Best Countries for Cannabis Lovers (and their Economies)
1. The Netherlands – Amsterdam’s Coffeeshop Culture
Best For: Iconic cannabis cafes and a chill, accepting atmosphere.
Amsterdam remains one of the biggest cannabis tourist destinations in the world, with its famed “coffeeshops” attracting millions of visitors annually. Cannabis tourism alone generates significant revenue for local businesses. Studies estimate that Amsterdam’s cannabis tourism contributes between €1 billion and €1.5 billion to the city’s economy every year.
Financial Impact: Tourists flock to Amsterdam not only for the coffeeshops but also for the culture and sights, and they spend money on accommodations, food, and other attractions. This influx of visitors directly boosts the city’s hospitality and retail sectors.
Must-Do: Grab a joint or edible at a coffeeshop, then relax with a canal tour to soak in the city’s serene beauty.
2. Canada – A Countrywide Cannabis Dream
Best For: Nation-wide legalization, stunning natural beauty, and top-tier weed.
Canada’s legalization of cannabis has created a vibrant industry that added $43.5 billion to the country’s GDP between 2018 and 2022, with $13.3 billion of that coming directly from cannabis tourism. The country has become a hotspot for both local and international weed enthusiasts who explore its diverse dispensaries and cannabis experiences.
Financial Impact: Canada has created over 151,000 jobs related to the cannabis industry, including tourism, which has grown particularly in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Cannabis tourism businesses, such as tours, weed-friendly hotels, and consumption lounges, are flourishing.
Must-Do: Explore Vancouver’s craft cannabis shops and enjoy a scenic hike in Banff National Park with a cannabis-infused treat.
3. Jamaica – The Heart of Ganja Culture
Best For: Spiritual cannabis experiences, reggae, and laid-back vibes.
Jamaica’s relaxed stance on cannabis and its connection to Rastafarian culture have drawn cannabis lovers from around the world. Cannabis tourism contributes roughly $300 million annually to Jamaica’s economy, with more tourists seeking out ganja retreats and wellness experiences tied to the herb.
Financial Impact: As Jamaica’s cannabis tourism sector continues to grow, opportunities for local entrepreneurs and hotels catering to cannabis tourists are expanding, with projections suggesting it could eventually contribute over $1 billion per year.
Must-Do: Visit Bob Marley’s birthplace in Nine Mile for a spiritual cannabis retreat, blending culture, history, and great local herb.
Worst Countries for Marijuana Enthusiasts (And Their Missed Opportunities)
1. Singapore – Zero Tolerance
Worst For: Strict anti-drug laws and severe punishments.
Singapore’s strict anti-cannabis laws mean zero financial benefit from cannabis tourism. In fact, the country spends millions annually on anti-drug enforcement and prevention, turning what could be a financial opportunity into a burden on resources.
Avoid Doing: Lighting up—seriously, you could face severe penalties, including imprisonment or worse.
2. Japan – Strict Laws, Even for Tourists
Worst For: Legal penalties for possession and a lack of tolerance.
Japan’s booming tourism industry could see even more revenue if cannabis were decriminalized, but the country’s conservative stance on marijuana prevents it from tapping into this potential. Despite global trends toward legalization, Japan remains resistant, leaving it out of the growing cannabis tourism market.
Avoid Doing: Bringing any weed with you—Japan’s penalties are severe, even for tourists.
U.S. States: The best States for Cannabis Tourism
1. California – The Cannabis Capital of the U.S.
Best For: Dispensaries, consumption lounges, and massive tourism impact.
California’s cannabis tourism industry is booming. In 2022, cannabis tourism contributed an estimated $4.5 billion to the state’s economy, with millions of visitors flocking to experience weed-friendly events, tours, and consumption lounges. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and West Hollywood are hubs for cannabis culture, and businesses are thriving.
