Embarking on a mind-blowing expedition from the sunny shores of California to the wild landscapes of Nevada, the blazing deserts of Arizona, the enchanting territories of New Mexico, and the majestic peaks of Colorado, I was beyond stoked to explore the world of cannabis in all its glory. As a die-hard cannabis fan, I couldn’t wait to dive into the diverse regulations and vibrant cultures surrounding this magical plant in each state.

California: The Golden State of High Times

My epic journey kicked off in California, where the green wave of recreational cannabis had been rolling since 2018. If you were 21 or older and had a valid ID, you were free to indulge in the cannabis wonderland of licensed dispensaries. From fragrant buds to mouthwatering edibles, potent concentrates, and soothing topicals, California had it all. Finding a mind-blowing dispensary was as easy as pie, ensuring I was fully stocked and ready to hit the road.

Highlights:

  • Los Angeles: The land of dreams and dankness, home to legendary dispensaries like MedMen and The Higher Path.
  • San Francisco: A mecca of cannabis culture and innovation, where spots like Apothecarium and Barbary Coast blew my mind.

Nevada: The Silver State of Cannabis Shenanigans

Next stop, Nevada, where the desert heat mixed with the sweet scent of recreational cannabis since 2017. If you were 21 or older, you could dive into the smorgasbord of cannabis goodies at licensed dispensaries. The rules were a tad stricter than in California, with possession limits of 1 ounce for buds and 3.5 grams for concentrates. But hey, that didn’t stop Nevada from becoming a hotbed of cannabis and entertainment, especially on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

Highlights:

  • Las Vegas: The city of lights, sin, and seriously good weed. Imagine colossal dispensaries like Planet 13, where cannabis dreams come true.
  • Reno: A smaller but equally groovy city, with gems like Reef Dispensaries and Mynt Cannabis ready to blow your mind.

Arizona: The Grand Canyon State of Healing Herb

Crossing into Arizona, I found myself in a cannabis wonderland focused on medicinal magic. While recreational use was a no-go, the state’s robust medicinal program offered relief to patients with qualifying conditions. Over 100 dispensaries dotted the landscape, providing therapeutic cannabis products to those in need. To get in on the action, patients had to show they had a condition like chronic pain, PTSD, or cancer. Arizona’s rules were a bit stricter, but the medicinal program was a lifeline for countless people.

Highlights:

  • Phoenix: Behold the magic of The Mint Dispensary and Curaleaf, where healing meets high times.
  • Tucson: Downtown Dispensary and Botanica brought the good vibes and good buds to this desert city.

New Mexico: The Enchanting Realm of Green Limited Edition

In New Mexico, cannabis regulation took a unique twist, focusing on medicinal use within limits. While medicinal cannabis was legal, the state played hard to get with only a few licensed producers and dispensaries. Patients with qualifying conditions like cancer or epilepsy could get their hands on a medical marijuana card. Adults are legally permitted to purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis and/or up to 16 grams of cannabis extract from licensed retailers. The law also permits adults to cultivate up to six mature plants for their own personal use. The personal use provisions took effect on June 29, 2021.

Highlights:

  • Albuquerque: Get ready for the magic of dispensaries like Everest Apothecary and R. Greenleaf, where the cannabis scene is evolving like a desert mirage.
  • Santa Fe: Sacred Garden and Pecos Valley Production will enchant you with their unique cannabis offerings in this artsy city.

Colorado: The Rocky Mountain High Expedition

Last but not least, I made my way to Colorado, the ultimate cannabis paradise where recreational use had been legalized way back in 2012. Colorado’s cannabis scene was like a mature and refined connoisseur, offering a mind-boggling array of products and even fueling a booming cannabis tourism industry. If you were 21 or older, you could have your pick of the finest buds and concentrates from licensed dispensaries. Just remember the possession limits of 1 ounce for buds and 3.5 grams for concentrates, and you were good to go.

Highlights:

  • Denver: The epicenter of all things cannabis in Colorado, where dispensaries like The Green Solution and Native Roots will blow your mind higher than the Rocky Mountains.
  • Boulder: This progressive city is home to dispensaries like Terrapin Care Station and The Farm, where the cannabis vibes are as chill as a mountain breeze.