The Budding Frontier: Oregon’s Pioneering Cannabis Tourism Industry

Oregon – the land of lush green forests, clean, crisp rivers, whimsical waterfalls, relentlessly rainy winters, and now – the rising star of the Cannabis Tourism Industry. Just as the craft beer explosion put Oregon on the map a few years back, now the Beaver State is drawing crowds from far and wide with a different kind of craft experience.

An Incredible Journey – From Prohibition to Appreciation

Decades after Oregon blazed the trail as the first state to decriminalize marijuana in the early ‘70s, locals and adventurous visitors alike are reaping the harvest. The thriving cannabis industry is singing sweet songs of green, from the thriving local businesses to the tourists looking for that unique Pacific Northwest (PNW) experience.

But it wasn’t always so rosy. Old-time Oregonians might remember Governor Tom McCall’s famous plea: “Come visit us again and again… but for heaven’s sake, don’t move here to live”. Some things never change, right? But no matter how the state’s population has swelled, love for the land and its ashy volcanic soil, its silken coastal sand, its verdant valley loam, has remained a constant. And now – that fertile Oregon earth is mothering a new crop of legends – top-shelf, craft cannabis, locally grown and loved.

Stops on the ‘Green’ Trail: Showcasing the Best of Oregon Cannabis

No journey into Oregon’s high country would be complete without a visit to a few retail dispensaries – our own modern-day equivalents of old-time general stores. Places like Farma on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland, where the knowledgeable staff gracefully guide both locals and wide-eyed tourists through the nuances of aromas, flavors, and effects of various cannabis strains.

Traveling south, check out the quirky dispensaries in Eugene and Ashland, like Moss Crossing – built with reclaimed materials and thriving on the motto ‘Friends don’t let friends smoke schwag’. Or House of Leaves in Ashland, another great spot to learn about and experience what southern Oregon cannabis has to offer.

Now, you might think cannabis tourism means sitting inside a smoky room, contemplating the universe. And for some, that might be the ticket. But this is Oregon, where we trade in experiences – and there’s nothing quite like enjoying premium home-grown cannabis under the sun-dappled forests lining the McKenzie River, or maybe after a thrilling bike ride down the thrilling Deschutes River trail.

High Dining: Weaving Cannabis into the Rich Tapestry of Oregon’s Food Scene

And let’s not forget about food. After all, this is Oregon we’re talking about – where farm-to-table isn’t just a trend, it’s a way of life. Cannabis-infused dinners are elevating the game, marrying Oregon’s culinary delights with its green goddess. Dinners such as those hosted by the Arcane Revelry in Portland tantalize the senses, pairing locally sourced dishes with the optimal cannabis strain to complement and enhance flavors.

End on a High Note

As the saying goes around here, “Keep Portland weird”. And sure, we’re pretty fond of our quirks around these parts. But when it comes to our cannabis tourism, it’s not just about being different. It’s about sharing the best of what Oregon offers – the earth, the people, the climate – all coming together to produce a truly unique, truly Oregonian, experience.

So whether you’re a local looking to deepen your appreciation of your home state or an out-of-towner curious about what all the buzz is about, the green trails of Oregon await. Embark on this authentic journey, and remember, like any good Oregon adventure – it’s not about the destination, but the high-vibes journey getting there!