Category: Cannabis Info

When Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, it sparked a major tourism boom – and a domestic industry now worth $1 billion.

But now, the government is “harshing that buzz”, said Time magazine.

High hopes for headache relief.

A landmark new study suggests that inhaling a precise blend of CBD and THC can provide fast, meaningful relief from migraines.

The research — presented at the American Headache Society (AHS) Annual Meeting 2025 — is the first of its kind.

“This is the first placebo-controlled study in this space,” Dr. Nathaniel M. Schuster, a pain and headache neurologist and associate professor of anesthesiology at the UC San Diego (UCSD) Health Center for Pain Medicine, told Medscape Medical News.

“It’s the first real — to me — compelling evidence for the antimigraine effects of cannabis in humans.”

Scientists provided 92 patients — mostly women, with an average age of 41 — a treatment of 6% THC, 11% CBD, a combination of 6% THC and 11% CBD or a placebo.

Roughly 67.2% in the THC/CBD group reported pain relief at 2 hours, compared to 46.6% in the placebo group.

And approximately 34.5% of patients in the THC/CBD group achieved “pain freedom” within that timeframe, compared to 15.5% in the placebo group.

Patients also reported sustained pain relief up to 24 hours and most bothersome symptom freedom lasted through 48 hours.

Best of all: there were no serious side effects, although people in the THC-only group definitely got a little more high.

“It’s known that CBD is a noncompetitive, negative allosteric modulator of the CB-1 [cannabinoid receptor 1] receptor that decreases the psychoactive side effects of the THC,” Schuster said.

It’s a big win for weed but, before you get rolling, Schuster noted that the patients received very controlled doses.

“A lot of neurologists, myself included, suspect that there could be medication overuse headache with [using] cannabinoids frequently,” he said.

“When I counsel patients now, I say, ‘Look, we were only studying infrequent — four times over the course of a year — administration.’”

He encouraged patients to limit the treatment to under 10 times per month and to “optimally be using it really for those migraines that would not respond to standard-of-care therapy.”

Weed has skyrocketed in popularity since 38 states and DC have legalized it for medical use. Of those, 24 states and DC have also cleared the way for adults 21 and over to use it recreationally.

Research suggests that marijuana has the potential to ease chronic pain and reduce muscle spasms and stiffness linked to MS.

Cannabis products have also been shown to boost appetite in HIV/AIDS and cancer patients, and combat chemo-related nausea.

Other potential benefits include easing stress, alleviating PTSD symptoms and aiding sleep in some people.

However, mounting evidence does suggest it can pose risks to your heart, with one recent study showing marijuana has as much of a negative impact on cardiovascular health as tobacco — even if you don’t smoke.

Another recent study suggests that cannabis use raises the risk of heart attack and stroke more than cocaine, while other research claims it’s sending older people to the hospital.

Shockingly, scientists have also found that people with cannabis use disorder — that is, using weed enough that it causes problems and impairs your life — have altered dopamine activity in the brain that closely resembles patterns observed in psychosis.

“The biggest problem is that ever since it was made a Schedule 1 narcotic [in 1970], it has made it very difficult to do really well-devised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies,” Dr. Ken Weinberg, chief medical officer of Cannabis Doctors of New York, previously told The Post.

“I don’t think there’s enough data.”

Key Takeaways; Cannabis Sector

• Aurora Cannabis received EU-GMP certification for its Brampton distribution facility
• High Tide secured $30 million boost from Cronos to accelerate retail expansion
• Simply Solventless ramped up capacity and strengthened balance sheet in a strategic push for growth

Key Takeaways; Psychedelic Sector

• Clearmind expanded clinical trial for psychedelic-based alcohol use disorder treatment
• Cybin secured UK approval to launch EMBRACE study in pivotal phase 3 depression program
• Enveric’s EB-003 showed promising preclinical results in PTSD treatment model, matching effects of MDMA

Below is a weekly roundup of what happened this week in the cannabis and psychedelic sectors. In this ever-evolving landscape, we explore the major developments and groundbreaking initiatives happening among companies operating in these industries; from advancements in medical research, therapeutic applications to shifts in legal frameworks and current market trends.

Top Marijuana Companies for the Week

#1: Aurora Cannabis

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), one of the Canadian-based global leader in medical cannabis, announced that its dedicated distribution center in Brampton, Ontario, had received European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) certification, marking a significant expansion of its international operations and regulatory credentials.

The Brampton facility became Aurora’s fourth EU-GMP-certified site, joining a network of manufacturing operations in both Canada and Europe that already meet stringent EU quality standards. According to the company, this certification positions Aurora as a major force in the international medical cannabis market, particularly in Europe, where demand for regulated cannabis products continues to surge.

