I had already decided on the topic for my blog this week when I saw Allie Menzione’s article in this week’s eFlyer USA newsletter on cannabis tourism. As a resident of the great state of Oregon, where both medical and recreational marijuana use have been legalized, I’ve seen all aspects of the industry permeate daily life and conversation. Our local paper, the Medford Mail Tribune, serving a mostly conservative readership, recently published the first edition of what is to be a bi-monthly periodical, Southern Oregon Good Herb, examining all things weed. Including articles on everything from growing your own and cooking with cannabis to local entrepreneurs and “bud and breakfast” getaways, the publication drew ire from some subscribers when they found it included in their morning paper. The publishers pointed out that no matter where one stood on the issue of legalized marijuana, it is here and proving to be an influential player in the region’s economics. Best to be well-informed, they say.

Long before legalization became reality, Southern Oregon and Northern California were known for the quality and quantity of the marijuana grown here, so we find the interest and activity in the product magnified. Grows are easy to spot from roads and freeways, screened behind six-foot cedar fences or large greenhouses, and the skunky smell is unmistakable and unavoidable late summer into fall. Billboards advertising dispensaries sprouted as lushly as the plants, and seminars and expositions targeting growers, suppliers, investors, marketers and shop owners regularly draw large audiences eager to learn as much as possible about maximizing their profits.

Here in Oregon, long a draw for outdoor enthusiasts as well as foodies and wine and beer lovers, the concept of cross-marketing to pot tourists appears to be enthusiastically embraced. Kush Tourism‘s website lists tours and pot-friendly accommodations around the state as well as a list of dispensaries. Pot Guide.com lists a few tours in addition to marijuana social clubs and lounges, dispensaries, activities and events. Oregon Weed Tours offers tours with a grow site, city, medical or great outdoors focus which include visits to dispensaries. Multiday bespoke tours with cannabis-friendly stays are offered as well. In Portland travel by the Cannabus party bus or limo. And last spring the first cannabis-friendly campground opened here in Southern Oregon. Smoke on the Water on Lake Selmac allows guests to enjoy a little weed while providing access to fishing and various watercraft, with a general store offering munchies and camping equipment.

Oregon law permits out-of-state visitors to imbibe if they are 21 or older and have valid ID. Keep in mind it is illegal for visitors to take in-state purchases beyond the border.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor