Making the high country: cannabis tourism in Colorado USA. Issue 2 (15th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keul, Adam; Eisenhauer, Brian
• Is Part Of: Annals of leisure research. Volume 22:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 140
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2019-03-15
• Subjects: Tourism worldmaking -- political economy -- critical leisure studies -- legal geography -- cannabis; Leisure -- Periodicals; Recreation -- Periodicals; Sports -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 306.481205
• DOI: 10.1080/11745398.2018.1435291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1174-5398

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Tourism worldmaking theories explain how discourse, representation, and practice shape tourism and leisure spaces, yet can neglect the important roles of law, policy and the economic production of tourism. Law and policy changes can reframe discourses of deviance and economic opportunity and tourism promoters capitalize upon these changes. To illustrate this process of legal change and tourism response, we investigated cannabis tourism in the US state of Colorado where legalization has allowed tourism operators to commodify experiences with the plant. To understand this emerging market we qualitatively investigated cannabis tourism operations using participant observation and interviews with tourism operators. Cannabis tourism experiences revolve around instrumental needs, liberation, education, and sensual pleasure. Guides use cannabis tourism as a political platform upon which to destigmatize the plant and its industries, contest deviance, and challenge law. The legalized context and the associated economic boom are influential factors affecting the production of tourism.