, so does cannabis tourism. A recent report by the Global Cannabis Tourism Association found that the cannabis tourism market grew by 20% annually between 2022 and 2024, highlighting a growing trend of travelers who want to enjoy cannabis on their trips (or safely access their medicine).

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next destination, consider these cannabis-friendly cities in America. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

It’s not all gambling and yard-long margaritas in Vegas; the cannabis scene has taken on a life of its own in Sin City. Among the many dispensaries operating across town, Vegas is home to Planet 13, the world’s largest dispensary open 24/7. Located just a short drive outside of the Vegas Strip, Planet 13 offers free shuttle services to most hotels on the Strip every day of the week. 

And that’s just the beginning of the cannabis-friendly atmosphere in Vegas. The lively city also features several consumption lounges where tourists can mingle in exclusive tasting rooms and lean into the social aspect of the plant. These lounges, paired with plenty of smoke-friendly rentals and hotel options, make for an extremely 420-friendly destination. 

Denver, Colorado 

Denver is high on the list of cannabis-friendly cities, and for good reason. As the capital of one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, the city has made a name for itself in the world of weed tourism with a surplus of stores, events, and outdoor activities that pair well with a little cannabis. 

Between the 420 Mile High Festival (hosted by none other than Tommy Chong this year), the various cannabis consumption venues, and a bustling cannabis culinary scene, it’s easy to see why so many cannabis lovers flock to Denver for a getaway. Let’s not forget Colorado Cannabis Tours, which offer cannabis-centric experiences that celebrate cannabis culture and bring together like-minded people for fun activities. 

Cannabis in Denver is also considered very affordable and easy to find, with four times more dispensaries than the average city. 

Sacramento, California 

Referred to as the cannabis capital of California, Sacramento has made quite a name for itself in the cannabis scene. According to one study, Sacramento is home to the lowest cannabis prices in the country, with one high-quality ounce averaging $212. 

Beyond the affordable options, Sacramento’s cannabis culture is alive and well, with plenty of dispensaries, farms, and delivery services operating across the city. The city is about to get even more cannabis-friendly, too. The Sacramento city council approved the launch of a cannabis lounge pilot program last year, with consumption lounges likely to open in the next year. 

Portland, Oregon 

Like Sacramento, Portland is known for its affordable cannabis. The city is ranked as the second-lowest for cannabis prices, with a high-quality ounce costing consumers about $213. This West Coast city has fully embraced the cannabis culture, making it a wonderful destination for any cannabis enthusiast. 

Visitors can check out the Potlandia Experience Bus Tours, which venture throughout the city to check out microbreweries, food carts, and popular attractions. Or they can hop on a Weed & Waterfalls tour, which celebrates the natural beauty that surrounds the City of Roses. 

With nearly six times more retailers than the average city and many food carts featuring cuisines from around the world, Portland is a hot spot for cannabis lovers—especially those with the munchies.

Kansas City, Missouri 

Although recreational cannabis has only been legal in Missouri for a few years, Kansas City has quickly soared to become a cannabis travel destination. In a 2024 report of best cannabis cities, Kansas City was named the most improved, jumping from the No. 22 spot to No. 9 between 2023 and 2024. 

The same report found that Kansas City already has twice the number of dispensaries per capita as Los Angeles, despite legalizing the recreational sale of the plant six years later. The dispensary experience itself is a bit different in Kansas City, with deli-style service and drive-thru options. 

Between its world-famous barbecue, the lively sports community, and its vibrant jazz scene, Kansas City is a fantastic destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in a city’s unique culture with the added bonus of easy access to legal weed. 

Seattle, Washington 

Like Colorado, Washington was among the first states to embrace legal cannabis more than a decade ago. Seattle has long been a cannabis-friendly city, having first hosted the Washington Hemp Expo in 1991, which later became the iconic Hempfest. The event was a protest over the prohibition of cannabis, which played a significant role in ushering in the state’s eventual legalization of the plant. 

Today, Seattle remains a solid destination for cannabis-loving tourists. With 29% more cannabis stores than the average city, there’s no shortage of affordable weed tucked among the rolling hills and mountain views. 

Best practices for cannabis travel 

While all of the above cities are great destinations for cannabis-loving travelers, keep in mind that they all have unique laws and regulations around the plant. Public cannabis consumption is generally not legal, even in cannabis-friendly cities. Use your best judgment and be aware of the laws when sparking up in a new place. 

It’s also illegal to cross state lines with cannabis, even when traveling between states with legal cannabis. While it may be tempting to cruise from Seattle to Portland with your favorite Seattle brands, it’s technically illegal to enter Oregon with Washington weed, for example.  

Pay close attention to your accommodations, too. Even in cannabis-friendly cities, many hotels, Airbnb, and other lodging options prohibit guests from smoking or vaping. Fortunately, most cities do offer cannabis-friendly lodging–you just have to look for it. If you plan to spark up where you’re staying, be sure to find a place that allows consumption. Websites like Bud and Breakfast can help narrow down the options. 

Looking for more recommendations? Check out our cannabis road trip guide for even more ideas.