I think I’ve finally come down from my trip to Denver. There is definitely a new meaning to “Rocky Mountain High” with the marijuana industry in Colorado providing some serious recreation. Colorado has had recreational marijuana for over 4 years now, and after my recent visit, it is clear to see that Coloradans have embraced and evolved the industry. I lived in Colorado for a few years before recreational marijuana was passed and, even before its enactment, marijuana was an accepted part of the culture. I was never bothered by people when I would be smoking, as long as there is no disrespect or out of control behavior, of course. Marijuana was often a recognized aroma on a stroll through Boulder or on a late-night outing to Denver. With the passing of recreational marijuana, however, there is an active, open dialogue and acceptance around cannabis that was not present before, as will happen with most states as they legalize recreational marijuana. As for people who have lived in Colorado for many years before legalization and still live there since, friends of mine have said they haven’t noticed much of a change in the communities in which they live and the social environment of the state in general. Legalization means just a few, but very important, things to them: less criminal consequences, new business development and economic growth and increased tax revenue. Who can argue with that?
I was in Colorado not to research the decrease in criminal charges or the increase in the economic structure, but to experience the recreational marijuana industry for what it has to offer there. I have visited Colorado since 2014, when Amendment 64 was enacted, and went to the first and second of the Cannabis Cups held in Denver. While the Cannabis Cup is a quintessential stoner experience , this particular trip I was looking to avoid 2-hour waits in line and forego the major crowds. Instead, I found companies that provide services and activities that are more unique. The two companies I booked activities through were Colorado Cannabis Tours and My 420 Tours.
Even if you aren’t a weed enthusiast, Denver is a wonderful city to visit for many reasons: some of the best beer and breweries in the US, young and friendly vibes, delicious eclectic food and a beautiful landscape that provides endless possibilities for all seasons. Also, people wouldn’t necessarily think, or even believe it, but Denver has fantastic weather and the sun is virtually always shining, from 30° to 90°. As long as you bring the right gear, you can be ready to do anything there. Luckily, we went in spring so the weather was great every day. We explored our neighborhood LoHi (lower Highland Park) and came across some great local spots for our morning coffees and munchies. If you find yourself there, I would recommend Avanti F & B (Food & Beverage), a food collective that offers different food and drink vendors with an open rooftop overlooking downtown Denver. It is only a 5-minute walk over the bridge to get from Highland Park to Downtown so it is a great location to stay.
Once we were caffeinated and properly stoned, we spent the morning and afternoons visiting the many dispensaries and breweries within walking distance (of virtually anywhere in Denver). In the evenings, we had our booked activities to take part in. For our first event, we experienced My 420 Tours Sushi and Joint Rolling Class, which is exactly what it sounds like. We were a group of 7 but there were larger and smaller groups also there. Prior to the class, a trip to Euflora Dispensary grants you one gram of weed to practice your joint rolling skills. A visit to this dispensary is an experience in itself as it has been dubbed the Apple of bud. Euflora is on par with MedMen, a California chain of dispensaries that are also top quality. You are also provided with the materials to make the sushi: seaweed wrap, rice, fish and veggies with the tools necessary as well. Now I have never been one to roll a joint very well, but this class did actually show me a thing or two, and I will say that my joint came out better than in the past. I guess I will just have to keep rolling joints to practice…and smoking for perfection.
The following night we experienced Colorado Cannabis Tours Puff, Pass & Paint activity. We’ve all seen the drink and paint parties, and I was happy to swap out a glass of wine with a joint, or two, or five. The painting class was held in an art gallery with lots of great pieces hanging on the walls to admire. Everyone was encouraged to get into their right head-space and utilize cannabis as a creative tool. It was a unique experience and the environment was perfect with lots of great art to influence and inspire. While I am not artistically inclined in the classic sense of painting and drawing, I did enjoy the Puff, Pass & Paint activity, as did the rest of my group. I had done a cannabis-friendly painting class in Massachusetts recently, but the Colorado Cannabis Tours was more flexible and we were able to explore, change color selections and find our own artistic vision. I virtually followed the teacher’s instructions, because, again, I have no actual painting skills. All in all, it was definitely the type of experience we were looking for. My painting is below as well as my partner in crimes’, Doso. Which one do you think is best? Help us settle the score.
Our group traveled to Colorado for the purpose of celebrating some milestone birthdays in the ultimate way we could think possible, and since we are all stoners, it only seemed natural we ended up chasing the Rocky Mountain High. Thanks to Coloradans the rest of the country has a real, functioning example of how recreational marijuana can work and be beneficial. We all had a wonderful time enjoying what Colorado has to offer, both cannabis-related and not. If you find yourself in Denver, whether to get stoned or stay sober, you will no doubt have a great time. We just happened to follow our own kind of gold rush and struck it rich!
If you want more recommendations or additional information on the services and activities, email me!