{"id":2261,"date":"2021-11-08T23:46:46","date_gmt":"2021-11-08T23:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/wp-home\/?p=183140"},"modified":"2021-11-08T23:46:46","modified_gmt":"2021-11-08T23:46:46","slug":"17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/?p=2261","title":{"rendered":"17 countries that could become top weed tourism destinations"},"content":{"rendered":"
17 countries that could become top weed tourism destinations – Leafly<\/title> <!-- This is Index Exchange, a script\/\/3rd-party integration that interjects GAM. It needs to be 'ahead' of GTM in the DOM, which comes from Cephalopod. GTM loads GAM. This script needs to setup it's interjection stuff before GAM loads. --> <!-- End Index Exchange --> <!-- Quotes = strings--><!-- No quotes = boolean-->\t <!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v17.1.2 (Yoast SEO v17.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ --> <!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. --> <\/p>\n<p> <!-- BEGIN Sailthru Horizon Meta Information --><\/p>\n<p><!-- END Sailthru Horizon Meta Information --> <!-- Google Publisher Tag --> <!-- End Google Publisher Tag --> <!-- Google Tag Manager --> <!-- End Google Tag Manager --> <!-- Chartbeat --> <!-- End Chartbeat --><br \/>\n <!-- Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <title>Leafly<\/title> <title>Leafly \u00ae<\/title> <title>Loading\u2026<\/title> <\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-white fixed flex hidden inset-0 items-start md:h-auto md:items-center overflow-auto\" id=\"age-gate-container\">\n<div class=\"bg-white md:h-auto mx-auto p-lg text-sm w-full\" id=\"age-gate\">\n<p><label for=\"select-country\">Where are you from?<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"age-gate__info\">\n<p><button class=\"button\" data-testid=\"age-gate-no-button\" id=\"tou-cancel\">no<\/button><button class=\"button ml-md\" data-testid=\"age-gate-yes-button\" id=\"tou-continue\">yes<\/button><\/p>\n<p><label class=\"checkbox__label my-xl\"><span class=\"text-xs\" id=\"remember-user-label\">Remember me for 30 days. <br \/>I confirm that this is not a shared device.<\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<p class=\"error error--underage hidden\">Darn! You’re not old enough to use Leafly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"hidden age-gate__loading\">Redirecting you to<span class=\"redirect-domain\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-xs mt-auto\">By accessing this site, you accept<br \/>\nthe <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"tou-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/terms-of-use\">Terms of Use<\/a><br \/>\nand <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"pp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container my-xl\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col md:col-9\" id=\"article-content\">\n<h4>With Amsterdam cutting back on cannabis cafes, these countries may soon become must-visits for rolling stoners.<\/h4>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">In October 2021, Costa Rica became the most recent in a growing trend of countries moving to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/americas\/costa-rica-congress-approves-legalization-marijuana-medicinal-use-2021-10-20\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">legalize access to cannabis<\/a>. While the Central American nation does not yet permit recreational sale or use, Costa Rica\u2019s Congress did vote in favor of medicinal use. <\/p>\n<p>Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado still hasn\u2019t approved the new medical law, and it\u2019s still unclear if he will allow it to take effect. President Alvarado was a vocal opponent of the plant leading into last month\u2019s vote, and he\u2019s not the only global official who\u2019s low on cannabis.<\/p>\n<h2>Amsterdam has had enough<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt class=\"wp-image-61606 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-1.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-1.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-1.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-1.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Cannatourism, old school: Visitors line up to hit a hookah during a 1997 cannabis festival in Amsterdam. Dutch officials are trying to make it harder for tourists to partake in Amsterdam\u2019s traditional coffee houses, opening the door for other countries to lure cannatourists. (AP Photo\/Sjoerd van Delden)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After decades as the leader of cannabis tourism, the Netherlands\u2019 government is looking to once again reduce the number of coffeeshops in the cannabis hotspot of Amsterdam.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re shrinking from 166 to 70 after government research showed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2021\/jan\/11\/foreigners-face-ban-from-amsterdams-cannabis-cafes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">58% of foreign tourists<\/a> who visit Amsterdam come mainly to consume at cafes.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to continue serving the local market, but to curb the 57% of tourists that often place coffeeshops at the top of their Dutch travel to-do list.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe problem is: there are just too many of them,\u201d Amsterdam Mayor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdam.nl\/en\/governance\/mayor-alderpersons\/mayor-amsterdam\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Femke Halsema<\/a> said earlier this year. \u201cThe drug tourists are the reason for an increase in demand for marijuana,\u201d which the country\u2019s citizens didn\u2019t sign up for.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>With bud booming worldwide, Amsterdam is no longer the only option for 420-friendly travelers. Here are 17 countries that could soon replace Amsterdam as the top tourist destination for traveling tokers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Canada<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" alt class=\"wp-image-174258 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-2.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-2.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-2.