Now that cannabis is largely legal or decriminalized across the U.S., you might be thinking about embarking on the ultimate weed road trip. Other guides online cover things like bringing your favorite snacks to have the best weed road trip…but not this one. We are going to do a real cannabis-lovers deep-dive into legal cannabis cities across the U.S. If you’re a cannabis consumer driving from California all the way to New York, you’re likely wondering several things.
“What are the best cannabis brands near me?” “Is it legal for me to smoke weed in public?” These are questions that any discerning cannabis user may be searching for when they get into a new city. Fortunately, the Melee Dose fam has all the answers you’ve been searching for. We will go over the seven best cities to smoke weed in, as well as the premier cannabis brands in each state. On top of it all, we’ll even provide legal insight into whether or not you can smoke weed in public and the best places to visit while stoned.
We have to drop a quick disclaimer before getting into this list: we do not condone consuming cannabis in public in states and cities where it’s illegal. Not everywhere is New York, y’all, play by the rules so you don’t have to talk to the police. We’re also going to say this one time: don’t consume cannabis while driving. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Now let’s dive in.
Melee Dose Products Are Legal In All 50 States!
If you’re setting out on a weed road trip, you might need some THC products for traveling. Melee Dose creates the best THC products for traveling. Our gummy and vape products are made with federally legal hemp, so you can comfortably bring them along your journey. Indulging in one of our 2g live resin disposable vapes might be just enough to tide you over. Or, microdosing some of our 25mg live resin sativa gummies may provide the energy you need to keep driving. Just be careful about our THCa infused pre-rolls whose legislation still varies from state to state.
Los Angeles, California
Best Cannabis Brands And Dispensaries In Los Angeles
Los Angeles is quite possibly the cannabis mecca of the United States, and arguably the world. You’ll find an endless plethora of weed brands and dispensaries of all shapes and sizes. But, the best cannabis brands in Los Angeles, in our opinion, are Maven Genetics, STIIIZY, Alien Labs, Teds Budz, Sluggers, Preferred Gardens, Kushy Punch, Oakfruitland, and CAM. For dispensaries, your most reliable shops are Atrium, Arts District Cannabis, CCC by The Cure Company, Highway Cannabis Co, and Catalyst Dispensaries.
Can You Smoke Weed In Public In Los Angeles?
Consuming cannabis in public is illegal in Los Angeles and all of California. It is also prohibited within 1,000 feet of schools, daycare centers, or youth centers when children are present. However, you are allowed to consume cannabis on private property. If you’re on a weed road trip, it’s pretty easy to find private spaces to consume cannabis in Los Angeles. There are cannabis lounges like The Artistry and OG Cannabis Cafe that will let you smoke, eat, and enjoy cannabis. You can find both of these consumption lounges in West Hollywood.
Cool Places To Get High In Los Angeles
Aside from the previously mentioned cannabis consumption lounges, Los Angeles offers stunning views from Griffith Observatory. Here, you can see the city skyline and the iconic Hollywood Sign against a backdrop of mountains. For coastal beauty, visit the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, which provide picturesque ocean views and vibrant boardwalks. After stopping by one of the cannabis lounges, it’s worth getting a ride to any of these beautiful places. Here, you can be high AND appreciate the beauty of Los Angeles. PRO TIP: hit up Eventbrite and just search for cannabis or 420 friendly events in LA and you’ll surely find something fun to do later on.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Popular Cannabis Brands And Dispensaries In Las Vegas
Las Vegas is home to a ton of big dispensaries, as well as a few that truly shine as local heroes. In that same breath, they also have a growing variety of cannabis brands that are worth trying. When considering the best weed brands in Las Vegas, The Grower Circle, Greenway Medical, LP Exotics, and Nature’s Chemistry come to mind. For the best dispensaries in Las Vegas, it’s worth hitting NuWu Cannabis, Jardin, The Grove, NuLeaf, and Jade Cannabis Co.
Can You Smoke Weed In Public In Las Vegas?
In Las Vegas, consuming cannabis in public is illegal. You must be 21 years or older to legally use cannabis, but it must be done in a private setting. Additionally, consuming cannabis in a moving vehicle is prohibited, even if you are a passenger. Fortunately, there are cannabis lounges like SkyHigh Lounge inside NuWu Cannabis, as well as Smoke and Mirrors inside Thrive.
