5 great U.S. road trips for Weed Lovers

Legal cannabis states offer plenty of options, from desserts to forests, for the adventurous at heart

Road trips are back in fashion in a big way, with the pandemic catapulting them back into popularity so much so that vans and other road trip vehicles were snatched up and rented in record time. Current gas prices and uncertain economic times, however, may have some people in the U.S. are staying close to home. Still, if a person happens to be a cannabis lover getting a bit stir crazy while waiting for prices at the pump to return to normal, there are some great road trips in states where marijuana is legal that are worth investing in and investigating. Some might require saving, while others are more approachable if timed right.

Here are five unforgettable road trips that are worth saving up for if someone loves both the open road and recreational marijuana.

This is, in many ways, the Mecca of weed road trips. It is best to start in San Francisco, as it is easier to load up on essentials and rent a car in the city rather than the wilderness. San Francisco is the first place to ever have a medical marijuana dispensary in the U.S., at The San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, opened by Dennis Peron. Enjoy the slow pace of Route 1 along the coast, and soak up the natural beauty. Eventually drivers will arrive in the Emerald Triangle’s most famous area, Humboldt County. Humboldt is known for cultivating some of the best marijuana in the world, and its small towns have all sorts of cannabis-themed activities. This area is also home to some of the largest trees in the world. Avenue of The Giants is perhaps the most breathtaking wooded drive a person may take in his or her life. Visitors don’t even need any weed to marvel at the wonder of the ancient giant Redwoods throughout Humboldt county. Shelter Cove and Trinidad are two fantastic Humboldt coastal towns worth one’s time before beginning the return towards the Golden Gate. It is important to note that while this is certainly a must-do for any true marijuana and road trip lover, it is also a bit pricey. California gas, hotel and car rental prices are some of the highest in the entire U.S., so this might be a trip to save up for.

Arizona to New Mexico

Arizona and New Mexico have some of the most beautiful and iconic desert scenery in the U.S. To top it off, both states have legalized recreational cannabis, which makes an Arizona to New Mexico road trip more enticing than ever. Remember that although weed is legal in both states, a person cannot bring one state’s weed into the other. Traveler should make it easy on themselves and finish any Arizona supply before heading to New Mexico. Even though, according to National Park Service policy, marijuana is illegal in National Parks, make sure to find a way to legally visit the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest in Arizona. That said, the most famous desert drive is through Monument Valley in Northern Arizona. From Monument Valley, visitors can make their way to the culturally rich and delicious city of Santa Fe, which boasts a good variety of cannabis dispensaries, and makes it a great place to sleep and safely sample some of New Mexico’s finest herb. There is a plethora of ornate towns, from Wild West themed ghost towns to iconic UFO sighting locations like Roswell. There is a rich history for visitors to learn along this dusty trail, and also some great one-of-a-kind shopping. Try and plan this trip for early fall, as this is when temperatures (and prices) drop and make this a very affordable road trip option.

An Alaskan adventure

A road trip in Alaska is the ultimate trip for those who love wilderness, cannabis and lots of driving. Alaska is a vast state, but a road trip through this untouched natural playground can be highly rewarding. Gas is not the cheapest in Alaska (indeed, it is the third highest, just behind Hawaii and California, according to U.S. News), but the state does make it easy, and often free, to sleep in one’s car. Travelers can even camp for free on the side of the road, which is something one will see more often than one would think while exploring the state. This is also a great option for those who have summers off, but aren’t a big fan of 100-degree days at the beach. Alaska has pleasant, but cool, summer weather, and up to 20 hours of daylight for much of the season.

For those who want a taste of the Emerald Triangle, but perhaps on a tighter budget, consider a road trip from Oregon to Seattle. The Emerald Triangle stretches into Oregon, allowing travelers to sample the same ideal cannabis conditions, but at a fraction of the price. In fact, according to salary.com, living costs are 19.9 per cent higher in Los Angeles than in Portland, Ore.’s largest city. While a person may pay 20 per cent less, visitors will still get all sorts of breathtaking beauty. From lush old-growth forests to quaint seaside towns along cliffs, an Oregon Coast road trip is nothing short of breathtaking. Sure, Oregon’s gas prices are still the fifth highest in the nation, but this trip won’t break the bank nearly as much as a California coast trip.

Reno to Las Vegas

If a person loves cannabis, but is on a budget, as well as wants to see nature, but also loves a party, look no further than a road trip from Reno to Las Vegas. Both Nevada cities are known for gambling and nightlife, but now they also have legal cannabis. Since Reno and Las Vegas have successful casinos, it is often easy to find very reasonable hotel room rates, which can help cut down on costs. Lake Tahoe is a great stop to enjoy a bit of nature and tranquility between these two high-energy destinations. Once arriving in Las Vegas, however, visitors might be able to be among the first cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy a weed lounge since Nevada passed legislation to allow these spots in the state. This means that at the end of a day of driving, a person can feel free to mix and mingle with a joint in a modern, Vegas-style lounge environment. Not a bad way to end a day on the road.