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-2.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Miz D, one of Canada\u2019s longest-standing cannatourism experts. (Danielle Jackson)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Canada is completely legal, but you\u2019ll need to remember that all 13 provinces and territories have established their own laws. <\/p>\n<p>Before legalization, there were lounges in Vancouver and Toronto that allowed you to enjoy a joint inside, but now in many provinces you can spark up wherever you can smoke a cigarette.<\/p>\n<p>Regulations make lounges hard to come by, but select cities do have tours and cannabis-friendly options like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hibnb.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HiBnB<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2 id=\"h-luxembourg\">Luxembourg<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"727\" alt class=\"wp-image-183919 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-3.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-3.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-3.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-3.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Luxembourg City, the capital of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. (AdobeStock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/contributor\/205888979\/boris-stroujko?load_type=author&prev_url=detail\">Boris Stroujko<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Luxembourg is the first European country to legalize, allowing the buying and selling of personally cultivated cannabis nationwide.<\/p>\n<p>While Luxembourg\u2019s plan is not geared towards tourism, it will not exclude foreigners from being able to purchase. That means you are free to consume before taking in the picturesque country.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>South Africa<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"676\" alt class=\"wp-image-183911 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-4.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-4.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-4.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-4.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>South Africa has over <a href=\"https:\/\/mugglehead.com\/south-africas-cannabis-master-plan-will-finally-establish-a-regulated-industry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span>900,000<\/span><\/a> smallholder cannabis growers, and over<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiqjaezzIn0AhXHmuAKHT2qBjYQFnoECAUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fqz.com%2Fafrica%2F2028012%2Fafricas-cannabis-industry-is-set-to-boom-due-to-legalization%2F&usg=AOvVaw2qDP1QfxnqNl3xjjzdd1Dm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <span>2.6 million users<\/span><\/a>. (AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess? <\/strong>Yes, in private.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>After 92 years of being banned, dagga, the Afrikaans term for the plant, became legal for private adult use and cultivation in 2018. For now, it still remains illegal to sell, buy, or use in public and in front of children.<\/p>\n<p>According to Sibusiso Xaba of the Africa Cannabis Advisory Group, cannabis use is pervasive throughout the country. \u201cThere are many illegal dispensaries found throughout the country,\u201d said Xaba. \u201cIt\u2019s relatively easy to find cannabis in South Africa. Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal are home to famous native strains including the world renowned Durban Poison cultivar.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesouthafrican.com\/news\/cannabis-marijuana-weed-legal-status-in-south-africa-law-government\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cannabis For Private Purposes Bill<\/a> is still being debated and amended in court, but advocates are confident the country will develop a legal market soon.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Morocco<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" alt class=\"wp-image-183921 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-5.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-5.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-5.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-5.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>View of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco. (AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Earlier this year, Morocco\u2019s government approved medicinal and industrial cultivation and exportation of cannabis, but there is still no recreational law.<\/p>\n<p>Morocco is already one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-morocco-cannabis\/moroccos-bill-to-legalise-cannabis-divides-growers-idUSKBN2BA1YN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">world\u2019s top exporters<\/a> of illicit cannabis. Almost a million citizens live in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-morocco-cannabis\/moroccos-bill-to-legalise-cannabis-divides-growers-idUSKBN2BA1YN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">northern communities<\/a> where cannabis is the main economic engine. In Ketama, located in the northern Rif mountains, the plant has been grown and smoked openly for generations despite prohibition.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Mexico<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" alt class=\"wp-image-183923 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-6.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-6.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-6.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-6.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Mexico\u2019s Supreme Court invalidated cannabis prohibition earlier this year, and many of its top politicians continue to push for new regulations that would allow weed to be sold in stores. Even without the ink drying on legalization, you\u2019re still free to smoke in most places now.<\/p>\n<p>Mexico\u2019s weed scene has changed rapidly since possession of small amounts of marijuana was first decriminalized in 2009, and has continued through 2017, when medical was legalized.