Weed is a worldwide phenomenon - a unified culture with deep roots and full of diversity, just like the plants we stoners revere so much. Destinations for cannabis can be found on almost all continents - they haven’t found any Antarctican ganja, yet - and some research suggests that human beings have been consuming marijuana & hemp for tens of thousands of years. Even though cannabis has a huge following and has been around since before modern humans could record history, not everyone is so keen on these incredible plants.
Age-old stigmas, anti-cannabis laws & regulations, restrictions on access or use and many more forms of red-tape continue to get in the way of peoples’ ability to enjoy cannabis or benefit from its wealth of improvements to our health. Destinations for cannabis are certainly more free and open in society today than they've ever been, but there’s still a long way to go before the lingering barriers of stigma are removed for good.
Where Do You "Weed"?
For most of the 20th century, weed was looked down on by authorities and the majority of society as a whole. Now, after decades of championing the life-changing properties of maintaining destinations for cannabis & hemp, cannabis advocates have led many states, provinces and entire nations to legalize or decriminalize this plant in all its forms. Where cannabis used to be an ‘illicit substance’, it is fast becoming a major part of many peoples’ lives.
As the wider world begins to expand their minds and open up to the possibilities of cannabis, there are already a number of weed-friendly havens that continue to grow in influence. Major stoner cities, cannabis-crazy States, well-known weed Provinces and countries with flourishing destinations with cannabis economies can be found in many parts of the globe. 420 friendly Airbnb’s are cropping up like flowers, cannabis cafes are blooming all over North America & Europe’s big cities and stoner culture is riding an all-time high.
What are the best weed friendly counties? Where are the best places for stoners to live in 2022? What states have the most stoners? Let’s get high and follow the travel-bug on a journey around the world as we review the top 12 destinations for cannabis lovers to visit, work or live in.
What Are the Best Weed Friendly Countries?
Before listing the top 12 destinations for cannabis lovers, let's first understand where the best weed-friendly countries are. Many nations still don't support the benefits of cannabinoids and offer no sovereignty to cannabis users. Thankfully, the "green rush" is continuing, aiming for a future where cannabis is legal, free, and diverse. Some cities are friendly towards cannabis even if they don't officially recognize it at the federal level, like in the USA. Cannabis destinations don't have to be strictly legal to be safe. It often depends on how authorities choose to enforce anti-cannabis laws.
Countries like Jamaica and the Netherlands are good examples. Technically, it's not legal to smoke or grow cannabis there, but they are popular spots for cannabis tourism. Officially, they don't promote unrestricted cannabis use, but they also don't strictly oppose it.
So, what are the best weed friendly countries where you can smoke, dab, vape, trip, chill or get stoned in? Here are the most well known pro-cannabis nations that you should check out on your next trip (pun intended):
North America
CANADA Despite some major hiccups along the road to modern, legal weed in Canada today, the Canadian destinations for cannabis are continuing to grow (literally) and establish itself alongside the very passionate pot smokers of this very cannabis friendly nation. Canucks have always been known for being modest, nice, easy going but also sporting some dope dro and thriving cannabis cultures in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Obviously, as the first G7 country to Federally legalize weed gives Canada a lot of pot-brownie points in the grand scheme of things.
UNITED STATES Just like Australia this one comes with a major caveat - the U.S. is without a doubt the most massive marijuana market in the world, worth billions upon billions of USD$ even though it isn’t Federally legalized or decriminalized. The Americans have numerous cannabis-centric States that have thriving industries & cultures associated with cannabis, so they’re definitely on the radar as one of the best weed friendly countries. What State has the most stoners? We’ll cover that later, for now we have to say to the red-white-and-blue to just cool it with all that bureaucratic “war on drugs” stuff.
MEXICO Recently legalized, long-standing tradition with destinations for cannabis and very favorable conditions for cultivation make Mexico a no-brainer cannabis hub. Lots of genetic diversity and millions of growers/smokers means Mexico is consistently a leader in the weed world.
South America
URUGUAY Many people don’t know this, but Uruguay - not Canada - was technically the first country to legalize medical and recreational cannabis. Today this South American country is still hesitant to dive into cannabis tourism, but there’s a strong pot presence amongst locals.
CHILE Chile is still working through the legalities of it all, but this small Southern nation has some of the highest per-capita cannabis use numbers in the world. Just like with their wines, Chile is putting themselves on the map for high-quality cannabis.
JAMAICA Like with the city of Amsterdam, Jamaica aka “birthplace of the ganja” needs very little introduction. Kingston and other parts of the Caribbean nation certainly have their issues between cannabis & law enforcement, but their storied ganja culture and flourishing weed tourism have led to a great many songs and stories.
Pacific-Asia
SRI LANKA Not many people associate destinations for cannabis with many parts of Asia because of how strictly it is prohibited, but Sri Lanka has always maintained a strong weed culture, especially in terms of spiritual & medical significance. The ‘Ayurveda Act’ has protected peoples’ rights to ingest cannabis for medical or spiritual reasons since the 1980’s, and many people have visited in hopes of experiencing some of this Sri Lankan marijuana mystique.
