With more and more states legalizing the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana and marijuana related products, more and more people are asking the question: is regular use of marijuana a safe alternative to regular use of alcohol? 

First things first: if you are an adolescent or pregnant, neither is safe. There are a wide variety of reputable studies that show the negative impact of drug and alcohol use on both unborn children and adolescent brain development. Secondly: while driving under the influence of marijuana may be considered less dangerous than operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol —operating a vehicle under the influence of any foreign substance or prescription medication is always a bad decision. With those key factors out of the way, the debate between alcohol and marijuana lies in an examination of each substance’s effects on the mental and physical health of adult uses in both the short and long term. 

Alcohol is more acutely dangerous than marijuana for the simple fact that the potential for death by overdose is considerably higher. The U.S. Center for Disease Control reports that nearly ninety-thousand alcohol-related deaths occur each calendar year in the United States alone. Binge drinking —the act of drinking so much alcohol in one sitting that one passes out or “blacks out” — accounts for nearly half of all deaths by alcohol consumption.

Comparatively speaking, a 2014 study by the Society for the Study of Addiction found that the number of deaths caused by marijuana worldwide each year is essentially zero. The paper was presented to the presented at Through the Maze: Cannabis and Health International Drug Policy Symposium Auckland, New Zealand, November 2013. The study found that  reason for this is the tremendous amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)  —the crystalline compound that is the main active psychoactive ingredient in cannabis —that must be consumed in order to receive a fatal or near-fatal dose. That amount —between 15 and 70 whole grams —equates to approximately to the consumption of 238 and 1,113 marijuana cigarettes in one 24-hour period.

Since the potential for death-by-overdose is significantly higher, much continued study into the regular use of alcohol and marijuana have focused on short and long term cognitive effects as well as risks to the human body’s numerous functional systems. A 2015 study by the medical journal Scientific Reports, cannabis is around 114 times less deadly than alcohol and was the only drug out of those examined to pose a low risk of death among alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other illicit drugs. Furthermore, cannabis is not now nor has ever been classified as a known carcinogen, unlike alcohol, which is responsible for numerous types of cancers, notably esophageal and pancreatic cancers.

Studies remain inconclusive about how much marijuana use causes impairments of learning and memory, however many demonstrated that these types of changes in the brain may increase the risk of psychological difficulties later in life. While marijuana can be considered safer than alcohol, that does not mean —as with all foreign substances, medicines and drugs, that  it should be abused, used irresponsibly, or with a volume that inhibits one's everyday life. 
 

Heading to your first dispensary is exciting, but if you’ve never been to one before, it’s normal to be a little nervous. After all, it’s hard to overcome years of social conditioning and thinking that buying marijuana is questionable behavior. The truth is, buying marijuana is nothing to be ashamed of or nervous about. You just need to familiarize yourself with a few basics before you head to the best dispensary in Denver. Here’s what you need to know. 

Have Your ID Ready
No matter how young or young at heart you look, you should always be ready to get carded. This is because in-state purchasers can buy more weed at once than tourists and the dispensary needs to know where you’re from just as much as they need to know your age. Have your ID ready and within easy reach before you set foot inside the dispensary. This will speed up the check-in process and makes you look like a seasoned pro. 

Keep in mind that you may have to wait for a few minutes before you can go preview products. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your ID. We just like to keep the experience personal and working with a few people at once makes it easier.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
When you’re new to visiting a dispensary, you’ll have a ton of questions. And they’ll cover everything from the products available to how to use your cannabis. Don’t be tempted to leave those questions until you get home. Google can only tell you so much. Instead, ask your budtender. There are no stupid questions and everyone has to start somewhere. We’d rather you leave feeling confident in your purchases than unsure about the things you bought. Don’t worry about sounding lame or like a newbie. We all have to start somewhere. 

