An Unconventional Side of the Beaver State: The Cannabis Tourism Industry in Oregon
Oregon, the Beaver State, is most often recognized for its iconic landscape, the striking Crater Lake, and even the quirkiness of the city Portland. However, it is now increasingly gaining attention for something less conventional: its flourishing cannabis tourism industry.
Following the statewide cannabis legalization in 2014, Oregon emerged as one of the forefront authorities of recreational marijuana. With our pristine natural beauty as a backdrop, entrepreneurs have blazed a trail, cultivating an ecosystem of cannabis-inspired experiences that delight both locals and tourists.
Riding the Oregon’s High Life: A Cascade Range of Experiences
The cannabis-related activities available span a broad spectrum. From informational tours through verdant cannabis farms nestled in the heart of Southern Oregon to cannabis culinary classes in the bustling Pearl District of Portland, the offering is as wide-ranging as it is fascinating.
Visitors can engage with Oregon’s deeply-rooted cannabis culture on a tour with High 5 Tours, who curate immersive experiences showcasing the ins and outs of local dispensaries and grow sites. Imagine driving around in their Cannabis Crawl on the Yellow Pot Bus, subtly retro, the bus encapsulates Oregon’s progressive nostalgia like no other.
The more culinary-inclined can browse edibles, candy, and even marijuana-infused beer and wines that are as quintessentially Oregonian as Marionberry pie or a pint of locally brewed IPA. Businesses like Laurie & MaryJane, founded by a mother-daughter duo, are elevating the edibles game with their gourmet cannabis-infused foods.
Walking on the Green Side: Cannabis and Nature in Harmony
With Oregon’s reputation as an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, how could any green-friendly venture not incorporate the state’s stunning wilderness and outdoor activities? You can elicit wellness in nature with the bliss of a yoga session intertwined with cannabis at Lit Yoga, or follow the Cannabliss retreats’ trail for a holistic marijuana retreat.
In true Oregon spirit, Mother Earth’s Farmacy in Ashland even offers cannabis-infused hikes guided by local naturalists in the Siskiyou Mountains, revealing the symbiotic relationship between the plant and the Pacific Northwest’s grandeur.
Sustainability: A Core Oregonian Cannabis Value
Oregonians don’t just love their outdoors; they’re steadfast in preserving them too! The homegrown cannabis industry proudly bears this ethos, with many cultivators practicing organic and sustainable farming methods. Oregon’s Clean Green Certified cannabis, which operates on par with USDA organic standards, is a prime example of such commitment.
Amidst McMinnville’s sprawling vineyards, you’ll find the pioneering Hifi Farms, recognized by many as one of the ‘coolest cannabis farms’ in the state. Predicated on clean, sustainable, and even sound-enhanced cultivation techniques (yes, they play music to boost plant growth!), this farm echoes Oregon’s well-entrenched sustenance culture.
A Thriving Catalyzer: Impact on the Local Economy
Beyond reshaping the state’s tourism landscape, the cannabis industry has also become a potent catalyst for economic growth. Cannabis sales in Oregon reached an impressive billion in 2020, a humbling boom in the ensuing economic turmoil. This influx of green gold has tangibly benefited the development of schools, public health services, and even police departments across the state.
Moreover, this burgeoning sector is fostering symbiotic relationships with other Oregonian industries. The state’s acclaimed breweries are not to be left behind, with Coalition Brewing pioneering CBD-infused beer that showcases the playful fusion of Oregon’s thriving craft beer and cannabis industries.
Celebrating the Beau’s of Oregon’s Cannabis Culture
Just as Oregonians as diverse as Bend’s outdoor adventurers and Portland’s die-hard foodies aren’t shy to savor the flavors of a well-aged Pinot Noir or a fresh hoppy IPA, the same embracement is spreading for the joys of a gentle cannabis-infused buzz.
The cannabis industry is beautifully capturing the essence of Oregon: dynamic, nature-loving, creative, and not afraid to push boundaries. Like the beloved Powell’s Books, it is a bit unconventional, yet deeply woven into the fabric of what Oregon is.
So next time you find yourself in the beautiful Beaver State, whether it’s soaking in the sight of Mt. Hood’s snowy peak, biking along the Deschutes River bike trails, or munching on Voodoo Doughnut’s maple-bacon delight, don’t shy away from exploring Oregon’s rich and stunning contribution to the brave new world of cannabis tourism. As we Oregonians would say, “it’s time to put a bird on it!”