Colorado jumped the hurdle, as did 23 other states in the nation. On October 5, 2015, it was predicted that 11 more states would jump on the bandwagon. Every few months, more states announce intent to revisit this legislation. Maybe not so surprisingly, two of the main influential factors in passing legislation to legalize cannabis are the high cost of incarceration and overcrowding in the nation’s penal system. Denver marijuana dispensaries offer a little more ammunition to the advocates in support of legalization in states beyond Colorado.

In addition to reducing prison populations, dispensaries in Denver and elsewhere throughout the state are providing a substantial boost to Colorado’s tax revenue. It was reported that 2014 sales of legal marijuana hit $2.7 billion; with retail sales projected to increase to $35 billion by 2020. News.Mic reported in November, 2014, that the State of Washington predicted that legal sales of marijuana would bring in “about $60 million more in revenue over the next five years than originally predicted.” By 2019, the state is forecasted to have collected $695 million in excise, sales, and business taxes from the marijuana industry, with $419 million predicted for collection in the 2017 - 2019 period.

The recent approvals in many states to legalize cannabis have legislators, dealers, growers, and users navigating new sets of labyrinthine regulations that oftentimes don’t make sense. Advertizing cannabis falls under those regulations in Colorado. Marketing is driven by data and marijuana marketing is no exception. Colorado allows marijuana businesses place advertisements in newspapers, on the radio, and on television, provided that advertisers can prove the audience is of legal age (21 or older). While an advertiser can target media and venues aimed at an adult audience, there’s no feasible way to enforce the law that minors won’t see the ads. After all, how many 12-year-old boys have sneaked their daddies’ and uncles’ forbidden copies of Playboy or other skin magazines over the decades?

Other nonsensical conflicts arise between production and distribution. For instance, in Washington, D.C., it’s now legal to grow pot, but not to purchase it.

Pleasing both sides of the congressional aisle--on top of the tax windfall--is that doom-and-gloom predictions of a pot-fuelled crime wave simply hasn’t happened in those states that legalized marijuana. Critics who stated that legalization would trigger an increase in robberies and theft were wrong. TIME magazine reported on the decreasing trend in crime following legalization of cannabis, with marijuana court filings dropped to just 2 percent to the previous year’s levels.

Six states currently have legalization of marijuana pending on their 2016 ballots: Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The focus on those states’ ballots centers upon the medical benefits of marijuana. Advocates in Ohio are also working to put legalization on the ballot again, having learned from a resounding defeat in 2015 that citizens don’t like voting in monopolies as constitutional amendments even if they generally support medical marijuana.

Perhaps the best advantages for legalizing marijuana can be summed up on a personal level: quality of the product will be more consistent and users are less likely to suffer from product altered with other, potentially lethal, substances. For a knowledgeable and honest source of medical and recreational cannabis, Altitude Dispensary is your go-to choice among Denver marijuana dispensaries. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.

The primary advantage of applying topical medicine is the application of pain relief directly to the point of discomfort. Topical relief comes in ointments, gels, and lotions. Many are plant-based, such as capsaicin creams. Topical remedies are increasing in popularity due to a widespread--if not entirely accurate--perception of medication safety. Denver marijuana dispensaries can advise you.

The main attraction of topical cannabis is the low incidence of side effects. Cannabis salve “efficiently relieves arthritic and rheumatism pains. Among others, it has proven to be extremely efficient for the treatment of burns (even of 2nd degree), certain types of eczemas, psoriasis and fungus.”

Better, more effective topical cannabis products have high THC concentrations. To reassure users who fear getting high from use of topical cannabis:  cannabis topicals only treat pain. They don’t provide stimulus to the brain, cause any intense urges to eat, and they won’t change your brain’s chemistry.

Triathlete Stacy Sawyer echoes that support with her own testimonial that the best method for pain relief she has found is topical cannabis. In addition to leaving the user with mental faculties intact, she says, topical cannabis does not show up on any drug test. Unlike topicals containing menthol and camphor, “marijuana…work[s] with your body to address the source of the problem without causing more discomfort.”

Cannabis creams, lotions, sprays, and ointments work with the body because the human body produces its own cannabinoids. In short, cannabis mimics the substances the human body already uses to fight inflammation and chronic pain. Once you’ve decided to swap out the topical chili peppers or NSAIDs for topical marijuana, it’s time to figure out how to choose a worthy product.

Hempista recommends the sniff test. Literally. How does the product smell? If it smells old, musty, cooked, or “off,” then choose something else. If the product smells fresh, then consider whether its packaging will keep it fresh. You’ll also want to be sure that the product doesn’t carry a strongly medicinal or other unpleasant scent, because going around the office smelling of skunk or diesel fuel is unadvisable.

Oiliness is another concern. In short, avoid products with heavy ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil, which can be sticky and stain clothing with grease spots. Be aware that higher quality, more exotic ingredients will increase the price of the product.

