Cannabis Tourism in America: The Full 2026 Guide

TL;DR: Adult-use cannabis is legal in 24 U.S. states. Below you’ll find each recreational-friendly state with one best place to visit and a convenient hotel pick. Consumption rules vary by city. Plan ahead, be discreet, and never drive high.

Quick Summary

• Cannabis tourism in America covers 24 legal states with adult-use laws.
• Each state list includes a top destination and a hotel in a prime location.
• Public consumption is usually restricted; lounges exist in select cities only.
• Virginia allows possession but retail sales remain limited or pending.
• Focus your trip on culture, food, nature, and art... cannabis is the bonus.

Before You Go

• Know the rules. Public use is often restricted. Look for private spaces or licensed lounges where allowed.
• Book the right stay. Many hotels are smoke-free. Ask about outdoor areas.
• Protect your trip. Use rideshare and give yourself hours between consuming and activities.
• Avoid federal property. National parks and airports follow federal law.
• Buy local, finish local. Don’t cross state lines with products.

All Recreational-Friendly States (2026)

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Best Stops by State

Alaska

Go to: Anchorage for mountain views, breweries, and easy day trips.

Stay at: Hotel Captain Cook, a classic downtown base with restaurants and views.

Arizona

Go to: Phoenix for big-city amenities and day trips to red rock country.

Stay at: Hyatt Regency Phoenix near arenas, museums, and light rail.

California

Go to: San Francisco for lounges, music, and coastal escapes.

Stay at: Fairmont San Francisco atop Nob Hill with cable car access.

Colorado

Go to: Denver for walkable neighborhoods and fast access to the Rockies.

Stay at: The Crawford Hotel inside Union Station, perfect for transit and dining.

Connecticut

Go to: New Haven for arts, pizza culture, and compact neighborhoods.

Stay at: The Study at Yale, steps from museums and cafes.

Delaware

Go to: Rehoboth Beach for boardwalk energy and coastal parks.

Stay at: Boardwalk Plaza Hotel with direct beach access.

Illinois

Go to: Chicago for architecture, river walks, and a top-tier food scene.

Stay at: The Langham, Chicago beside the river and major attractions.

Maine

Go to: Portland for lighthouses, working waterfront, and craft culture.

Stay at: The Press Hotel in the Old Port.

Maryland

Go to: Baltimore for harbor views, quirky neighborhoods, and museums.

Stay at: Sagamore Pendry in Fell’s Point.

Massachusetts

Go to: Boston for history, harbor islands, and neighborhood eats.

Stay at: The Liberty Hotel, a landmark with lively common spaces.

Michigan

Go to: Detroit for murals, live music, and a reborn riverfront.

Stay at: Shinola Hotel, a stylish downtown hub.

Minnesota

Go to: Minneapolis for lakes, bike paths, and modern art.

Stay at: Hewing Hotel in the North Loop.

Missouri

Go to: Kansas City for jazz, BBQ, and an evolving arts district.

Stay at: Crossroads Hotel near galleries and venues.

Montana

Go to: Bozeman for hot springs, hiking, and Yellowstone gateway vibes.

Stay at: The LARK downtown for easy walking access.

Nevada

Go to: Las Vegas for lounges, chef spots, and neon history.

Stay at: The Cosmopolitan on the Strip for dining and shows.

New Jersey

Go to: Jersey City for skyline views and quick transit into Manhattan.

Stay at: Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson.

New Mexico

Go to: Santa Fe for adobe architecture, galleries, and desert sunsets.

Stay at: Inn and Spa at Loretto close to the Plaza.

New York

Go to: New York City for culture overload and emerging lounges.

Stay at: The Standard, High Line with river views and the elevated park next door.

Ohio

Go to: Columbus for indie food halls, murals, and friendly neighborhoods.

Stay at: Hotel LeVeque in a historic art deco tower.

Oregon

Go to: Portland for gardens, carts, and river paths.

Stay at: The Hoxton, Portland in Old Town.

Rhode Island

Go to: Providence for river walks, universities, and creative scenes.

Stay at: Graduate Providence near downtown landmarks.

Vermont

Go to: Burlington for Lake Champlain views and bike-friendly streets.

Stay at: Hotel Vermont, steps from the waterfront.

Virginia

Go to: Richmond for street art, history, and food halls; possession is legal, retail sales are still limited or pending statewide.

Stay at: Quirk Hotel Richmond with a rooftop bar and gallery energy.

Washington

Go to: Seattle for markets, ferries, and skyline viewpoints.

Stay at: Thompson Seattle near the waterfront and Pike Place.

How to Use This List

• Match your vibe. Beach town, ski base, foodie scene, or art crawl.
• Plan your consumption. Know where it’s allowed and consider edibles or vapes for low profile. For more on that, see our beginner's guide to cooking with cannabis.
• Build a balanced itinerary. Anchor days around parks, museums, shows, and neighborhoods so the trip is memorable even if plans shift.
• Check local updates a week before you fly. Lounge and event policies can change quickly.
• Pack light. Bring odor-proof storage and respect house rules; hotel fines are real.
• Be a good guest. Tip, recycle, and keep noise down... your future self will thank you.

FAQ: Fast Facts

Can I smoke in public?

Usually no. Look for private spaces or licensed lounges where allowed.

Can I take products across state lines?

No. Buy what you’ll use and dispose responsibly.

Are hotels cannabis-friendly?

Many are smoke-free. Ask about outdoor areas and always follow property rules.

What about Washington, DC?

DC has adult-use, but it is not a state and retail rules are unique. Treat DC as a separate stop with local guidance.

Final Word

Cannabis tourism works best when it’s culture-first. Plan great food, scenery, and shows, then layer in cannabis responsibly. If you want great, safe, and tested products, explore trusted options and compare carefully before you buy; it’s definately worth the extra effort. To understand more about the ongoing fight for cannabis rights, read our new article, Cannabis Activism: Where We Go From Here.