How to Enjoy Weed Safely when Traveling Abroad
In 2022, Forbes estimated that the total size of the cannabis tourism industry was as large as $17 billion – and chances are that it has only grown since then. Every time a new nation, city or state legalizes adult cannabis use, people flock there to consume their favorite herb while taking in the local sights.
Cannabis tourism, however, has its dangers. For one thing, it’s vitally important to understand the law. If you hear people say things like “no one will give you a problem” or “people do this all the time,” it’s not the same as full legality, and it’s not a ticket to light up. You need to know what you’re allowed to do – and where you’re allowed to do it – before you go.
You also need to be cognizant of the fact that cannabis tourism has more than its fair share of swindlers and scammers. If you talk to anyone who has spent a good amount of time in Jamaica, for instance, you’ll hear stories of people who bought weed from locals and were promptly arrested. Regardless of the impression that you might get from listening to reggae music, weed is illegal in Jamaica. It’s also illegal in plenty of other places where popular culture might suggest otherwise – and being a tourist can make you a target.
If you want to dip your toes into the world of cannabis tourism, by all means – pick your destination and enjoy. You need to be certain that you’re choosing the right destination, though, and you also need to make sure that you smoke safely when you get there. In this guide, we’re going to help you do both of those things.
Here’s how to enjoy weed safely when you travel.
Bring Your Own Equipment
These days, vaping is arguably the most popular way to consume cannabis. Oil- and wax-based concentrates are extremely potent, easy to use and readily available wherever cannabis is legal. In popular cannabis tourism destinations, though, you’re likely to get overcharged when you try to buy a vaping device – so bring your own equipment instead. Rokin Vapes has a large selection of 510-threaded batteries that work with virtually any vape cartridge, and you’re free to bring your vape battery on the plane as long as it’s turned off and packed safely in your carry-on bag.
Bringing your supply is a real no-no, though, and we’ll discuss that next.
Don’t Bring Your Supply with You and Don’t Try to Bring Leftovers Home
If you want to enjoy weed abroad, the most important thing to know is that you don’t want to bring your supply with you. Remember that even if cannabis products are legal in your home state, they’re not legal federally – and federal laws will supersede local laws when you travel. Security agents don’t specifically search luggage for substances, but they are required to report any illegal drugs that they find during routine screening. While you travel, there’s also a possibility of a layover in a country that’s not cannabis friendly – and that’s a completely different set of problems.
If you want to enjoy cannabis safely when you travel, you should plan to buy your supply at your destination and use it while you’re there. Don’t bring any weed on the plane either to or from your destination.
Make Sure You Know the Cannabis Laws in Your Destination Country
If you want to indulge in cannabis tourism, the first rule is that you need to know the law. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, there’s a big difference between phrases like “everybody does it here” and cannabis actually being fully legal for adult use. Some of the countries where weed is legal include Canada, Germany and Uruguay. Even where cannabis is fully legal to possess, though, there may not be a program in place for licensed sales.
There are also places where weed is partially or fully decriminalized. Once again, though, that’s not the same thing as full legality – and as a tourist, you’re going to have a target on your back. You need to be careful.
Buy Cannabis from a Seller That’s Legal and Regulated
When you buy cannabis abroad, you need to be as certain as possible that you’re getting a clean and safe product. You don’t want to buy something that’s laced with other drugs, and that’s exactly the kind of thing that can happen when you buy from a street dealer. Obviously, you’ll pay more when you buy from a licensed dispensary, but you’re already paying a lot of money to travel. You really can’t put a price tag on your safety.
Consume Your Cannabis in a Safe Place
The last thing that you need to consider as a cannabis tourist is where you’re going to consume your weed. Cannabis might be decriminalized in Amsterdam, for instance, but public consumption was made illegal in 2023 – so if you’re expecting to drop into a coffee shop and light up, you’re going to be very disappointed. In places where public consumption is legal, a quick Google search for 420-friendly bars and clubs will help you get started. If public consumption isn’t allowed where you’re traveling, you might want to consider staying at a 420-friendly hotel or hostel on private land.
Wherever you decide to consume your weed, doing so legally is only one part of the equation. The other part is making sure that you’re safe. Ideally, you want to consider traveling with a group of friends. That way, you’re safer because everyone in the group is looking out for everyone else. It’s also worthwhile to consider appointing one person each night who will stay sober and keep an eye on everyone else – sort of like a designated driver. In return, everyone else in the group can pitch in and buy that person’s food, drinks and weed the next evening.
There are plenty of good reasons why cannabis tourism is big and getting bigger by the year. It’s fun, it’s relatively safe and it’s a great excuse to get out and see the world. If you want to enjoy your own “Passage to Bangkok,” though, you need to do so safely and legally. All it takes is a little research and a good amount of common sense.
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