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High on Travel - Destinations Embracing Cannabis Tourism
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in travel trends as cannabis tourism emerges as a growing industry. As more countries in Africa legalize the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes, new travel opportunities are emerging for cannabis enthusiasts. This article explores several destinations in Africa that have embraced cannabis tourism, offering unique experiences and a chance to immerse oneself in the world of marijuana.
South Africa:
In South Africa, the private use and cultivation of cannabis were decriminalized by a ruling of the Constitutional Court in 2018. This means that adults are allowed to possess and use cannabis in private spaces. There are tour operators offering cannabis-focused experiences.
These tours include visiting cannabis dispensaries, learning about cultivation techniques, and exploring the local culture and history surrounding cannabis. The personal possession and private use of cannabis has been decriminalised in the country, and it seems as if government is increasingly looking towards capitalising on the potential economic benefits of the plant. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the matter in February last year, stating that the cannabis industry had a potential annual value of R28bn (€1.6bn), and would alleviate unemployment by creating 130 000 jobs.
Lesotho:
Lesotho became the first African country to legalize the cultivation and production of cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes in 2017. This country has attracted interest from investors and entrepreneurs. While precise details on cannabis tours may be limited, it is possible to find companies offering educational visits to cannabis farms and production facilities.
Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe legalized the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes in 2018. The country has established a regulatory framework and a licensing system for cannabis cultivation and production.
Malawi:
In 2020, Malawi passed a law to legalize the cultivation, processing, and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. The law allows licensed entities to cultivate, produce, store, and distribute cannabis for medical use.
Zambia:
In 2019, Zambia legalized the production of cannabis for exportation for medicinal purposes. The country allows licensed entities to cultivate, process, and export cannabis products.
The majority of cannabis tourism options in Africa are “bud and breakfast” lodgings, which are essentially locations where visitors can stay and enjoy smoking marijuana. One such place to stay is Treedom Villas and Vardos, which is situated in the Western Cape’s Wilderness National Park. In the Eastern Cape, Purple Haze Eco Lodge welcomes dagga smokers, who can light up on the deck.
From a string of prestigious clubs in Johannesburg and the Cape to ganja-infused horseback riding experiences in Pondoland on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, the cannabis tourism industry appears to be moving forward with enthusiasm with its endeavours. In the Limpopo province, Tzaneen offers high hiking, stoned yoga, and edibles from the mountain brewery. In addition, South Africa is just as well-known as California or Jamaica for their marijuana. It possesses terroir, as it is known in French wine terminology.
Integrity as in the earthy tastes and scents that the grapes’ particular habitat, farming practises, and growing environment bring to the wine.
That being said, cannabis tours are not a wholly novel idea in South Africa. In addition to visiting a Rastafari community in Soweto and learning how to grow and cook cannabis, High Holidaze in Johannesburg offers four- or five-day itineraries that include numerous other activities like visiting the Cradle of Humankind and exploring Vilakazi Street, one of the most famous streets in the world.
As the acceptance and legalization of cannabis continue to expand worldwide, destinations embracing cannabis tourism are becoming more prevalent. These destinations offer unique experiences for cannabis enthusiasts. As more countries explore the potential economic benefits of cannabis tourism, we can expect to see an increasing number of destinations catering to this growing niche. It’s an exciting time for cannabis enthusiasts looking to combine their love for travel with their passion for marijuana.
