The Blossoming Bud: An Introduction to Oregon’s Cannabis Tourism
Take a stroll down Burnside Street, and you’ll encounter a distinctly Oregonian scene. Amid the aroma of freshly brewed Stumptown Coffee, and the murmur of friendly chatter as locals exchange pleasantries in Powell’s Books, one will encounter a new, intriguing scent: the sweet, earthy fragrance of cannabis, a testament to the Green Rush that has taken root in The Beaver State.
Oregon has always been a place of natural grandeur, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Hood to the misty shores of Cannon Beach. Nowadays, though, among our lush vineyards and craft breweries, we Oregonians have woven in something else – a rising cannabis tourism industry.
Destination: High Experience
In 2014, when the clouds lifted with the dawn of legal recreational cannabis, Oregon’s landscape forever changed. Gone were the days of nervous back-alley meetings for a puff and a pass. Instead, dispensaries like Farma and Nectar sprouted up, flaunting high-quality, legally-grown bud on every corner, all overseen by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.
What resulted was much more than your usual pot shop. Top shelf varietals and a welter of edibles, topicals, and tinctures became a part of the Oregon shopping experience, much like finding the perfect bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir or a pair of shoes at Nike’s Portland headquarters.
Touring the Trails of Green
Beyond the dispensaries, another segment of Oregon’s cannabis culture emerges – the cannabis tours. Much like you’d traverse a wine trail, cannabis enthusiasts now journey down the Oregon Cannabis Trail, guided by the knowledgeable folks at High 5 Tours. Their yellow school bus, also known as the Canna-bus, whisks tourists lesser-known gems such as the impressive grow operations at Voodoo Dank, where something magical is always flowering.
But it’s not all about the green – it’s about the gold, too – golden brews, that is. BridgeTown Weed Tour uniquely mixes cannabis and craft beer experiences, offering a refreshing detour through some of Oregon’s finest microbreweries like Breakside Brewery and Cascade Brewing.
More than the Leaf: Pot and the Great Outdoors
Oregon has married two of its favorite pastimes – our love for the great outdoors and the relaxation that comes with a little THC. In the heart of Southern Oregon, Cannabliss Retreats offer retreats where cannabis isn’t just a vice but a part of wellness exercises like yoga and meditation.
Even in our most pristine locations – the opal cascades of Silver Falls or the undulating dunes of the Oregon Coast, the scent of cannabis can be noticed. It’s a part of the hiking pack essentials next to the hydration flask and Tillamook jerky.
The Great Green Hope: Cannabis and the Local Economy
The Green Rush hasn’t just become a part of American culture – it’s been a boon to the local economy. The Oregon Department of Revenue reported over 00 million in tax revenues from cannabis in 2020. Moreover, it has created thousands of jobs, from cultivation to retail and ushering new economic prosperity into towns like Grants Pass and Medford which were previously struggling.
Oregon’s Cannabis Legacy: The Ride’s Not Over
We Oregonians have always been progressive and forward-thinking – from our robust recycling programs to our beloved Saturday Market where sustainable, locally-crafted wares reign supreme. Incorporating the cannabis industry into tourism is just another step in this evolution.
As you bask under the myriad colors of the setting sun on the Deschutes River or sip a freshly brewed craft beer in one of our characteristic microbreweries, you might just find yourself intrigued by a distinct scent wafting by – that of cannabis. It’s a testament to a state that knows how to embrace change, balance laws with lifestyle, and always welcome visitors with a friendly wink and a nod.
So whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or a curious visitor, let Oregon be your guide on this extraordinary journey. Venture into a verdant dispensary, take a ride on the Canna-bus, and enjoy the cannabis-infused haute cuisine of Portland’s hip food scene. Trust us; this is an exploration you’ll be high on for days!