Oregon’s New Green Gold: The Growth of Cannabis Tourism
Nestled in the rugged Pacific Northwest, Oregon possesses an undeniable charm that attracts visitors from far and wide. It’s a region that has it all – from the sublime beauty of Crater Lake, the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, to Powell’s City of Books in Portland which will fascinate book lovers. But there’s a new attraction that’s been subtly revolutionizing tourism industry in our beloved Beaver State: Cannabis tourism.
Another Shade of Green
Cannabis entered the “green” scene, legally, in 2015. It was finally allowed to step out of the shadows of the Douglas Firs to line the shelves of dispensaries spread out all over the state. All the manner of THC-infused products, from flowers to oils, edibles to bath bombs, can be bought at places like Nectar, CannaDaddy’s Wellness Center, or even Five Zero Trees, if you fancy a trip to the coast and a breath of fresh sea air in Astoria.
Guided by the spirit of Oregon Trail (the video game and the historical trail, thank you very much), people from all over the country have started to make their own modern pilgrimage to partake and enjoy this newly legalized treasure.
Exploring the World of Cannabis
The cannabis tourist trail isn’t just restricted to admiring rows of wonderfully packaged products on dispensary shelves. It stretches out to the sprawling fields where the cannabis plants sway gently beneath the Oregon sun. Farms like the Deschutes Growery in Bend or Bull Run Craft Cannabis near Mount Hood offer a peek behind the green curtain to see just how this beloved plant transitions from seed to smoke.
Moreover, the intrigue around cannabis in Oregon doesn’t end there. Local tourism operators have popped up, offering weed-themed outings that even include a cannabis cooking class. A worthy mention is the “Portland Potters” tour by High 5 Tours, that takes tourists to some of the city’s best dispensaries and ceramic studios in the Alberta Arts neighborhood. Certainly, an opportunity to combine both creativity and cannabis!
Cannabis, Culture and…Yoga?
Then we come to events that are uniquely Oregonian and reflective of our quirkiness. There’s something about yoga and weed, think about it. Both promote a sense of relaxation and peace, a veritable hand in glove. Bend and Blaze in Eugene offers cannabis-infused yoga classes surrounded by the stunning natural beauty, talk about tree pose! For good measure, there’s also 420-friendly lodging available – try The Jupiter Hotel or The SE Hawthorne Hostel located in Portland.
The Future Looks Green
The response to cannabis tourism has been every bit as wild and wonderful as an Oregon sunset. The surge in tourist numbers heralds a bright future for the industry and for the local economy. As more tourists incorporate cannabis into their Oregon travel itinerary, local businesses continue to innovate with 420-friendly options.
It’s an exciting time here in Oregon, as the tourism industry embraces this new shade of green. It’s another layer of our already diverse offering, another story within our grand Pacific Northwest narrative. In true Oregonian spirit, we’re witnessing not only acceptance but the celebration of cannabis as part of our culture and lifestyle.
Come and Enjoy the Experience
As the cannabis industry continues to thrive, so too does the opportunity for engaging, educational, and ecologically mindful tourist experiences. Whether it’s a first-time encounter with the world of cannabis, an exploration of its culinary potential, or a yoga and weed retreat, the options are as diverse as our beautiful state itself.
So next time you plan a trip to Oregon, remember the cannabis industry – there’s a storehouse of experiences waiting for you to discover. Oregon’s cannabis tourism goes beyond simply sampling the green goods, it’s a lens to view our unique culture, innovative spirit, and love for the beautiful, unexpected aspects of life. Come, join us, and be a part of another Oregonian adventure!