Cannabis tourists' perceived constraints to engaging in commercial cannabis tourism overseas: a comparison of first-time and repeat tourists

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Date

2023

Authors

Kozak, Metin
Kozak, Metin
Ying, Tianyu

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Emerald Group Publishing Ltd

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Abstract

Purpose Given the increasing number of tourists exposed to commercially available cannabis, it is important to understand visitors' perceived constraints to cannabis consumption while travelling. This study aims to compare cannabis tourists' perceived constraints between first-time and repeat tourists to gain comprehensive understanding. Design/methodology/approach This study involved 32 conversational field interviews (5-10 min) with Chinese tourists who had smoked cannabis in coffee shops in Amsterdam to identify perceived constraints to engaging in cannabis tourism. The hierarchical constraint model (HCM) informed qualitative data coding using a deductive approach to compare first-time and repeat tourists. Content analysis was conducted manually. Findings Results showed that both tourist groups faced intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural perceived constraints to cannabis consumption. Differences in first-time and repeat cannabis tourists' perceived constraints were explained using the neutralization technique framework and psychological tactics, such as the defence of necessity, claims of entitlement, normal practice and claims of relative acceptability. In addition, social exchange theory was employed to explain why repeat cannabis tourists perceived fewer constraints than first-time tourists. Practical implications Although the current study did not intend to address the importance of cannabis tourism in places where cannabis is commercially available, findings offer empirical guidance for industry practitioners and policymakers regarding cannabis use education, prevention and policy in tourism contexts; related efforts can promote the sustainable development of this tourism market while protecting cannabis tourists' physical and psychological well-being. Originality/value This study makes important theoretical contributions regarding travel constraints in the unique context of cannabis tourism between first-time and repeat tourists. Findings will also enable academics, industry operators, policymakers and local residents of cannabis tourism destinations to better understand how these tourists decide whether to consume cannabis overseas. Differences in these perceived constraints between first-time and repeat tourists are discussed to highlight the dynamic nature of travel constraints.

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Keywords

Chinese Outbound Tourists, Neutralization, Consumption, Visitors, Travel, Association, Perspective, Experiences, Motivation, Intention, Chinese Outbound Tourists, Neutralization, Consumption, Visitors, Deviant behaviour, Travel, Cannabis tourism, Association, Perceived constraints, Perspective, Neutralization, Experiences, Social exchange theory, Motivation, First-time tourists, Intention, Repeat tourists

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Citation

5

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Q3

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Q1

Source

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics

Volume

35

Issue

1

Start Page

130

End Page

148