Welcome to the Enchanting Green World in Oregon
Ah, Oregon! A wonderland of glittering mountain peaks, whispering woods, rugged coastline, bountiful vineyards, and vibrant urban life. Couple that with some of the friendliest faces you’ll find anywhere in the States, and it’s easy to see why so many have heartily embraced the Beaver State.
Currently, Oregon is making waves in a different kind of green industry, one that has locals and visitors alike buzzing with enthusiasm: the booming cannabis tourism industry. You might be wondering, “Is pot tourism really a thing in Oregon?” In short, absolutely! As someone who has seen the industry grow from our early medical marijuana days to becoming one of America’s premier destinations for cannabis lovers, it’s clear as Mount Hood on a cloudless day, this trend has gained impressive momentum.
Smoke and Mirrors? Nope, that’s the Oregon Way!
Oregon’s cannabis tourism evolved after 2014 when recreational marijuana became legal. Since then, this vibrant green industry hasn’t just grown, it’s thrived, rolling out the emerald carpet for legions of “canna-curious” folks. And we’re not just talking about a couple of pot shops in hipster enclaves like Mississippi Avenue or Hawthorne Boulevard. The encompassing industry, much like our love for Voodoo Doughnuts, stretches right across our beautiful state, from Seaside down to Ashland and everywhere in between.
Experience the Cascadian Cannabis Culture
Farm tours, weed-friendly hotels, and dispensaries, there’s something intoxicating about exploring Oregon’s cannabis heritage. A prime example is the High 5 Tours Yellow Pot Bus. Evoking nostalgic shades of the Magic School Bus, this cannabis-friendly transport tool provides an interactive, educational journey illuminating the nuances of Oregon’s cannabis culture.
The siren song of Southern Oregon’s cannabis farms is another can’t-miss adventure. Here, farms like East Fork Cultivars in Illinois Valley and Serra (known for their talented “budtenders”) give you an intimate glimpse at cannabis cultivation, from seed to harvest. One might say, it’s a bit like touring Willamette Valley’s wine country, except instead of Pinot Noir, it’s Purple Kush!
Cannabis and the City
You don’t have to leave the city to immerse yourself in the cannabis experience. Portland, our crown jewel, is awash with artistic dispensaries worth visiting. Farma on Hawthorne deserves a mention for its scientific approach to cannabis, while Serra is renowned for its premier boutique feel.
However, it’s not all about getting high. Many visitors are learning the therapeutic benefits of cannabis through CBD-focused establishments. Urban Farmacy, with its inviting farmhouse aesthetic, takes an approach grounded in wellness, offering a range of CBD products promoting relaxation and pain relief minus the psychoactive effects.
Edibles, Meet Artisanal Oregon
If there’s one truth that runs deeper than the Deschutes River, it’s that Oregonians love for locally made goods. From craft beers to artisanal cheeses, we revel in local products, and cannabis is no exception. Newer to the scene are gourmet edibles that pair two Oregon loves: top-notch cannabis and high-quality, local produce. Check out Leif Goods’ delicious THC-infused chocolates or Laurie + MaryJane’s award-winning edibles that truly represent the spirit of Oregon’s gastronomy.
Know before You Toke
While Oregon is proud of its flourishing cannabis industry, it’s essential to ground your experience in local law and regulations. If you’re itching to fire up a pre-roll at the iconic Crater Lake, remember that National Parks, like Crater Lake and Mount Hood, are federal lands where cannabis is still a no-go, despite statewide legalization.
Oregon’s Green Journey
As sure as rain’s fall in Astoria during fall (pun intended), cannabis tourism in Oregon is here to stay. Its fusion with our revered tourism industry reflects a symbiotic relationship the Beaver State has cultivated with the plant. Diminishing are the days of hushed conversations and secretive glances; now, it stands tall in the daylight, on our streets, at our hotels, within our bountiful farms, and deep within our unique culture.
Our love for the land, respect for the plant, relentless pursuit of quality, and commitment to sharing this knowledge with a broader audience make Oregon a unique destination. Whether it’s the thrill of terpene tours or the delight of artisanal edibles, it seems, the Beaver State, once famed for her trails, is staking a claim as the trailblazer of canna-tourism. So come, explore, partake in our growing green world—Oregon awaits you.