It used to be that in order to purchase marijuana from dispensaries in Denver, you had to have a medical marijuana use card registered with the state. Though the legalization of marijuana has made it possible for everyone to enjoy smoking weed or using edibles without fear of legal consequences, many residents still prefer to use their medical card. If you’re just now considering registering for medical use rather than relying on recreational products alone, you may be wondering just what you can expect when you start the application process. Here’s what you need to know about getting your medical marijuana card in colorful Colorado.

Scheduling a Consultation

Before you can officially apply for a card, you’ll need to see a physician to determine if your conditions warrant the use of medical-grade cannabis. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, your existing medications, past marijuana use, how often you use weed, and what forms of cannabis you’ve tried and had success with. Remember, MMJ physicians are not there to judge you for your marijuana use—they’re there to help determine if cannabis use is a good treatment option for your condition. After all, if you’re denied the card, you’ll still be able to legally enjoy the same products you’ve used in the past.

Filing With the State

Once the doctor determines that you’re a candidate for a medical card, you’ll need to formally apply with the state. You and your physician will need to sign the application for a medical marijuana card. Once all information is entered, you’ll need to get the application notarized by a local notary. Then, you’ll need to drop off the application or send it by mail to the state office in Denver. Make sure to include a photocopy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID as well as a check or money order to cover the application fee. Keep in mind, if you’re sending the application in, you will need to pay for certified mailing. Otherwise, the application may be denied.

Once You’re Approved

Once the state approves your application, they’ll mail you a physical medical marijuana card that you can present to your local dispensary when you’re ready to browse the selection. The products available to medical card holders are different than those you’d find on the recreational side. Often, strains are more potent and a wider variety of tinctures, edibles, patches, and other options exist specifically for med-card holders.

Best of all, you’ll save money on the products you choose to by on the medical side of the dispensary. Medical products are taxed at the normal sales tax rate of 2.9 percent instead of the 10 percent assessed on recreational products. If you’re relying on cannabis to treat a medical condition or alleviate symptoms, this can save you a lot of money, almost immediately making up for the cost of the physician’s consultation and application.

With a medical card, you’ll be able to shop at the same dispensaries you loved as a recreational user, just with a much larger selection of products. Contact Altitude Dispensary for more information on our medical-specific cannabis products and specials today!

When you think of marijuana, you probably think of smoking and the occasional coughing fit that happens after a big hit. While the coughing spells are certainly common, they don’t automatically discount the benefits weed has on your body. In fact, many athletes are discovering that incorporating weed from their local Denver dispensaries into their workout routine has a number of positive effects that improve their fitness regimen. Long-distance runners, in particular, may benefit from incorporating cannabis into their workout and recovery routines. Here’s how.

Cannabis Reduces Pain

While running short sprints or a few miles each day may only lead to muscle stiffness or soreness, distances over ten miles repeated multiple times each week can cause your muscles to hurt. Not only will you be battling the expected muscle fatigue, but you’ll also deal with minor muscle strains multiple times throughout the training season. Marijuana helps reduce pain and makes getting back to training far easier and faster.

Decreases Inflammation

For years, medical marijuana users have been relying on cannabis to treat the symptoms of chronic inflammation. Since ultra-runners and long-distance runners put incredible strain on their muscles throughout training and races, it’s only natural that those muscles would start to swell up. Both THC and CBD are effective at reducing inflammation, so you can avoid using THC if you’re worried about pre-race drug tests or other health screenings. Remember, CBD does not typically result in a positive drug screening, making it safe for most competitive athletes to incorporate into their regimens. When used properly, this can help decrease recovery times and get you back on your feet in less time.

Works Without Increasing Lung Irritation

Breathing properly can make all the difference in a long-distance runner’s time in a race. While smoking is the most common way of ingesting marijuana, it’s far from the only way. In fact, tinctures, edibles, and even topical treatments all deliver the same THC and CBD content as you’d get from smoking. Though these items may take longer to kick in, they do so without increasing lung irritation, making them ideal for athletes concerned about their performance and those who suffer from upper-respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.

