The summer of 2021 isn’t over just yet. With travel restrictions easing up and the COVID-19 vaccine making the rounds, now’s the time to shake off the pandemic dust and get some fresh air before the cool Fall wind sets in. And with cannabis becoming more mainstream than ever, why not add a little dank to that fresh air?
If you’re like us, you enjoy cannabis on your summer vacation just as much—if not more—than a cold drink or two. So we did a little research and put together a list of the best cannabis vacations worth checking out this summer, whether you’re traveling within the country, heading abroad, or embracing a staycation in Turner Falls, Massachusetts. Because we could all use a break from Zoom calls and Netflix binging.
Lake Mead National Recreational Area — Boulder City, Nevada
Okay, so you can’t legally consume weed in public in Nevada, including at the Lake Mead National Recreational Area. But that doesn’t mean you can’t partake at your 420-friendly Airbnb before heading over. And trust us, with these mountain views, you’re going to want to be in an elevated headspace to really soak it all in.
The Lake Mead National Recreational Area has areas for biking, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, swimming, and horseback riding. Perfect opportunities to keep a safe distance (COVID is indeed still a real thing) and take advantage of a solid Sativa high from one of the local dispensaries. Again, be sure you have permission to light up on the private property of wherever you’re staying before you head to the lake. It will be worth it!
Puff Puff Pour — Portland, Oregon
Not only does Oregon have outdoor views that can’t be beat, it’s also one of the most 420-friendly states in the country. If you’re headed that way for a summer refresh, be sure to add Puff Puff Pour to your itinerary.
This curated event was on hold during the pandemic, but it recently relaunched and is ready for you to join. Puff Puff Pour offers a unique twist on the idea of pairing food and drink. Instead of combining the flavor profiles of your favorite dish with your favorite beverage, it looks at the flavor profiles of unique cannabis strains and pairs them with specific beverages.
Taking advantage of Oregon’s quality cannabis farmers, the event invites either three farmers to bring one strain each or one farmer to bring three strains. From there, a trained budtender introduces you to the strains via a vaporizer and pairs them with one of the following beverages:
- Microbrew beers
- Wines/ciders
- Small-batch spirits
- Cold brew coffees
- Drinking vinegars
- Kombuchas
- Fruit/vegetable beverages
You’ll have the opportunity to speak to the farmers and learn about the terpenes that were paired together and why. To learn about the next Puff Puff Pour event so you can plan your summer cannabis vacation, contact the organizers here.
Herbal Notes — Chicago, Illinois
This one’s for our canna foodies. Herbal Notes is a Windy City social club that serves cannabis-infused meals. Events usually consist of six courses with an infused beverage and some take-home goodies.
Whether you RSVP for a special event or book a private event specifically for your cannabis vacation, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with their highly talented chefs and staff about the meals, the plant, and the combination of the two. Plus, you’ll get to experience the local cannabis Illinois has to offer through their top-shelf partners.
Be sure to book your cannabis vacation with them early. Their special events sell out quickly, and their calendar stays full.
Cannabis Social Clubs — Barcelona, Spain
Getting to Spain is a little trickier right now with the pandemic still happening, but you can enter Spain from the US with a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal. As of right now, you don’t need to bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test, but that can change, so be sure to check the requirements online before booking any tickets.
While building your cannabis vacation itinerary, be sure to add Barcelona to the list. Cannabis consumption is legal on private property in Spain. Thanks to that law, large cities like Barcelona have a lot of members-only cannabis clubs where you can consume cannabis freely. But don’t fret—it’s easy to become a member of these clubs even if you’re not a Spanish citizen.
Be aware, the clubs can’t advertise or put up signage, so you’ll need to do your research to narrow down where they are. Your best bet will be to talk to locals in the area to find out where a club might be. Once you find one, you’ll have to purchase an annual membership, even if you’re only in town for a few days. Fortunately, memberships are usually only 20-30 euros. Once you’ve secured your membership, you’re free to enjoy your cannabis vacation within the club. And hey, you might even want to check out a couple other clubs while you’re there.
The Berkshires — Massachusetts
For our Turner Falls locals looking for a change of scenery, the Berkshires is an excellent place to enjoy a summer cannabis vacation. Less than two hours away, this gorgeous destination offers areas for camping, water sports, horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Plus, they’re known for their incredible farm-to-table restaurants, which is all the more reason to indulge your cannacuriosity while you’re in the area.
The Berkshires now have plenty of recreational dispensaries open and ready to help you find exactly what you need to make the most of your cannabis vacation. Just remember to light up before you head out for a hike—public cannabis consumption is still illegal in MA.
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation — South Deerfield, Massachusetts
For those planning a cannabis staycation in the Turner Falls, Massachusetts area, make sure Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation is on your list. This park is great for picnics (the facility has grills for public use), hiking, scenic viewing, and mountain biking.
Remember: Public cannabis consumption is illegal in Massachusetts, so enjoy your consumption method of choice on private property before heading to Mount Sugarloaf for the day. We recommend partaking in something long-lasting, like eating an edible or smoking a bowl, so you can revel in your euphoric headspace for a while as you take in the views or hit a hiking trail. And if you’ve got friends or family in town that want to join, you can always reserve the pavilion for the day, but be sure to do so in advance.
If you need some guidance on what’s best for your cannabis staycation to Mount Sugarloaf, swing by 253 Farmacy in Turner Falls. We’re only 20 minutes from South Deerfield, and we’ve got everything you need to absorb the natural beauty that is the State Reservation. From flower to concentrates to edibles, you’ll find exactly what you need for the elevated headspace that outdoor adventures call for. Who knows, you might just make this cannabis staycation a yearly (weekly?) tradition.
And if you’re headed out of town for your cannabis vacation, you can still swing by 253 Farmacy to talk to our budtenders about what to look for when you get to your destination. Summer, here you come!