Financial Impact: California has capitalized on its legalization by developing cannabis lounges, themed events, and even “weed tours,” boosting the local economy significantly. The state’s hospitality sector, especially weed-friendly accommodations, has seen major growth.
Must-Do: Visit West Hollywood’s consumption lounges like The Original Cannabis Café and then take a beach trip to Malibu.
2. Nevada – Sin City Goes Green
Best For: Cannabis lounges and the party scene.
Las Vegas is fast becoming a major cannabis tourism hub, thanks in part to its cannabis consumption lounges, such as Planet 13, which is the largest dispensary in the world. Cannabis tourism adds over $500 million annually to Nevada’s economy, making it a key player in the industry.
Financial Impact: The combination of cannabis and Las Vegas’ thriving tourism industry is a winning formula. As more lounges open, and the city continues to promote weed-friendly tourism, the industry’s financial contribution is expected to grow further.
Must-Do: Head to Planet 13 for a cannabis experience like no other, then catch a show on the Vegas Strip.
Worst U.S. States for Cannabis Enthusiasts (And Silver Linings for Entrepreneurs)
While some states may have strict cannabis laws, this doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs to make a profit. Even in states that have not yet embraced cannabis, ancillary industries, medical marijuana, and the potential for future legalization offer significant potential.
1. Idaho – The Cannabis Desert
Worst For: No legal cannabis, medical or recreational.
Idaho is one of the last holdouts against any form of legal marijuana. Neither medical nor recreational cannabis is allowed, and penalties for possession are harsh. The state remains firmly against legalization, making it a barren landscape for cannabis enthusiasts.
Silver Lining: The hemp and CBD industry is booming nationwide, and Idaho is no exception. While cannabis is off the table, hemp and CBD products can still be legally grown and sold. Entrepreneurs who focus on creating high-quality CBD products, cosmetics, or hemp-based wellness solutions can tap into a growing market, especially as consumer interest in cannabis-adjacent products rises.
Opportunity: Launching a CBD brand or hemp-derived wellness business could pave the way for future cannabis operations once Idaho inevitably faces the pressure to loosen its cannabis laws.
2. Nebraska – The Middle Ground
Worst For: No recreational use, with only limited decriminalization for small amounts.
Nebraska’s marijuana laws are strict, with no legal recreational market and only very limited decriminalization for small amounts of cannabis. Medical marijuana legislation has repeatedly stalled, leaving cannabis lovers with little hope of change in the immediate future.
Silver Lining: Nebraska is ripe for advocacy and education initiatives. With legalization efforts frequently debated, entrepreneurs can establish themselves in ancillary fields like cannabis consulting, lobbying, or even hosting educational events. Cannabis education platforms, aimed at both the public and lawmakers, could influence future legalization movements.
Opportunity: Advocacy groups and lobbying firms that help shape cannabis policy can build connections and establish credibility early, positioning themselves for major growth when the legal landscape shifts.
3. South Dakota – A Rollercoaster of Cannabis Laws
Worst For: A confusing legal landscape where laws are in flux.
South Dakota voters approved medical marijuana, but the state remains a challenge for recreational users. A 2020 vote legalized recreational cannabis, but it was overturned by the courts. Despite these legal battles, there’s clear momentum toward legalization, albeit with some political resistance.
Silver Lining: South Dakota’s medical cannabis program is already gaining traction, and businesses focused on medical marijuana have immense potential. By offering high-quality medical cannabis products, delivery services, or even specialized dispensary services, entrepreneurs can capture a solid market share.
Opportunity: Entrepreneurs focusing on medical cannabis can thrive here, especially by building relationships with patients, doctors, and lawmakers. Once recreational cannabis is legalized (likely in the near future), businesses already embedded in the medical scene will have a major advantage.
4. Texas – The Lone Star State’s Slow Move on Cannabis
Worst For: Extremely limited medical marijuana program and no recreational use.
