Study Reveals the Best and Worst Cities for a Cannabis Vacation

AUSTIN Travel information industry leader Upgraded Points just released new data revealing the best and worst U.S. cities for a ‘Canna-cation,’ including the most and least expensive cities to explore bud.

The travel experts analyzed 50 major cities where recreational marijuana is legal to find the best cities for a cannabis vacation. The researchers considered 10 ranking factors strongly related to weed tourism, including weed-friendly rentals, guided cannabis tours, 420-experiences, dispensaries, costs, and more.

Three Colorado cities rounded out the top 10 list, with Denver leading the way at No. 1, followed by Boulder (4), and Colorado Springs (8). Additionally, two California cities scored high, with Oakland and San Jose coming in at No. 3 and 9, respectively. Nevada made an appearance with both Henderson (7) and Las Vegas (10) making the list. Portland, ME was the only Eastern city to make the top 10.

Western states with legalization laws from six to 10 years old received higher marks, equating costs to how long recreational cannabis has been legalized.

“In these states, economies of scale have been built over the last decade, bolstered by a booming weed market that includes dispensaries, farm tours, and cannabis lounges,” Upgraded Points founder Alex Miller wrote in the comprehensive findings. “The industry supports over 83,000 jobs in California alone.”

While the West may be cheaper to explore bud, Northern states have the highest costs associated with cannabis vacations: Burlington, Vermont (#4), Bridgeport, Connecticut (#5), and Boston, Massachusetts (#9) are three of the most expensive cities for a trip.

‘”Canna-cations’ in eastern states like Connecticut, Vermont, and Massachusetts can be much pricier… as the infrastructure for using, purchasing, and producing cannabis is far less established in these areas,” Miller stated.

Here are the key findings:

• The most cost-efficient destinations for a cannabis vacation are Oakland, California. and Spokane, Washington, where a tourist can enjoy a four-day “canna-cation” for $1,068 and $1,135, respectively. Vacations in both cities are over 22% cheaper than the national average cost of $1,262.
  
  
• The best city for a cannabis vacation overall is Denver, home to 19 guided cannabis bus tours and 64 licensed dispensaries for every 100,000 people.
  
  
• The cost of a cannabis vacation is noticeably cheaper in western states like Colorado, California, and Washington where adult, recreational weed usage has been legal for 6 to 10 years.
  
  
• An ounce of weed is most expensive in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Illinois, and Vermont. In D.C., an ounce of high-quality dope costs $590.50 –– almost twice the national average cost of $294.68.

This thorough study also features easy-to-read graphics on weed prices in legal states; the best U.S. cities for cannabis tourists and the true cost of a cannabis vacation by city.

Upgraded Points offers seasoned, occasional and beginner travelers continually updated news and pointers. Travel guides share expertise from packing tips and travel insurance to current Visa and Covid requirements. Hotel guides detail how to accrue points and the best loyalty programs. Business travelers will find a list of business credit cards to choose from, credit card reviews and tips on how to apply and maximize rewards. A virtual encyclopedia under the Air Travel menu offers information on documents needed for children to fly, TSA Precheck need-to-know, how to earn points or cancel a flight, among other topics.

“We love hearing from readers who were able to take fantastic adventures or experience great products they wouldn’t have otherwise managed, had it not been for the content we share,” Alex Miller said.

(This information is primarily sourced from Upgraded Points LLC.  Highly Capitalized has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Read our Disclaimer here).