Cannabis and Oregon – A Unique Blend
In the lush greenery of wild Douglas firs, nestled between the meandering Columbia River and the imaginative weirdness of Portland, lies a new and fast-growing industry that has been fondly dubbed ‘Bud and Breakfast’. This burgeoning facet of tourism is none other than the cannabis industry, and it’s setting spark to a worldwide trend right here in the heart of Oregon.
From Timber to Tincture
Oregon, known for its breathtaking landmarks like the visually stunning Crater Lake or the austere beauty of Mount Hood, has long been a hotspot for nature-loving tourists. But with the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2014, we’ve seen a radical shift. Our state has gone from being the epicenter of the timber industry to a hub for holistic horticulture, and trust me, the locals are loving it.
Nothing says Oregon like rain-kissed ferns, IPA loving-beer folks, and now, locally grown cannabis. Visiting dispensaries like the Nectar chain or the boutique Farma in Portland – euphemistically known as ‘farm-to-table’ – you can see how cannabis has naturally woven itself into the Oregon lifestyle.
Breath It In, Soak It Up – The Cannabis Experience
The epicenter of the cannabis tourism movement is, without doubt, Portland. Our beloved ‘City of Roses’ has aptly embraced the title of ‘City of Green’, with marijuana tours and cannabis-themed bed-and-breakfasts showing up faster than mushrooms after an autumn rain. I ain’t kidding!
From attending canna-yoga or a painting class at Prism House PDX to testing your flower arranging skills at Stem, there is something for everyone. The inventive strains developed by cultivators like Archive Seed Bank are indeed an ode to our innovative spirit. And, of course, the widely loved Hood River is a great spot to enjoy nature with added greenery.
Getting an Elevated Taste of the Local Cuisine
They don’t call it ’emerald’ for nothing. We’ve got the Hood Strawberries with Dolato, the Rooster Rock Crab Dip with Ice Cream Cake, and don’t even get me started on the mouthwatering Tillamook cheese infused with some good ol’ Blue Dream. Our fusion of farm-fresh food and carefully inculcated cannabis is what makes Oregon’s local edibles hard to match. Places like Serra and Electric Lettuce are offering classes to train folks how to cook with this herb, turning it into a more social and community-oriented experience.
Cannabis and the Great Oregon Outdoors
Our abundant state parks and hiking trails are becoming popular sites for those wanting to do ‘weed walks’. Armed with cannabis guides and marijuana, tourists have been piling into spots like Silver Falls State Park, Trillium Lake, or Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Imagine it now: a crisp Oregon dawn, laced with the sweet scent of Pineapple Express, the open sky, and new pals bonding over their shared love of nature and a little bit of ganja.
Creating the Future of Cannabis
The contributions of industry pioneers such as Oregrown and Oregon Cannabis Association in encouraging ethical business practices and bridging the gap between producers, processors, retailers, and consumers is immense. It’s this dedication to uplifting local communities that helps Oregon remain a driving force in this flourishing industry.
And then there’s our annual Oregon Hemp Convention, an excellent platform for entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to engage and exchange ideas, demonstrating how deeply woven the fabric of cannabis is into our everyday lives.
The Green Light for Green Tourism
This fast-growing industry isn’t without its fair share of Oregon-style quirks. In Bend, you’ll find the world’s first beer and bud shop – Oregrown, which embraces a high-latitude, high-altitude perspective for its patrons. Medford holds the record for having the largest and only drive-through cannabis store – La Mota.
Notwithstanding these eccentricities, the heart of this industry lies in the deep-seeded (pun intended) love and respect Oregonians have for our awe-inspiring land, and the belief that we are just caretakers here, preserving our state for future generations.
As this flourishing sector continues to evolve, the tourism industry is riding the wave, providing a unique look into the vast world of cannabis, shaped by our beloved Oregon’s spirit and traditions.
Speaking as a lifelong Oregon native, we warmly invite you to open your mind, tickle your taste buds, and explore the Emerald state’s distinctive blend of rich tourism and cannabis culture. As we say here in Beaverland, ‘take joy in the journey, and the destination will come in its own time’. Enjoy Oregon’s many shades of green – from our forests to our cannabis!