United States

Overview

The United States has the world's most paradoxical cannabis situation: federally illegal (DEA Schedule I, same category as heroin), yet more than half of all states have legal recreational cannabis for adults. For Brazilian tourists, this means that visiting California, Colorado, Nevada, New York, or dozens of other popular destinations allows you to legally purchase cannabis — no registration, no residency required.

The American dispensary experience is the most developed in the world — with technology, an absurd variety of products, delivery apps, and even "consumption lounges" in Las Vegas. But rules vary dramatically from state to state, and the federal context creates serious pitfalls every traveler needs to know.

Tourist summary: In legal states, buy at the store, consume in your rental, don't take it to another state, and don't enter airports or federal property with cannabis.

Federal vs. State Status

Top Destinations for Brazilian Tourists

🌴 California

California pioneered medical cannabis in 1996 and legalized recreational in 2016 (Prop 64). It's the world's largest cannabis market.

• Minimum age: 21+
• Purchase/possession limit: 28g of flower (1 oz)
• Main cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento
• Public consumption: Prohibited — tolerated discreetly in some areas
• Hotels: Most prohibit it — hostels and Airbnbs more tolerant
• Delivery: Apps like Weedmaps and Dutchie offer dispensary delivery within hours

🏔️ Colorado

The first state to legalize recreational cannabis (Amendment 64, November 2012), alongside Washington. It has one of the most mature and tourist-friendly scenes.

• Minimum age: 21+
• Limit: 28g (tourists can buy 28g per transaction)
• Cities: Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, mountain towns (Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge)
• Social consumption: Denver has some licensed cannabis lounges
• 420-friendly accommodations: Lodges and hostels explicitly cannabis-friendly exist in the mountains

🎰 Nevada (Las Vegas)

Las Vegas is arguably the most iconic destination for tourists wanting to combine entertainment and cannabis.

• Minimum age: 21+
• Limit: 28g of flower
• Dispensaries on the Strip: Several near major attractions, some open 24 hours
• Cannabis consumption lounges: Licensed since 2021 — you can consume on-premises
• Note: Prohibited in casinos, on the Strip itself (public sidewalk), and in most hotels

🗽 New York

Legalized recreational in 2021 (Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act), but implementation was slow. By 2025, the market is reasonably developed.

• Minimum age: 21+
• Public consumption: Permitted anywhere tobacco smoking is allowed (streets, parks) — not indoors in buildings
• Dispensaries: Number growing after initially slow rollout

Other relevant legal states

Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Maryland, and others.

What NEVER to Do in the US

These rules are critical — ignoring them can result in federal arrest, deportation, or being banned from entering the US.

❌ Never bring cannabis to an airport. Airports are federal property. The TSA doesn't actively search for drugs, but if any are found, TSA is required to notify federal law enforcement. Even flights between two legal states — the airport is federal territory.

❌ Never transport between states. Crossing state lines with cannabis is federal trafficking. It doesn't matter if you left Colorado heading to Nevada — both have legal cannabis, but the highway between them is federal.

❌ Never enter national parks with cannabis. Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, California parks — all federal property.

❌ Never bring it back to Brazil. Beyond the Brazilian criminal offense, it would constitute importation in the US as well.

How to Buy at an American Dispensary

1. Bring your passport. Every dispensary requires a photo ID proving 21+ years. A Brazilian passport is accepted.
2. Choose a dispensary. Use apps like Weedmaps, Leafly, or Dutchie to see menus, prices, and reviews.
3. At the entrance: Security checks your ID. In some states, you fill out a simple form.
4. Inside: A budtender presents the products. Feel free to ask about effects, THC%, and what's appropriate for beginners.
5. Pay: Many dispensaries are cash only (federal banks resist serving cannabis businesses). Some have ATMs on-site. Brazilian cards rarely work even where cards are accepted.

Cash tip: Exchange dollars before visiting a dispensary. ATMs inside dispensaries charge high fees.

Product Types

American dispensary variety is the widest in the world:

Tips for Brazilian Travelers

Documentation:

• Brazilian passport is widely accepted as ID
• B1/B2 tourist visa has no restriction on cannabis consumption in legal states
• ESTA (visa waiver) also has no restriction

Typical prices (2025):

• Premium flower: USD 10–18/g
• Simple pre-roll: USD 5–12
• Gummies (10mg THC): USD 3–5 each
• Vape cartridge (1g): USD 25–50

If you're going to Las Vegas:

• Consumption lounges are a unique experience — you can legally smoke/vaporize in enclosed spaces
• Many casino-hotels explicitly prohibit it. Read the agreement.
• The distance from the dispensary to your hotel room is short in most cases

Beginners with edibles: Start with 5mg of THC. American packaging clearly indicates dosage. Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. Poorly dosed edibles are the most common cause of tourist discomfort.

FAQ

In which states can tourists buy cannabis? In 2025, the main ones are: California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Vermont, and Alaska.

Can I enter a dispensary with a tourist visa? Yes. The American tourist visa (B1/B2 or ESTA) does not prohibit cannabis consumption in legal states. State law applies.

My hotel room smells like cannabis — can I have problems? Technically, yes. Most hotels have anti-smoking clauses that include cannabis, with cleaning fees (usually USD 250–500). Vaporizers significantly reduce the smell.

Can I be deported for consuming cannabis in the US? For consumption alone, no. But if detained for violating state law (consuming in a prohibited location) or federal law, it can complicate future visa applications. Follow legal-state rules and the risk is minimal.

What if I'm in a state that hasn't legalized? States like Texas, Florida (recreational not yet approved), Georgia, and others treat cannabis as a crime. Penalties can be severe. Never consume or carry cannabis in prohibitionist states.