MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AND CANNATOURISM: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEXICAN TOURIST DESTINATION?

Marijuana tourism is a recent phenomenon that is emerging as a result of the legalization of marijuana in several states of the United States, and Canada. In Mexico there has been an interest in legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes but there are many concerns about its possible effects on society. Based on a review of the literature and official statistics, this article examines the implications of legalizing this drug for society in general and the tourism industry in particular. The emergence of a marijuanarelated touristic offering was identified, which, if regulated, could diversify the tourist offerings of Mexican destinations. It was also found that the impacts of the legalization of marijuana tend to be mostly positive and can contribute to alleviating economic and social problems in tourist destinations. The possible implications of the legalization of this drug for Mexico are discussed.