1. Smokin’ sales
Although faced with restrictions, restaurants and chefs have capitalized on marijuana’s recent legality to get diners in the door. Colorado-based sushi chain Hapa Sushi released a limited-time sushi and marijuana pairing menu ad in celebration of the state legalizing marijuana in 2012. Previously, the chain also released a map showing Hapa’s locations in conjunction with medical marijuana dispensaries as part of an ad campaign.
Colorado restaurants and bars have also seen tourism increase in recent years. In 2015, the state welcomed 77.7 million visitors, who spent an all-time high of $19.1 billion, according to the Colorado Tourism Office. A survey distributed by the office showed that 23% of vacationers were motivated by marijuana to visit.