4 Cannabis Tourism Destinations With Limited Restrictions
Discover some of the best cannabis friendly destinations where you can enjoy legal weed, unique experiences, and unforgettable adventures.
If you love cannabis and adventure, combining the two is a perfect way to get the most out of your travels. And with cannabis legalization slowly spreading across the globe, weed friendly countries are embracing visitors coming over to light up and chill out.
But before packing up and heading to cloud nine, remember that not all countries have the same approach towards cannabis. Some countries are very laid back, while others have stricter rules for tourists and residents.
From the amount of weed you can possess to it being completely illegal if you are not a citizen or resident.
There are many rules that travellers need to be aware of. That's why I've made it easy for anybody planning a weedcation and put together these four cannabis tourism destinations that have very relaxed laws, so you don't have to worry about finding yourself in a sticky situation.
1. Canada
In 2018, Canada legalized the recreational use of cannabis, making it a dream destination for weed tourism. Now, visitors passing through or travelers on an extended stay can purchase their favourite strains, edibles, and concentrates from online and physical licensed dispensaries.
Rules
Legal Status
- Legal for both medical and recreational use.
Legal Age
- The legal age for consuming cannabis is 19 in most provinces and territories, 18 in Alberta, and 21 in Quebec.
How Much You Can Possess
- You can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis.
Where You Can Use It
- You are allowed to use cannabis in private residences and cannabis-friendly accommodations.
- When it comes to the public consumption of cannabis, the rules depend on the province or territory. In most provinces and territories, cannabis can be used in public wherever tobacco can be used and as long as it's away from schools, playgrounds, and children's facilities. However, some provinces and territories prohibit cannabis use in public for both recreational and medical marijuana.
- For official information on the public consumption rules in the provinces and territories of Canada, click here.
Where You Can Buy It
- As long as you are above the legal age and can provide a valid form of ID, like a passport or driver's license, you can purchase cannabis from online and physical licensed dispensaries.
2. Thailand
No one would have ever thought that Thailand would legalize medical cannabis in 2019. From being a country that was widely known for having some of the strictest weed laws on the planet to now having medical cannabis clinics across every major hotspot of Bangkok, this was a move that caught everybody by surprise.
Rules
Legal Status
- Legal for medical use and illegal for recreational use.
- Cannabis extracts like CBD containing less than 0.2% THC are legal.
Legal Age
- The legal age for consuming cannabis is 20.
How Much You Can Possess
- People who have a valid medical prescription can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis.
Where You Can Use It
- You are allowed to use cannabis in private residences and cannabis-friendly accommodations.
- Public use of cannabis is illegal and can result in a fine of up to 25,000 Baht and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months.
Where You Can Get It
- As long as you are above the legal age and have a prescription, you can purchase cannabis from licensed medical clinics.
How To Get a Prescription
- To get a medical cannabis prescription in Thailand, you will either have to go to a clinic to see a licensed medical practitioner or online through a platform like Thaikanya. As of now, cannabis prescriptions only last for 30 days in Thailand and only cover up to 30 grams of flower and 30ml of extract.
3. Netherlands
When people think of 420-friendly countries, the first place that usually comes to mind is the Netherlands, specifically Amsterdam. The Netherlands has had very relaxed weed laws for decades; however, not many are aware that weed isn't 100% legal for recreational use, it's tolerated. Tolerance in the Netherlands basically means that cannabis is still technically illegal, but it's decriminalized and operating in a legal grey area.
Rules
Legal Status
- Legal for medical use and tolerated for personal use.
Legal Age
- The legal age for purchasing and consuming cannabis is 18.
How Much You Can Possess
- Possession of up to 5 grams of cannabis is tolerated.
Where You Can Use It
- Using cannabis in public areas is prohibited. Cannabis use is allowed in coffeeshops, private residences, and cannabis-friendly accommodations.
Where You Can Buy It
- As long as you are above the legal age and can provide a valid form of ID, like a passport or driver's license, you can purchase up to 5 grams of cannabis from licensed coffeeshops.
4. Jamaica
Jamaica has a rich history with ganja dating back to the 19th century,
and it was later embraced by the Rastafarian movement, which regards it as a sacred herb. In 2015, the Ganja Law came into effect, and cannabis was decriminalized for personal use, allowing citizens, residents, and lucky tourists to possess up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of ganja without facing any charges. Bear in mind that ganja is still technically illegal in Jamaica, so if you don't have a medical card, you may get a fine of J$500, which is around $3.15.
Rules
Legal Status
- Legal for medical use, and the possession of 2 ounces (56 grams) of cannabis or less is decriminalized.
Legal Age
- The legal age for purchasing and consuming cannabis is 18.
How Much You Can Possess
- Possession of up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of cannabis is decriminalised and may result in a fine of J$500.
Where You Can Use It
- You are allowed to use cannabis in private residences, cannabis-friendly accommodations, cannabis-friendly lounges, and places that are for medical or therapeutic purposes.
Where You Can Buy It
- As long as you're above the legal age and can provide a valid medical card, you can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries, which are known as herb houses in Jamaica.
Conclusion
From tropical islands to big cities, these four cannabis friendly destinations are perfect for any 420 bucket list. But before you book your flight and pack your bags, remember that cannabis laws can change quickly, so it is always best to stay on top of the local laws, so the only thing that catches you off guard is how good the flower is.
