4 Cannabis Tourism Destinations With Limit Restrictions
Discover some of the world’s top cannabis friendly destinations where you can enjoy legal weed, unique experiences, and unforgettable adventures.
If you're a cannabis lover and are planning your next big 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 you pack up and head to cloud nine, it's essential to know that not all countries have the same approach towards cannabis. Some countries are very laid back, while others have stricter rules for tourists, residents, and even citizens.
From the amount of herbs you can possess to it being illegal to carry and use cannabis if you are not a citizen or resident. There are many rules that travellers need to be aware of.
In this article, I've broken down 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 marijuana tourism. Now, tourists passing through or travelers on an extended stay can purchase their favourite strains, edibles, and concentrates from legally run in-store and online dispensaries.
Rules & Regulations
Legal Status
Legal for both medical and recreational use.
How Much You Can Possess
You can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis.
Legal Age
The legal age for consuming cannabis is 19 in most provinces and territories, 18 in Alberta, and 21 in Quebec.
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 and 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/territories prohibit cannabis use in public for both recreational and medical marijuana.
For more information on the public consumption laws in the provinces and territories in 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 get your green flowers from legally run dispensaries, both in-store and online.
2. Thailand
No one would have ever thought that Thailand would legalize medical marijuana in 2019. From being a country that was widely known for having some of the strictest cannabis 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 & Regulations
Legal Status
Legal for medical use and illegal for recreational use.
Cannabis extracts like CBD containing less than 0.2% THC are legal.
How Much You Can Possess
People who have a valid medical prescription can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis.
Age Restrictions
The legal age for consuming cannabis is 20.
Where You Can Use It
You are allowed to use cannabis in private residences and cannabis-friendly accommodations.
Public use of cannabis is illegal; if you are caught, you could get 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 get your green flowers 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 a list of 420-friendly countries, the first place that 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 entirely legal for recreational use in the Netherlands, it's tolerated, meaning that it's still technically illegal but operating in a legal grey area.
In 2003, the Netherlands updated its tolerance policy, terminating its open-door policy so that only citizens and residents can purchase cannabis from coffee shops.
There have been many reports of tourists being able to get cannabis in the tourist areas of Amsterdam. Coffee shops outside of tourist areas may ask for a residency permit.
Rules & Regulations
Legal Status
Legal for medical use and tolerated for personal use.
How Much You Can Possess
Possession of up to 5 grams of cannabis is tolerated.
Legal Age
The legal age for purchasing and consuming cannabis is 18.
Where You Can Use It
Using cannabis in public areas is prohibited, but you can use it in private residences, cannabis-friendly accommodations, and coffee shops.
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 get your green flowers from licensed coffee shops.
4. Jamaica
Jamaica has a rich history with ganja dating back to the 19th century and was later embraced by the Rastafarian movement, which regards it as a sacred herb. In 2015, ganja was decriminalized for personal use, allowing citizens, residents, and lucky tourists to possess up to 2 ounces 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.
Rules & Regulations
Legal Status
Legal for medical use and decriminalised for up to 2 ounces for personal use.
How Much You Can Possess
Possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis is decriminalised and may result in a fine of J$500.
Legal Age
The legal age for purchasing and consuming cannabis is 18.
Where You Can Use It
You are allowed to use cannabis in private residences, cannabis-friendly accommodations, lounges, or 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 get your ganja from licensed dispensaries, which are known as herb houses in Jamaica.
Final Thought
From tropical islands to urban metropolises, these four cannabis friendly destinations are perfect for any traveler's 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 food is.