<\/p>\n<p>With a population of almost 130 million, Mexico could pressure the United States to end federal prohibition before its southern neighbor takes the baton as the worldwide leader in weed.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Uruguay<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" alt class=\"wp-image-183925 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-7.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-7.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-7.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-7.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Uruguay, Montevideo: twilight view of the Pocitos Coast on the River Plate. (AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> Not for tourists yet.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize in 2013. Now, consumers are permitted to buy up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/news\/india\/aryan-khan-lawyer-shah-rukh-khan-cannabis-drug-laws-in-india-4320848.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">40 grams per month<\/a> from licensed pharmacies for adult use. These purchases are registered and monitored on a government database.<\/p>\n<p>Tourists are clear to smoke if they are given cannabis as a gift, but officials are <a href=\"https:\/\/qcostarica.com\/uruguay-considers-allowing-tourists-to-buy-marijuana\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">currently working<\/a> on a way to allow visitors to purchase from the legal market in an effort to drive tourists away from the country\u2019s illicit sellers.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Portugal<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" alt class=\"wp-image-183930 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-8.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-8.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-8.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-8.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Man smoking outdoors in Portugal. (AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Kind of.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Officially speaking, there are no 420-friendly signs posted in any businesses in Portugal. But it\u2019s well known around the country that a smoking section is intended for smoking hashish. <\/p>\n<p>All drugs have been decriminalized since 2001, but there is no legal cannabis market to shop openly.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Spain<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes (in cannabis clubs only).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No (see \u201cdonation\u201d policy).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In Spain, cannabis clubs have been operating since the 1990s within a legal loophole that allows visitors to donate to the club instead of purchasing a product. <\/p>\n<p>A recent measure to regulate recreational cannabis was not passed in the parliament, but medical regulation is supported by a growing number of Spaniards.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Chile<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt class=\"wp-image-61620 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-9.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-9.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-9.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-9.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>A man smoke while carries a marijuana plant during a march for the legalization of marijuana in Santiago, Chile, in 2017. Tens of thousands of people gathered in the central streets of Santiago to demand that the government change its policy regarding marijuana and its therapeutic uses as well as the right to self-cultivation. (AP Photo\/Esteban Felix)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>For now, cannabis remains illegal for everyone except medical patients. But legalization advocates hope that change is on its way soon after Chileans voted to overhaul their constitution following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2020\/01\/11\/795514808\/protests-in-chile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">protests<\/a> in 2019 and 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Medical marijuana is already legal in Chile, but advocates say law enforcement still <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diarioantofagasta.cl\/tendencias\/99025\/conoce-tus-derechos-legales-para-cultivar-y-consumir-marihuana-en-chile-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aggressively punishes<\/a> possession, and <a href=\"https:\/\/eltipografo.cl\/2021\/03\/los-candidatos-a-alcaldes-de-la-region-que-se-comprometen-con-el-cannabis-medicinal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">affordable<\/a> treatment is hard to find for patients.<\/p>\n<p>104 of the 155 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnaMariaGazmuri\/status\/1395019927136915456\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">delegates<\/a> to the country\u2019s new constitutional convention support decriminalization.<\/p>\n<p>Advocates and the newly empowered native population hope the new constitution will \u201cguarantee health as a right, incorporating all therapeutic alternatives,\u201d including \u201cancestral, popular, and traditional knowledge of native peoples,\u201d like cannabis.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Ghana<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt class=\"wp-image-22795 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-10.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-10.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-10.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-10.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Juana Beatang is a cannabis advocate in Accra, Ghana.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Thanks to passionate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/politics\/meet-10-students-changing-global-drug-policy-right-now\">advocates<\/a>, Ghana is a growingly ganja-friendly destination to keep an eye on. <\/p>\n<p>In 2020, the country <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ghanaweb.com\/GhanaHomePage\/NewsArchive\/What-you-need-to-know-about-Ghana-s-legalisation-of-cannabis-900607\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">legalized hemp<\/a> with less than 0.3% THC for medical and industrial use. But without a license from Minister of Health, possession is still illegal.