Check the ingredients list. Even “all-natural” products should fully disclose the ingredients in the product, listed in descending order by amount. Cannabis should be listed within the top three ingredients, with THC being the active chemical and its concentration clearly shown. The amount of cannabis considered effective varies per person, but anything less than 5 mg total cannabinoids is often times not enough. It’s also worth noting that homemade ingredients tend to have higher THC concentrations. If any product sold by a dispensary has not been tested for the cannabis concentration and other chemicals, then the manufacturer has something to hide, and you should drop that product from consideration.

What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body. With three locations in the Denver area, the best dispensary in Denver can assist you with determining the right topical product to relieve your aches and joint pains. Altitude Dispensary is your go-to choice among Denver marijuana dispensaries. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.

Strength is a major part of the discussion when it comes to determining your best options. What percentages of which active ingredients make things stronger, more effective, more potent? Remember aspirin? Prevalent advertising toted the strength of aspirin. Then came acetaminophen--Tylenol®--extracted from aspirin and said to have high potency in relieving aches, pains, and fever without the side effects. Then came Excedrin®, with claims of even more painkilling strength. For those individuals seeking relief from nausea, pain, or stress from herbal products, potency comes with many variables. Denver marijuana dispensaries can assist with determining the correct strength and dosage.

Marijuana potency reports emphasize the concentration of THC. Since 1987, High Times has hosted the Cannabis Cup, advertised as “the world’s leading marijuana trade show.” The event, which was held on April 19 in Santa Barbara, CA, features instructional seminars, expositions, celebrity appearances, concerts, and product demonstrations. It is hosted in states that have legalized marijuana and is dedicated to the legalization of cannabis.

The Cannabis Cup competition relies upon laboratory testing to verify the strength of various strains. Entries ranged from dried flowers to concentrates to edibles to topicals. Two independent laboratories ensure consistent and viable results. The next event is scheduled for June 11 and 12 in Clio, MI.

Weather related factors affect both potency and yield of the crop, issues that concern every producer of any crop. Grow Marijuana states that “Growers who are growing commercial weed...look for two key characteristics: to grow the best quality weed in the biggest quantity.” Other factors affecting the choice of what to plant include how soon and/or consistently the plant blooms and how easy the strain is to grow in the environment available. Some strains grow better indoors than others.

Still the question lingers: Who’s growing the strongest marijuana? The answer is, of course, “It depends on the use and the user.” In July 2013, published results from a study showed Australia produced the world’s most potent cannabis, with some strains reaching a 40 percent concentration of THC. While recreational users may see that as a positive attribute, researchers also find that higher THC levels correspond with lower CBD levels. Medical marijuana users favor higher CBD levels. CBD delivers similar therapeutic effects without the high delivered by THC. In countries like Israel, where medical marijuana is legal--companies have developed strains with as much as 15 percent CBD and less than 1 percent THC in order to meet this need.”

It’s still illegal to import cannabis into the USA. Transporting cannabis across state lines has its own many risks. Therefore Denver marijuana dispensaries and users in Colorado wisely focus on the strains grown in Colorado which are much more easily and legally obtained. Leafly lists the 10 most commonly stocked strains in Colorado.

• Blue Dream*
• Durban Poison*
• Sour Diesel*
• Golden Goat*
• Flo
• Girl Scout Cookies*
• Mob Boss
• Northern Lights
• Green Krack*
• Banana Kush

*Stocked and sold by Altitude Dispensary.

With three locations in the Denver area, Altitude Dispensary can assist you with determining the right variety and the right form for consumption that best serves your purpose. With three locations, Altitude Dispensary is your go-to choice among weed shops. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.

There’s an introduction period and learning curve for anyone embarking upon a new activity. Patients want to know about new medicines their doctors prescribe; hobbyists want to learn about their new interests. The quest for a little information can quickly overwhelm the newcomer with the sheer multitude of references available on an internet search. Newcomers also have the difficulty discerning quality information from inaccurate information. For those just getting started in the use of marijuana for either recreational or medicinal purposes, Denver marijuana dispensaries offer the following guide for quick understanding.

• Slang. Most people are familiar with Mary Jane and weed. Others may not be so ubiquitous, particularly those that refer to cannabis laced with illegal drugs. Slang terms may refer to the method of consumption, the form consumed, the amount, or the type of container.
• Marijuana glossary. The Colorado Pot Guide publishes its own comprehensive list of “regular” terms and definitions associated with marijuana.

The more common terms to get the new user started include:

• Cannabinoids: These are the chemical compounds unique to marijuana that produce both the medicinal and psychoactive effects. Cannabis contains more than 85 cannabinoids. There are five main chemicals to which purveyors and users refer.
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): This chemical is primarily responsible for psychoactive effects and which drives recreational use.
• THCa: This is “fresh” THC which is present in the plant before drying and is not psychoactive. It can be metabolized in larger doses than THC for relief of inflammation. Medical research shows evidence that THCa has anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, which would make it useful in treating cancer.
• CBD (cannabidiol): This is the chemical primarily responsible for its medicinal value. It’s non-psychoactive and has minimal side effects. CBS shows evidence of reducing nausea and vomiting, suppressing seizures, combating psychosis disorders, reduces inflammation, combats neurodegenerative disorders, combats tumor and cancer cells, and combats anxiety and depression. What’s not not like?
• CBN (cannabinol): This compound is created when THC is exposed to light and oxygen. It has mild psychoactive effects and serves as a THC booster. It’s shown to be helpful as antidepressant, anti-spasmodic, and reliever of intraocular pressure. CBN is reportedly useful in reducing epileptic seizures and treating glaucoma.
• CBC (cannabichromen): Evidence suggests that this compound has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral effects, and analgesic effects. It, too, may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and shows potential as an effective treatment for breast cancer and relieving migraines. Research also suggests that CBC works best when combined with THC.