“This certification is a critical validation of our differentiated approach to operating as a global medical cannabis company,” said Jill Lau, Vice President of Canadian Operations at Aurora. “By adding certification for our distribution centre, we are now uniquely positioned to ensure patients worldwide have consistent access to superior quality medical cannabis from the largest Canadian exporter.”

The EU-GMP certification, which is granted under the EudraLex “Rules Governing Medicinal Products in the European Union,” is recognized globally as a gold standard for pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing. It ensures that cannabis production facilities meet rigorous criteria for quality, consistency, safety, and compliance, all of which are mandatory for exporting medical cannabis into the European Union.

With this backdrop, Aurora doubled down on international expansion. Earlier this year, the company launched its first German-cultivated cannabis products, which are grown at its EU-GMP-certified Leuna facility in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. This site is one of only three licensed cannabis production facilities in the country and produces approximately 1,000 kg of medical cannabis annually.

Aurora’s operations now span Canada, Germany, the UK, Poland, and Australia, enabling the company to serve a broad array of markets with consistent, EU-compliant medical cannabis products. Its brand portfolio includes both domestic names: MedReleaf, CanniMed, Whistler Medical Marijuana Co., and Aurora; and international labels like Pedanios, IndiMed, and CraftPlant.

#2: High Tide

High Tide Inc. (NASDAQ: HITI) (TSXV: HITI), Canada’s largest non-franchised cannabis retailer, closed a $30 million convertible debt financing deal with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON), bolstering its ambitions to rapidly expand its store network and grow organically through strategic acquisitions.

The financing, which was announced on July 16, gave High Tide working capital at a critical time, as the company aims to scale its footprint beyond its current 300 locations nationwide.

“Given our strong and proven business model, it’s incredibly validating to receive a second vote of confidence in the form of an investment from a major licensed producer in recent months,” said Raj Grover, Founder and CEO of High Tide. “This investment is not just capital—it’s a clear endorsement of the value we add to the legal cannabis ecosystem.”

Grover emphasized that the funds would be used strictly for growth, both domestic and international. “We’re poised to accelerate our expansion in Canada and abroad,” he added. “This is about scaling our impact, helping drive down the illicit market, and reinforcing Canada’s regulated framework.”

The agreement included a Junior Secured Loan with a five-year term, bearing interest at 4% per annum. It is secured by a third-priority lien on certain High Tide assets. According to the terms, Cronos can, with High Tide’s consent, convert the loan into common shares at a price of $4.20 per share, excluding the original issuance discount.

In addition, Cronos received a warrant to purchase up to 3.8 million common shares at $3.91 per share, a 25% premium to High Tide’s 30-day volume weighted average price prior to the announcement. The warrant is exercisable over five years, providing Cronos with a long-term upside if High Tide’s growth trajectory continues.

Mike Gorenstein, Chairman, President, and CEO of Cronos Group, framed the investment as a strategic show of support for a more equitable and competitive cannabis industry.

“Our investment was driven by the belief that a competitive and equitable retail environment benefits the entire industry—producers, retailers, and adult consumers,” said Gorenstein. “We remain fully committed to working with and supporting all our retail partners.”

#3: Simply Solventless

Simply Solventless Concentrates (OTCPK: SSLCF) (TSXV: HASH) (“SSC”), a company known for its solventless cannabis products, launched a major retrofit of its Humble Grow Co. facility in Winnipeg, which was formerly operated by Delta 9 Cannabis. The move marked a pivotal milestone in the company’s aggressive growth strategy and followed the successful closing of repayment and amendments to promissory notes associated with its acquisition of pre-roll manufacturer ANC Inc.

The retrofit is set to nearly double SSC’s cannabis production capacity from 8,000 kilograms annually to 14,000 kilograms. With this scale-up, the company anticipates boosting annual revenue from approximately $6 million to $18 million, assuming current market prices remain steady. Harvests from the upgraded facility are projected to begin by late 2025 or early 2026.

“We have been keen to proceed with the retrofit since we acquired Humble,” said Jeff Swainson, President and CEO of SSC. “We are now in the position to allocate cash flow from operations to the retrofit. We look forward to reaping the rewards of this material increase in production in an environment with balancing supply and demand dynamics.”

The $2.5 million retrofit will be financed through a blend of equipment financing and SSC’s operating cash flow.

Humble Grow Co., which SSC acquired earlier this year, has already proven to be a valuable asset. In Q2 2025, the facility generated $2.4 million in revenue. SSC attributed this performance to a skilled cultivation team, seamless integration, and effective cost-cutting measures.

