Embracing The High Life: The Ascendancy of Cannabis Tourism in Oregon
Imagine you’re riding along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the Willamette churning its gray-green waters below, the imposing Mount Hood looming in the distance. Among Oregon’s verdant forests, mighty rivers, and awe-inspiring mountains is one native plant that’s making quite a name for itself. It’s the era of Cannabis Sativa, the recreational wonder that’s fueling a burgeoning tourism sector aptly coined ‘cannabis tourism.’
In Oregon, home to signature Douglas fir trees and the only state flag bearing two separate designs, we sure have a knack for the unconventional. So, when the Beaver State residents saw the cannabis revolution beckoning, we embraced it with the zest of loggers racing to a tree-felling holler. The state, already famed for its craft beers and exceptional Pinot Noir, is now leading the pace on a new intoxicating offering, cannabis.
Unleashing the Green Rush
Centuries ago, pioneers risked life and limb on the Oregon Trail in a westward gold rush. Fast forward to today, and we have a new rush, only this time, it’s green. Since Measure 91 legalized recreational cannabis in 2014, Oregon has become a weed-friendly utopia. Down in Multnomah County or up in Astoria, we’ve swapped wagons and gold pans for vape pens and greenhouses, creating a new tourism sector that’s set to stoke the state’s economy even more.
In true Oregon style, we’ve devolved from the mainstream cannabis dispensary to unique ventures, like the Northwest Cannabis Club in Portland where patrons enjoy their favorite strains in a social setting. Traditional wine-tasting tours have a stiff competition from cannabis tours run by companies like High 5 Tours. Their yellow marijuana party bus, playfully nicknamed ‘Canna-bus’, is a common sight in heart of Rose City.
A Whiff of Local Flavor
Oregon’s cannabis industry isn’t only about getting high; it’s ingrained in our love for organic and locally-sourced products. From Southern Oregon’s sun-grown cannabis farms to Bend’s Oregrown dispensary, the state thrives on providing high-quality, locally-grown pot to visitors and locals alike.
The dispensary scene on Hawthorne Boulevard, with its hipster ethos, mirrors Oregon’s unique cannabis culture. Here, dispensaries like Oregon’s Finest and Collective Awakenings embrace the farm-to-table (or farm-to-bong, if you will) concept that this state holds dear. Each strain comes with a backstory—whether it’s the chocolaty aroma of Bend Bud or the citrus twang of Oregon Diesel—much like our refusal to pump our own gas, this is an eccentricity we Oregonians cherish.
Puff, Puff, Pedal
True to our outdoorsy roots, we’ve adapted Oregon’s widely favored pedal tours to suit marijuana enthusiasts. Pedal Bike Tours offers a Portland pot tour, where cyclists can explore the city’s best dispensaries, lounges, and cannabis-related businesses, all while enjoying the idyllic scenery of the Portland neighborhood. Just remember to keep it “Keep Portland Weird”, and don’t light up in public.
Taking it Higher with Cannabis-focused Accommodation
Much like our unpredictable weather, Oregon’s hospitality industry proved it can always surprise visitors. Nothing screams quintessential Oregonian innovation like a weed-themed vacation rental. At the Delta-9 House & Studios in Portland, guests enjoy ‘weed and breakfast,’ a clever play on bed and breakfast. Meanwhile, the rustic, self-sustaining Dorris Ranch in Springfield offers cannabis retreats where you not just partake, but truly connect with Mother Nature.
Conclusion
Cannabis tourism in Oregon embodies our state’s curious spirit—it’s a finely rolled joint of innovation, local pride, and a love for good times. Just like a Sunday visit to Powell’s City of Books or a walk at Cape Perpetua, cannabis has weaved itself into the sightseeing fabric of our dear state.
So, whether you’re exploring the Crater Lake’s mystic blue waters or heading to the high desert of Smith Rock, remember that a distinct Oregon experience waits. Grab a rain jacket, a taste for adventure, and maybe a vape pen. This is Oregon, where the quirks make the magic, and every day is another fine day in paradise. Don’t just visit, live it. Explore our wine, our trails, our birds, and yes, our cannabis. You’re cordially invited to experience the green rush.