Best Cities in the US For a Weed-Inspired Weekend of Cannabis
The number of US states that allow recreational cannabis continues to grow each election cycle. Now a whole new “cannabis class” of travelers — are getting out of town for the weekend to explore different cities that are more weed-friendly. Even for travelers that are less experienced, the legality of this wonderful plant is drawing the curiosity of people passing through on pleasure or business. So if you want to “up your game” plan a weekend getaway to one of the best cities in the US for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis!
How many states have legalized weed?
The Marijuana Policy Project reports that 68 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana and 90 percent support its medical use. Currently, there are 18 US states where recreational cannabis is fully legalized. This means anyone over the age of 21 can walk into a recreational dispensary (like a bar) and purchase their preferred form of weed (like a beer).
Read more on state cannabis laws here.
What to Expect When Visiting a Dispensary
Before you can enter the dispensary (bar) they will check your id (driver’s license/passport) to verify your age (like at the bar). Once admitted, you’ll be greeted and they will typically ask if you are new to dispensaries so they can guide you to the right spot. You’ll be given a weed menu (like a beer menu) with an assortment of options such as flowers, concentrates, edibles, and pre-rolled joints just to name a few. Your budtender (bartender) will have plenty of knowledgeable guidance to advise you on the types of weed you might want to enjoy, and they sincerely love talking with newbies.
Cannabis strains 101
There are different types or “strains” of weed. Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa. Each strain is grown for its different attributes and no 2 strains are the same. Before you visit the best states in the US for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis – you’ll want to know how to order your weed, because it’s like ordering a beer. Lotssss of types – all beers/weed. So if you’re new to buying the Mary jane here is a quick 101 on cannabis strains.
inDica
- Relaxing
- Calming
- Concentrated in the body “body buzz”
Known for relaxation and stress relief, these strains can make you sleepy and lethargic so I would recommend Indica and Indica-dominant hybrids as a good choice for evenings when you’re ready to wind down.
IN-DI-CA = IN-DA-COUCH
Sativa
- Energizing
- Stimulating
- Concentrated in the head
Sativa and Sativa-dominant strains are known to be more euphoric and stimulating. They’re more suited for high-energy levels and creative tasks.
Hybrid
- My personal favorite.
- Best of both worlds
- Balance of the body and mind
Hybrids come in thousands of different varieties. They are a blend of different strains bred to accentuate different aspects of a particular strain. I prefer hybrids because it “levels me out” so I don’t get too sleepy or too energetic, which makes it a good choice for day vaping.
The Stoner Scale
Like anything with a stimulating effect, there are different “levels” of high. Use the stoner scale of 1-10 1 being not high 10 being super high. The good range for newbies is 2-6, those more experienced can get to level 15 or higher. You’ll understand the scale if/once you try weed. Each individual has a “too much” or “too fast” setting that may be completely different than someone else. Try to remember how long it takes for the form you’ve chosen to kick in so you don’t exceed your limit which can sometimes lead to anxiety.
Best Cities in the US For a Weed-Inspired Weekend of Cannabis
When we travel around the US, I take into consideration whether or not weed is recreationally legal in the state we would be visiting. Because I don’t want a drink at dinner, I want a chocolate chunk of THC.
Detroit
If you’re looking for an ‘elevated’ experience when visiting the Motor City – or you’re a local just wanting to unwind after work – these are my recommendations for the best dispensaries in Detroit.
delivery
- WOD Michigan
- The Green Mile
- Vibe Delivery
Michigan made
- Platinum Vape
- Pinconning Paralyzer
- Pure Michigan
- LocalGrove – MAC 1
- Super Silver Haze
- Gorilla Glue (GG4)
The Winners of The Cannabis Cup: Michigan People’s Choice 2021
Seattle
Travelers planning the perfect weekend in Seattle must add these local dispensaries to their itinerary. They will elevate it to the next level and get you out to where the locals go as you explore the city.
Seattle made
- Trendsetter
- Diesal Thai
- Satsuma Haze
- Pink Lemonade
Los Angeles
There are an estimated 1,000 in Los Angeles — more dispensaries than public schools, in fact — but only about 50 in the Bay Area.
la made
- LA Kush
- Lost Coast
- Wedding Cake
- Dosidos
See more of LA’s best dispensaries.
New York City
NYC strains
- Sour Diesel Auto
- Blue Dream
- Purple Punch Xpress
- Stardawg
- Wedding Cake
Best Cities for a weekend of weed
San Francisco
San Francisco is widely known as one of the most marijuana-friendly cities in California. For decades the bay city has been serving residents with some of the best cannabis in the industry, with no signs of slowing down. This Nor-Cal haven is the go-to spot for all marijuana enthusiasts. So, the next time you’re looking for a cannabis-filled weekend getaway, head to SF and try some new bud. I suggest checking out the following strains for a guaranteed good time!
SF made
- Green Crack
- Skywalker OG
- Bubba Kush
- Gelato
Portland
Visiting a Portland, Oregon dispensary is in some ways a right of passage for weed enthusiasts, as it is one of the best cities in the country for those looking for a cannabis weekend to smoke or consume marijuana. The top marijuana strains in Portland are easy enough to find in most cannabis dispensaries.
cannabis strains
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Sour Diesel
- Grandaddy Purple
- Girl Scout Cookie
Chicago
Chicago made
- Kush Mints
- Apple Fritter
- Jet Fuel
- Lemon Cake
Las Vegas
Nevada voters gave recreational marijuana the seal of approval in 2016. After that, Las Vegas became a lot cooler opening itself up to new opportunities in an up-and-coming industry. Today, you can find weed easily in Vegas with dispensaries sprinkled throughout the city. Some even walking distance from the Strip.
Storefront
- Cookies on the Strip
- Reef Dispensaries
- Jardin
- Oasis
- Jenny’s
- The Sanctuary
delivery
- Planet 13
- The Source
- NuLeaf
- Essence
las Vegas made
- Blue Maui
- Killer Tahoe
- Peanut Butter Soufflé
- Grower Circle
Denver
Depending on which state you are visiting for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis, different strains have varying popularity in different States. That means top weed strains in one State could be unpopular in other states. Here are some of the top weed strains in Colorado.
Storefront
- Green Dragon
- Simply Pure
- Lova
- Native Roots
- Frost Exotic Cannabis
denver made
- Golden Goat
- Durban Poison
- Mimosa
- Zkittlez
Spend a few days in Colorado Springs for a weed-inspired weekend of cannabis.
Washington DC
Storefront
- Elevated Lounge
- Flight Pass
- House of Herbs
- Street Lawyer
- Euphoria DC
delivery
- Cannabear DC
- Buddha Buddy
- LOCAL’d
- Farm to Couch
- Puff Puff DC
dC Strains
- Platinum Girl Scout Cookies
- Bubba Kush
- Pineapple Express
- Obama Kush