Since the green rush kicked off, cannabis road trip destinations have emerged—even as cannabis tourism remains in a bit of a foggy zone. While forty states and D.C. have hopped on the marijuana bandwagon since the mid-90s for either medical or recreational reasons, the federal government still gives it the cold shoulder. Fun fact: now, more folks report lighting up on the regular than those who were hitting the bottle in previous years, according to the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
For those chillin’ in states where it’s all legal, the options to enjoy the high life are endless—whether you’re snagging some goodies from a dispensary or growing your own stash. But for those stuck in states where pot’s still a no-go, there’s a buzz to travel to greener pastures where they can indulge legally (state-wise, anyway). This trend stirs up some funky collaboration challenges between state and federal authorities.
Take a look: local cops might’ve chilled out on weed possession thanks to state rules—like how California lets adults hang onto 28.5 grams—but the feds are still stuck in the past, criminalizing it. So heads up, because airport bag-checkers like the TSA might still nab your local dispensary treasures. If you’re dreaming of a mind-bending road trip, you’ll want to do your homework on all the states you’ll cruise through to dodge any legal bummers.
But hey, if all these hoops don’t scare you off from a cannabis vacay, there are tons of spots across the country that not only sell but also share some mind-blowing stories about marijuana’s colorful history in the U.S. If you’re chasing the ultimate high without crossing legal lines, Outwander’s cannabis road trip destinations are perfect for your next adventure.
High Times and Hot Spots: Your Guide to Cannabis Adventures
The Dockside Cannabis Museum, Seattle
Dockside Cannabis is a recreational dispensary—the state of Washington legalized recreational weed in 2012—with four branches around Seattle. Its one location south of downtown Seattle is also home to the Dockside Cannabis Museum, which tells a precannabis-prohibition story of how doctors and pharmacists used weed as medicine.
See apothecary artifacts from before 1937 and learn how groundbreaking science of the early 20th century used the plant to treat conditions like Parkinson’s disease and even a common cough.
The International Church of Cannabis, Denver
Like its northern neighbors, Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. For those looking to connect their recreational or medicinal use to a higher calling, the International Church of Cannabis is here to serve. Members, called Elevationists, believe in the sacred power of cannabis to help people further their spiritual journey.
Visitors are welcome to tour the church or join in a laser light and guided meditation event called Beyond. Children are welcome as well unless cannabis (called sacrament among Elevationists) is being burned, according to the churches’ rules and local laws.
Planet 13, Las Vegas
Nevada legalized recreational marijuana in 2017, and since then, more than 150 dispensaries have opened across the state. Las Vegas, naturally, decided to go bigger with the world’s largest dispensary: Planet 13 in Las Vegas.
At this 112,000-square-foot facility, you’ll find much more on the property: a dispensary showroom plus immersive exhibits, artwork, and even a tattoo shop. If you need more to do during your visit, the on-site coffee shop, restaurant, and bar round out the attractions. Planet 13 is about a 10-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, but the dispensary also offers free shuttles to and from the majority of hotels on the Strip.
The Core Social Justice Cannabis Museum, Boston
The Core Social Justice Cannabis Museum is a free art museum that challenges visitors to review the inequities of U.S. drug policies and laws, specifically regarding cannabis. Exhibits at this cannabis museum tackle topics such as racial disparities among people imprisoned for weed and government encroachment in arresting and charging people for suspected possession. The museum also pays homage to artists and cultural leaders who have faced legal issues due to alleged marijuana use.
Before visitors leave, they can visit the so-called cannfessional: a place where everyday people talk about their use to eliminate the stigma of marijuana use and possession. This Boston museum and on-site dispensary are open to those 21 and over, based on Massachusetts law.
The Cannabis Museum, Athens, Ohio
Ohio is the most recent state on this list to allow adults recreational cannabis use, passing its laws in 2023. The Cannabis Museum documents the storied history of cannabis in the U.S. The museum says marijuana had thousands of uses before prohibition in 1937. Its purpose is to expose the hidden history of this distinctive plant.
The museum holds occasional workshops covering topics such as hemp harvesting and growing marijuana at home. For serious researchers, the onsite library and collections hold rare books and artifacts, some of which are limited editions and may not be available anywhere else in the world.
The Cannabis Trail, Santa Cruz to Weaverville, California
California’s rich history and scenic routes make it one of the most iconic cannabis road trip destinations in the country. California was the first state to legalize marijuana use. It did so back in 1996 when it allowed for medical marijuana. Northern California was the epicenter of this national shift, so the state created The Cannabis Trail to preserve and share the story.
The trail stretches across nine counties, from Santa Cruz to Weaverville. Its landmarks and a monument preserve the places and people who have carried on the movement. Travelers can stop by recommended farms and dispensaries along the trail that tell a piece of the story—and they are open for business.
This article was originally written by Sheeka Sanahori and published on Stacker.com. It has been edited by the fagabond team for fagabond.com.