All varieties and hybrid strains of cannabis contain these five compounds, but the concentrations of those chemicals vary with correspondingly varying psychoactive and physical effects. In short, indica-dominant plants have high THC:CBD ratio and sativa-dominant plants have high CBD:THC ratios. In simple translation: indica-dominant plants best serve recreational use and sativa-dominant plants best serve medicinal use.

The friendly, helpful staff at the best dispensary in Denver can assist you with determining the right variety and the right form for consumption that best serves your purpose. With three locations, Altitude Dispensary is your go-to choice among weed shops. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.

Understanding the differences between different strains, and what they can be best used for, can be difficult. There are so many options to choose from, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed with everything in front of you. Marijuana comes in either pure or hybrid varies, each with its own distinct properties. Altitude Dispensary, the best dispensary in Denver, carries an array of popular hybrid strains. Read more about the differences between them so you can make the best choice for your medical or recreational needs.

• Bruce Banner: This is the “true original Colorado strain” with a high THC content (16% - 23%), according to The Nug. The effects of this strain “come on quickly and strong, then tend to settle into a euphoric and creative buzz,” harking after its sativa origins, says Leafly. A high quality Bruce Banner strain will have dense buds and a “sweet, potent, pungent” odor and taste. An early harvest will inspire energy and productivity, which makes it suitable for daytime use.
• Death Star: Bred in Ohio with a consistent THC level around 20 percent, Death Star combines an extremely strong, sour fragrance that accompanies powerful effects which may be slow to engage, but provides a powerful feelings of relaxation and euphoria. High quality buds are dark green with burnt orange hairs sprinkled throughout. This strain is particularly useful in treating anxiety, appetite issues, nausea, stress, and chronic pain.
• Girl Scout Cookies: This indica-dominant strain hails from California and features a sweet and earthy fragrance. It’s noted for its high THC content and its effects that rate highly in happiness, relaxation, and euphoria. Iits mood elevating properties are combined with a reputation for relieving aches and pains, insomnia, and stress. Side effects include paranoia, dizziness, dry mouth, and headache.
• Lemon Skunk: This is a mid-level THC strain, averaging around 14.5 percent. New users report numbing and calming effects that quickly put them to sleep. Wikileaf notes that, for medical purposes, Lemon Skunk “performs well when used for daytime pain relief, especially in the case of chronic headaches.” Experienced users report that Lemon Skunk delivers a burst of energy. High quality nugs are dense and a light, intense green. Lemon Skunk’s taste and odor reflect the hybrid’s name.
• Mango Tango: Leafly describes this hybrid has having extremely potent relaxing and euphoric effects with strong citrus and peach flavors. The very high THC level (24% - 26%) of Mango Tango hits fast and hard with intense cerebral effects that can spawn feelings of paranoia and anxiety. It is not recommended for novice users. Mango Tango is favored for treating chronic pain, depression, muscle spasms, and tremors. The buds are large, dense, and leafy with a mint green color and burnt orange hairs.
• Phat Purple: This early flowering strain produces euphoric effects perfectly suited for relaxation and creativity. It’s suitable for treating stress, pain, insomnia, and depression. As the name indicates, this hybrid’s flowers are purple; however, its leaves are a silvery green. The taste is reminiscent of dark fruit and blueberries.
• Skunk OG: One of the earliest hybrids of Mexican, Colombian, and Afghani varieties, Skunk OG remains a favorite, particularly for use in medical applications to relieve chronic pain and inflammation, anxiety, migraines, depression, and stress. It reportedly delivers an even mix of mind and body effects. Buds are dense, rounded, and light green with darker leaf tips. This strain does not smell strongly of skunk, as its name might suggest, but has a sweet, somewhat fruity/citrus scent. Skunk OG isn’t known for its high THC content, but more for its consistent quality and balanced effects.
• Updog: This lesser known, sativa-dominant hybrid features a sweet, piney fragrance and smooth, somewhat minty taste. It’s reported as having strongly relaxing effects, which may help with insomnia.
• Strawberry Headband: Sweet and fruity, Strawberry Headband is noted for the famous “headband” effect resembling a slight pressure around the crown of one’s head. With a high THC level varying from 20 percent to 27 percent, effects build slowly to a strong level and confer strong sensations of happiness, euphoria, and relaxation. It’s geared more for recreational use than medicinal applications. High quality buds are large and yellowish-green with a very pungent odor.

If you have a favorite hybrid that Altitude Dispensary does not carry, be sure to request it. Friendly, helpful staff will either recommend a suitable substitute from among the varieties in stock or see if that strain is available. With three locations, Altitude Dispensary is your go-to choice among weed shops in Denver. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.