Cannabis Tourism: How Your Dispensary Can Capitalize on Visitors

Cannabis tourism is on the rise, with travelers seeking new and exciting destinations to explore legal cannabis experiences. In fact, cannabis tourism in the U.S. is projected to become a $17 billion industry by 2025, according to Forbes. For dispensaries, this presents a golden opportunity to attract and delight out-of-town customers while growing your bottom line.

Whether your dispensary is located in a bustling city or a laid-back town, here’s how to tap into the cannabis tourism market and turn visitors into loyal customers.

1. Position Your Dispensary as a Must-Visit Destination

Tourists are looking for unique experiences, not just another store to buy cannabis. Turn your dispensary into a destination they’ll rave about to friends and family.

How to do it:

• Create a standout space: Think Instagrammable interiors, immersive displays, or even a cool outdoor patio. A visually stunning space not only attracts tourists but encourages them to share their visit on social media.

• Offer guided tours: Show off your dispensary’s process, products, and story. Highlight what makes your business unique—whether it’s locally sourced products or sustainable practices.

• Partner with local businesses: Team up with nearby attractions, hotels, or tour operators to make your dispensary part of a larger cannabis tourism experience.

Pro Tip: Host a photo-worthy event, like a cannabis and wellness workshop or a live music night, to draw visitors in.

2. Build a Tourist-Friendly Product Menu

Travelers may be unfamiliar with your products, so make it easy for them to understand what you offer and why they should buy it.

What to include on your menu:

• Portable products: Tourists love convenience. Highlight pre-rolls, vape cartridges, edibles, and other items that are easy to travel with (where legally allowed).

• Tourist packs: Bundle smaller quantities of popular products into sampler packs so visitors can try a bit of everything.

• Locally inspired items: Feature strains or products unique to your region. Bonus points if you give them fun, location-specific names.

66% of tourists want to try something new while traveling, according to Skift. A thoughtfully curated menu can meet that need.

3. Educate and Empower First-Timers

Cannabis tourism brings in a mix of seasoned users and first-timers. For the latter, stepping into a dispensary can be intimidating. Make the experience easy and welcoming by focusing on education.

How to create a learning-friendly environment:

• Train your staff: Ensure budtenders are friendly, approachable, and able to explain products in simple terms.

• Provide clear signage: Use easy-to-read descriptions on shelves and menus to help customers understand THC levels, effects, and usage tips.

• Offer beginner-friendly products: Highlight items with low THC or balanced CBD:THC ratios for those new to cannabis.

Pro Tip: Include a “Cannabis 101” pamphlet with every purchase to guide tourists on safe consumption and local laws.

4. Boost Your Online Presence for Out-of-Towners

Before tourists visit, they research. If your dispensary doesn’t show up in their search results or lacks appealing content, you’re missing out.

What to focus on online:

• SEO for travelers: Optimize your website with keywords like “best dispensary in [your city]” or “cannabis tourism in [your state].”

• Google My Business profile: Keep your location, hours, and reviews up-to-date to ensure tourists can find you easily.

• Social proof: Post testimonials and photos from happy customers, especially tourists. Reviews matter—93% of travelers say online reviews influence their decisions, according to TripAdvisor.

Pro Tip: Create blog posts or guides about cannabis tourism in your area and share them on your website and social media.

5. Cater to the Experience-Seeking Crowd

Tourists are looking for more than just products—they want memorable experiences that connect them to the local cannabis culture.

Experience ideas to try:

• Tasting bars: Let customers sample non-psychoactive products like CBD beverages or terpenes.

• Hands-on workshops: Offer classes on rolling joints, cooking with cannabis, or growing tips.

• Exclusive merchandise: Sell branded gear like hats, T-shirts, or reusable bags that tourists can take home as souvenirs.

Visitors spend $5 for every $1 they spend on cannabis, with the additional dollars going to hotels, food, and activities, according to MJBizDaily. Make sure your dispensary is part of their overall experience.

6. Leverage Local Laws to Your Advantage

Cannabis regulations vary by state and city, but they can also be an opportunity to stand out. For example, if your area allows on-site consumption, create a lounge where tourists can enjoy their purchases.

How to navigate the rules:

• Stay compliant with local laws to avoid penalties.

• Highlight legal differences in your marketing so tourists know what to expect.

• Offer guidance on where and how they can legally consume their purchases.

Pro Tip: If consumption lounges aren’t legal in your area, partner with nearby accommodations or venues that allow cannabis use.

7. Stay Engaged Post-Visit

Once tourists leave, keep your dispensary top of mind so they’ll return the next time they’re in town—or recommend you to friends.

How to stay connected:

• Collect email addresses for follow-ups like thank-you notes, special offers, or updates on new products.

• Encourage visitors to follow you on social media.

• Ask for reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Weedmaps.

Pro Tip: Include a small branded token with every purchase, like a lighter or sticker, to remind them of their experience.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis tourism isn’t just a trend—it’s a thriving industry that dispensaries can capitalize on with the right strategies. By creating a memorable experience, catering to tourists’ needs, and leveraging your online presence, you can make your dispensary a must-visit destination for cannabis enthusiasts from near and far.

Ready to grow your tourism game? Start implementing these tips and watch your visitor numbers—and profits—soar.