Cannabis tourism in the U.S. is exploding. States with legal weed are raking in millions in tax revenue, creating jobs, and attracting 420-friendly travelers looking for unique experiences.
But while some states are fully embracing this green wave, others are stuck in the past, refusing to legalize and missing out on major economic opportunities.
So, who’s cashing in, who’s holding out, and just how much money is on the table? Let’s break it down.
The States Cashing In on Cannabis Tourism
Tourists don’t just want to buy weed—they want an experience. The most successful cannabis-friendly states have tapped into this demand, offering everything from weed lounges and dispensary tours to cannabis-infused fine dining.
Top Cannabis Tourism Hotspots
✅ Colorado – The OG of weed tourism, Colorado perfected the cannabis vacation. From luxury bud-and-breakfasts to cannabis tour buses, visitors get the full experience. The state’s cannabis sales hit $2.2 billion in 2023, bringing in over $400 million in tax revenue. Want to see how Colorado leads the industry? Check out How Colorado Is Leading the Cannabis Tourism Market.
✅ California – With the largest legal cannabis market in the world, California is a major 420 destination. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland have cannabis-friendly hotels, lounges, and guided weed tours.
✅ Nevada – Las Vegas is going all-in on cannabis tourism. Consumption lounges are launching soon, and experts predict Nevada’s cannabis tourism industry will surpass $500 million by 2025.
✅ Massachusetts – Boston is embracing cannabis-friendly tourism, with weed-friendly hotels, dispensaries near Fenway Park, and growing cannabis events.
✅ Illinois – Chicago’s cannabis scene is expanding, with new consumption lounges and a steady increase in out-of-state cannabis tourism.
The Economic Impact
💰 Colorado: $2.2 billion in cannabis sales in 2023
💰 Nevada: Projected $500 million cannabis tourism industry
💰 California: The biggest cannabis market in the world, fueling billions in revenue
💰 States reinvest cannabis tax revenue into schools, roads, and public programs
The States Still Stuck in the Dark Ages
While cannabis-friendly states are booming, some are actively fighting progress, refusing to legalize even medical marijuana. This drives tourists—and their money—into neighboring states.
States That Are Actively Blocking Progress
❌ Idaho – One of the last states with zero legalization efforts. Even CBD is restricted here.
❌ Nebraska – Criminalizes even medical marijuana. Tourists who might otherwise visit are skipping Nebraska entirely.
❌ Texas – Harsh penalties for recreational use, even as Texans travel to New Mexico to buy legal cannabis.
❌ Indiana – Public support is high, but lawmakers refuse to act, keeping the state stuck in outdated policies.
The Missed Opportunity
- Millions of tax dollars are going to neighboring states instead.
- Cannabis travelers are avoiding prohibition states in favor of weed-friendly destinations.
- Example: Texans are flooding New Mexico dispensaries, boosting New Mexico’s economy.
Want to know why some states still resist legalization? Read: Why Hasn’t Cannabis Been Legalized Yet?.
FOMO: What These States Are Missing
While prohibitionist states stick to outdated laws, newly legalized states are thriving. The benefits of cannabis tourism go far beyond dispensary sales.
What Legalization Brings
💰 Tax revenue for schools, roads, and healthcare – Colorado and California have already reinvested hundreds of millions into public programs.
👷 Job creation – The cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S.
🛏️ Boost to local businesses – Cannabis tourists book hotels, eat at restaurants, and visit local attractions, boosting entire economies.
Success Stories That Should Inspire Change
🔥 Missouri – Legalized recreational cannabis in 2023 and has already seen record-breaking sales. Learn more: Missouri Recreational Cannabis—All You Need to Know.
🔥 Minnesota – Just legalized, and experts expect millions in new tourism revenue.
Cannabis tourism is here to stay, and it’s only getting bigger. States that embrace legalization are seeing huge economic gains, while prohibition states are losing out.
So, what’s next? Will more states join the green rush, or will they stay stuck in the past while everyone else cashes in?
Plan Your Next 420-Friendly Trip
Looking for the best weed-friendly vacation spots? Explore cannabis tourism destinations on USAWeed.org today!