Bring Cash With You
Unfortunately, the government has some pretty crazy restrictions on dispensaries and most of them can’t process credit card or debit card payments. Before you stop by, call ahead and find out what types of payment your dispensary accepts. Or you can avoid the hassle by having cash on hand. Every dispensary accepts cash no matter what you decide to purchase. As a general rule, you’ll want to stop by your bank’s ATM before you head out. This way, you’ll avoid paying any out-of-network fees, freeing up more funds to use towards your pot purchase.

Give Others Space at the Counter
Think of the dispensary as a pharmacy. People go for many reasons and they might not always be comfortable with others overhearing those reasons. Whenever possible, give other patrons space at the counter. Don’t sidle up next to them to look at products in a case—let your budtender bring the product to you. Respect others’ privacy and they’ll do the same for you.

Follow these simple tips and your first trip to the dispensary should be fast, fun, and productive. Not sure where to start? Stop by one of our three locations across the Denver metro area. We have everything you need to get started whether you’re an experienced toker or just want to experience a high in the Mile High City. 
 

Everyone knows about 4/20. It’s international pot day! But not everyone gets the chance to celebrate on the special day. After all, we have work, social responsibilities, and errands to take care of. If you missed out celebrating this year, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to feel left out. There are plenty of other great holidays to celebrate with weed from the best dispensary in Denver. Here are a few of our favorites. 

Concentrates and Cannabis Oil Day on July 10th
April 20th may be devoted to all things cannabis. But July 10th is devoted to oils and concentrates. Why? Well, grab a calculator. Type in the numbers 710. Then, flip the calculator so the display is upside down. It should read OIL. Pretty cool, right? If you love dabbing or think oils are the best way to enjoy cannabis on the DL, grab your favorites and celebrate in style. 

Legalization Day on November 6th
Marijuana has been legal in Colorado since 2012, but we can’t forget where we’ve come from. And celebrating legalization day on November 6th is a great way to honor marijuana activists who made the legalization possible. Stop by your favorite local dispensary, pick up some fresh bud, and throw a party with your closest friends or hit up any of the Denver-area cannabis-friendly activities and get high while experiencing the best the Mile High City has to offer.

Green Wednesday the Week of Thanksgiving
You’ve heard of Black Friday, but have you heard of Green Wednesday? Celebrate every year the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Think of it as a way to relax and unwind before the stress of cooking, parties, family gatherings, and Black Friday bargains gets too overwhelming. And no one says you can’t keep celebrating over Thanksgiving…just use your discretion and only enjoy your weed when you know it won’t cause stress with your family. 

CBD Day on February 1st
Believe it or not, there’s a day devoted to our favorite non-psychoactive cannabis compound: CBD. It’s a great way to get the same health benefits you expect from marijuana but without the high that can make it tough to function in your daily life. It’s up to you to decide how to celebrate. Grab a vape cartridge and vape your favorite CBD concentrate. Pick up a CBD edible. Or use a CBD dominant marijuana strain and light up your bong. The only limit is your imagination and personal preference. And, hey, if you’re traveling around February 1st, you can still celebrate wherever you go. CBD from hemp is legal across the country. 

Holidays are a wonderful way to celebrate the things you’re passionate in. But you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy your favorite cannabis products. Stop by one of our locations today and pick up some fresh bud to ring in the weekend or unwind at the end of the day. Not sure what you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to speak with our budtenders. We’ll help you find a product you’ll love.
 

Denver is home to some of the nation’s best craft breweries and nestled right along the brewery corridor. And with marijuana being legal, it’s only natural for people to want to mix both weed and alcohol. But before you do, your favorite weed shops in Denver want to make sure you do it safely. Here are a few tips to help you make sure you enjoy the experience without hurting yourself or others.

Go Easy
Denver isn’t called the “Mile-High” city for nothing…we sit an elevation of 5280 feet above sea level. That means it’s easy for booze and pot to affect you. And if you’re travelling from out of town, this can take you by surprise. When planning out your brewery hops, make a mental note to go easy on the booze and cannabis. Start out with a single hit and let it mellow. If you feel high, ride that wave without taking another hit. And when you’re at the brewery, sip that elixir…don’t chug it. 

