Lisbon vs Porto: Which City Is Better for Cannabis-Curious Brits?

In One country, Two cities. In Two cities, very different experiences. Whether you’re traveling to Portugal and cannabis is involved – either directly or indirectly -- the decision to go to lisbon or porto is much bigger than what any travel guide will tell you.

Both cities are subject to the same national laws; both allow the possession of cannabis (up to 25g of dried flower) for personal consumption without penalty; neither has a legal cannabis market; both have an increasing number of cbd retail stores opening up; and both seem to treat cannabis with a general acceptance that is not alarming.

However, the difference in experience on the ground is significant.

The same rules apply to both locations but very different Atmospheres abound

The decriminalization law in Portugal is universal. Possessing up to 25g of dried flowers or 5 grams of hashish will not get you arrested in either lisbon or porto.

Where things diverge is the degree to which that policy affects the day-to-day atmosphere of each City.

Lisbon is the capital. It is bigger, more traveled, more international in nature, and therefore has a more developed cbd retail presence. As such, it attracts many more tourists and has a very active cbd retail presence.

Porto, while being Portugal’s second-largest City, is smaller, more gritty, more authentically Portuguese in nature and has a cannabis scene that exists but is decidedly low profile compared to lisbon.

Neither City is Amsterdam. There are no coffee shops or dispensaries in either location.

Lisbon: more options than Porto and much more Tourist-facing than porto

There are numerous hemp shops throughout various neighborhoods such as:

• Bairro Alto
• Chiado
• Principe real

selling everything from oils and tinctures to smokables, edibles and topical creams.

Additionally, lisbon boasts a 24/7 cbd vending machine making it easier than ever to purchase cbd products during your stay. This makes Lisbon the ideal destination for First-time travelers visiting Portugal looking for easy access to cannabis products.

Additionally, lisbon is One of europe's most unique destinations offering beautiful tram rides through hilly streets, listening to fado music drifting from open doorways into the narrow alleys of alfama at night and sipping cocktails at rooftop bars located along miradouras that provide breathtaking views of the City.

It appears by accident, lisbon was made for people who take pleasure in slowing down and enjoying life and that includes taking cbd products.

However, the downside of lisbon is that it has become a major Tourist destination and therefore, peak travel seasons bring large crowds. Prices have increased significantly in recent years and finding these hidden gems may require some effort.

Porto: fewer options than lisbon but much more authentic experience than lisbon

While porto has far fewer cbd shops than lisbon and a cannabis culture that is developing but clearly less visible to tourists than lisbon's, this could be viewed as a positive depending on who you ask.

For some travelers this would be seen as a negative because of the lack of options available. On the other hand, this "less visible" aspect may actually be appealing to other travelers.

Porto offers a completely different experience than Lisbon. It feels much more like a living breathing city.

Travelers can expect to save money in almost every area including:

• accommodations
• meals
• drinks

compared to similar costs associated with traveling in lisbon.

Lastly, the overall atmosphere surrounding cannabis in porto seems much more relaxed socially than lisbon does.

Travelers in porto report seeing fewer police officers patrolling the streets near where cannabis is consumed and a local university-based population that historically provides an accepting community for students and tourists alike.

Additionally, the tempo of travel in porto allows travelers to feel like using cannabis privately and discreetly is normal rather than contrived.

Head to Head

Whether you are only planning your trip to Portugal or have already returned home to the UK, you do not have to rely on random options or unknown street sellers. Properloud offers a carefully selected range of THC products — including edibles, gummies, chocolates, and more — so you can enjoy something familiar, discreet, and reliable at home.