INDIA One of the cradles for cannabis life, India has perhaps one of the longest recorded histories with cannabis. Whether you’re talking about Kush strains or smoking bhang, the Indian people have relied on weed for thousands of years as a spiritual enhancer, medical remedy or enjoyable commodity.
AUSTRALIA Just like their down-under location, Australia is a bit backwards in terms of its weed-friendly reputation. Sure, they have many thriving cannabis cafes in certain provinces/territories, but the country at-large does not show much support for making cannabis official. That being said, where marijuana is decriminalized it seems to be very well established in short amounts of time.
WHAT ABOUT EUROPE?!
You might be yelling at the computer screen and wondering “Hey! What about European countries! They’re known to enjoy the reefer too”. You’re not wrong there as Europe has very liberal cannabis use, practice and traditions across multiple countries. Nevertheless, none of the countries within the EU have really taken the reins as the first Federally legalized cannabis leader - unless you count Portugal who recently decriminalized all drugs.
Europe is different in that their nation-states aren’t to be credited for their strong cannabis traditions, it’s actually individual cities or regions that deserve the hype. We’ll list some of Europe’s well-known cannabis hotbeds in the upcoming sections, we just didn’t want you to think that we left Europe off the table out of ignorance.
Top 12 Destination for Cannabis Lovers
Now that we’ve discussed some of the best weed friendly countries and hopefully helped you map out your next potential 420 Airbnb booking, let’s narrow down the list to the top 12 destinations for cannabis lovers by city or region.
Prague, Czechia
We told you we weren’t neglecting Europe’s dopest cities! Prague is renowned as a fun, party-hardy city with as much history & architecture as they have awesome people. Weed isn’t legalized in Prague or Czechia as a whole, but this city allows tourists and locals alike to partake of cannabis in smaller amounts without much fuss. Many bars, clubs and cafes are favorable to stoners and what’s really awesome is how accepting the people of Prague are about recreational and medical psychedelics. Whether you’re just passing through this Eastern European jewel of a city or you’ve come for the vaunted absinth bars, don’t forget to puff-puff-pass your way around Prague’s potent pot scene as well.
Barcelona, Spain
Continuing on our European tour, Barcelona has quickly become one of Europe’s most weed friendly cities thanks to a legendary “party hardy” attitude and their penchants for good times. Barcelona is very scenic and sports awesome weather, so it’s naturally a nice place to toke up and get lost in their unique attractions like Parc Guell, La Sagrada or anything else Gaudi built in what seems to be his psychedelic-fueled fervors. Barcelona is great for tourists because they value fun, freedom and getting the most out of your days & nights. The city is bustling with activity, so a little ganja while you shop, chill or party goes perfectly well for many people in this exciting city. Speaking of reasons to visit Barcelona, here’s probably the best one to book a 420 Airbnb in the Spring: the Spannabis festival!
Freetown/Christiania, Denmark
Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen is quite unique. It allows residents to grow and use marijuana within set limits. You'll find outdoor cannabis markets and 24/7 pot cafes here. This makes Christiania a standout cannabis spot in Denmark, a country where weed is generally not accepted. The area is famous for its 'green light district'. It's not as infamous as Amsterdam's red-light district but still worth a visit for Scandinavian cannabis. Be cautious, though: no cameras are allowed in the green light district, so enjoy the experience without taking photos.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
What can we say about the fun, orange-loving people of Holland? Amsterdam stands out as one of the world's most unique cities. This is true even before mentioning their views on cannabis. In the 'Red Light District,' you'll find all sorts of vices, including cannabis. The Dutch have a friendly, straightforward attitude toward cannabis, alcohol, and other substances. This refreshing view creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere in cannabis cafes and bars. Amsterdam is known for strong cannabis strains. When White Widow appeared, the city's streets were filled with high tourists. Amsterdam also offers some of the best snacks imaginable: chocolate waffle sticks, garlic fries with mayo, and triple-cheese burgers. You’ll also find Swiss chocolates and age-old candy shops. For the best experience, visit during 'Queen's Day' in April. It’s close to 4/20, making it perfect for a week full of cannabis fun!
Las Vegas, Nevada
Kicking off our tour of the best places for stoners to live or visit in 2022 in the U.S. is Vegas, of course. The Las Vegas strip is THE place for many people to visit for many different reasons, and cannabis is certainly among the endless fun of Sin City. Not only are more and more cannabis shops opening up on the strip, Fremont Street and across the greater LV area, but a ton of bars and nightclubs are beginning to allow for weed smoking! What could be better than getting high and experiencing the unparalleled nightlife of Vegas?! Obviously gambling and ganja might not be a great mix, so there are certainly limitations to where/what/when you can whip out your weed. Nonetheless, Las Vegas is the ultimate adult playground - especially now that cannabis has officially entered the building.
