Top Cannabis-Friendly Travel Destinations For Summer 2023: Ultimate Guide For Marijuana Enthusiasts

Summer is here and it’s time to think about that overseas trip that got postponed by the pandemic or the crimp in cash that likely followed. There’s no time like the present.

But if you’re like many people we know and love, you’re probably wondering where to go and perhaps more importantly where not to go if you’re hoping to partake in your favorite pastime while on vacation.

In terms of where to go, the cannabis distribution platform Weedar has done some research for us. In terms of where not to go…we’ve got one word for you: Russia. Just ask Brittney Griner who spent 10 months in prison there for a tiny bit of cannabis oil. 

But, for now, let’s plan our much-deserved vacation. If you’re looking to enjoy sun, surf, culture and cannabis, here are some recommendations.  

No Flying With Weed

Naturally, one should never board a plane with weed on your person or in your luggage. But if you pick the right destination, you’ll be able to find some when you arrive.

This updated guide will surely help you decide on a feasible destination among the growing list of cannabis-friendly countries.

Weedar evaluated each country based on these four factors:

Is cannabis legal there?

Obviously, this is essential though, like here in the U.S., there’s legal and then there’s legal. 

How much does it cost?

Some countries are generally far more expensive than others, such as the Netherlands as compared to Thailand.

What penalties might you face for small possession?

Some may want to steer clear of places with any penalties though a penalty does not necessarily mean arrest or deportation.

How many people use cannabis in the area?

Good question, to which we say the more the merrier!

Destinations: Fifteen To Start With

The destinations on the list span every continent in the world (excluding Antarctica) though it’s important to note that some countries have only partially legalized or decriminalized cannabis or, in the case of Thailand, are going back and forth but that should not deter anyone.  Naturally, local law needs to be respected no matter what we hope or wish, so it's advisable to make friends with locals, get the lay of the land and take it slow.  

If you’re starting out here in the U.S., you don’t need to travel very far to the first countries on the list, which happen to be our closest neighbors to the south and to the north. Yep, Canada and then Mexico are at the top of the list, though legalization in Mexico hasn't happened yet and when it does, it will likely be complicated with the cartels and all.

Here are the rest of the countries that Weedar calls "pot paradises," which we think you’d probably enjoy visiting even if they weren’t!

Canada

Mexico

Australia

Italy

Netherlands

Chile

Argentina

Spain

Portugal

Costa Rica

Belize

Thailand

Peru

Austria

South Africa

Check out each country's details at Weedar.

Photo: Benzinga edit with Sarun J and Ground Picture on Shutterstock