Of all the months in the year, April might just be the best time to live in Austin, Texas. The weather’s ideal—sunny and breezy without the summer scorch—and the city comes alive with native wildflowers, outdoor events, and a buzz of high spirits. It’s also peak season for cannabis culture, with a full calendar of events like the Austin Reggae Fest, 4/20 parties, Eeyore’s Birthday, the Zilker Kite Festival, the Renaissance Faire, and even that wild marching band festival.
Reggae Fest, celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend at Auditorium Shores, stands out as an iconic weed-friendly event. Long before Austin formally eased up on marijuana enforcement, the festival felt like a glimpse into the future. APD officers would be present, casually bobbing their heads to roots reggae while thousands of attendees openly passed joints around. No arrests, no hassle—just vibes.
What once felt like a temporary pass from the law has since become the standard in Austin. In 2020, the City Council directed police to stop making arrests for low-level marijuana possession. Then in 2022, a citizen-led ballot initiative made decriminalization official, passing with an overwhelming 86% of the vote. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton tried to challenge it, but the lawsuit was dismissed in 2023.
Today, Austin is a haven for cannabis enthusiasts. There’s a laid-back bar scene where smoking a joint on the patio is no big deal, a thriving underground market, regular cannabis culinary events, and a local glass-art movement that’s as artistic as it is functional. Hemp dispensaries are everywhere, and you can get quality weed at reasonable prices with little legal risk.
This week’s special edition of The Austin Chronic dives into cannabis and culture—touching on topics like family, medicine, and spirituality—but first, let’s get to the fun part: how and where to buy weed in Austin.