The Bouquets of Green that Bloom in The Beaver State
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where rain-brushed pine forests meet the rugged Cascadia coastline, Oregon’s hidden treasure isn’t just its breathtaking landscapes. A green gold rush of a different kind has taken root. The booming cannabis tourism industry in Oregon is blossoming, intertwining with the state’s rich culture, like its namesake ivy clinging to a doug fir.
All Roads Lead to Green in Oregon
There’s a certain ‘highway’ in Oregon you won’t find on your typical roadmap. It’s not the scenic Pacific Coast Byway or Historic Columbia River Highway, though both carve their way through our stunning coastlines and verdant landscapes. This is the Green Mile, a stretch of Highway 99E in our beloved Portland that hosts the epicenter of Oregon’s burgeoning cannabis tourism industry. Flashy neon shop signs promising “Top Shelf Buds” are as familiar here as kettle-cooked market stalls on a sunny Saturday at Portland Farmers Market.
A Breath of Fresh Air and A Puff of Good Pot
Ever puffed on a premier pre-roll while strolling alongside Crater Lake’s glimmering cobalt-blue waters? In Oregon, we enjoy our natural beauty as much as we do our top-quality cannabis, and tourists are catching the wave. It isn’t just Portland’s hip Burnside “pot” district drawing in cannabis enthusiasts. There’s a state-wide embrace of the industry, from sun-soaked southern Oregon farms to dispensaries nestled at the foot of Mount Hood.
Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice in the Hood River area, known for its windsurfing and mountain biking. Yet, just a few blocks away from Full Sail Brewery, you’ll find Gorge Greenery, where the Budtenders can offer a green pairing to match the local brews or even the infamous Marionberry pie. Now that’s a pot-luck, Oregon style!
Locally Grown – In More Ways Than One
In true Oregonian style, we love our locally sourced produce – and the same goes for our cannabis. No green rush here would be complete without the backbone of the industry: the passionate cultivators. Southern Oregon, in particular, has always enjoyed a thriving cannabis farming scene. As much a fixture of the landscape as the vineyards that grace the Willamette Valley, cannabis farms like Phantom Farms and Yerba Buena thrive in the fertile soils of our ‘Emerald Triangle’.
Adding Flavor to Local Festivals
Speaking of the Willamette Valley, our devotion to wine is palpable. The famous Oregon Wine Country is a tourist magnet. But have you ever considered swapping out your Pinot Noir for a locally rolled joint? In Oregon, you can. Cannabis has been welcomed into our most cherished celebrations, from Portland’s Weed Week to the boutique Southern Oregon Cannabowl.
It’s becoming as common to share a joint around the bonfire at the Oregon Country Fair as it is to cheer at the spectacle of the Tillamook County Fair’s Pig-N-Ford races. At Hood River’s Hops Fest, you can switch your hops for hemp with some CBD-infused craft beers. A wonderfully Oregon twist to the traditional Oktoberfest, wouldn’t you agree?
From Seedling to Stash: Education is Key
But it’s not all just about the smoking and selling. The Rose City isn’t only renowned for the International Rose Test Garden or Powell’s City of Books. Portland pioneers in cannabis education too. Institutions like Oregon’s Cannabis Institute and the Sativa Science Club are key in nurturing cannabis knowledge.
Visit any dispensary, from up north’s Stumptown Cannabis to Medford’s Rogue Valley Cannabis, and you’ll strike up a conversation with a passionate, knowledgeable Budtender – a testament to our ongoing education in this evolving industry.
A Budding Industry in The Beaver State
As charmingly eccentric as a “Keep Portland Weird” bumper sticker scrawled across a Subaru, Oregon’s cannabis tourism industry continues to thrive. It has beautifully melded into our dreamy landscapes and quirky culture, creating a unique facet to Oregon life.
To get a real taste of Oregon, pour a locally brewed IPA, pack a bowl of a flagship strain like Trainwreck, and soak in the sunset over the stunning Cascade mountains or our mile-long beaches. It’s another warm layer to the already rich tapestry that is Oregon – a place where connoisseurs of not just craft beer and wine, but cannabis too, can feel at home. After all, in true Oregon spirit, everyone’s invited to this green party!