Why it matters: The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) has started featuring information about cannabis businesses on its website, signaling a shift in the state’s approach to cannabis tourism.
What they are saying: The CTO contacted Sarah Woodson, owner of The Cannabis Experience, the nation’s first licensed cannabis consumption bus. The CTO website now includes profiles of a few cannabis-related businesses and articles about safe consumption and disposing of cannabis.
The big picture: Colorado’s tourism industry experienced record economic impact in 2022, with $27.7 billion in travel spending and 90 million tourists. The CTO’s decision to feature cannabis businesses on its website reflects the growing popularity and profitability of cannabis tourism.
What to watch: While the CTO has started including cannabis businesses on its website, public cannabis consumption is still illegal in Colorado. Tourists seeking cannabis-friendly tourism options must do their own research to find private businesses.
My take: The inclusion of cannabis businesses on the Colorado Tourism Office’s website is a positive step towards recognizing the importance of cannabis tourism. It aligns with the growing acceptance and normalization of cannabis, and it can help boost the state’s economy even further. However, the limitations on public consumption may hinder the full potential of cannabis tourism in Colorado.