In tandem with the Humble retrofit, SSC also announced it had finalized the repayment and amendment of up to $7.15 million in non-interest-bearing promissory notes originally issued to the prior shareholders of ANC Inc., a pre-roll cannabis company, which was acquired by SSC in late 2024.

The repayment structure consisted of several components. Approximately $3.4 million of the outstanding notes were settled through the issuance of 6,875,000 common shares of SSC at a price of $0.50 per share. An additional $0.5 million of the notes was fully discharged. Of the remaining balance, $1 million will be repaid in cash by June 3, 2026, while $2.2 million will be repaid through weekly installments averaging $21,370.19 over a two-year period.

“We would like to thank ANC’s prior shareholders for their belief in SSC as demonstrated by their desire to have approximately $3.4 million of their notes repaid in SSC shares at $0.50/share,” Swainson noted. “This arrangement significantly improves SSC’s balance sheet while reducing cash flow obligations, providing a strong foundation for future growth and the execution of our impactful business plan.”

Top Psychedelic Companies for Week

#1: Clearmind

Clearmind Medicine Inc. (NASDAQ: CMND) announced a significant milestone in its ongoing clinical development program, expanding its Phase I/IIa clinical trial for CMND-100, a proprietary oral treatment targeting Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The latest development included the activation of a new clinical site at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the enrollment of the first participant at that location.

The trial, which is already underway at Yale School of Medicine, aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of CMND-100, a treatment based on the novel compound MEAI. Researchers will also assess early indicators of the drug’s efficacy in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption.

“Each new clinical site we activate and each new participant we enroll brings us one step closer to validating CMND-100’s potential to redefine the treatment landscape for AUD,” said Dr. Adi Zuloff-Shani, CEO of Clearmind Medicine. “This expansion reflects both the scientific community’s interest in our approach and our commitment to accelerating progress for patients in need of better solutions.”

The multinational, multicenter study involves both single and multiple-dose phases, with the goal of establishing the safest and most effective dosing regimen. According to the company, the growing clinical network and increased enrollment signal rising interest in the potential of CMND-100 as a groundbreaking therapy for a widely under-treated condition.

#2: Cybin

Cybin Inc. (NYSE: CYBN) (Cboe CA: CYBN) received regulatory approval from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to initiate EMBRACE, the second pivotal Phase 3 study in its multinational PARADIGM program evaluating CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocin analog, for the adjunctive treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

“MHRA approval to initiate the EMBRACE component of our PARADIGM program in the UK marks an important step forward as we advance our lead program, CYB003, through the regulatory process,” said Doug Drysdale, Cybin CEO. “The Agency’s decision serves as strong validation of both the quality of our data and the urgent need to develop new and effective therapeutics to treat depression.”

The EMBRACE study will enroll 330 participants diagnosed with moderate to severe MDD who are already on a stable dose of antidepressant medication but have shown inadequate response. Patients will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive CYB003 at 16 mg, 8 mg, or a placebo, with two doses administered three weeks apart. The primary endpoint is the change in depressive symptoms measured by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) six weeks after the first dose.

Part of the larger PARADIGM™ program, EMBRACE joins APPROACH, the first Phase 3 study currently dosing participants, and EXTEND, a long-term follow-up trial. Across these three studies, Cybin plans to enroll approximately 550 patients at around 60 clinical sites in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to CYB003, highlighting the potential of this novel therapy to address the limitations of existing treatments for MDD. According to Drysdale, “With expected enrollment of 330 participants, the EMBRACE study aims to generate critical late-stage data that, ultimately, may lead to transforming the standard of care for patients in need.”

Cybin, a late-stage neuropsychiatry company, continues to lead the charge in developing next-generation psychedelic-based therapeutics. Alongside CYB003, it is also progressing CYB004, a proprietary deuterated DMT compound, in a Phase 2 trial for generalized anxiety disorder.

#3: Enveric Biosciences

Enveric Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENVB) announced encouraging preclinical data for EB-003, its lead neuroplastogenic drug candidate for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), marking a potential breakthrough in psychiatric treatment. In a well-established rodent model of PTSD, a single oral dose of EB-003 significantly reduced trauma-induced freezing behavior, indicating a rapid therapeutic effect and successful extinction of fear memory.

The study used fear-conditioned mice exposed to context-based traumatic memory, a Pavlovian association model commonly used to simulate PTSD-like symptoms. Mice treated with EB-003 exhibited a statistically significant reduction in freezing behavior one-hour post-dose, a result that closely mirrored the effects of MDMA, a psychedelic compound known to alleviate PTSD symptoms in clinical studies, though it remains unapproved by the FDA.

