Visiting A Seattle Dispensary

Seattle has been famous for many things over the years, but the current buzz is around the rise of the cannabis dispensary.

Logging, gold mining, shipbuilding, aeronautics, information technology, and coffee chains are all industries that have made Seattle the city it is today.

But, there’s a new player in town. This is cannabis of course - the green gold!

The Rise of the Seattle Dispensary

Many cities and states have legalized marijuana in recent years, but Washington was one of the first to do so in 2012. Even before the legalization, Seattle was already a haven for cannabis users and led the push towards normalization.

Back in 2003, the city passed Initiative-95, which made arrests for adult possession of marijuana the lowest priority for Seattle police. This relaxed attitude towards cannabis, and the headstart that Washington state had over others to build up its cannabis industry was paramount.

Legalization has resulted in Seattle becoming a top destination for cannabis tourists. It is estimated that over 50% of people visiting Seattle will call in to a pot shop at some point of their trip.

However once you have stocked up on flowers, had an edibles-packed lunch, and made sure your vape pen is full of oil, where to next?

Not to worry, we’ve got your back. Check out our list of top things to do in Seattle when you’re high, and you’re sure to get the most out of your time here in the Emerald City!

Cannabis Tourism in Seattle

Of course, your first stop as a cannabis tourist has to be a dispensary. In Seattle, you’re never too far from a good pot shop. If it feels like there’s a cannabis retailer on every corner, and you’re probably right.

In fact, a recent tally showed that Seattle has four times as many dispensaries as it does McDonalds locations. At least residents and visitors alike are opting for a greener option!

You’ll find a wide range of marijauna strains here, from global favorites like Jack Herer and Blue Dream to unique cannabis strains that cannot be found anywhere outside of Seattle. With such a vast array of dispensaries, there is something for everyone.

Know the rules around cannabis

When visiting Seattle, always be sure to follow Seattle’s COVID-19 regulations as well as state guidelines for recreational marijuana use.

Once you’ve visited the dispensary, filled your pockets with some of the finest cannabis in the land, and it’s time to get high. But before you do - it’s worth getting to grips with the slight nuances of cannabis law in Washington state.
 

It’s legal, right?

As with all “legalized” states, it’s legal to possess cannabis, but only up to a certain amount. For Washington, the maximum amounts are:
  • One ounce of flower,
  • Seven grams of concentrate, and
  • Sixteen ounces worth of edibles (sounds like a seriously good time! Of course, be cautious with your dosages.)
  • So, Can I Consume Wherever I Want?
Not quite. Cannabis is legal to consume, but only on private property, and it cannot be smoked in the public eye. This rules out many areas - such as on the street, in parks, restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Any place to which the public has free access in Seattle, consumption of marijuana is still illegal, and doing so could result in a fine, citation, or worse.

Breaking the rules can also make the industry look “bad” as a whole - so just be sure to follow rules and regulations to keep people safe and the cannabis industry thriving. Be respectful, and when in doubt, don’t do it!

Remember, cannabis still remains illegal on the federal level.

Consuming or even possessing cannabis on federal lands such as national parks and national monuments can land you in a lot of trouble.

Although many hotels are generally no-smoking areas, some have declared themselves “420 friendly”. The same goes for AirBnB’s and other forms of accommodation.

If you’re planning a cannabis vacation, be sure to check with the property owners regarding their stance on marijuana consumption.
 

A Word About Edibles, On-the-Go

No doubt, THC edibles are the most discreet way to consume cannabis when you’re out and about. These are an ideal solution for the cannabis tourist, as they are not only discreet but they are also strong and easy to travel with on-the-go.

However, this is still very much illegal in Washington state. While the chance of being discovered having a little nibble of a pot cookie is a lot lower than carrying around a dab rig or a joint, it still comes with the risk of finding yourself in a spot of bother if you’re carrying over the designated amount.


Which Dispensary Should I Visit?

In addition to visiting some of the best “marijuana-friendly” attractions, which we’ve included below, we highly recommend heading down to Seattle Cannabis Co. and getting to know their friendly and knowledgeable budtenders.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, they’re sure to point you in the direction of something new and exciting. To get you on your way, we are featuring some of their best selling edibles here:
 

Hot Sugar Milk Chocolates

Produced right here in Seattle, SCC’s Hot Sugar Milk Chocolates pack 10mg of THC in each bitesize treat.

Rich and luxurious, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and are so moreish you’re really going to have to fight off the urge to finish the whole bag by yourself! Enjoy your high in decedent chocolatey style.

Major Sacred Grape

This grape-flavored cannabis-infused beverage is the perfect way to get a quick, potent, and discreet high - no matter where you are. Packing 100mg of THC into a small, easy to consume drink is perfect for those who don’t have the time to sit down and take their time with their high.

Just make sure you know your limits before you down the whole thing! With any cannabis edible or beverage, it’s best to start with small amounts and work your way up once you have a feel for its effects.
 

Mr. Moxey’s Cinnamon Mints

These quaint artisan mints are perfect for a little top-up high or to help you drift away into a relaxing night’s sleep. Packaged in beautifully designed, old-timey style tins, these medium potency mints come in at 5mg THC per pop - which is perfect for beginners.

Now that you’re stocked up with some of Seattle’s best edibles on the market, it’s time to enjoy the sights!

Definitely Don’t Miss These Gems

The Space Needle

A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Seattle Center and its show-stealing center-piece - the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle has since become an icon of Seattle and the Northwest.

We can’t think of many better ways to enhance your high than standing on a glass floor 160 meters above the ground. As well as this mind-bending floor, you’ll also catch breathtaking views of the city, and the mountains, lakes, and seas that surround it.
 

