Best Cities in the US For a Weed-Inspired Weekend of Cannabis
The number of US states that allow recreational cannabis continues to grow each election cycle. Now a whole new “cannabis class” of travelers — are getting out of town for the weekend to explore different cities that are more weed-friendly. Even for travelers that are less experienced, the legality of this wonderful plant is drawing the curiosity of people passing through on pleasure or business. So if you want to “up your game” plan a weekend getaway to one of the best cities in the US for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis!
How many states have legalized weed?
The Marijuana Policy Project reports that 68 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana and 90 percent support its medical use. Currently, there are 18 US states where recreational cannabis is fully legalized. This means anyone over the age of 21 can walk into a recreational dispensary (like a bar) and purchase their preferred form of weed (like a beer).
Read more on state cannabis laws here.
What to Expect When Visiting a Dispensary
Before you can enter the dispensary (bar) they will check your id (driver’s license/passport) to verify your age (like at the bar). Once admitted, you’ll be greeted and they will typically ask if you are new to dispensaries so they can guide you to the right spot. You’ll be given a weed menu (like a beer menu) with an assortment of options such as flowers, concentrates, edibles, and pre-rolled joints just to name a few. Your budtender (bartender) will have plenty of knowledgeable guidance to advise you on the types of weed you might want to enjoy, and they sincerely love talking with newbies.
Cannabis strains 101
There are different types or “strains” of weed. Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa. Each strain is grown for its different attributes and no 2 strains are the same. Before you visit the best states in the US for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis – you’ll want to know how to order your weed, because it’s like ordering a beer. Lotssss of types – all beers/weed. So if you’re new to buying the Mary jane here is a quick 101 on cannabis strains.
inDica
- Relaxing
- Calming
- Concentrated in the body “body buzz”
Known for relaxation and stress relief, these strains can make you sleepy and lethargic so I would recommend Indica and Indica-dominant hybrids as a good choice for evenings when you’re ready to wind down.
IN-DI-CA = IN-DA-COUCH
Sativa
- Energizing
- Stimulating
- Concentrated in the head
Sativa and Sativa-dominant strains are known to be more euphoric and stimulating. They’re more suited for high-energy levels and creative tasks.
Hybrid
- My personal favorite.
- Best of both worlds
- Balance of the body and mind
Hybrids come in thousands of different varieties. They are a blend of different strains bred to accentuate different aspects of a particular strain. I prefer hybrids because it “levels me out” so I don’t get too sleepy or too energetic, which makes it a good choice for day vaping.
The Stoner Scale
Like anything with a stimulating effect, there are different “levels” of high. Use the stoner scale of 1-10 1 being not high 10 being super high. The good range for newbies is 2-6, those more experienced can get to level 15 or higher. You’ll understand the scale if/once you try weed. Each individual has a “too much” or “too fast” setting that may be completely different than someone else. Try to remember how long it takes for the form you’ve chosen to kick in so you don’t exceed your limit which can sometimes lead to anxiety.
Best Cities in the US For a Weed-Inspired Weekend of Cannabis
When we travel around the US, I take into consideration whether or not weed is recreationally legal in the state we would be visiting. Because I don’t want a drink at dinner, I want a chocolate chunk of THC.
Detroit
If you’re looking for an ‘elevated’ experience when visiting the Motor City – or you’re a local just wanting to unwind after work – these are my recommendations for the best dispensaries in Detroit.
delivery
- WOD Michigan
- The Green Mile
- Vibe Delivery
Michigan made
- Platinum Vape
- Pinconning Paralyzer
- Pure Michigan
- LocalGrove – MAC 1
- Super Silver Haze
- Gorilla Glue (GG4)
The Winners of The Cannabis Cup: Michigan People’s Choice 2021
Seattle
Travelers planning the perfect weekend in Seattle must add these local dispensaries to their itinerary. They will elevate it to the next level and get you out to where the locals go as you explore the city.
Storefront
- Pot Shop Seattle
- Green Theory
- Higher Leaf
- The Novel Tree
- Ounce King Cannabis
delivery
Not Available
Seattle made
- Trendsetter
- Diesal Thai
- Satsuma Haze
- Pink Lemonade
Los Angeles
There are an estimated 1,000 in Los Angeles — more dispensaries than public schools, in fact — but only about 50 in the Bay Area.
la made
- LA Kush
- Lost Coast
- Wedding Cake
- Dosidos
See more of LA’s best dispensaries.
New York City
Storefront
delivery
- N/A
NYC strains
- Sour Diesel Auto
- Blue Dream
- Purple Punch Xpress
- Stardawg
- Wedding Cake
Best Cities for a weekend of weed
San Francisco
San Francisco is widely known as one of the most marijuana-friendly cities in California. For decades the bay city has been serving residents with some of the best cannabis in the industry, with no signs of slowing down. This Nor-Cal haven is the go-to spot for all marijuana enthusiasts. So, the next time you’re looking for a cannabis-filled weekend getaway, head to SF and try some new bud. I suggest checking out the following strains for a guaranteed good time!
SF made
- Green Crack
- Skywalker OG
- Bubba Kush
- Gelato
Portland
Visiting a Portland, Oregon dispensary is in some ways a right of passage for weed enthusiasts, as it is one of the best cities in the country for those looking for a cannabis weekend to smoke or consume marijuana. The top marijuana strains in Portland are easy enough to find in most cannabis dispensaries.
delivery
cannabis strains
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Sour Diesel
- Grandaddy Purple
- Girl Scout Cookie
Chicago
delivery
Not available
Chicago made
- Kush Mints
- Apple Fritter
- Jet Fuel
- Lemon Cake
Las Vegas
Nevada voters gave recreational marijuana the seal of approval in 2016. After that, Las Vegas became a lot cooler opening itself up to new opportunities in an up-and-coming industry. Today, you can find weed easily in Vegas with dispensaries sprinkled throughout the city. Some even walking distance from the Strip.