“Only 20% to 30% of PTSD patients achieve full remission with currently approved treatments like SSRIs, which also require weeks to take effect,” said Dr. Joseph Tucker, CEO of Enveric. “There is an urgent and growing need for more effective, faster-acting therapies. We are very encouraged that a single dose of EB-003 facilitated rapid fear extinction in this model.”

Dr. Tucker noted that impaired hippocampal neuroplasticity has been implicated in the development and persistence of PTSD, and that EB-003, which is a non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen, could offer a safer, faster-acting alternative to existing treatments by enhancing neural rewiring without psychedelic effects.

The promising data position EB-003 as a potential first-in-class treatment for PTSD, with Enveric planning further development and clinical advancement. The study was conducted by a third-party laboratory and added momentum to the company’s goal of revolutionizing treatment options for psychiatric and neurological conditions.

As cannabis use expands across the United States, there have been increasing reports of a phenomenon called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).

While CHS is actually a relatively rare condition, occurring in about 3% of chronic cannabis users, its symptoms can be severe, causing intractable nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, sometimes leading to more severe consequences (1)..

I have been a registered medical cannabis practitioner for over 10 years and have treated nearly 1500 patients. And yet, in all that time, I have only had two confirmed patients with it.

However, many years ago, while still working full-time as an emergency medicine physician, long before CHS had been recognized as a clinical entity (it was first described in the literature in 2004), my colleagues and I had frequent encounters with a patient who clearly was suffering from it. We were working in a busy suburban New Jersey hospital when this patient would come in. He was a young man in his mid-20s, casually dressed and very pleasant. He was troubling and unusual, though, in that each time he suddenly appeared in the ER, he would plant himself in the middle of its chaotic main treatment area, in front of the nursing station, and begin to retch. As his occasional bits of vomitus splashed on the floor in front of us, it was hard to be sure if he was vomiting uncontrollably or being theatrical. The retching would happen not just once or twice but multiple times, and his actions were sometimes enhanced by sticking his finger down his throat.

All of us were seasoned ER professionals, accustomed to dealing with a wide range of bizarre phenomena, but this man presented a unique challenge. He wouldn’t say much and wasn’t thrilled by our attempts to put in an IV, or otherwise unsuccessfully stop his throwing up. Apart from admitting to fairly heavy marijuana use, he would leave not long after he showed up, signing himself out against medical advice.

His visits left us all befuddled, the subject of frequent clinical conversation, but with no real idea of what was causing his symptoms.

It was only years later that any of us recognized that he had CHS. The fact that the only real history he ever shared was about his heavy use of cannabis should have tipped us off, I suppose. But I honestly don’t think many in the world of ER medicine were tuned into this phenomenon in those days, and what was understood then was that cannabis was good for preventing nausea and vomiting, not the exact opposite.

Now, my fellow cannabis practitioners (and some others) recognize CHS when it presents, and we’ve learned that the only way to avoid it once it develops is total abstinence from that point on.

As a physician in practice for 40-plus years, I am troubled to recognize that despite its many potential benefits, especially in cases where nothing else has worked, there doesn’t seem to be a way to return to using medical cannabis when CHS develops.

Some time after I began as a medical cannabis practitioner, I was alerted by a patient that she’d suddenly developed this condition. She was an elderly woman who, after several years of successfully using cannabis, wound up in the ICU with kidney failure. And while she did regain kidney function again, it was truly unfortunate because up till that point, cannabis had been the only thing that gave her relief from her debilitating and crippling arthritis, gastrointestinal pain, and insomnia. After her hospitalization, she had to stop her cannabis use and revert to the NSAIDs and opioids she’d been using prior to her several years of successful medical cannabis treatment.

For my second patient, the situation was quite different. He’d been using his cannabis for severe chronic pain for several years (after having difficulty with opioids). When he alerted me that he had CHS, he also told me he was willing to put up with these attacks and had developed a routine to deal with the persistent vomiting, because medical cannabis remained otherwise so helpful in alleviating his musculoskeletal pain.

Why might it be that a substance that works so well to mitigate nausea and vomiting in so many clinical situations can have the opposite effect in a small group of patients?

For one thing, it is known that cannabis has a biphasic effect on nausea and vomiting, with low doses preventing nausea and high doses causing it.

We also know that the site of action of cannabis in our bodies includes receptors found in the nervous system and the gut. (2) It’s hypothesized that the activation of those receptors in the GI tract leads to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, decreased GI motility, and gastric emptying, precipitating hyperemesis. (3) Another hypothesis is that stimulation of the cannabis receptors in the blood vessels in the gut causes them to become congested, engorged, which manifests with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

And, while there seems to be a genetic predisposition to CHS, with genetic markers indicating susceptibility to it (4), it’s also been shown that high-frequency users, not genetically predisposed, taking multiple grams/day of THC-predominant material, are also at risk of developing this condition.