It’s Not a Performance-Enhancing Drug

Unfortunately, some professional athletes have made a habit of using performance-enhancing drugs like steroids and testosterone. Though these drugs are legal when prescribed by a medical doctor, they’re still forbidden and tested for by many sports agencies as they’re considered to give athletes an unfair advantage. Both marijuana and CBD are not classified as performance-enhancing drugs, reducing the chances that they’ll be tested for in standard competitions. Keep in mind that some sports organizations may still ban the use of marijuana for their athletes, most marathons and running competitions in the state of Colorado do not have such restrictions.

Looking for a great way to improve your recovery times without resorting to expensive treatments? Let the team at Altitude Dispensaries help you find the best solution for your needs. When you stop by one of our three locations, you’ll find a wide variety of strains, products, topicals, and tinctures to suit your needs. Contact us today for more information.

While the thought of going on vacation and relaxing at your chosen destination is always thrilling, the process of getting there can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re flying. For many Denver residents, this prompts an important question: can you travel with CBD oil even though marijuana is considered illegal by the Federal government? Your Denver dispensary wants you to understand how to travel safely with your CBD tincture so you can continue to enjoy that relaxing sensation even on the most hectic travel days. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re heading to the airport to ensure that you don’t get needlessly hassled by the TSA.

CBD Oil is Not Marijuana

Everyone knows that traveling across state lines with marijuana is illegal. In fact, the Feds have declared it a Schedule I drug. This means, if you’re caught in possession of marijuana outside of a legalized state, you can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Luckily, CBD oil is not classified as marijuana and as such is not considered an illegal substance. However, CBD oil must not contain any levels of THC—even trace amounts—to be considered legal. If you purchase CBD oil at a Denver dispensary, take the time to ask the budtender about THC content. If the tincture in question contains nothing but CBDs and could be shipped out of state, you’re fine to take it with you. If there’s even a small chance that the tincture contains some amount of THC, you’ll need to leave it at home.

At the Airport

When you’re at the airport, you’ll need to go through the security checkpoint. This means your CBD oil will need to pass through their scrutiny. Since the substance is legal, you shouldn’t face any trouble at the checkpoint. However, because it’s still a liquid, you’ll want to double check how much tincture you’re bringing with you. The TSA limits the amount of liquid per container to no more than 3.4 fluid ounces whether it’s toothpaste, cough syrup, or CBD oil. If you bring a bottle any larger than that, you can expect to either pay to mail it back home or throw it away before you pass through the checkpoint. This limit is non-negotiable and no amount of pleading with the TSA will get your month-long supply through the checkpoint. You can, however, bypass this legal size limit by checking the bottle with your larger suitcase.

Cannabis Tinctures Aren’t Created Equally

Remember, though cannabis is legal in Colorado, you can’t fly with it, even if you’re going to another state where marijuana is legalized. Before you pack your tinctures, take a look at the label. Even one that says it’s CBD-heavy is not safe to fly with. The only option you have is pure CBD oil. Otherwise, it will be seized by the TSA. Remember, you can always play it safe and bring a small dose with you to ingest before you fly and leave the rest at home. The last thing you want to do is watch your bottle get tossed or confiscated when you’re on your way to a vacation.

If you’re getting ready to fly, stop by our dispensary and speak with a budtender about your options. They’ll help you find the right tincture or oil for your vacation to help you relax without worrying about a potentially illegal high. Learn more about our loyalty program online and take advantage of the savings now.

When you first start browsing through the selection at your local dispensaries in Denver, you likely notice that the offerings fall into three main categories: sativa, indica, and hybrid. Though every strain comes from plants in the marijuana family, they’re far from identical, both in appearance and effect. These three strains of cannabis each offer different types of highs. Before you make a purchase, you’ll want to make sure you pick the right strain for your preferred high, whether you’re looking for a more physical sensation or need to get focused for your upcoming graphic design project.

Indica

Indica is what most people think of when they think of marijuana. This plant has broad deep green leaves and produces bud with a relaxing physical high. This strain was discovered in India by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, in 1785. Though the plant was known to the locals for its psychoactive effects, he was the one to give the strain its name and introduce it to the western world at large. This is why you see so many strains labeled as Hindu Kush or other such variety; they’re named for the plant’s origins.

