This type of retreat combines the rest and relaxation you’d find on holiday, but adds in some new elements too. For example, it includes the opportunity to take cannabis intentionally as part of the Experience.
In Europe, this type of getaway is becoming incredibly popular due to the area being quite progressive and having incredible natural beauty.
So what is a Cannabis Wellness Retreat?
As a result of the rapid growth in popularity of cannabis wellness retreats, many different types exist. On one side you have “cannabis friendly” yoga retreats in Spain. These retreats don’t necessarily include cannabis in their programming, however it is available in whatever quantities you desire.
On the other hand, there are formal cannabis programs – which combine cannabis use with guided meditation, sound healing, breath work, massages with CBD infused oils, cold water therapy and even facilitated group sessions where cannabis is included in the programming.
Most of these programs exist somewhere in the middle. As an example of what a typical program.
Where to go in Europe - legal landscape
Your choice of country plays a significant role. How and where retreats function depends heavily on the laws of each country.
| Country | Status of cannabis use | Viability of cannabis retreats | Additional information |
| Netherlands | CBD fully legal; coffee shop use tolerated | Excellent | Many long-standing retreats based in Amsterdam; fewer options for retreats in rural areas of the Netherlands |
| Spain | Social clubs abound; personal use permitted | Excellent | Both basque country & Catalonia have thriving cannabis cultures/retreat scenes |
| Portugal | Decriminalized; CBD fully legal | Very good | Best option for creating your own private retreat in Algarve/rural interior |
| Germany | Recreational cannabis legal (up to 25 grams); non-profit club model expanding rapidly | Good/growing | Emerging CBD-focused retreat culture; non-profit club model beginning to emerge |
| Malta | Home/personal use fully legalized | Good | Small island; quaint, local retreat culture exists; beautiful Mediterranean views |
| Czech Republic | Decriminalization; recreational cannabis legal january 1st 2026 | Good | Wellness scene developing; Prague accessible |
For travelers from the UK, Spain and Portugal are currently the most well-established and safest options. They have affordable flight options, pleasant climates, delicious food and generally accept cannabis usage more favorably than elsewhere.
The Netherlands still has great support for retreat-goers regarding logistics. Germany is quickly developing into a viable destination.
How to choose the best cannabis wellness retreat
While there are certainly legitimate businesses operating in this space, there are also companies capitalizing on trends. Here are a few key items to consider:
- Certified facilitators. Are your yoga instructors, massage therapists, breathworkers, and/or meditation leaders certified?
- Clearly stated legal framework. Does the retreat clearly state how products were acquired and how they will be consumed during your stay?
- Structured program. The most impactful cannabis wellness retreats provide clear guidance throughout your stay via set schedules, time for reflection/integration, and thoughtful pacing.
- CBD vs. THC clarity. There are several cannabis wellness retreats operating in Europe that utilize CBD products exclusively. This means they only utilize oils/tinctures/products containing no THC for therapeutic purposes. Other organizations operate in countries where THC is permissible and thus use low amounts of THC. Understand what type of organization you will be visiting before arrival.
Getting ready for your cannabis wellness retreat
The week leading up to your departure date will have more influence over your overall success with a Cannabis Wellness Retreat than most realize. Some suggestions:
What can I expect to feel during my cannabis wellness retreat?
A well-planned cannabis wellness retreat typically produces several consistent benefits among attendees: improved sleep within 2-3 days, reduced physical tension held in muscles such as the shoulders/jaw/hips and greater ability to remain calm/still -- specifically sitting still without needing to reach for a phone -- which may seem trivial until you recognize how seldom this occurs at home.
Before choosing a retreat, it is worth understanding what kind of cannabis experience actually suits you — whether that means a gentle edible, a gummy, chocolate, or something lighter for quiet evenings at home. Explore the full Properloud catalogue of top cannabis products in the UK and take the time to find what feels right before you build cannabis into your wellness plans.