Among those patients, 15.6% carried diagnoses of cannabis dependency or addiction, and 56.6% experienced withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing their use. Almost 90% of patients improved after cannabis cessation, most suffering recurrence rapidly only after resumption.

Interestingly, patients find that taking hot showers helps their symptoms (it’s known that THC affects thermoregulation). In fact, more and more physicians have learned that when a patient comes in complaining of severe nausea and abdominal pain and states that hot showers help them, there’s a good chance that they are suffering from CHS.

Unfortunately, apart from acute treatment with IV fluids, drugs like Haldol, Olanzapine, and benzodiazepines, or using capsaicin on the skin (along with immediate cessation of further cannabis use), there is no other real treatment.

As we inch toward the federal decriminalization of cannabis, CHS prevalence will continue to rise, in parallel with increasing worldwide cannabis use and potency of products. There is a need for education of the general public and my medical colleagues about recognizing the symptoms and causes of CHS, especially in those with a genetic predisposition. Hopefully, as well, we can combat the trend among growers, producers, and consumers to seek higher and higher doses of THC.

Unfortunately, we never saw that first patient after the entity of CHS and its (limited) treatment options became known to us. I can only hope that perhaps someone saw the connection between his heavy cannabis habit and his debilitating symptoms and helped guide him away from his ongoing use.

The rise of cannabis tourism is redefining what it means to travel for weed. Gone are the days when cannabis enthusiasts simply sought out marijuana-friendly hotels or local dispensaries while on vacation. The new wave of cannabis tourism in 2025 is intentional, experiential, and often spiritual. It’s not just about joints in hotel rooms anymore—it’s about connection, education, and curated wellness. Travelers today are looking to integrate cannabis into their lifestyle in meaningful ways, whether through luxury wellness retreats, immersive educational tours, or community-centered events rooted in mindfulness and authenticity.

This evolution is more than a trend. It’s a reflection of cannabis culture maturing alongside changing laws, consumer expectations, and the broader wellness movement. From the Hudson Valley to Humboldt County, from Jamaica to Barcelona, cannabis tourism is growing into an industry that values experience over excess.

Wellness at the Core: Cannabis as a Mind-Body Catalyst

Today’s cannabis traveler isn’t chasing highs—they’re chasing balance. Wellness retreats featuring cannabis are on the rise, incorporating the plant into everything from yoga flows and sound baths to massages and guided meditations. These curated experiences are designed for travelers who want to reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and explore plant medicine in a grounded, thoughtful way.

Wellness-focused cannabis tourism often uses full-spectrum products like edibles, tinctures, and low-THC flower to enhance the body’s natural rhythms. These experiences can help participants access deeper states of relaxation, creativity, and self-awareness.

In upstate New York, for example, some retreats are pairing locally grown cannabis with forest bathing sessions, organic meals, and discussions about plant-based healing. It’s about recalibrating the mind and body—not just lighting up for the sake of it.

Cannabis Education: Learning While You Light Up

Modern cannabis tourism is educational. Travelers want to understand terpenes, cannabinoids, sustainable cultivation, and product safety. Cannabis connoisseurs and first-time users alike are signing up for farm tours, extraction lab walkthroughs, and terpene tasting experiences.

In places like California, Colorado, and New York, licensed operators are opening their doors to visitors interested in the science behind the flower. These tours offer hands-on learning—like how to roll a joint properly, cook with cannabis, or differentiate between live rosin and distillate. Think of it as the cannabis version of a winery tour: guided, elevated, and built on transparency.

And with platforms like stupidDOPE and a growing number of educational collectives, content-savvy brands are feeding demand for high-quality cannabis education that is accessible, culturally relevant, and experience-driven.

Beyond Dispensaries: Experiences That Stick

While dispensaries remain a key part of any weed traveler’s itinerary, the most memorable cannabis experiences often take place outside the store. Think infused dinner parties, joint-rolling classes, high hiking excursions, art and cannabis workshops, and cannabis pairing dinners with live jazz or sound therapy.

These curated events offer social connection and are often community-based, inviting travelers to engage with locals, growers, and educators. In cities like Portland, Oakland, and Brooklyn, cannabis events blend nightlife and education, offering everything from guided meditations and smoke circles to elevated supper clubs hosted by BIPOC-owned cannabis brands.

The rise of the “conscious consumer” is influencing these experiences. Tourists no longer want to just get high; they want to know who grew their flower, how it was processed, and what it supports. Brands and event producers who prioritize ethics, sustainability, and inclusion are seeing the strongest demand.

