The popularity of road trips surged amid the pandemic because it was the safest way to travel. The trend continues to go strong even in the new normal as Americans love the freedom and flexibility of hitting the road in their car on a whim.
Not to mention, it costs a fraction of flight tickets and you can get on the road without much planning. A cross-country road trip is an excellent option if you can spare the time and have the patience to spend endless hours behind the wheel.
Of course, you will love the adventure and thrill of being on unknown roads in the middle of nowhere. Just be sure to go the extra mile by planning ahead for your next cannabis road trip. We have a few tips you may or may not know already. Read on.
Plan your route wisely. Try to avoid non legal states
This one is a no-brainer for any cannabis friendly road trip, but it becomes even more crucial for a long-distance journeys with cannabis. Be sure to check about the legal status of cannabis in all the states you want to travel through. Try to plan a route through the recreational legal states, so you can stay relaxed and not worry about getting busted with cannabis.Thia also lets you stop in off the road places to let your travel partners indulge.
Make sure to carry your valid ID and any medical cannabis permits you might have. Also, skip the destinations where cannabis is illegal, you don’t want to get busted and ruin your vacation. There is always a possibility that the police may check your vehicle anywhere, so don’t take a chance.
Stick with the general road trip precautions
Besides doing your homework about legal states and regulations, you must stick with the general road trip precautions. Following them is even more crucial when traveling long-distance. Get a maintenance check for your vehicle to ensure it is in a good condition to carry you thousands of miles.
Make sure your ready for the long trip and your not feeling sick or under the weather. This means being well-rested and confident behind the wheel. If you are not feeling up to driving, consider taking a break or letting someone else take over.
It is also crucial to pick a safe route and avoid any dangerous areas. Be sure to have all the necessary paperwork for your vehicle, insurance, registration, etc. You also want to be sure you have some tools for your vehicle and the spare is ready to use, if needed. Maps and GPS can be helpful for navigation, especially on long or unfamiliar routes. So have your car charger and a few cables to keep your phones alive.
Travel with other 420 friendly buddies
Although solo travel is trending, it isn’t the best option for a long-distance trip. Having a travel buddy is always better while driving for endless miles. You can take turns behind the wheel for regular breaks and even get a nap during your break time. Moreover, traveling alone can lead to safety issues while traversing lonely and unknown areas.
Having your friends can make you feel safe and confident, even in the middle of nowhere. Road tripping with your cannabis-loving buddies makes every mile of the journey enjoyable. You can share the costs and possibly rent an RV to camp, rather than search for hotels on the way. More people means more ideas, so you can actually have more fun even on a boring route.
Plan ahead for Supply Stops
There’s a limit to the amount of cannabis you can carry along during a road trip. So you will definitely run out of stash at some point. Replenishing your supplies won’t be a problem in a legal state as you can find plenty of recreational cannabis dispensaries in the area. But it is always better to do your homework regarding availability and accessibility at different destinations you plan to cover.
The internet is a reliable source to research your options as it lets you check details like product menus, locations, and buyer reviews. You may even find sellers like gifted curators to buy premium cannabis in the DC area. Knowing your options is a clear advantage as it lets you drive in and stock up on your favorites, even in a new city.
Follow the rules of the Road
Be sure to follow all traffic laws, a run in with a cop wastes time and can get you in a bind. And even if you think it is safe, do not smoke and drive. Moreover, you can land in big trouble if the police stop your car anywhere on the way. If people need to smoke a little, find an out of the way place to stop for an hour or so, the driver needs to abstain for that session.
States are now testing for cannabis consumption with new hand held devices, so make sure to stay sober when driving. You or your travel buddies may want to indulge in some edibles to experience a high, but remember that anyone that does needs to not drive. Also, remember to stick with low doses as going over the top is not safe while away from home.
Keep your stash out of Sight
Besides following the driving rules during a long-distance cannabis trip, you must adhere to the packing guidelines. The most basic tip is to keep your stash out of sight. Also, ensure that no one can make out the telltale odor of these products. Cannabis on the car seat can cause legal trouble if the police stop you, regardless of your legal status. In states like Colorado, any cannabis within the drivers reach is considered accessible and can get you a ticket.
You must store your cannabis securely under the layers in your bags and put them in the trunk or rear. Ideally, you must indulge only during the stopovers at cannabis-friendly resorts on the way. The advantage of packing your stash in multiple bags can help with any dank odors.
You can also pick up a smell proof bag to take with you to put your supplies and smoking accessories in.
While keeping your cannabis supplies out of sight is crucial, you must follow the same rule for your smoking accessories. Having a pipe or bong on your car seat is as bad as getting caught with cannabis on the road. It will definitely give the police a reason to search your vehicle, and you may get into a bigger problem in a non-legal jurisdiction.
So remember to conceal your smoking accessories out of sight, securely in your luggage in the car’s trunk or rear. The best option is to look for portable gear, as these small tools are easy to pack in your bags. Also, take smoking accessories you are comfortable with, because the last thing you need on a vacation is to struggle with the learning curve of a new device.
Carry tons of Snacks and Drinks
Long-distance travel with your buddies is a lot more fun when you have tons of treats at hand. Moreover, if someone indulges in cannabis, they will probably feel the munchies and look for something to eat. Pack some nutritious road-friendly snacks to keep your gang munching happily along the way. Sandwiches, cereal bars, fruit bowls, trail mixes, and candies are the best options.
You may keep a discreet edible at hand, but keep your hands off it while driving. Hydrating is crucial for for long trips, so have plenty of water in the car each day.
A long-distance road trip with cannabis can be an incredible experience, provided you plan it well enough. Avoid traveling solo and choose your travel buddies wisely. You must have at least one designated driver who stays sober all the time.
Follow this simple checklist to cover the basics, and use your common sense to prevent any hassles on the road. Also, remember to ensure that your car is in a good shape and you can handle the rigors of long-distance driving.
You will love every moment of the cannabis vacation of you follow these tips, have a safe and relaxing trip.