Embark on the GanjaTraveler's Quest: Exploring California's Cannabis Trail - Part One

Trailblazing GanjaTraveler: A Journey through California's Cannabis Trail

Part One

Hey there, fellow cannabis enthusiasts & travelers!

The Ganja Traveler here, reporting from the heart of my California adventure. Buckle up because I'm about to take you on a journey through the Golden State's Cannabis Trail, starting with none other than Oakland, heading to Mendocino County and ending in Humboldt.

But before I even set foot in California, I spent hours scouring the internet, researching and planning my trip using some incredible resources, The Cannabis Trail, Visit Oakland, Visit Mendocino, and Visit Redwoods websites were my go-to guides for crafting the perfect itinerary.

From booking hotels to exploring local landmarks that honor cannabis culture, these websites had everything I needed to make the most of my trip. I even uncovered some hidden restaurant gems in each city, thanks to the wealth of information available at my fingertips.

Armed with my trusty laptop and a cup of coffee, I mapped out my travels, ensuring that every moment of my adventure would be filled with excitement and discovery.?

You see, my interest in cannabis culture sparked when Ohio legalized recreational cannabis in 2023. I wanted to educate myself and learn everything I could about cannabis and the benefits it brings to people who consume it for medical or recreational reasons. That's why I decided to embark on this trip—to expand my knowledge and immerse myself in the heart of cannabis culture.?

Let me tell you, leaving Ohio, landing in Oakland airport? felt like stepping into a whole new world. My excitement was growing as I checked into the Moxy, a cannabis-friendly hotel located right in the middle of downtown.

Once I was all checked in, I had to stock up on some quality cannabis products, so I made a beeline for the legendary Harborside Dispensary. Founded in 2006, this place is a true institution in the cannabis world. Be sure to look for The Cannabis Trail landmark signs in the glass-enclosed lounge area in the Harborside lobby, where you can read more about what makes this place special to cannabis history and scan the QR codes to dive deeper into the story.

But my trip wasn't just about cannabis; it was about soaking in everything Oakland had to offer. So, I hopped on a LimeBike scooter and cruised through the city's diverse neighborhoods, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant community and the thousands of art murals adorning its city walls behind the famed Alice Street.

After spending the afternoon exploring the city, I was building up an appetite, it may have also been the munchies setting in, so the next stop was AlaMar, a Dominican restaurant, a hidden gem serving up the most mouth-watering seafood boils you can imagine. Trust me; it was worth every single bite.

As the day turned to night, I headed to Root'd in the 510, an easy 10-minute Uber ride from the hotel, to catch up with some old friends and dive deeper into Oakland's cannabis culture. It was here that I learned about the city's rich history with cannabis and its ongoing efforts for equity and inclusion in the industry. I even got a peek of their new Root'd Consumption lounge that is opening fully in the next few weeks. Fun fact: on your way to check out their recently added consumption lounge, look for The Cannabis Trail landmark signs on the wall that will allow you to explore the Root'd story.?

Day two was just as action-packed, with brunch at Lois the Pie Queen, followed by a stroll down Chinatown to sample Oakland's hip and creative Asian culture shops. But the highlight of the day was definitely Oakanna, a black-owned dispensary that's making waves in the Oakland cannabis scene.

And let's not forget about the Cannakick-it event, which I was able to find tickets on EventHi, a cannabis friendly event platform allowing you to find all different cannabis events near you!?

CannaKick-it, allowed me to rub elbows with fellow cannabis enthusiasts, sampling the best the industry has to offer, and enjoying the exclusive vibe set by the event creators—it was an experience I won't soon forget.

I left that event with some new friends, and added one more hotspot on the list, the Smokin Woods BBQ, a must-visit restaurant on The Cannabis Trail website.

As I bid farewell to Oakland and set my sights on Mendocino County, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and connections I made during my time in the city. But hey, my adventure is far from over.?

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore California's cannabis trail, one stop at a time.

Until next time,

The Ganja Traveler

*This series is in collaboration with the Cannabis Trail.?

This Collaborative Campaign supported by Visit Oakland, Visit Mendocino County, and the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau is the first collaboration of this kind, bringing together the worlds of cannabis and travel.

Visit Harborside

Visit Oakanna

Visit Root'd