Cannabis and Connection: A Return to Ritual

Cannabis has long been used as a communal plant—shared among friends, passed around at concerts, or used in sacred rituals. Today’s cannabis tourism is tapping back into that spirit of connection. Whether it’s an infused cacao ceremony, a moonlit smoke circle, or a cannabis and journaling workshop, modern weed travel is helping people find space to slow down and connect—with themselves and others.

These intentional gatherings offer more than good vibes. They provide a healing container for those dealing with burnout, anxiety, or disconnection in a fast-paced world. And because many of these experiences are hosted by independent operators—artists, healers, educators—they’re often intimate and deeply personal.

This emphasis on human connection is driving loyalty. Many travelers return year after year for the same events or retreats, forging bonds that transcend a single trip. Cannabis tourism, at its best, becomes a touchstone—a ritual that lives beyond the vacation.

Top Destinations Redefining Cannabis Travel

New York: The Culture Capital

New York’s cannabis scene is uniquely experiential. From Harlem-based brands like Silly Nice offering high-potency small-batch products, to wellness pop-ups and gallery events in Brooklyn, the Empire State is leading the cultural charge. Local events often center around education, community reinvestment, and small-batch craft cultivation.

California: The OG Playground

California continues to be the global cannabis epicenter. Wellness retreats in Joshua Tree, farm tours in Humboldt, and infused wine tastings in Napa offer travelers endless ways to immerse themselves in the plant’s many dimensions. Legal access, diverse offerings, and industry infrastructure make it ideal for curated travel.

Jamaica: Spiritual Roots

Cannabis is part of Jamaica’s cultural and spiritual identity. Tourists are now invited to explore that heritage through ganja farm tours, Rastafari retreats, and eco-resorts that offer cannabis in sacred ceremonies. It’s a rich, respectful immersion into cannabis history and healing.

Barcelona: Europe’s Cannabis Club Capital

Spain’s cannabis clubs offer a unique travel experience—legal for members, rooted in community, and often linked to art, music, and culture. Barcelona’s scene is social, relaxed, and ideal for those seeking connection over consumption.

Safety, Regulation, and Responsible Travel

As cannabis tourism grows, safety and compliance are more important than ever. Licensed operators and travel organizers must navigate a patchwork of state, federal, and international laws. Consumers should always verify that experiences are legal and responsible—and that products are tested and clearly labeled.

Tourism boards in legal markets are beginning to embrace cannabis as a driver of economic growth, which means clearer rules, more vetted experiences, and increased training for hospitality professionals. This institutional support is helping normalize cannabis as part of travel, not just a vice to hide in a suitcase.

The Role of Storytelling in the Cannabis Tourism Boom

Narratives are fueling this movement. As brands and creators share authentic stories—about cultivation, culture, and community—cannabis tourism gains trust and traction. Editorial platforms like stupidDOPE.com, backed by syndication on Apple News and Google News, are helping shape public perception by elevating the cultural side of cannabis and amplifying voices often left out of the conversation.

One standout example is Silly Nice, a Harlem-based, Black and Veteran-Owned weed brand using storytelling to build emotional connections with consumers while promoting mindful, curated cannabis use. Their products—from Diamond Powder to Bubble Hash—aren’t just sold; they’re experienced. The same goes for other brands embracing transparency, quality, and purpose-driven marketing in cannabis tourism.

Cannabis Tourism Is Growing—But It’s Growing Up, Too

The future of cannabis travel is less about excess and more about intention. It’s not about chasing highs—it’s about finding balance, learning something new, and forming authentic connections. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to a legal state or a weeklong immersive retreat, cannabis tourism is becoming a lifestyle choice, not just a vacation category.

As more travelers seek meaning over indulgence, brands, tour operators, and destinations that prioritize experience, education, and ethics will lead the next chapter. Cannabis tourism isn’t a fad. It’s a growing frontier—inviting people to explore a different way of being, one curated, conscious session at a time.

At a lakeside resort in Missouri’s Ozarks, a new kind of traveler is greeted not with champagne but with a cannabis-infused mocktail and a curated wellness itinerary. Meanwhile, on the beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand, guests at a boutique hotel book consultations with herbalists who recommend precise doses of infused teas and edibles to complement yoga classes or breathwork sessions.

This isn’t a story about 420-friendly hotels or cannabis dispensary tours. It’s about a shift in hospitality moving beyond novelty into serious business. From the U.S. to South America and Southeast Asia, cannabis-centric resorts are emerging for travelers seeking more than access to legal cannabis. They want environments where plant medicine integrates into thoughtful experiences centered on wellness, education and connection.

Globally, cannabis tourism was estimated to generate more than $17 billion annually in 2022 and could surpass $23 billion by 2030 as legalization expands and consumer preferences evolve.

