The final weekend of September is a significant one for cannabis tourism, and this year the epicenter of cannabis tourism activity is Niagara Falls, Ontario. September 27 is gaining recognition as World Cannabis Tourism Day, a global initiative designed to recognize and promote the social, cultural, and economic significance of cannabis and hemp travel within the broader global tourism space.

On Saturday, September 26, the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Awards ceremony, presented by the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA) and Kelly’s Green Lounge, takes over Plush Imperial on Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls. This night, honoring the hard work and achievements of those working to advance the cannabis industry’s potential in tourism and hospitality, will be followed by a virtual World Cannabis Tourism Day Summit on Sunday, September 27.

During the CCTA awards ceremony, award recipients will be acknowledged across 8 categories, which include cannabis tourism innovator of the year, the cannabis tourism economic innovation award, best culinary cannabis experience, best cannabis tourism operator, best cannabis event or experience, best cannabis tourism community or retail experience, international cannabis tourism pioneer of the year, and best international cannabis tourism destination. The ceremony will be hosted by Sofia Pacitti aka FiaTheArtist, a multidisciplinary artist and content creator from Canada. Special industry guests will also take to the stage to present each award category. An after-hours celebration complete with live music will follow.

An evening to remember, this event has even gained endorsement from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. In a statement to the CCTA, Prime Minister Carney dignifies those “helping to shape cannabis tourism in Canada,” and offers congratulations to the 2026 Canadian Cannabis Tourism Award winners. Ford also legitimizes the work of those in the cannabis hospitality and tourism sectors, citing their potential to “strengthen regional economies” and offer “new opportunities” to both Canadians and visitors to Canada alike.

The Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA) was established in 2022 and is a federally recognized association representing the Canadian cannabis sector in the scope of tourism, hospitality, and entertainment. The CCTA is of the stance that, although Canada’s federal legalization of cannabis for adult use made history and improved access for consumers, the government’s legislation has only effectively controlled the cannabis plant itself without creating the necessary business infrastructure to support the culture surrounding it. Through raising awareness and lobbying for governments to treat cannabis similarly to the wine and craft beer tourism industries, the coalition seeks regulation supporting cannabis tourism. Under a 5% cannabis tourism scenario, the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA) estimates that Canada’s national legal framework could generate an additional $8 billion in annual tourism spending, contribute $3.3 billion to the GDP, and create nearly 39,000 jobs.

The action doesn’t end on Saturday. Sunday, September 27, Reverend Kelly, joined by co-hosts Marcela Ikeda, Berta Kaguako, and Sam Teferi, will moderate a live panel of over 50 speakers from around the world during the 2026 World Cannabis Tourism Day Summit, a global, virtual event. From noon until 4:20 PM (EST), each of these speakers, who hail from places which include Canada, USA, Netherlands, Japan, Ghana, Nepal, Jamaica, Scotland, Dominica, Argentina, and Spain amongst others, will speak of the state of cannabis tourism in their nation and reflect upon how their businesses and community initiatives can support the growing international cannabis tourism industry. The summit will be broadcast for all to see, free of charge, online. A number of watch parties are also scheduled to take place during the panel in British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Scotland.

World Cannabis Tourism Day was established by the CCTA to coincide with the United Nations’ World Tourism Day, both being celebrated every year on September 27. The observance commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes on September 27, 1970, which were created with the aim of raising global awareness about the social, cultural, political, and economic value of international travel and tourism.

Whether you are a resort owner looking to integrate specialized wellness experiences, a cultivator aiming to launch curated farm-to-table tours, or an event planner navigating the complex world of legal consumption spaces, this summit is your ultimate roadmap. From legacy roots to mainstream luxury, join a global network of trailblazers shaping the high-end future of travel.

Registration is required to watch the summit and can be completed online before the event.