Cannabis Tours vs Cannabis Retreats: What's the Difference?

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis laws can change quickly with little public awareness, and enforcement practices may differ for residents and visitors. Travellers should always verify current rules with official government sources or local authorities before possessing, using, or purchasing cannabis.

Introduction

Cannabis tourism has come a long way from visiting dispensaries and trying out new strains. As legalisation spreads and curiosity grows, more people are discovering that cannabis can be part of a much bigger travel experience.

Two main experiences that stand out in cannabis tourism are cannabis tours and cannabis retreats. They may seem similar at first, but they are meant for different types of travellers and goals. Tours are quick, social, and adventurous, while retreats are more immersive, mindful, and focused.

Each option has its own strengths, but neither is better than the other, and at the end of the day, it all comes down to what type of experience you're looking for.

What Is Cannabis Tourism?  

Cannabis tourism means travelling to enjoy legal cannabis experiences. As more places legalise cannabis, it has moved from being hidden in the shadows to something travellers can openly enjoy. This change has opened the door to many new weed-friendly experiences from casual dispensary stops to thoughtfully designed trips where cannabis takes centre stage. In short, cannabis tourism blends travel, culture, education, and lifestyle, all within the boundaries of local laws.

Types of Cannabis Tourism Experiences  

• Cannabis Friendly Hotels, Resorts & Private Lodging  
• Cannabis History & Culture Experiences  
• Cannabis Farm & Cultivation Visits  
• Cannabis Wellness Experiences  
• Cannabis Dining Experiences  
• Cannabis Festivals & Events  
• Cannabis Cooking Classes  
• Cannabis Retreats  
• Dispensary Visits

All of these fall under the umbrella of cannabis tourism, but the best choice depends on what you want from your trip, and understanding cannabis tourism as a whole makes it easier to choose what actually fits your comfort level, interests, and travel goals.

What Are Cannabis Tours?  

Cannabis tours are short, guided experiences designed to introduce travellers to legal cannabis in a fun, social, and educational way. They're usually activity-based and often take place in popular weed-friendly cities. These experiences may include dispensary visits, weed farm tours, product demonstrations, or taste tests, all led by knowledgeable hosts who can break down everything from plant science to the local cannabis culture. These tours are great for people who want to learn about the plant without committing to a longer experience or a deeply immersive setting.  

Common Types of Cannabis Tour Experiences  

• Dispensary tours: Visit licensed cannabis shops, discover new products, and get personalised recommendations based on your interests and preferences.  
• Cannabis festivals & events: These are large gatherings that celebrate cannabis culture through music, community, art, education and more.  
• Weed farm and grow house visits: Get a behind-the-scenes look at cultivation operations and learn about how the plants are grown.  
• Cannabis cooking classes: Get involved in a hands-on session learning how to prepare cannabis infused foods and drinks.  
• Cannabis-friendly city tours: Tour some of the best cities in the world with a cannabis-friendly twist.  
• Consumption lounges: Kick back and relax in social spaces where consumption is allowed.

Typical Duration & Structure  

• Part of a larger trip: Usually an add-on to an existing vacation  
• One-day experiences: Often scheduled as a single outing  
• A few hours: Easy to fit into a day of sightseeing

Who Cannabis Tours Are Best For  

Cannabis tours are a great fit for travellers who are already comfortable with cannabis and want a light, social way to explore the plant while travelling. They often attract first-time cannabis tourists, recreational users, groups of friends, and people who like fast-paced, city experiences that combine learning and fun.

Pros & Limitations of Cannabis Tours  

Pros  

• Easy add-on to existing travel plans  
• Accessible and social  
• Educational and fun

Limitations  

• Not always ideal for beginners or non-users  
• Can feel rushed  
• Limited depth  

What Are Cannabis Retreats?  

Cannabis retreats are immersive, multi-day travel experiences where cannabis is used with a focus on wellness, creativity, or personal growth. Rather than just using cannabis, these retreats are designed to slow things down and offer a safe space for connection, reflection, and lasting experiences, all with supportive guidance.