In Colorado, one of the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis, hotels saw a 25.2% increase in monthly revenue following legalization, according to a study in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research. Researchers found the positive impact on bookings and revenue persisted for more than six years, highlighting cannabis tourism’s role as a sustained force in hospitality economics.

“Most travelers are not coming only for cannabis. They are travelers first, with wellness, curiosity and immersion driving their decisions,” says Laura Hand, board member of the Cannabis Travel Association International. “Cannabis is simply one piece of a much larger personal journey.”

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For industry veterans, the future of cannabis hospitality isn’t about creating new spaces to get high. It’s about environments where people feel safe to unwind, reconnect and explore wellness through plant-based experiences.

“The cannabis traveler today isn’t looking for a party. They’re looking for restoration, connection and enrichment,” says Philip Wolf, founder of Cultivating Spirits and CashoM, platforms focused on cannabis hospitality education and guided experiences.

The Business Of Wellness, Not Weed

For serious operators, cannabis is becoming less about joints and gummies and more about wellness programming, curated experiences and education. This shift reflects broader consumer behavior favoring experiential and purpose-driven travel.

“Destinations that thrive will be those that recognize this and intentionally build a welcoming ecosystem to support it,” says Hand. “Cross-sector collaboration is key.”

This aligns with the rise of the experience economy and growing demand for alcohol alternatives, a market projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2034. Integrated thoughtfully, cannabis tourism complements wellness retreats, culinary experiences and mindfulness-based travel.

Yet the landscape remains fragmented. In the U.S., cannabis remains federally illegal and public consumption laws differ between states. Even in legal markets, public use is often restricted, leaving travelers without clear options.

This creates both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs navigating gray areas. Operators like Lifted Lodging in Missouri and The Beach Samui in Thailand are positioning themselves ahead of the curve by crafting experiences that balance legality, education and luxury.

Thailand’s The Beach Samui: Luxury Wellness Tourism Meets Cannabis

Thailand’s embrace of cannabis had positioned it as Asia’s unexpected frontrunner for wellness-focused cannabis tourism. On the quiet southern coast of Koh Samui, The Beach Samui became one of the country’s pioneers, integrating cannabis thoughtfully into a boutique luxury hospitality experience.

“When we opened in 2015, this wasn’t even a consideration,” says Bryan Lunt, founder of The Beach Samui. “But when legalization became a possibility, we moved quickly. We were among the first to secure a dispensary license and it completely changed the resort’s offering.”

Today, guests at The Beach Samui can visit the Herbalist dispensary for infused chocolates, tinctures and wellness products, or join cannabis cooking classes and yoga sessions. The property blends education, low-dose guidance and a stigma-free environment where plant medicine complements wellness.

The resort’s dedicated Cannabis and Wellness Concierge provides personalized consultations to help guests navigate products, dosages and desired outcomes. “Through a simple conversation, we guide guests to experiences that match their comfort level and wellness goals,” says Lunt. This tailored approach prioritizes guest safety and ensures cannabis use enhances rather than overwhelms the experience.

“There’s a real sense of excitement and contentment from cannabis consumers here because it’s a rare experience,” says Lunt. “Guests enjoy the combination of intentional consumption, mindfulness, and natural beauty.”

Cameron Clarke, CEO of KANHA, partnered with the resort to ensure consistent, high-quality products for guests seeking trustworthy options. “People feel safe trying cannabis in this setting because they know the products are properly dosed, labeled, and supported by a knowledgeable team.”

While The Beach Samui’s model remains operational, recent regulatory changes in Thailand add a layer of complexity for the industry’s future. As of mid-2025, new rules require prescriptions for cannabis purchases, shifting the focus back to medical use and prompting uncertainty for some dispensaries. Still, wellness tourism remains a key driver, and operators like The Beach Samui are adapting within the evolving framework.

“This isn’t just a hospitality model—it’s the foundation for what we believe can become a new category within wellness tourism,” says Lunt.

Lifted Lodging And The Rise Of Regional Cannabis Resorts

In Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, Lifted Lodging is building what it hopes will become the country’s first national chain of cannabis-friendly resorts.

Led by founder Lisa Liberman, Lifted Lodging aims to serve markets east of the Rockies where legal cannabis is outpacing hospitality’s ability to accommodate it.

“The idea for Lifted Lodging arose from a lack of vacation destinations that accommodated cannabis use,” says Liberman, explaining how her experience planning a wedding in Colorado highlighted the scarcity of cannabis-friendly accommodations, particularly in the Midwest.

Scheduled to open its flagship property this fall, Lifted Lodging blends upscale accommodations with wellness-focused programming, education and cannabis-friendly events. Planned activities range from “Cannabis Olympics” to private dining experiences with local chefs.

