Feb 20 2025 33 mins 2
Cannabis Tourism: From Amsterdam to Vancouver Island
Cannabis might not be legal worldwide… yet. But that doesn’t stop the global cannabis tourism industry from buzzing along. In fact, Forbes values the U.S. cannabis tourism industry alone at USD $17 billion.
In this episode of The Potcast, we’re taking you on a journey from the pioneering cannabis tourist destinations, to North America’s first 420-friendly cafe, to the budding industry growing right here in beautiful British Columbia.
After all, BC weed is world-renowned, and we’ve got passionate people who’ve been in the business since long before legalization who can tell you where it all began, and where they plan to take it.
Like Kyp Rowe, VP of Brand Development and Sales at Victoria Cannabis Company – home to BC’s second and Vancouver Island’s first farmgate store, where locals and visitors alike can sample the best BC weed right where it’s grown.
And we’ll also chat with Graham Meckling from Victoria Cannabis Tours, who’s busy creating memorable tour experiences for visitors to Vancouver Island, served with a side of cannabis.
Buckle up – it’s going to be an interesting ride.
About Kyp Rowe - Victoria Cannabis Company https://www.victoriacannabiscompany.com/
Kyp Rowe is the VP of Brand Development & Sales at Victoria Cannabis Company (VCC). Located in the heart of Victoria, BC, with an indoor grow facility and farmgate store, VCC has roots reaching back as far as 25 years. The legacy of their experience informs and augments their every decision, resulting in the highest quality BC craft cannabis.
The VCC team believes in a balance between maintaining tried and trusted profiles developed in the Traditional Market with that of creating and discovering new flavours not yet available.
About Graham Meckling - Victoria Cannabis Tours
https://www.victoriacannabistours.ca/
Graham Meckling is a dynamic entrepreneur and creative visionary with a diverse portfolio of successful businesses. As the former owner of the award-winning Stage Wine Bar in Fernwood, Victoria, Graham established a reputation for creating unforgettable dining experiences that paired exceptional cuisine with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
Today, Graham channels his passion for innovation into businesses that make a positive impact in the lives of its users, including Truedad, an online community dedicated to supporting new and expecting fathers based on his award-winning book Babies Don’t Talk. He also founded ADHD Lovebugs, a company that empowers individuals with ADHD to stay organized and productive using beautifully designed, indexed to-do list cards.
In addition, Graham's entrepreneurial spirit extends to Victoria Cannabis Tours, which offers curated walking and driving tours highlighting the local cannabis scene in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.
Whether it’s crafting unique culinary experiences, building tools to help others thrive, or celebrating local culture, Graham’s ventures reflect his commitment to creativity, connection, and community.
About Ross
Ross Rebagliati is a Canadian snowboarder who won a gold medal in the men’s giant slalom event at the 1998 Winter Olympics. A positive cannabis test led the International Olympic Committee to strip him of his medal, but the decision was overruled in appeals court two days later because cannabis was not on the list of banned substances. For that reason, Ross’ medal is the only Olympic medal to have ever been returned.
Since then, Ross has become an outspoken cannabis advocate and entrepreneur. He was featured in the July 14, 2008 edition of Sports Illustrated, which profiled his life since his Olympic win.
About Ripco Processing
Ripco Processing is at the forefront of medical and recreational cannabis innovation with a focus on CBD and THC products.
Humans have been consuming cannabis for thousands of years. While traditional methods of consumption will always stand the test of time, Ripco is continuously developing new and innovative ways to enjoy Canada’s favourite herb for a more consistent, convenient and enjoyable experience.
The Ripco Processing family of brands includes Stick It, a clean burning, innovative stick that infuses pre-rolls with cannabinoids; Strip It, an edible cannabis product similar to a breath strip that dissolves quickly on the tongue; Ross’ Gold premium cannabis and pre-rolls; and Ovation topical cannabis products.
Ripco Processing operates a licensed micro processing facility in Calgary, Alberta.
Potcast Credits
Hosts: Ross Rebagilati & Don Shafer
Guests: Kyp Rowe (Victoria Cannabis Company), Graham Meckling (Victoria Cannabis Tours)
Producer: John Masecar
Showrunner / Writer: Jessica Grajczyk
#cannabistourism #BCcannabis #cannabistravel