Storefront
- Cookies on the Strip
- Reef Dispensaries
- Jardin
- Oasis
- Jenny’s
- The Sanctuary
delivery
- Planet 13
- The Source
- NuLeaf
- Essence
las Vegas made
- Blue Maui
- Killer Tahoe
- Peanut Butter Soufflé
- Grower Circle
Denver
Depending on which state you are visiting for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis, different strains have varying popularity in different States. That means top weed strains in one State could be unpopular in other states. Here are some of the top weed strains in Colorado.
Storefront
- Green Dragon
- Simply Pure
- Lova
- Native Roots
- Frost Exotic Cannabis
delivery
denver made
- Golden Goat
- Durban Poison
- Mimosa
- Zkittlez
Spend a few days in Colorado Springs for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis.
Washington DC
Storefront
- Elevated Lounge
- Flight Pass
- House of Herbs
- Street Lawyer
- Euphoria DC
delivery
- Cannabear DC
- Buddha Buddy
- LOCAL’d
- Farm to Couch
- Puff Puff DC
dC Strains
- Platinum Girl Scout Cookies
- Bubba Kush
- Pineapple Express
- Obama Kush
I hope YOU found the best cities for a weed weekend getaway, don’t forget to pin it! 🙂
29 comments
Wow, this is really interesting! Never used any drug other than alcohol and cigarettes, and I think cannabis is on the brink of being legalized for personal use in Germany, and you might be able to grow it for personal use as well. I am not that interested in recreational drugs, other than alcohol, but I do like the pain and anxiety relieving properties of cannabis and will welcome its legalisation. I might even grow a bit.
This was such a unique read! I actually didn’t know that it was legal in so many places in the states.
It’s becoming legal in more states every election period it seems 🙂 now you know which states to visit for a good time! haha
Wow! Really interesting post! I am all for legalisation of cannabis although I have never used it. It was really interesting to read where it is fully legal and where it is illegal, there seems such a huge difference within the US! I am glad it seems to be available freely and safely in the places you mentioned. It is decriminalized but illegal here in Germany, but everyone knows where to get it… why not legalize it fully, as the much bigger problem here is alcohol and that is fully legal, too legal almost!
I 110% agree with you. Alcohol killed 49,000 Americans in 2020 – an increase of more than 25% from 2019. Alcoholism ruins families and can have devastating effects on those surrounded by sick individuals. Yet is perfectly legal, was considered a “basic necessity” during the pandemic, and has little to no regulation. When we start looking at the data, it’s clear that weed is the safer choice – and nobody has ever died from it. I just wish it would become federally legal and get it over with, but then they’d have to empty a large portion of our prison population, which costs the government money… so here we are.
Such an interesting post, I definitely learnt a lot from reading this. Seemed funny at first to think that people travelled just for cannabis but then I realised how commonly people in the UK visit Amsterdam for the same kind of thing!
I’m glad you liked it! Amsterdam attracts people from all over the world for its loose drug policies. I say give the people what they want, and if people want to smoke weed – let em. Alcohol kills 50k Americans a year, weed kills 0 people ever.
I live in California and it’s weed central alright 😀 especially in San Francisco. I live in Sacramento which is 90 minutes away and we have our fair share amount of dispensaries too!
Ohhhh good to know! Do you have any favorites I should add for the SF portion of the post?
Wow I just learned so many new things about the Us today!! Great detailed article:)
I’m glad you were able to learn something, thank you!
It’s nice to see that the U.S. is getting on board with the rest of the world and beginning to legalize marijana, at least for medicinal purposes. It’s been legal in Canada for quite awhile now.
The majority of Americans want it to be 100% legal at the federal level but… politics. So individual states started writing legislation to legalize it. Now each state has its own legislation that ranges from a federal felony to legalizing medical, to 100% state legal. All while still being federally illegal across the country. That’s why you can’t fly with any on you, federally regulated airspace. lol so ridiculous.
At least that’s a start. It is a wonder drug for medicinal purposes, especially pain.
Yep, one foot forward at a time – slow. But still, progress. Medicinally it has saved thousands of lives 💜
Lots of people come to our state for the sole purpose of finding weed to smoke recreationally! It’s kinda funny how it becomes people’s purpose for travel, lol! But I guess whatever makes a good trip!
You’re right! haha Cannabis enthusiasts travel to states where it’s legal and try out the local weed because it’s different in each state. Some states can only grow certain strains due to climate, and because weed is federally illegal it can’t be brought across certain borders or flown. Which makes it more difficult to cross certain strains. So for example Michigan’s weed is completely different than the pacific northwest and California.
Oooh, I would definitely enjoy some weed inspired weekend! Thanks for this lovely guide – saving it for the future!
I hope you make it to one of them if you’re still in the US!
I was in Astoria Washington several years ago when recreational marjuana was first legalised. I visited a cannabis dispensary and learned a lot about the industry.
It’s really a fascinating industry with a really rich history. I hope you had a good experience!
One of the most unique and interesting articles I’ve read this week! I’m sure a lot of research went into finding this information across the US. Well done!
I’m glad you find it unique 🙂 The research included fieldwork so that helps with things haha
Wow, I had no idea it was legal in some places in the US. Interesting read! And well done for putting this together 🙂
Yes! More states continue to legalize so a lot of us are hoping that it just becomes legal at the federal level.