Best Places To Get High In Las Vegas
Let us paint the perfect picture: you visit one of the lounges we just brought up and get nice and lit. Then, you get a ride out to enjoy the intriguing majest of Sin City. First stop, the Bellagio Fountains offer a mesmerizing water show set against the backdrop of the luxurious Bellagio Hotel. Then, for breathtaking panoramic views, head to the High Roller observation wheel, which provides stunning vistas of the Strip and the surrounding desert landscape. With this type of schedule, your weed road trip might be a major success.
Phoenix, Arizona
Top Cannabis Brands And Dispensaries In Phoenix
Cannabis became legal for adult recreational use in Arizona on November 30, 2020, following the passage of Proposition 207. Since then, the scene has been exploding with both reputable cannabis brands and dispensaries. A few standout cannabis brands from Arizona include Connected Cannabis, Copperstate, Aeriz, Leafers, and Potent Planet. If you’re looking for “dispensaries near me AZ,” or “best dispensaries Phoenix” then we recommend Mint Cannabis, Giving Tree, Story Cannabis McDowell, and Marigold Dispensary.
Is It Legal To Smoke Weed In Public In Phoenix?
In Phoenix, smoking weed in public is still pretty illegal. You must avoid consuming it in any public place or open space, as well as anywhere near schools. Additionally, using cannabis while operating or riding in a vehicle is also prohibited. But, there are some cannabis consumption lounges where you can comfortably consume your herb. Two of the only weed lounges in Phoenix currently are The High Lounge and Exhale Society in Tempe. Keep in mind they’re continuing to issue these licenses and more lounges will spring up soon.
Fun Places To Get High In Phoenix
After safely enjoying the different cannabis experiences available, it’s fun to go ride out the high in the wilderness. In Phoenix, Camelback Mountain offers stunning hiking trails with panoramic views of the city and surrounding desert. The Desert Botanical Garden showcases massive varieties of cacti and desert plants, providing a beautiful and serene natural escape. No weed road trip is complete without getting weird in the desert at least for a few hours.
Chicago, Illinois
Best Cannabis Brands And Dispensaries In Chicago
The Windy City is a great next stop on the best weed road trip of your life. Here, you’ll find a rapidly expanding cannabis culture that’s begging for you to tap in. A few of the most preeminent cannabis brands around Chicago are Galaxy Labs, IC Collective, Ascend Wellness, Cannect Wellness, and NEZ. In terms of the best dispensaries in Chicago and beyond, we suggest Sunnyside* Dispensaries, Ascend Cannabis Dispensaries, Mission, and Verilife.
Can I Smoke Weed In Public In Chicago?
No, it is still not legal to consume cannabis in public in Chicago, unfortunately. Consumption has to happen on private property, and it must be done with the property owner’s permission. Chicago is still harshing on sparking up anywhere in public, so it’s best to proceed with the utmost caution. Attending private functions or establishments is going to be your best bet for sparking up in peace while visiting Chicago. There are several lounges within dispensaries like THC by Chitiva Wicker Park Bucktown, Verilife, and Grasshopper Club Logan Square.
Popular Places To Get High In Chicago
In Chicago, Millennium Park is a must-visit with its striking art installations like Cloud Gate (The Bean) and its lush gardens. For stunning city and lake views, head to the Skydeck at Willis Tower, which offers breathtaking panoramas from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. If you happen to be high during any of these excursions, it definitely might make things more bright and shiny.
Boston, Massachusetts
Best Cannabis Brands And Dispensaries In Boston
It crazy to think that cannabis became legal for recreational use in Massachusetts way back on December 15, 2016. Many would be surprised to find that their cannabis scene is lowkey thriving, hosting progressively more large-scale cannabis events every year. You’re not going to have a hard time finding a “dispensary near me Boston,” or even “best dispensaries MA.” The city of Boston has prominent dispensaries such as Seed, Ascend, Happy Valley, Berkshire Roots, and Pure Oasis.
Can I Smoke Weed In Public In Boston?
In Boston, smoking weed in public is illegal. This prohibition includes smoking, vaping, and consuming cannabis-infused foods. The safest place to use cannabis is at home, though this may be restricted if your roommates or landlord are against it. Cannabis cafes and lounges are still, unfortunately, a hazy subject for the people of Boston. The legislation may evolve over time, but currently, you’re out of luck. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get high somewhere private and then go out to enjoy the beauty of Boston.