<\/p>\n<p>Known as one of Africa\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=WHH1ON4EEXsC&pg=PA183#v=onepage&q&f=false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">leading illicit markets<\/a>, the West African country could soon become a great destination for canna-tourism.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Italy <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt class=\"wp-image-9572 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-11.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-11.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-11.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-11.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Scenic picture-postcard view of the beautiful town of Amalfi and the Gulf of Salerno in Campania, Italy. (iStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Italy may be on its way to becoming the second country in the EU (after Luxembourg) to fully legalize early next year with a referendum vote. For now, possession of small amounts for recreational or medical use is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/breakingviews\/italy-will-be-first-light-up-europes-weed-biz-2021-09-22\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">permitted<\/a>, but selling or cultivating is forbidden. <\/p>\n<p>Cannabis is an estimated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/breakingviews\/italy-will-be-first-light-up-europes-weed-biz-2021-09-22\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8-billion-euro<\/a> industry with six million consumers across Italy. Plans to legalize would tax cannabis at the same rate as cigarettes, adding millions to annual government funds.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Jamaica<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" alt class=\"wp-image-39231 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-12.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-12.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-12.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-12.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Take in Jamaica\u2019s breathtaking views with two lungs full of ganja. (lucky-photographer\/iStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> Yes (with medical card). <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>From reggae music to Rastafarian culture, Jamaica has influenced the world\u2019s view of cannabis for generations.<\/p>\n<p>In 2015, the plant was finally decriminalized for possession throughout Jamaica. Today, possessing less than 56.6 grams without a prescription will lead to a fine of <a href=\"https:\/\/thegreenfund.com\/is-weed-legal-in-jamaica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">500 Jamaican dollars (roughly $5 USD)<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Citizens are allowed up to five personal cannabis plants in their homes, and use is permitted for medical, therapeutic, or religious reasons. <\/p>\n<p>If you have a medical card from your doctor at home, Jamaica\u2019s medical dispensaries and authorities will honor it. If you don\u2019t have one, Jamaica\u2019s Ministry of Health doctors are reportedly liberal about granting medical cards to visitors.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Georgia<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> Yes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In 2018, Georgia took a sharp turn from strict prohibition laws when the former Soviet Union territory legalized medical and recreational consumption in 2018. <\/p>\n<p>Smoking in public remains banned, but a visit to Georgia is bound to be a unique experience for tokers traveling through the region.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Greece<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"960\" height=\"576\" alt class=\"wp-image-5526 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-13.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-13.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-13.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-13.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Aerial view of Greek countryside. (AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In the 1980\u2019s Greece passed laws that punished cannabis possession more harshly than heroin, in a misguided effort to treat heroin addicts as patients instead of criminals. <\/p>\n<p>Greece has come a long way since then, downgrading weed from a Table A to Table B substance and <a href=\"https:\/\/greekreporter.com\/2021\/05\/23\/medical-cannabis-approved-production-sale-greece\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">legalizing medical use<\/a> in 2021. <\/p>\n<p>The government can still prosecute sellers and consumers, but enforcement is rare. If you are caught with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emcdda.europa.eu\/countries\/drug-reports\/2018\/greece\/drug-laws-and-drug-law-offences_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">small personal quantity<\/a>, you can receive up to five months in prison.<\/p>\n<p>As the laws continue to evolve, this could soon be the perfect Mediterranean destination for Mary Jane lovers.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Lesotho<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Lesotho was the first African nation to legalize medicinal cannabis production back in 2017. <\/p>\n<p>The country got an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/global-development\/2021\/apr\/21\/lesotho-firm-first-in-africa-granted-eu-licence-for-medical-cannabis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EU license<\/a> to export cannabis flower, oil, and extracts as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The crop is widely produced in the country, although cannabis possession and use are still illegal.<\/p>\n<p>With cannabis providing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.voanews.com\/a\/science-health_lesothos-budding-cannabis-industry-sparks-high-hopes\/6184144.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">major boost<\/a> to the country\u2019s economy, it should only be a matter of time before the plant becomes more accessible.