Cannabis tourism continues to grow across the United States, but rules around consuming marijuana travel joints at hotels, Airbnbs, and resorts remain far from universal. Each property sets its own policies—within the boundaries of state law—leaving travelers with a patchwork of regulations to navigate. Whether booking a weekend retreat or planning a full-scale 420 vacation, understanding these guidelines can prevent surprises and ensure a smooth stay.
State Laws Set the Baseline
In legalized states such as Colorado, California, Nevada, and Michigan, adults over 21 can legally possess and consume cannabis. But even in these markets, public consumption remains prohibited. According to state regulatory agencies such as the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment and the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, consumption is generally limited to private spaces. This means hotels and rentals must decide whether they classify themselves as private, semi-private, or public.
Even in states with legal recreational cannabis, smoking—including marijuana joints—is usually restricted under clean indoor air laws, which prohibit smoking in most public spaces and commercial properties. For example, Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act bans smoking in hotel rooms unless a venue meets specific exemptions.
Hotels: Mostly Non-Smoking, Even in Legal States
Mainstream hotel brands—Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt—universally prohibit cannabis consumption inside rooms, regardless of local legalization. Their policies are built around smoke-free commitments and federal law. Since the U.S. government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, corporate chains generally avoid any activities that could risk federal compliance.
Some boutique hotels, particularly in cannabis-friendly cities like Denver, Portland, and Las Vegas, advertise “420-friendly” amenities. However, these typically allow consumption only in designated outdoor areas, vapor-friendly patios, or specialized lounges. Very few allow smoking travel joints indoors.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals: Host Rules Prevail
Airbnb’s global policy simply states that hosts must comply with local laws and disclose smoking rules clearly. This places cannabis consumption entirely in the hands of individual hosts.
Travelers will typically find listings that fall into one of three categories:
- Strict no-smoking properties
- Tobacco-only smoking allowed outdoors
- 420-friendly listings where cannabis use is permitted either indoors or outdoors
Platforms like Bud and Breakfast and InnDica specialize in cannabis-friendly stays, catering to tourists who want to enjoy travel joints without restrictions.
Resorts: Vary Widely, Often More Conservative
Resorts—particularly family-focused or large corporate-owned properties—tend to follow hotel-style smoke-free policies. Even in legal markets, consumption is often banned within rooms, on balconies, and in public spaces. Some progressive resorts in Colorado and Alaska offer outdoor smoking areas or consumption lounges, but these remain the exception.
Key Takeaway for Travelers
The rules shift dramatically between property types, hosts, and states. For travelers, the safest approach is to:
- Review property policies in detail
- Ask hosts or front desk staff directly
- Stick to designated outdoor areas when uncertain
- Consider vape pens or low-odor alternatives
- Look for explicitly “420-friendly” properties when planning cannabis-focused trips
As legalization expands, more accommodations are adapting, but for now, cannabis travelers must stay informed and respectful to ensure a smooth—and legal—vacation experience.