Top 15 Cannabis-Friendly Cities in the World
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Marijuana is popular, but weed laws vary depending on where you are. While pot is still illegal in many places, some cities are a stoner's dream. If you’re searching for cannabis-friendly destinations, search no more.
These are the top 15 most cannabis-friendly cities you can find. They’re diverse, eclectic and oh-so accepting of cannabis culture. What are you waiting for? Explore.
15. Chicago
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Country: United States
Population: 8,877,000
Why Chicago Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Marijuana was legalized in the Windy City in January 2020. Since then, dozens of new stores have opened, with hundreds more expected to open.
At the moment, medical marijuana dispensaries are the only locations that you can legally purchase recreational marijuana in Chicago, but they're not hard to find. Locals can possess 30 grams, roughly an ounce, of cannabis, or products made with up to 500 milligrams of THC. Visitors can carry half that amount.
Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.
14. Las Vegas
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Country: United States
Population: 2,772,000
Why Las Vegas Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Las Vegas isn't dubbed "the city that never sleeps" for nothing. It's the go-to destination for all-night partying, so it's only fitting that the city has embraced recreational marijuana use. It's legal in all of Nevada for adults 21 and over who can possess up to an ounce of marijuana or an eighth of an ounce of cannabis concentrate.
However, when it comes to purchasing, consuming, and storing cannabis, it's important to approach it responsibly. To do so, you can use online platforms like https://askgrowers.com/, where you can learn everything about cannabis, its varieties, and consumption methods and find stores that best suit your needs.
Public consumption has recently been legalized in licensed clubs, so be on the lookout for new spots. There's even a cannabis museum coming soon! Definitely read up on local laws, but the city is one of the most cannabis-friendly cities in the U.S.
13. Montevideo
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Country: Uruguay
Population: 1,759,906
Why Montevideo Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Uruguay was one of the first countries to legalize cannabis. It was legalized recreationally in December 2013, and in August 2014, it was ruled that residents could grow up to six plants in their homes. In Montevideo, there are numerous growing clubs and thousands of registered personal growers.
Technically, visitors can't buy marijuana there, but residents are often happy to share. As long as you're over 18, you can smoke in most outdoor public locations.
12. Seattle
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Country: United States
Population: 3,461,000
Why Seattle Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Washington state legalized recreational cannabis in 2012 for adults over 21. Cannabis cafes and shops are plentiful throughout Seattle, and the city is especially popular in summer.
There’s tons to do outside, including biking, kayaking and exploring national parks and forests. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t rain much in summer at all.
Explore the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and all the dispensaries, of course.
11. Portland
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Country: United States
Population: 2,174,000
Why Portland Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Ever heard of the slogan "Keep Portland Weird"? Portland is every bit as quirky as it claims to be, and part of that is being cannabis-friendly.
Oregon recently decriminalized all drugs, but let’s not get too crazy. In terms of cannabis, any adult can carry up to an ounce at a time, tourists included.
The Rose City also has plenty of food, surprisingly gorgeous bridges and loads of public art. If you love books, Powell’s Books covers an entire block.
10. Vancouver
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Country: Canada
Population: 2,606,351
Why Vancouver Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: In Canada, weed is legal for both medical and recreational use. Since it was legalized, Vancouver has become a 420-friendly tourist destination. Try visiting the popular New Amsterdam Cafe or the underground Blunt Bros for a true Canadian cannabis experience.
There are plenty of tourist destinations in the area, so consider planning your excursion itinerary first. You’re sure to find a cannabis cafe or two near your destination.
9. Toronto
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Country: Canada
Population: 6,254,571
Why Toronto Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Ontario, Canada, is pretty welcoming to recreational marijuana users. If you're 19 or older, you can legally buy, possess, use and even grow recreational marijuana. It's safe to carry up to 30 grams at a time, but you can only use it in private residences and in public outdoor spaces.
So, you can only expect Toronto, one of Ontario's busiest cities, to be in on the fun with plenty of cannabis cafes to visit. Some specialize in fine edibles that rival pastries found in the best local bakeries. But be careful, as even the prettiest pastry can be surprisingly potent.
