Weed tourism: Patrick Gower on the highs of visiting California

Patrick Gower with canabis, in California. Photo / Supplied

Patrick Gower experiences weed tourism in California

Cannabis is now completely legal in the American state of California if you are over the age of 21. That means it is a stoner-heaven - or just a chance for the curious Kiwi to check out what New Zealand might look like if we vote to legalise in 2020 (you can peruse without partaking). Here's what I reckon is worth a look.

1. Go to a dispensary

Dispensaries are the shop-window of legalised weed in every way. Whether you like weed or not they are worth a look as you can see the gentrification of ganja here with the myriad ways it is sold. Cheap weed, strong weed, weed for pets, etc. Try going somewhere flash like Atrium "an elevated cannabis experience", where you get your own "budtender" to see what the future of weed looks like. atriumtopanga.com

2. Order "Uber-weed"

Can't be bothered going out and just want to chill in your room? Order weed in. Weed delivery is all the rage in LA, I just opened my phone and "ping", made an order and started tracking it.

One company, Nugg, even gives away a free pizza with every order. getnugg.com

3. Have a weed tea party
Legalised Weed means all forms of consumption are available. I am a tea person so weed tea caught my eye. This tea is made with weed but tastes like peppermint tea. Its makers told me the one cup of "Positivi-tea" I drank was roughly the same as three glasses of wine. kikoko.com

4.Do ganja yoga

I reckon yoga is incredibly relaxing and great to do on holiday. Many people say weed is relaxing and great to do on holiday. So weed yoga seemed like a reasonable combo, especially poolside in LA. It was certainly a great way to meet some interesting people and have some interesting conversations. ganjayoga.com

5. Meet Weed Jesus

I went down to Venice Beach and caught up with Weed Jesus. Legalised weed means all these characters (modern term: "influencers") can just come out, smoke weed and preach about pot out in the open. I rate Weed Jesus as a holiday friend but if you want someone more high-profile, you could try weed royalty Cheech and Chong, who do holiday tours. Instagram: @theweedjesus