Plan Your Route
Getting high in an unfamiliar place is exciting, but it can be confusing. That’s why it’s always helpful to plan your route before you leave the house. Program it into your phone, highlight the route on a map, or jot it down on a notepad that fits in your pocket. This way, you’ll be sure to hit up all the breweries you’re wanting to even if you’re dealing with a bit of a brain fog from that bowl you had before you left home.

Find a Designated Driver
Seriously…we can’t stress this enough. Always find a designated driver or make a plan to have someone get you where you need to go safely. If you’re travelling with a group and you’re all planning on indulging, split the cost of an Uber or Lyft ride. You can also make use of Denver’s public transportation system. No matter what you do, don’t get behind the wheel stoned, buzzed, tipsy, or drunk. The cops will catch you and you’ll end up facing a DUI charge. 

Don’t Smoke in Public
Pot may be legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal to consume it wherever you want. In fact, smoking in public places is still against the law. You’re only allowed to smoke in a 420-friendly establishment or on private property with the owner’s permission. That means you’re not going to be able to light up a joint right outside the brewery. So, if you’re going to get high before sampling the best beer Denver has to offer, smoke before you leave the house. And if you do decide to indulge in public, do so with caution. No one wants to get a ticket when they’re out enjoying themselves!

Weed and beer can go together as long as you enjoy them responsibly. And that means being aware of what you’re doing and taking the necessary precautions. Use your common sense, follow the law, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations at your local dispensary. We’re from here and are happy to share our favorite breweries, coffee houses, and restaurants with you!
 

Summer will be here before you know it and that means it’s only a matter of time until the warm temperatures become standard. With warmer weather comes the need for summer-inspired treats and drinks to help you stay cool. Sure, sipping an icy concoction on a warm summer afternoon is a great way to beat the heat, but you know what makes it even more enjoyable? Turning that beverage into a cannabis-infused elixir! The best dispensary in Denver is here to help. Here are a few great drinks to try once the weather warms up.

Homemade High Lemonade
Nothing says “summer” like a homemade lemonade. And this recipe is incredibly easy to make and make ahead. Combine water, your favorite bud, and sugar in a pot and heat it to a low boil. This will turn into a cannabis-infused simple syrup. Then, squeeze the juice from your favorite lemons. We recommend Meyer lemons for their distinct taste. Squeeze until you have one cup of lemon juice. Combine the lemon juice with 6 cups of water and about one cup of the cannabis-infused simple syrup. Mix well, serve over ice, and enjoy!

Canna-Water
Staying hydrated in Colorado is always important, but when the temps rise, you’ll need to reach for a water bottle waaaayyy more often. So, why not make it cannabis-infused water and hydrate while you get high? This is one of the easiest recipes to make. Take your favorite concentrate or tincture—flavored ones are a great way to change up the taste of your water. Add your preferred number of drops to 8 ounces of water and shake thoroughly. Chill in the fridge or serve over ice for a delicious cannabis-infused hydration bomb! If you prefer juices and other flavored beverages, add your favorite tincture to them and pop ‘em in the freezer in an ice tray. In a few hours, you’ll have delicious cannabis-infused popsicles ready to go!

Pot-Enhanced Milk
I know what you’re thinking…pot and milk? Really? But hear me out. Pot-infused milk is a great way to liven up your milkshakes, that morning bowl of cereal, afternoon cups of coffee, and anything else you can think of. TO make it, put your favorite bud and a few cups of milk in a double boiler. Don’t have one? Check out this article to learn how to make one without rushing to the store. Then, simmer the milk and cannabis for about 40 minutes. Make sure not to boil it. If the mixture gets too thick, add more milk as needed. Once it’s done, let it cool and strain out the weed and chill the milk in the fridge. 

Cannabis-infused beverages are the perfect way to beat the summer heat and enjoy your high without having to light up. But you’ll still need to stock up on your favorite weed. Stop by one of our three locations and pick up some fresh bud today. Not sure what you want for your cannabis-infused beverages this summer? Don’t hesitate to ask our budtenders!