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Thailand<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" alt class=\"wp-image-115346 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-14.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-14.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-14.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-14.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>A tuk tuk pulls out from the herbal medicine center that hosted Thailand\u2019s first medical marijuana clinic, at Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachinburi. (David Luekens for Leafly)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical marijuana back in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/terminal\/PKA4OU6KLVR5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2018<\/a>. But recreational use remains banned.<\/p>\n<p>The government recently allowed Thai families to grow up to six plants at home, but not for personal use. All flowers and seeds yielded from home grows must be sent to official state medical marijuana facilities, who pay home growers looking to supplement their income.<\/p>\n<p>Weed is still forbidden in most Southeast Asian countries, including some where cannabis crimes are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/singapore\/man-loses-death-sentence-appeal-transported-1kg-cannabis-singapore-2238116\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">punishable by death<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Fingers crossed, Thailand\u2019s progress could lead to some beautiful views and vibes for traveling smokers in the region shortly.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2>Pakistan<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"cannabis-seeds-sold-local-market\" class=\"wp-image-168736 has-ll lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-15.jpg,compress&w=550 550w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-15.jpg,compress&w=740 740w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-15.jpg,compress&w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations-15.jpg,compress&w=1480 1480w\"><figcaption>Packaged cannabis seeds like these can be found at local markets in remote regions of India and Pakistan. (Courtesy of Indian Landrace Exchange)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Legal to possess?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal to purchase?<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Pakistan has a long history with cannabis, as does its neighbor, India. <\/p>\n<p>The plant is well-documented in ancient Hindu and Sufi texts. And Sufis still use the the plant for religious worship, aiding in relaxation and openness.<\/p>\n<p>During the 1960s and 1970s, Pakistan\u2019s famous hashish made it an essential stop for travelers on the \u201cHippie Highway.\u201d That\u2019s why many popular strains can be traced back to this region (Hindu Kush, for example).<\/p>\n<p>America\u2019s War On Drugs pressured the Pakistani government to institute harsh laws and cruel punishment for cannabis use despite the booming illicit markets. Thus, Pakistan joined Singapore, Turkey, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Japan on Asia\u2019s long list of anti-cannabis nations.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, the last decade has seen impressive growth. <a href=\"https:\/\/hightimes.com\/news\/pakistan-vows-cannabis-reform-by-end-of-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pakistani officials<\/a> hope to soon legalize hemp, and are currently researching the science of the plant. <\/p>\n<p>Hopefully, tourists could soon be legally enjoying the region\u2019s legendary purple and grey native plants, which are known to grow to incredible heights.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<div id=\"author-box\" class=\"p-lg my-xxl bg-white rounded border border-light-grey elevation-low\">\n<div class=\"mb-lg\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations.jpg\" alt=\"Kaileigh JaKirra Robinson's Bio Image\" class=\"lazyload inline-block mr-md rounded-full border border-light-grey\"> <\/p>\n<p>Kaileigh JaKirra Robinson<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"text-sm\">Kaileigh JaKirra Robinson is an activist, filmmaker, and traveler. She’ll be featured in the upcoming independent film ‘Solstice,’ set to release in 2022.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"text-sm font-bold underline text-green\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/author\/kaileigh-jakirra-robinson\">View Kaileigh JaKirra Robinson’s articles<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"leafly-sailthru-signup p-lg my-xl bg-white rounded elevation-low border border-light-grey\">\n<p class=\"text-xs pt-lg\">By submitting this form, you will be subscribed to news and promotional emails from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\">Leafly<\/a> and you agree to Leafly’s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/tos\">Terms of Service<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. You can unsubscribe from Leafly email messages anytime.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- Chartbeat --> <!-- End Chartbeat --> <!--\nPerformance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https:\/\/www.boldgrid.com\/w3-total-cache\/ Served from: _ @ 2021-11-08 16:04:12 by W3 Total Cache\n--><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>17 countries that could become top weed tourism destinations – Leafly Leafly Leafly \u00ae Loading\u2026 Where are you from? noyes Remember me for 30 days. I confirm that this is not a shared device. Darn! You’re not old enough to use Leafly. Redirecting you to By accessing this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. With Amsterdam cutting back on cannabis cafes, these countries may soon become must-visits for rolling stoners. In October 2021, Costa Rica became the most recent in a growing trend of countries moving to legalize access to cannabis. While the Central American nation… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2262,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marijuana_information"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17-countries-that-could-become-top-weed-tourism-destinations.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2261"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2261\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}