Bay Area, California
You can almost find good weed anywhere in California, but the Bay Area is particularly famous for its beautiful vistas, beach bodies and bodacious buds. Cannabis smoking is prohibited in many public areas, but with so many outdoor attractions there’s never a shortage of weed friendly places to light up or drop an edible. Speaking of edibles, California hosts some of the world’s greatest wineries which continue to pair with weed in many unique ways. Cannabis-infused wines are a major attraction to the Bay Area for true weed cannaseurs. California has so much cannabis culture ingrained into many diverse areas of the Sunshine State, making it one of the States that has the most stoners.
Denver, Colorado
Colorado is the mile-high state in many ways. The Avalanche recently brought home the Stanley Cup. The state's elevation is high, and it is a cannabis paradise. Colorado, especially Denver, was an early adopter of legal cannabis. Today, there are over 300 dispensaries. The variety is vast, offering bud bars, bong shops, and edible bakeries. Cannabis cafes and weed-infused fine dining spots are common. There are even guided tours of cultivation facilities. Denver stands out with sensible cannabis policies. The city and state support the cannabis experience, provided the rules are followed. Thanks to smart regulations, Denver enjoys low crime rates. Since legalization in 2016, cannabis-related vehicle incidents have decreased. If asked where to live, for a stoner, Denver is an easy choice.
Seattle, Washington
Ever wondered where to find 4/20-friendly Airbnbs or asked which state has the most stoners? Look no further than Seattle. Washington State was a pioneer in pot regulations, following closely after Colorado in legalizing recreational and medical cannabis in the mid-2010s. Seattle is globally famous as the birthplace of Starbucks, but its cannabis cafes deserve attention too. The city offers numerous pot shops and eclectic lounges where you can enjoy weed with friends and family. To partake, you must be 21 or older, as in most states. Seattle is a unique blend of natural beauty and urban innovation. It features modern city amenities alongside hiking, biking, nature trails, and outdoor activities within city limits. The stunning scenery enhances the vibrant stoner culture Seattle is known for.
Vancouver, British Columbia
A short drive or train ride to Canada leads you to a cannabis hotspot in North America. British Columbia, also known as BC - Bud Country, is renowned for its top-quality cannabis. The region boasts diverse growers and a vibrant cannabis culture, making it a haven for enthusiasts. Vancouver, the largest city in BC, naturally attracts many activists and advocates. It's home to numerous cannabis cafes and dispensaries, as well as innovative offerings like weed cuisine. You might not even need to visit a store to find BC bud, as many Vancouver residents are open to sharing or trading their homegrown stash. For the full experience, attend a 4/20 beach party or event in downtown Vancouver.
Toronto, Ontario
Calgary and Montreal could easily be on this list, but Toronto often takes the spotlight as a cannabis hub. What sets Toronto apart is its vast array of cannabis offerings. As Canada's busiest city, it boasts numerous dispensaries and grow stores. The city is home to innovative weed advocates who often challenge Federal regulations, resulting in unique products and services. Toronto offers all the modern amenities of a big city and hosts a diverse population, each contributing unique elements to its cannabis culture. Why not enjoy some of Toronto's famous edibles and then catch a Blue Jays game at their amazing stadium?
Kingston, Jamaica
Next up is Kingston—not Kingston, Ontario, but the Jamaican haven! It's the stomping grounds of a young Bob Marley. Kingston needs no introduction. It's always among the top weed destinations. If Jamaica is a top weed-friendly country, then Kingston is a top stoner city. Picture yourself smoking famous Jamaican dro on Kingston's beaches. Groovy music plays as the sun shines in the background. It’s a spiritual experience. The birthplace of ganja culture must be experienced by every stoner. We’ll keep this short. Not because there isn’t much to see or do in Kingston, but we want you to go and experience Jamaica's essence for yourself.
Montevideo, Uruguay
We couldn’t forget the first country to legalize marijuana. Montevideo is a modernizing city in Uruguay with a weed-friendly environment. For nearly a decade, it has welcomed cannabis lovers. You can cultivate six plants per household! The city has many growers, smokers, and fans of edibles and concentrates. The legal age is 18, drawing cannabis tourists from around the world. Clubs and bars in Montevideo are great places to share buds with new friends. You can also relax in the warm, beautiful outdoor settings. Uruguay is a hidden gem for cannabis tourists. It’s a lesser-known destination, so visit soon. It's at the top of our list for our next cannabis tour!
Best Places For Stoners to Live in 2022
We’ve spanned multiple countries, across continents and connected the dots between some of the absolute best places for stoners to live in 2022. There are a ton more that are equally unique, fun, exciting, chill or fascinating cannabis destinations you should definitely visit. For now, start with this list of top 12 destinations for cannabis lovers and expand your horizons, open your mind and nourish your soul. The journey of life is full of surprises, both good and bad, but to experience them you need to get out there and seek adventure.
Go find the cannabis that helps you find your true purpose or unlocks some hidden facet of life that you’ve been missing. Cannabis isn’t the gateway, it’s a key that comes in myriad shapes & sizes that can open many doors. With good weed to smoke and friends/family to share it with, what else do you need? Happy travels fellow stoners, and may the weed bless you with high times & good tidings.