Common Cannabis Retreat Experiences  

• Guided cannabis ceremonies: Intentionally facilitated sessions that use cannabis as a tool for reflection, emotional release, and deeper self-awareness.  
• Mindful cannabis education: Practical guidance on dosing, strain selection, and intentional use to support personal growth and well-being.  
• Yoga, meditation, and breathwork: Structured mind–body practices designed to calm the nervous system and enhance presence and clarity.  
• Creative workshops: Guided writing, painting, music, or movement sessions that encourage self-expression and creative flow.  
• Wellness therapies: Restorative offerings such as massage, sound healing, or thoughtfully prepared, nourishing meals.  
• Nature immersion: Grounding time spent outdoors through walks, forest bathing, or quiet reflection in natural surroundings.  

Typical Duration & Structure  

• Structured yet spacious schedules: Guided activities balanced with downtime  
• Secluded or nature-based locations: Designed for rest and presence  
• Multi-day experiences: Usually 2–7 days or longer  

Who Cannabis Retreats Are Best For  

Cannabis retreats are best for travellers who want more than a quick introduction and are interested in how cannabis can support wellness, creativity, or personal growth. They're especially appealing to cannacurious individuals who want to explore the plant in a safe space, self-care seekers, burned-out professionals, creatives, couples, and small groups. For experienced cannabis users, retreats offer a chance to dive deeper and explore the plant in a more intentional and meaningful way.

Pros & Limitations of Cannabis Retreats  

Pros  

• Focus on wellness, creativity, and integration  
• Transformational rather than transactional  
• Safe for beginners and non-users  
• Deeply intentional and guided  

Limitations  

• Smaller, more intimate group settings  
• Requires more time commitment  
• Higher cost

Which Experience Is Right for You?  

Choosing between a cannabis tour and a cannabis retreat really comes down to what kind of experience you want to have and how you want cannabis to fit into it. Both are part of cannabis tourism, but they suit different travel styles, energy levels, and goals.

Here's an easy way to decide which option might suit you best.

Choose a Cannabis Tour If  

• You're already comfortable with the plant and curious to explore a new cannabis market
• You want entertainment and education without a big-time commitment
• You want a short, fun introduction to legal cannabis
• You're travelling with a large group of friends
• You enjoy social, city-based experiences
• Cannabis tours are great when you're looking to keep things light, social, and easy to fit into an existing trip

Choose a Cannabis Retreat If

• You're cannacurious and want a slower, more supportive introduction to the plant  
• You're craving a reset, feeling burned out, or your creativity is blocked  
• You want a wellness-forward or self-care-focused experience  
• You value connection, reflection, and intimate group settings  
• You want guidance and structure

Cannabis retreats tend to resonate with travellers who want to go deeper than just using cannabis for recreational purposes or having a quick stop-and-go experience along the way.  

At the end of the day, there's no wrong choice, just different paths. Whether you're drawn to the excitement of a tour or the depth of a retreat, the right experience is the one that aligns with your needs and what you want to get out of your trip.  

Conclusion  

Cannabis tourism is no longer just about where you can buy and use cannabis. Now, how you experience the plant is becoming more important. As the field continues to blossom, cannabis retreats are emerging as the next phase of cannabis travel, expanding the conversation beyond consumption and into wellness, creativity, education, and intentional use.  

That said, it's not about one option being better than the other. Both cannabis tours and retreats have their place, and together they form a spectrum of cannabis tourism experiences. The right choice all depends on your comfort level, your goals, and what you're hoping to walk away with.  

If you're curious about going beyond the smoke and are open to exploring cannabis in a more intentional and immersive way, cannabis retreats offer a unique and inclusive alternative. To learn more about what makes these experiences unique, check out this guide, "What Is a Cannabis Retreat? How Cannabis Tourism Is Expanding Beyond Dispensaries", which explains retreats in greater detail.