Popular Places To Get High In Boston
In Boston, the Boston Public Garden offers a picturesque setting with its swan boats and beautifully landscaped grounds. The Charles River Esplanade provides stunning waterfront views, especially during sunset, and a scenic backdrop for walking or boating. Imagine how much fun any of those things sounds after you’ve safely and privately gotten high as a kite.
New York, New York
Best Cannabis Brands And Dispensaries In New York
Cannabis finally became legal for recreational use in New York on March 31, 2021, following the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Since then, New York has been going absolutely insane in terms of celebrating the culture. You can even legally smoke in certain public areas, as well as enjoy some of the cities’ now-operational dispensaries. For anyone on a big weed road trip, New York is a must-stop. A few dispensaries in New York currently up and running include GOTHAM, Empire Cannabis Clubs, and The Travel Agency. In terms of dope weed brands in New York, we suggest LiveWell, Dank. by Definition, Aeterna, 40 Tons, and Doobie Labs.
Can I Smoke Weed In Public In New York?
Yes. You totally can. In New York, adults can legally smoke or vape cannabis in places where smoking tobacco is permitted under smoke-free air laws. However, it is illegal to smoke or vape cannabis in motor vehicles, even if parked, as well as in restaurants, parks, event spaces, and any businesses, including cannabis dispensaries. Violating these restrictions may result in a civil summons and a fine. All of this information comes from the NYC.gov website. Luckily, there are a few cannabis lounges in New York you can duck into to get right. Some of those are Breckenridge Cannabis Café, Astor Club NYC, The Bamboo Cafe, and Stoned Pizza.
Popular Places To Get High In New York
Once you’ve had your fill of good pizza and great weed at one of NY’s cannabis speakeasies, you need to hit the city and see the sights. In New York, Central Park offers a tranquil oasis with its lush landscapes, serene lakes, and iconic landmarks like Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace. The Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. These unforgettable views include the Empire State Building and Central Park. As soon as you’re comfortably high, New York literally becomes your playground on any weed road trip adventure.
Miami, Florida
Best Cannabis Brands And Dispensaries In Miami
The cannabis scene in Florida has been blowing up in recent years. Keep in mind that Florida has legalized cannabis for medical use, but not for recreational use. Despite this, it’s fairly easy to get your medical card or find a local friend who may have access during your weed road trip. Some of the premier dispensaries in Miami include Cookies Miami, The Flowery, AYR Cannabis Dispensaries, and Jungle Boys Dispensaries. In terms of brands, you can’t go wrong with Cookies and Jungle Boys. In Florida, every brand is vertically integrated, so you’ll only get cannabis products from dispensaries that are also growing, cultivating, and producing them in-house.
Is It Legal To Smoke Weed In Public In Miami?
No. The city of Miami Beach is unique in that it’s the only city in Miami-Dade County that operates its own Municipal Prosecution Program. This allows the city to prosecute its own criminal municipal ordinance violations. Smoking cannabis in public in Miami Beach carries a criminal penalty of up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. It’s best to consume your cannabis in private spaces in Miami on your weed road trip, preferably where you know the owner of the property.
Popular Places To Get High In Miami Beach
In Miami, South Beach offers stunning ocean views, pristine sandy shores, and vibrant Art Deco architecture. For a more tropical experience, visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, where lush greenery and exotic plants create a picturesque and serene environment. If you can get super lit at your AirBnB before taking an Uber or Lyft out into the city, there’s endless beauty to enjoy. There’s nothing like being nice and toasty while sitting on the beach and watching the Miami sunset. If you’re looking for the best things to do on your weed road trip, a cheeky joint and then some sand between your toes might be paradise.
Conclusion
If you’re embarking on your first-ever cross-country weed road trip, we hope this guide helps you be 100% ready. Cannabis is different in every state across the U.S., so it’s good to be careful and not consume while you drive and be careful. You never know how the police might act in a non-legal state, so don’t be acting reckless. If you want the best legal THC products you can bring along into any U.S. state, consider Melee Dose gummies and vapes. Our hemp-derived products utilize live resin terpenes that may hit the spot while you’re on the road. Shop online to have any of our artisanal rare cannabinoid products sent to your front door.
