The United States and Europe have seen an increase in legal cannabis consumption during the Covid pandemic, with some turning to marijuana to help them cope with lockdowns and disruptions to their routines.
Meanwhile, fewer people today consider the drug harmful than in previous decades.
These factors may have contributed to a trend known as cannabis tourism, and there has also been an increase in travel bookings to destinations where cannabis consumption is legal. However, embracing this trend carries risks for both destinations and tourists.
Research by the "MMGY Travel Intelligence" agency showed that 29 percent of tourists who want to relax are interested in cannabis-related tourism. A study conducted by the Dutch government showed that 58 percent of international tourists choose Amsterdam to consume drugs. Business in Dutch cannabis cafes has increased since the start of the pandemic.
Nine months after Illinois legalized recreational cannabis in January 2020, nearly 30 percent of the product was purchased by people outside the US state.
Thailand recently announced that it has legalized cannabis and hopes it will boost tourism.
The tourism sector and specific destinations have been quick to respond to the growth in demand for cannabis, hemp and CBD products by designing experiences that incorporate these elements. They also respond to the anticipated economic potential related to increased hotel occupancy, tax revenue, land values, business expansion, job creation, and public health and safety benefits that could be associated with the sale of cannabis.
However, although tourism in destinations where cannabis has been legalized is becoming more and more popular, data collection is just beginning and so far no destination is ready to be characterized as the "new Amsterdam".
Although tourists who want to consume cannabis are believed to be high-income and educated, authorities are reluctant to copy the Dutch model that has led to a high concentration of cannabis in Amsterdam cafes and raised fears of drug abuse and rising crime rates.
New business models focus on agritourism (meet the farmer), culinary tourism and events such as cannabis festivals. Tourists can choose farm routes, hotels that offer "weed and breakfast", city tours, cannabis festivals, cannabis trails, wine and marijuana combinations, "ganja yoga" and other packages that combine accommodation and the experience of consuming cannabis.
The potential for cannabis tourism is widespread worldwide. Over 19 US states and the city of Washington have legalized recreational cannabis, along with Canada, Mexico, Uruguay and other countries.
Tourists can choose farm routes, hotels that offer "weed and breakfast", city tours, cannabis festivals, cannabis trails, wine and marijuana combinations, "ganja yoga" and other packages that combine accommodation and the experience of consuming cannabis.
In Europe, the consumption of personally grown cannabis is allowed in Luxembourg, while Switzerland is in the trial phase of selling cannabis in pharmacies for recreational purposes.
Malaysia and Thailand have taken the first steps towards legalization for recreational purposes. Costa Rica and Morocco have also allowed legalization for medical purposes.
However, there are few countries in which the legality of the use of cannabis by tourists is precisely defined through laws related to the recreational use of residents. This means that tourists run the risk of unintentionally breaking the law by interacting with street dealers and the police, and there is also the fear of health implications as a result of consumption.
There is some evidence that cannabis can have a positive effect on certain mental states and relieve pain. However, tourists with pre-existing mental health disorders may be putting their physical and psychological health at risk. Mental health disorders including depression can also occur in those without diagnosed mental health problems.
Due to the multitude of complicated laws and regulations related to the recreational use of cannabis by tourists, questions remain open about the legality of consumption, the transportation of accessories for consuming cannabis abroad, as well as issues of insurance and health care, during and after travel.
Although Uruguay plans to allow consumption by tourists, in countries such as Portugal, where cannabis has been decriminalized since 2001, tourists still cannot legally purchase cannabis. In Spain, cannabis clubs allow visitors to make a donation to the club instead of buying the product. However, Spain and other major markets such as South Africa are focused on domestic cannabis tourism rather than international visitors.
Few states have conducted cost-benefit analyzes of cannabis legalization and tourism, or fully considered the topics of land and water use, police powers, and benefits to local communities. Although cannabis tourism can boost profits and create jobs and reduce the power of organized crime, the goal of sustainable development is threatened by many other factors, and there is the possibility of increased pollution as well as public health and safety concerns.
Although it seems that the covid pandemic stimulated and helped legalize the use of marijuana, and in clinics in some parts of the USA during the pandemic it was declared a basic service, tourism could expand and normalize the acceptance of its use.
Cannabis tourism is likely to become another segment of the vacation industry.
Translated and edited by: N. Bogetić
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