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Experience Okanagan Cannabis like a Local

When you're here,
you're one of us

Travelling to the Okanagan Valley for cannabis tourism can be an exciting and unique experience for those interested in exploring the federally legalized industry in Canada. The region is known for its picturesque scenery, warm weather, beaches, orchards, and wineries, but despite five decades of federal prohibition, it has emerged as a hub for cannabis cultivation, production, and tourism.

 

Visitors can tour licensed cannabis facilities, attend educational seminars and workshops, and sample a variety of cannabis products, including dried flower, edibles, and extracts. Many dispensaries in the area offer a wide selection of products, and some will soon have on-site consumption lounges where visitors can try cannabis in a safe and controlled environment.

 

Whether you're a seasoned cannabis consumer or just curious about the industry, the Okanagan Valley has something to offer everyone.

This Is Our Story

The history of cannabis in Canada is long and complex, with a number of legal, social, and cultural factors playing a role in its use and regulation over time.

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Cannabis was first introduced to Canada by European settlers in the 17th century and was primarily used for medicinal purposes until the early 20th century. In the 1920s, however, concerns about the drug's perceived dangers led to the introduction of strict laws prohibiting its use, cultivation, and sale.

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Over the years, Canada's cannabis laws have gone through a number of changes and revisions. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, for example, a growing counterculture movement brought over the US border from draft dodgers of the Vietnam war led to increased use of the drug, which in turn prompted the government to introduce more lenient laws.

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In 2001, Canada became one of the first countries in the world to legalize medical cannabis. Under the federal Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR), patients with certain medical conditions were able to access cannabis with a doctor's prescription.

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In 2018, Canada took a major step forward by legalizing recreational cannabis use nationwide. The Cannabis Act allowed adults in BC over the age of 19 (each province has a different legal age) to purchase and possess small amounts of cannabis and also established a legal framework for its production and sale.

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Today, cannabis is a major industry in Canada, with thousands of businesses involved in the cultivation, processing, and sale of the plant. While there are still some restrictions on its use and distribution, Canada's cannabis laws are generally considered to be among the most liberal in the world.

What Makes Us Special

Climate

The Okanagan region of British Columbia has a semi-arid, desert-like climate similar to that of the Mediterranean, and is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This allows for optimal growing conditions for cannabis and makes the Okanagan an ideal destination for cannabis tourism. During summer, temperatures range from 25-30°C* during the day, dropping to around 10°C at night. Winters can be cold, with temperatures ranging from -2 to 4°C. Precipitation is heaviest in the winter months, but the Okanagan is generally a dry region, receiving less than 300mm of precipitation per year. With its warm, sunny climate and abundant cannabis-growing opportunities, the Okanagan is an ideal destination for cannabis tourism.

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*Due to climate change in recent years, temperatures can reach 45°C for many weeks in the summer. It is important to factor this into your trip-planning preparations. Click here to learn more about how climate change is affecting the Okanagan.

Culture

The Okanagan has a profound history of Indigenous people with rich cultures, traditions, and languages who have lived in the area since time immemorial.  Today the Okanagan Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, and Lower and Upper Similkameen Indian Bands, and the Colville Confederated Tribes are united as the Okanagan Nation Alliance, and each has their own sovereign legislation in the Cannabis Act, and who have all played a significant role in the development of the cannabis industry. Visitors are encouraged to learn more about the Indigenous cultures in the area and to experience the beautiful landscapes that have been cared for by the local people for generations.

The Okanagan is also an ideal destination for any cannabis traveler looking to explore the natural beauty of British Columbia.

Visitors can explore the region's many dispensaries, cannabis farms, and consumption lounges, and learn about growing techniques and product development. Round out your vacation with activities like mountain biking, hiking, golfing, rocking climbing, boating, camping, festivals, farmer's markets, art exhibitions, spas, gardens, world-class beaches, wineries, craft breweries, and so many unique dining options; there is something for everyone.

Whether you're in it for the adventure or just want to take in the sights, the Okanagan has something for every cannabis enthusiast.

Cannabis

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The Okanagan has a long and storied relationship with world-famous BC Bud thanks to the Vietnam war draft dodgers fleeing the draft in the 70's who sought refuge in the region's unique microclimate which has excellent conditions for growing some of the best strains of cannabis in the world. From artisan-crafted, dank, sticky flowers grown in living soil or hydroponic conditions, to terpene-rich concentrates, tasty edibles, and effective topicals, the Okanagan has something for everyone.

With its abundance of sunshine, hot dry mountain air, and clean water, the Okanagan is an ideal environment for growing AAAA cannabis in Canada with superior quality and potency. If you're looking for an unforgettable cannabis experience, look no further than the Okanagan!

Testimonials

"Love Jaimie’s work! We are in a highly over-regulated industry, cannabis, where it’s basically illegal to advertise and Jaimie was super creative and helped us create social media campaigns that were both legal AND effective. Since implementing her marketing strategies, we’ve seen a push in sales volume over the last several months.

Thank you Jaimie!"

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-Mariana Wolff

Cannabis Cottage, Penticton

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Click here to learn more about Cannabis Cottage

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Image by Adam B

Okanagan Tourism Stats*

The tourism industry is valued at over $9 billion annually

The cannabis industry is worth $4 billion including Indigenous, medical, and recreation sectors

Diverse landscapes including desert, arid grasslands, productive orchards & vineyards, lush forests, valleys, freshwater lakes

The top activities amongst visitors are beaches and nature parks

Ask Us Anything

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Industry Affiliations

We are proud to be working alongside the following organizations to propel the cannabis tourism industry forward

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