Discover the LGBTQ+ history of California’s Cannabis Trail

The Cannabis Trail will show you the wonders of California's cannabis culture and its unique queer history. From the vibrant streets of the Bay Area to the tranquil beauty of Humboldt County, The Cannabis Trail honors the intertwined narratives of cannabis, queer liberation and the Back to the Land movement. 

Fall in Northern California is a great time to travel, with the bounty of cannabis harvests and late summer-like weather. Our journey begins in the vibrant city of Oakland, which explodes with rainbow hues every September during its annual Pride celebrations. This event takes place on the second Sunday of September, featuring a lively parade, a colorful festival filled with music, food, local vendors, and various community events throughout the weekend.

Day One - Welcome to Oakland, a Cannabis-Infused Pride Celebration

Fly into Oakland International Airport on Saturday and enjoy all the cultural and culinary offerings of the place we affectionately refer to as “The Town.”

Check-in for two nights at the Waterfront Hotel. A coastal oasis overlooking Jack London Square, this hotel is cannabis-friendly and near a plethora of dining and entertainment venues. 

Pick up your favorite cannabis provisions with a visit to Root'd in the 510, a landmark stop on The Cannabis Trail honoring the story of education, equity and community. This inclusive Equity-Owned cannabis dispensary in the Temescal District is a must-visit. 

Getting hungry? Nearby Tacos Oscar is a flavorful favorite for vegans and carnivores alike. After refueling, dance the night away at Fluid 510, one of Oakland's hottest new gay clubs that has been described as a “Beacon of Queer Joy.”

Day Two - Celebrating Oakland Pride:

Kick off your Pride celebrations by joining the iconic Oakland Pride Parade. Watch as colorful floats, vibrant performances, and spirited marchers wind their way through the city streets, spreading messages of love, acceptance, and equality.

Beyond the parade, Oakland's Pride festivities encompass many community events and activities. From art exhibitions to film screenings, drag shows to panel discussions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Check out Visit Oakland for a list of LGBTQ-owned businesses and Pride events throughout the city. 

Support LGBTQ+-owned businesses and establishments during your visit. Whether you’re dining at a queer-friendly restaurant, shopping at an LGBTQ+ store, or going on an LGBTQ+ bar crawl, supporting LGBTQ+ businesses is a powerful way to contribute to the community and show your solidarity.

Day Three -  The Queer History of Cannabis & a Bohemian Haven in the Anderson Valley

After checking out at the Waterfront in the morning, head across the bridge to San Francisco for a quick stop in the legendary Castro District. This LGBTQ+ neighborhood played a pivotal role in paving the way for cannabis legalization.

Café Flore, a cultural landmark and refuge for LGBTQ+ activists and cannabis advocates, is where the community gathered to share information, support and cannabis during the devastating AIDS crisis. This café is where cannabis pioneers Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary met for the first time in 1974 and where Prop 215, the first medical cannabis legislation of its kind, was drafted. Now a sustainable fish restaurant that retains the original landmark's heart, its patio is ideal for dining and enjoying the Castro’s nightlife.

Across the street, the queer-owned Flore Store offers a wide range of high-quality cannabis products, from artisanal flower to infused edibles, beverages and topicals. Visit the Cannabis Trail landmark inside.

Leave San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge and head toward the Emerald Triangle, the country’s historical hub of cannabis cultivation, comprised of Mendocino, Humboldt, and Trinity counties. Check-in for the night at The Madrones.

The Madrones is a beautiful cannabis-friendly LGBTQ-owned getaway with a wine-tasting room, a delightful gift shop, and the elegant Bohemian Chemist dispensary.

Also on the property is gay-owned Wickson Restaurant, with Iberian-inspired food and a wood-fired oven. It’s the perfect way to start a cozy evening in the valley. If you feel like venturing from the property, visit Pennyroyal Farm in nearby Boonville, a lesbian-owned sustainable farm with delicious cheeses and wines all made from the bounty of their property.

Day Four - Rolling Hills, Sungrown Craft Cannabis and Sustainability:

Check-in for the night at Orr Hot Springs or Vichy Hot Springs and Resort.

Venturing north amidst the rolling hills of Mendocino County is Ukiah. This charming town offers a chance to experience cannabis culture alongside breathtaking landscapes. Ukiah isn't just a cannabis haven; art and history buffs will delight in exploring The Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House, while outdoor enthusiasts can revel in the beauty of wineries, hiking trails, and nearby Lake Mendocino State Park. But for those seeking a unique cannabis experience, Plantshop dispensary awaits.

Plantshop isn't your average dispensary. LGBTQ+ owned, this Ukiah staple is renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and education. Plantshop offers a curated selection of cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and concentrates, all sourced from local Mendocino County growers known for their dedication to sun-grown, sustainable farming practices.

Ukiah offers a delightful post-dispensary itinerary. Visit Orr Hot Springs for a luxurious soak, stay in one of their yurts or cabins, or go for a spa experience and cottages at Vichy Springs. Note: Orr is clothing-optional, Vichy is not. Savor a delicious meal at farm-to-table restaurant Cultivo, and on your way out of town, be sure to pick up some coffee and baked goods at Schat's Bakery.

Day Five - Rugged Coastline and Towering Redwoods 

Check in for a night at the Carter House Inn in Eureka, where luxurious rooms, an award-winning bar and sumptuous breakfasts await you in one of their four Victorian properties. Select rooms include fireplaces and spa tubs.

As you delve into Humboldt County's cannabis scene, you'll encounter a thriving community of growers, artisans, and activists dedicated to cultivating and preserving the plant. Book a tour at the Humboldt Cannabis Tours Depot, where their friendly and knowledgeable guides can take you on full-day or half-day tours.