It is quite overwhelming to visit a cannabis dispensary for the first time. Most cannabis enthusiasts have not seen fifteen different options for weed in one place before. There is a little sensory overload happening and more often than not they are stumped as to what to try, or even look at, first. I typically start with describing the main differences in the cannabis plant itself. Sativa, indica and hybrid are what we have. The classifications of indica and sativa have been around since the 18th century. The farther away a cannabis plant naturally grows from the equator the more indica it will... Read More

**Strain Highlight: Strawberry Banana**   With cannabis growth, increased demand, control and gene pool, the names we ascribe new strains greatly influences the industry’s assimilation into our popular culture. Sure, there are novelty strains – like those named for famous stoners: Willy Nelson, Bill Maher, and Snoop Dogg. And, often, it may seem like growers and dispensaries simply pull names from their head-space with help from their product, like a good title meant to attract a target audience. However, strains are usually named for very specific qualities breeders seek to achieve... Read More

One question I get from customers on a daily basis is, “what has the highest THC?” That question bothers me because nobody buys other things based on the highest potency offered. People do not go to the liquor store every time and ask for Everclear. By only looking at the options for the highest in THC customers limit themselves to very few products, and just because something has the highest THC does not necessarily make it the best option. Cannabis has different levels of potency throughout its life. When a plant is harvested, it can have one level of potency. Then, it can have another potency... Read More

It’s that time of year; when the country pays its taxes! While not exactly Christmas, among the complication and stress many US citizens experience during this time, one thing is certain: the process involves a lot of giving. The Federal and State governments give out tax refunds, or residents give back what they owe. We pay taxes to fund and support our government. The government represents us through programs, services and benefits paid for by tax dollars. Some believe they pay too many taxes, or at too high a rate, without receiving the desired returns. This sentiment is shared by select... Read More

Cannabis extracts, or hashish, is way more potent than smoking regular flower. I am not sure about your tastes, but occasionally I need something with a little more kick to it. Rough days happen, whether it is out on the trail or in the office and hash can be just what the doctor ordered. The hard part is deciding what kind to choose. Everyone has their preference these days, from the old- school pressed hash to the new oil concentrates, here are some of my favorites. The crystals that cover a cannabis leaf are called trichomes and hash production begins with separating these trichomes from the... Read More

Senior citizens have become the fastest growing group of cannabis consumers since 2009. The federal government made cannabis illegal in 1937. For most their lives our parents have only known this unprocessed plant to be off limits. However, the times they-are-a-changing. Walk into any cannabis shop and many friendly faces in there will resemble your parents. Cannabis is practically made to accommodate and improve the quality of life for those advancing in age, so give it a try. Unfortunately, to start, I am going to have to see their identification. Colorado has an odd compliance law that makes... Read More

Last week Curtis, the ultimate weed snob, was in town from Boulder. He had just finished skiing and was jamming out at a concert when a joint was passed his way. First, he smelled it, using two fingers to waft a little of the smell into his nose. He asked if it was a pure indica, a pure sativa, or god forbid a hybrid doobie. He asked the person who handed it to him if it was weed grown in soil or hydro? “What kind of ‘noots’ were used in the growing of this plant?” Was it the LGS or was it the buds with the little red hairs, he considered? He inquired about the name and if there was any... Read More

The best way to enjoy any weed shop experience is to have an open mind, ask questions, and bring cash. People are not all created equal when it comes to the effects of this stuff. Even the most experienced cannabis user should heed the advice of the budtender who is helping them. It is like those old heads say, this stuff is way stronger than it used to be. Listen to the recommendations of your friendly budtender, they are there to help. Speaking with a budtender can save you hours of research on the internet and can be valuable for someone who is new to cannabis. You probably know the feeling... Read More

I have not always been too fond of the title budtender, but I always refer to myself as one. I think the person who specializes in all things cannabis, specifically pairing the right strain with the right person ought to have a stronger title. Cannacierge maybe? Budtender feels like an obvious choice, like it was the first suggestion and nobody thought of anything after, but people know exactly what you mean when you say budtender so we will go with it. Weedologist? Ganja Valet? I consider this position to be more of a cannabis pharmacist and less of a bartender. Cannabist? Wait, I think that is... Read More

I would like to start off my first assignment with a kind suggestion, be polite to your budtender. You never know, it might make that bag a little heavier. We are nice people, we have similar interests as you, we are stoked to live in Colorado, and we have a cool job so finding us in a good mood is common. We work in an industry where our customers bring in tons of positive energy and are happy to spend their money, where else do you find that? We enjoy talking to new people about the subtle differences in cannabis, the possibilities of cannabidiol (CBD), and we would love for you to ask every... Read More