Movies in the Park

Winters in Washington state can be cold and harsh. So when summertime finally makes an appearance, Seattlites go all out to make the most of the hot days and the long warm evenings.

Temporary outdoor cinemas pop-up all around the city, showing everything from classic childhood favorites to big-budget blockbusters.

Most of the showings take part on public land. However, some are private and 420 friendly. If you can find them, you’ll find food stalls and even some moonlight showings with free entry!

Pike Place Market

Pike place is the heart and soul of Seattle. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Pike Place attracts a mind-blowing 10million visitors every year, ranking it as the world’s 33rd most visited attraction! That's quite some feat.

You’ll find countless unique, local and family-owned stores here selling one-of-a-kind trinkets and collectibles. Besides this, specialty restaurants and bars are on every corner, and street musicians and artists add a warm, cozy touch.

Visiting the Great Outdoors

If you’re the type of person that likes to enjoy their high surrounded by the fresh air, water, and nature, then you’ve come to the right place!

Seattle is known for its diverse ecologies. From the city you can access the ocean, lakes, rivers, forests, deserts, mountain ranges, and even a volcano!

Hikes and Trails

If day hikes are your game, the Rattlesnake Ledge trail and Franklin Ghost Town trail are two local favorites.

Rattlesnake Ledge will take you up an elevation of 1,500ft and reward your hard work with panoramas of the Cascade Mountains and the bountiful nature of Lake Rattlesnake.

The Franklin Ghost town trail is equally as mesmerizing. Witness the urban decay as nature slowly takes over this once-bustling mining community.

For those who wish to stay in the city limits, there are many urban hikes within Seattle. You can pick out a route from the 11 miles of trails in Discovery Park, the city's largest public park.

The Burke-Gilman Trail is a 27-mile multipurpose route that follows a disused railway line along Lake Washington and out towards Shilshole Bay. You may want to hire a bike for this one - and you’ll definitely get the most out of it.

The city has 90 miles of signposted bike routes, and even more if you head out into the larger King County area.
 

Take to the Water

Seattle is surrounded by water on all sides. The options to explore the marine world here are plentiful. There is even a lake entirely within the Seattle city limits! The city skyline surrounds Lake Union, and taking it all in from kayak or stand-up paddleboard offers a unique, relaxing perspective.

Thrill-seekers can up the ante and take new perspectives to a different level by parasailing above the Seattle waterfront on the beautiful Puget Sound.

There are plenty of other ways to take to the water as well. You can bag salmon on an all-day fishing tour, sip cocktails and learn the history of Seattle on a half-day leisure cruise, or take in the sea spray on a traditional wind-powered sailing boat. You can even find local experts to take you seal and whale spotting at the right time of year.

Attractions for the Intellectual

A lot of people find cerebral stimulation and creativity is the best way to enjoy a high. Some strains of cannabis can spark a flame of curiosity and inspire discovery and learning. If you’re one of these people, Seattle his the place for you.

For Museum Buffs

Nothing satisfies a curious intellect better than taking your time strolling around a museum. Whether it’s culture, technology, art, or science that you love, you will find a way to satisfy your curiosity in the Emerald City.

The first stop for many museum-goers is MoPOP - the museum of popular culture.
You will find everything here, from an exhibit dedicated to the art of Minecraft to collections of props and sets from your favorite sci-fi movies. You can spend hours playing in the interactive indie video game exhibit, or half the entire day exploring the rich history of Seattle’s music scene.

Science lovers will no doubt find themselves lost amongst the eight buildings of the Pacific Science Centre. Here you can take in a documentary at one of their IMAX screens, explore a tropical butterfly house, or explore many hands-on science exhibits.

The Seattle Art Museum has a large selection of permanent exhibits and new temporary showcases open every season, with artwork from Monet opening Summer 2021.

Aside from this, the SAM also curates two separate projects. The Asian art museum and the inspiring Olympic Sculpture Park.

Finding Nature Within the City

Nature lovers who don’t have the time or the means to explore too far outside of the city still have plenty of options within Seattle.

As we said earlier, many wildlife spotting boat tours will take you out for a trip on the Puget Sound. On a good day, you can spot Orcas, Humpbacks, Dolphins, Porpoises, and more bird species than we can possibly list.

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the Seattle Aquarium has an abundance of freshwater and marine life. A huge variety of marine life - sea anemones, seals, corals, and crustaceans all call Seattle Aquarium their home.

You can watch divers interacting with fish. You can enter a domed observation room underneath a tank of 1.5 million liters. Also, you can watch artificially generated waves crashing onto a shoreline… just be sure to expect more than just friendly fish in this exhibit!

Across town is also the famous Seattle Zoo. Dedicated to the conservation of the Northwest ecosystems, Woodland Park Zoo brings the forest into the city’s heart.

This award-winning sanctuary pulls in over a million visitors for a year, and for a good reason. With over 300 animal species (including Rhinos, Bears, and Gorillas), 7000 trees, and 50,000 shrubs and herbs - Woodland Park really is a treat for the senses.

Sleepy in Seattle

It won’t take you long to understand why Seattle outranks many other destinations when it comes to cannabis tourism. From our world-class dispensaries to our beautiful waterside locations, Seattle is a city that is an explorer’s dream.

Get lost in our markets, relax in the parks, and immerse yourself in old world culture. Find out for yourself what inspired the likes of Starbucks, Nirvana, Amazon, Ray Charles, and many more famous Seattlites, all the while enjoying some top shelf cannabis - responsibly, of course!