Don't say you haven't been warned!
8. Denver
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Country: United States
Population: 2,862,000
Why Denver Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: If you live in North America, you don’t have to go to a different continent to take a cannabis-friendly trip. The destinations in the U.S. are plentiful, including the one and only Denver, Colorado.
Colorado legalized recreational weed in 2012. Since then, the marijuana tourism industry there has exploded. This is one destination that’s best explored in winter. Spend the day on the slopes, then cozy up in a cannabis cafe.
Perfect.
7. Los Angeles
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Country: United States
Population: 12,459,000
Why Los Angeles Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: In sunny Los Angeles, recreational cannabis use is legal for all adults 21 and over. Just don't smoke beyond private property, and you're good.
If you haven't been to L.A. recently, you'll be surprised by how many dispensaries there are. Since recreational use was legalized in California, businesses have popped up on almost every corner! Here are a few of the top picks in the area, including some shops that offer delivery.
6. San Francisco
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Country: United States
Population: 3,313,000
Why San Francisco Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: The Bay Area is one of the birthplaces of the counterculture movement in the 1960s and has always been accepting of marijuana. That hasn’t changed.
San Francisco is one of the most cannabis-friendly cities in America, and there’s plenty to see while you’re there. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, walk up San Francisco's famous hills and enjoy the beautiful Northern California coast.
If you're 21 or over, you can have an ounce of cannabis flower or up to eight grams of cannabis concentrate.
5. Nimbin
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Country: Australia
Population: 1,477
Why Nimbin Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Never heard of Nimbin? It’s time you have. The town has proclaimed itself to be the cannabis capital of Australia, and we’re not arguing.
When you walk into the town, it’s like stepping back into the 1960s. There’s tie-dye everywhere, flower-power signs and plenty of smoke shops. If you’re into edibles, you can buy those, too.
4. Kingston
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Country: Jamaica
Population: 591,000
Why Kingston Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Bob Marley grew up here, so I think we all know Jamaica is plenty weed-friendly. Surprisingly, it was only decriminalized in 2015.
While you still can’t purchase it in coffee shops or clubs, purchasing it on the beach is easy as pie. There are medical dispensaries as well, but it’s usually not hard to find it out in the open.
And while you’re enjoying it, what a view.
3. Ibiza
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Country: Spain
Population: 158,000
Why Ibiza Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: If you thought the beaches of Barcelona were beautiful, just wait until you visit Ibiza.
The balmy, Mediterranean breeze wafts through the city. It has endless miles of sunny, sandy beaches to relax on. It’s also the worldwide capital of electronic music and clubs. Needless to say, it’s a major partying destination.
Spain is one of the most cannabis-friendly countries, especially in the city of Ibiza. It’s easy to purchase throughout the city, and no one bats an eye if you smoke on the beach or at a nightclub.
2. Barcelona
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Country: Spain
Population: 5,586,000
Why Barcelona Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Ah, Spain. It sounds simply sultry, doesn’t it? Barcelona is a center of art, architecture and pristine beaches, and it’s one of the most cannabis-friendly cities around.
The area features many local cannabis seed breeders, and the city’s strict privacy laws allow people to possess up to 40 grams of marijuana and grow two plants on your property.
The growing law doesn’t apply to tourists, of course, but it’s still a very welcoming destination for recreational and medicinal cannabis users.
1. Amsterdam
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Country: Netherlands
Population: 1,149,000
Why Amsterdam Is a Great Cannabis-Friendly City
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Bottom line: Amsterdam is the pinnacle of free-thinking cities. It has been well ahead of the cannabis curve for decades, and it’s one of the best places for a cannabis-friendly vacation in the world. Cannabis is completely legal there, and it’s also readily available for purchase in countless cafes throughout the city.
Speaking of the city, it has a lot more than weed to offer. The streets are lined with independently owned shops, museums and restaurants. It’s the perfect balance of exploration, fun and culture, all in one place.
Enjoy.