As Portland prepares for Best in Weed Week, happening December 8–14, 2025, the city is gearing up to celebrate one of Oregon’s most defining industries—cannabis. Hosted and promoted by Willamette Week, this weeklong event spotlights award-winning growers, innovative brands, and the dispensaries that have made the Portland area a true cannabis destination. More than just a celebration, Best in Weed Week represents the convergence of culture, commerce, and community in a way that highlights Portland’s pioneering role in cannabis normalization.
A Celebration of Oregon’s Cannabis Culture
At its heart, Best in Weed Week is more than a marketing event—it’s a citywide acknowledgment of how deeply cannabis is woven into Oregon’s identity. By bringing together local cultivators, dispensary owners, and creative entrepreneurs, the event highlights the craftsmanship and innovation that define Oregon’s cannabis scene. It honors the growers who have perfected their cultivation techniques, the brands leading with transparency and sustainability, and the dispensaries that have become cultural fixtures in Portland neighborhoods.
This celebration isn’t just about products—it’s about people. The week gives recognition to those who have built the industry from the ground up and helped shape public perception of cannabis from taboo to trusted wellness resource. For many Portlanders, Best in Weed Week serves as a reminder that cannabis is part of their culture, economy, and identity as a progressive and creative city.
“We are just so excited to bring such a positive cannabis industry related event to the public! With customers being able to get such awesome deals (especially during the holiday season) in a way that spotlights the dispensaries and cannabis brands with the help of Willamette Weeks messaging, we know this is something that everyone is really going to enjoy and benefit from!” said Tony Birch, City of Portland Cannabis Policy Oversight Team Board member and Founder/CEO of Broadway Cannabis Market, who was instrumental in getting Portland’s first Best of Weed Week implemented.
Economic Impact and Cannabis Industry Exposure
Oregon’s cannabis sector has become a major economic driver, employing thousands and contributing significantly to local tax revenue. Events like Best in Weed Week amplify this impact by giving businesses a platform to reach wider audiences. Throughout the week, local dispensaries and brands will offer special deals and promotions, inviting both locals and tourists to explore Portland’s diverse cannabis offerings.
Participating businesses benefit from a surge of visibility in both digital and print media, as the campaign is designed to spotlight featured products and encourage consumer engagement. The timing of the event—just before the holidays—creates an ideal window for local companies to increase foot traffic, introduce new products, and connect with their communities before the new year begins.
Christina Coursey is the Cannabis & Liquor Programs Manager in the bureau of Portland Permitting & Development for the City of Portland. She said, “I am incredibly excited about the forward thinking of this year’s Cannabis Policy Oversight Team. CPOT’s desire to enrich community engagement was the foundation for Weed Week. This is a fantastic idea to highlight Portland’s cannabis businesses, attract new and repeat customers and showcase the craft cannabis Oregon is known for.”
Strengthening Portland’s Cannabis Identity
Portland has always been a city that embraces creativity, sustainability, and counterculture—and cannabis fits naturally into that ethos. Best in Weed Week reinforces Portland’s reputation as a national leader in cannabis culture and innovation. It encourages the community to view cannabis as more than a commodity—it’s a symbol of wellness, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship.
For years, Oregon’s cannabis industry has set standards for quality and transparency that influence policies nationwide. By dedicating a full week to its celebration, Portland continues to lead by example, framing cannabis as a cornerstone of its modern identity.
Community Connection and Consumer Education
Beyond business and branding, Best in Weed Week helps bridge the gap between consumers and the cannabis industry. For newcomers, it provides an approachable entry point to learn about the plant, explore different product types, and understand safe consumption. For seasoned enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to support local producers, discover limited-edition offerings, and celebrate the creativity of the community.
Events like this also play an important role in destigmatizing cannabis. By showcasing the professionalism and integrity within the industry, Best in Weed Week promotes informed, responsible consumption and highlights the diversity of people who engage with cannabis—patients, professionals, creatives, and everyday Portlanders alike.
Tourism and Local Engagement Through Cannabis
Weed Week doesn’t just attract locals—it draws attention from visitors across the region. As cannabis tourism grows, events like this solidify Portland’s reputation as one of the top destinations for cannabis enthusiasts. Tourists exploring the city during Best in Weed Week will not only experience dispensaries and product showcases but also Portland’s broader hospitality scene—from boutique hotels to restaurants and arts venues.
This connection between cannabis and tourism underscores how integrated the plant has become in Portland’s economic and cultural landscape. When visitors come for Weed Week, they engage with the entire city, creating a ripple effect that benefits small businesses across sectors.
Ultimately, Best in Weed Week symbolizes Portland’s ongoing progress and open-minded approach to cannabis. It unites growers, retailers, consumers, and advocates under a shared celebration of plant medicine, wellness, and community. The event reflects how far Oregon’s cannabis movement has come—from early advocacy and legalization efforts to a thriving, respected industry that fuels both creativity and commerce.
For Portland, this week is more than a series of promotions—it’s a cultural statement. It’s a declaration that cannabis belongs here, not just as a product but as part of the city’s fabric. Best in Weed Week honors Portland’s pioneering spirit, its passion for local enterprise, and its unwavering support for industries that embody sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. Weed Week isn’t just about celebrating cannabis—it’s about celebrating the city itself.
Businesses looking to participate in Best of Weed Week can learn more here.