Texas, known for its conservative stance on many issues, has been slow to adopt any form of cannabis legalization. Recreational marijuana remains fully illegal, and the state’s medical cannabis program is highly restrictive. Yet, the sheer size and population of Texas present a massive opportunity if laws change.
Silver Lining: Texas is a major player in the CBD and hemp industries. Hemp-derived CBD products are widely available, and entrepreneurs can build hemp-based businesses while the state remains reluctant on THC products. Additionally, Texas has an emerging medical cannabis program focused on low-THC products, giving entrepreneurs a foothold in the medical industry.
Opportunity: Entrepreneurs could focus on the booming CBD market and position themselves as early entrants into the medical marijuana market. With Texas likely to expand its cannabis laws in the future, early movers will be well-placed for growth in both medical and recreational sectors.
5. Indiana – Strict Cannabis Laws but Growing Demand
Worst For: No recreational use and very restrictive medical marijuana laws.
Indiana remains tough on cannabis, with harsh penalties for possession and no recreational or meaningful medical program. However, neighboring states like Michigan and Illinois have legalized cannabis, creating spillover demand from Indiana residents traveling across state lines for weed.
Silver Lining: Indiana’s proximity to cannabis-legal states offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish cannabis-related services, such as travel agencies for weed tourism, education, or CBD stores. Also, demand for cannabis will likely influence future legalization efforts as more residents push for change.
Opportunity: Launching cannabis-themed businesses such as cannabis tourism services or CBD products will allow entrepreneurs to capitalize on the growing consumer interest. As neighboring states continue to grow their cannabis markets, Indiana entrepreneurs can advocate for change and prepare for legalization.
The Financial Future of Cannabis Tourism: Post-Legalization in the U.S.
If cannabis were legalized at the federal level in the U.S., the cannabis tourism industry could explode into a multi-billion-dollar market. Here’s how:
1. Expanded Consumption Lounges
Once federal legalization occurs, expect a rapid expansion of cannabis consumption lounges across the country, much like how cafes and bars operate for alcohol. These lounges will become social hubs, attracting both domestic and international tourists. In states where lounges already exist, they’ve proven to be highly profitable. By expanding these across the U.S., the country could see significant tourism growth.
2. Cannabis-Themed Events
Imagine major festivals akin to California’s Emerald Cup or Nevada’s Cannabition happening across the U.S. Cannabis tourism could become as mainstream as beer or wine tourism, with annual festivals, trade shows, and expos driving tourism to new destinations. These events have the potential to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in ticket sales, accommodations, food, and merchandise.
3. Cannabis-Friendly Accommodations
Hotels, resorts, and even Airbnb-style rentals would cater specifically to cannabis enthusiasts, offering weed-friendly rooms, cannabis-infused spa treatments, and even in-house dispensaries. Cannabis tourism in states like California has shown that there’s demand for such accommodations, and nationwide legalization could take this to new heights.
4. Job Creation and Economic Boost
Legalization would likely create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the tourism, hospitality, and cannabis industries. From budtenders and tour guides to cannabis chefs and event organizers, the industry would see a massive employment surge. Estimates suggest that nationwide legalization could generate over $130 billion in federal tax revenue by 2030, with cannabis tourism playing a significant role.
5. Cross-State Tourism
Federal legalization would allow for seamless cannabis tourism across state lines. Currently, tourists are restricted by varying state laws, but with nationwide legalization, cannabis tourists could travel freely between states, contributing to local economies and boosting interstate tourism.
The financial impact of cannabis tourism is undeniable, with billions of dollars pouring into economies that embrace cannabis culture. Countries like Canada and cities like Las Vegas are already reaping the rewards, and if the U.S. legalizes marijuana at the federal level, it stands to become a global leader in cannabis tourism.
So, whether you’re planning a chill vacation in Jamaica or a high-rolling night out in Vegas, remember that cannabis tourism is on the rise—and the financial opportunities are greener than ever. With federal legalization on the horizon, the best is yet to come!