{"id":148,"date":"2018-05-28T15:49:06","date_gmt":"2018-05-28T15:49:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/broadbuds.com\/?p=148"},"modified":"2018-05-28T19:11:51","modified_gmt":"2018-05-28T19:11:51","slug":"climbing-that-rocky-mountain-high","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/broadbuds.com\/index.php\/2018\/05\/28\/climbing-that-rocky-mountain-high\/","title":{"rendered":"Climbing that Rocky Mountain High"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I think I’ve finally come down from my trip to Denver.\u00a0 There is definitely a new meaning to “Rocky Mountain High” with the marijuana industry in Colorado providing some serious recreation.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Marijuana was often a recognized aroma on a stroll through Boulder or on a late-night outing to Denver.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Legalization means just a few, but very important, things to them: less criminal consequences, new business development and economic growth and increased tax revenue.\u00a0 Who can argue with that?<\/p>\n

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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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Instead, I found companies that provide services and activities that are more unique.\u00a0 The two companies I booked activities through were\u00a0Colorado Cannabis Tours<\/a> and My 420 Tour<\/a>s.<\/p>\n

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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.\u00a0 Also, people wouldn’t necessarily think, or even believe it, but Denver has fantastic weather and the sun is virtually always shining, from 30\u00b0 to 90\u00b0.\u00a0 As long as you bring the right gear, you can be ready to do anything there.\u00a0 Luckily, we went in spring so the weather was great every day.\u00a0 We explored our neighborhood LoHi (lower Highland Park) and came across some great local spots for our morning coffees and munchies.\u00a0 If you find yourself there, I would recommend Avanti F & B<\/a> (Food & Beverage), a food collective that offers different food and drink vendors with an open rooftop overlooking downtown Denver.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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).\u00a0 In the evenings, we had our booked activities to take part in.\u00a0 For our first event,\u00a0 we experienced\u00a0My 420 Tour<\/a>s Sushi and Joint Rolling Class, which is exactly what it sounds like.\u00a0 \u00a0We were a group of 7 but there were larger and smaller groups also there.\u00a0 Prior to the class, a trip to Euflora Dispensary<\/a> grants you one gram of weed to practice your joint rolling skills.\u00a0 A visit to this dispensary is an experience in itself as it has been dubbed the Apple of bud.\u00a0 Euflora is on par with MedMen<\/a>, a California chain of dispensaries that are also top quality.\u00a0 You are\u00a0also provided with the materials to make the sushi: seaweed wrap, rice, fish and veggies with the tools necessary as well.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 I guess I will just have to keep rolling joints to practice…and smoking for perfection.<\/p>\n