Indica’s claim to fame is its incredibly relaxing side effects that help deliver a full body high, whether the strain is smoked or eaten. Because the high is so physical, it’s best suited to nighttime use, stress relief, and is widely respected for its pain relieving properties. If you’re planning on staying in, binging on Stranger Things®, and eating your favorite snacks, this strain is your best bet. Most Indica strains have a higher CBD content, making them ideal for medical use.

Sativa

Believe it or not, sativa strains were discovered about 40 years earlier than indica strains in the provinces of Central America. Unlike Indica, sativa plants grow slender light green leaves and produce buds with more mental highs. This means the high you’ll experience after smoking a bowl of a sativa strain will get you in the mood to be productive, helping you tap into your creative side more easily. Most people prefer sativa-heavy strains for daytime use as they typically experience better clarity of thought and increased focus. Though you can expect some physical relaxation from these strains, it shouldn’t be severe enough to interfere with your ability to get things done or enjoy the great outdoors.

Hybrids

Hybrids, as the name implies, are strains that are a mix of both indica and sativa. Some strains retain more sativa traits while others offer a more indica-like high. When you pick a hybrid, the label will indicate which traits you should expect. Keep in mind, since hybrid marijuana combines both strains, you’ll experience both types of effects to some extent. However, for most users looking to balance active highs with the pain-relieving qualities offered by high levels of THC, hybrids are the way to go.  

No matter what type of weed you’re looking for, Altitude Dispensary can help. Each of our locations offers a diverse menu full of quality indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Not sure what you want? Let our staff guide you. Stop by our store today and check out or buying guide for more information.  

As medical and recreational marijuana use is becoming legalized around the country, here in Colorado, our state has been one of the leaders for nearly two decades. Marijuana was legalized for medical use in 2000, and in 2012, opened up legal recreational use. If you have never used marijuana and would like to explore, here is your guide to getting started. You can also trust your local dispensaries in Denver to answer all your questions and guide you to the experience or relief you are seeking.

Is it Safe?

Yes. To date, it has not been reported that anyone has overdosed from consuming too much THC. THC is the chemical in marijuana that produces the side effects. However, it is important that you partake responsibly. Just as with anything, you need to use properly. Too much can create symptoms that will impair judgement or leave you feeling ill. Don’t let that hinder you from trying, as there are several benefits including:

• Alleviate symptoms of glaucoma
• Calm muscle spasms
• Control seizures
• Help with nausea and other pain while undergoing cancer treatments
• Pain relief
• Reduce stress and anxiety, as well as symptoms of PTSD
• Reduce inflammation

Different Strains Have Different Affects

Marijuana is categorized in three different strains: Sativa, indica, and hybrid. Sativas are a stimulant. These will help to increase focus, give you a boost for physical or creative activity or interacting with people. Indicas will be your go-to for pain management and calming. Whether you need to reduce inflammation and pain, or need something to relax your mind from stress, this is your option. For the best of both worlds, you can purchase hybrid strains, which mix the two. Each hybrid differs, so it is important to talk to your budtender to explain what you are seeking to accomplish. Learn more and explore marijuana strains and infused products.

Ways to Consume

There are several ways you can consume marijuana—each providing a different effect and experience.  These include:

• Smoking
• Vaping
• Edibles
• Beverages
• Topical creams
• Dabbing
• Tinctures

Learn more about the many ways to consume your favorite strain as you explore marijuana.

How Much You Can Buy

In 2016, laws in Colorado changed allowing both residents and guests of Colorado to purchase the same amount of marijuana during their trip to a dispensary. In a transaction, a person is allowed to buy up to 28 grams of marijuana. When consuming, you must partake in your purchase in non-public spaces. Failing to do so may lead to a ticket or punishment by law.

What to Expect Your First Time at a Dispensary

If you have never been to a dispensary before—don’t be anxious! Your budtenders are there to help you with everything you need. Make sure to bring your ID as you will need to show it as you enter. Next, you will be provided with several different types of marijuana and forms—which for some, can be overwhelming. Whether you have an idea of what you would like to buy, or are browsing, it is best to talk to your budtender.

For a great first experience purchasing marijuana, visit your friends at Altitude the Dispensary. We will show you the ropes and all of the ins and outs. We love meeting new people and look forward to seeing you in our store. Search our Altitude Dispensary locations to find the one nearest you.