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For newcomers, the resort partners with local dispensaries to offer education on dosing, product selection and harm reduction practices. “We want all guests, whether experienced or canna-curious, to feel supported, safe and empowered to enjoy cannabis responsibly,” Liberman says. This focus on education is core to Lifted Lodging’s commitment to normalizing cannabis within mainstream hospitality.

Lifted Lodging’s strategy includes its Lifted OG Founding Members Program and partnerships with Foxhole Hospitality and Cooper Creative to support expansion into regions like upstate New York.

Infrastructure Over Novelty: Lessons From Success and Failure

Not every cannabis hospitality experiment has met expectations. In 2023, Las Vegas saw the launch of The Lexi, a hotel marketing itself as cannabis-friendly with select rooms designated for consumption. Within just a few months, The Lexi pivoted away from its cannabis branding. The project served as a reminder that token gestures and partial infrastructure aren’t enough to satisfy modern travelers.

Leaders in cannabis tourism agree that success depends on moving beyond gimmicks. Hand emphasizes destinations poised to lead are those integrating cannabis into existing ecosystems of wellness, hospitality and cultural tourism.

Emerging Destinations: Latin America, Asia And the Caribbean

Across emerging and established markets, cannabis tourism is evolving beyond cliché. Uruguay remains a pioneer, with projects like Larica blending fine dining and education through cannabis-infused experiences and its 420-friendly guesthouse Casa Larica. In Argentina, Los Cauces offers an ecotourism model in Patagonia, combining mountain-grown cannabis with sustainability, research and wellness programming.

In Colombia, Casa María in Bogotá integrates coworking, coliving and cannabis education, offering workshops, medical consultations and cultural programming to destigmatize responsible use.

Jamaica evolves its hospitality models with properties like Hedonism II’s HedoWeedo. Coral Cove offers psilocybin microdosing retreats and cannabis-infused experiences, including its own on-site grow operation and activities like “high snorkeling” at its private reef, expanding plant medicine tourism beyond cannabis alone.

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In Puerto Rico, medical cannabis reciprocity allows mainland U.S. patients access to dispensaries during their stay. Officials are exploring opportunities to integrate medical cannabis tourism into the island’s wellness sectors.

The Road Ahead: Integration, Not Isolation

Wolf sees this shift as essential.

“Cannabis is a tool, not the destination,” he says. “It’s a pathway to intentional living, creativity, mindfulness and connection.”

His companies focus on integrating cannabis into curated experiences like guided tastings and retreats that prioritize enrichment over intoxication.

Whether a luxury resort in Thailand or an eco-retreat in Patagonia, the future of cannabis hospitality belongs to those building experiences that serve both people and place with care.

The future of cannabis tourism won’t be defined by smoke-friendly hotel floors but by those integrating plant medicine into wellness, hospitality and cultural immersion with care and intention. As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Research suggests that using cannabis may alter a person’s epigenetic code.

The research suggested that marijuana use can impact the genetic code responsible for activating and deactivating various genes.

The study highlighted the importance of understanding marijuana’s effects on the body, as it remains one of the most widely used drugs globally. While some effects are well-known, the research indicated a broader impact than previously anticipated.

Most notably, one marker identified in the study is similar to those found in tobacco use, suggesting a closer link between the two substances than previously thought.

Researchers originally aimed to find out how cannabis use affects the epigenetic code, which in turn could reveal potential positive or negative health effects for humans who use the substance. They focused on genes related to aging, typically regulated by the body’s epigenetic code. Understanding these changes could provide insights into aging processes and the body’s “epigenetic age.”

“In our study, we observed associations between cumulative marijuana use and multiple epigenetic markers across time,” said Lifang Hou, who was the senior author of the study. “Interestingly, we consistently identified one marker that has previously been associated with tobacco use, suggesting a potential shared epigenetic regulation between tobacco and marijuana use. The observed marijuana markers were also associated with cell proliferation, infection and psychiatric disorders, however, additional studies are needed to replicate and verify these findings.”

The study involved data from participants who reported their cannabis use over several years. Researchers analyzed blood samples taken five years apart, comparing them based on factors such as continuous and recent cannabis use. The findings revealed several markers associated with both types of use.

Despite these insights, researchers emphasized the need for further studies to fully comprehend the connections and their extent within the epigenetic code.

“This research has provided novel insights into the association between marijuana use and epigenetic factors,” Dr. Drew Nannini said. “Additional studies are needed to determine whether these associations are consistently observed in different populations. Moreover, studies examining the effect of marijuana on age-related health outcomes may provide further insight into the long-term effect of marijuana on health.”

Nonetheless, the research offers new perspectives on the relationship between marijuana use and epigenetic factors.