DGO Magazine January 2023

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4 Budflix and chill

Being a stoner requires a few things in life: cannabis, snacks, and lots of movies. LOTS of movies. Where else is your mind supposed to wander to? To guide you along we’ve put together a list of must-see stoner films to press play on while smoking a joint.

11 What the heck is THC-B (and why do we care)?

So far, researchers have discovered over 120 cannabinoids, and there are virtually no signs of this type of research slowing down. But no matter how much weed you smoke, one cannabinoid you may not be familiar with is THC-B.

Tell us what you think!

Got something on your mind? Have a joke or a story idea or just something that the world needs to know? Send everything to editor@dgomag.com

Ever said something dumb while stoned? Of course you have. There are some strains that turn your brain into complete and total happy brain mush. For us, that strain is apparently Purple Headband. Here’s what happened on that strange weed ride.

Press play, plebs

» Must-see stoner films that are perfect when smoking a joint

Being a stoner requires a few things in life: cannabis, snacks, and lots of movies. LOTS of movies. Where else is your mind supposed to wander to?

To guide you along your journey, we’ve put together a list of must-see stoner films you should press play to while smoking a joint.

The Cabin in the Woods

Why we picked it: It flips the stoner character trope in horror movies on its head.

If you’re looking for a good scare AND to have your mind screwed with a little bit, look no further than “The Cabin in the Woods.” No spoilers, but “The Cabin in the Woods” is a horror film with a weird

twist at the end that will...well, make you think about it for a long time whether you want to or not.

The movie starts with a group of friends headed out for a camping trip. It’s a usual horror movie set-up of characters: the blonde, the hunk, the virgin, the stoner, and the friend, but as the film introduces each character trope, there’s definitely something a little...suspicious going on. As with any horror movie, obviously, everything is going to go wrong if you stay at a cabin in the middle of nowhere, but we’re guessing things weren’t meant to go QUITE this wrong for this crew of friends.

The Big Lebowski

Why we picked it: It’s a classic.

We tried veering away from the stereotypical stoner movie for this list, but “The Big Lebowski” is just too good. It’s Jeff Bridges and, well, literally every other fantastic actor and actress of our time at their best no matter how big or small the role. To name a few: John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, and Philip Seymor Hoffman.

If the cast isn’t enough to convince you, maybe the plot will. Jeff Bridges plays The Dude, a man who wants to be left alone with his life’s greatest joys: pot, White Russians, and bowling. Things get a bit complicated when a couple of thugs mistake The Dude for a millionaire whose wife owes their boss money. In the process, The Dude’s rug gets destroyed

when one of the thugs pees on it, which launches The Dude into action for retribution. He gets more than he bargains for, however, when he finds himself neckdeep in kidnapping, pornography, nihilism, and a hefty ransom.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Why we picked it: The musical fight scenes

“Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” has it all: a sappy, lovestruck Michael Cera, epic fight scenes, and visuals that make you feel like you’re watching a real-life anime play out. Scott Pilgrim has fallen in love with the elusive Ramona Flowers. There’s

just one problem: He’ll have to defeat all of her exes if he ever wants a shot with her, seven of them to be exact.

Watch this one after you’ve taken an edible and you’ll know what we’re talking about when we say this is a perfect stoner movie. Each battle will have you reaching for more moving snacks (because you’ll obviously have the munchies) as Scott faces down each villain that has an intimidating set of superpowers to boot. You’ll never feel so close to living out a comic book.

Another classic stoner movie we just couldn’t resist. What can we say? Jack Black knows what’s what and “Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny” isn’t any different. Rocker fiend JB sets off for Hollywood to pursue his career as a rock ‘n’ roll star. Along the way, he meets his friend, mentor, and partner KG, and the two set out to become the world’s best rockers.

Problem is, they need to battle the devil himself for the one thing that will guarantee their success: the Pick of Destiny.

to be stoned for the epic rock battle at the end as well now that we think about it. Or maybe you should just plan on lighting up for the whole thing.

The Cell

Why we picked it: Just watch it. You’ll see why.

won’t spoil it for you, but essentially, Catherine must dig through the mind of a serial killer in order to save his latest victim.

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny

Why we picked it: It was destiny.

Sorry, not sorry, but you’ll probably need to be high to follow this one along, at least for the scene where JB takes a stroll through the woods to get to the Rock and Roll Museum. You might want

While this science fiction suspense film doesn’t exactly focus on stoners, you can catch the protagonist of the film, Catherine Deane, played by Jennifer Lopez, smoking a joint after a particularly difficult day at the office. Well. Not an office per se, but a laboratory where she uses a virtual reality machine to enter the minds of her comatose patients. We

This movie is a trip whether you’re watching it stoned or sober. The visual effects and pure fantastical imagination of the dreamscape Lopez’s character must survive in will make you wonder if you’re high even if you haven’t touched cannabis all day. Think of it as a more screwed-up version of “Inception” if you were to swap out the son of an industry tycoon for a sadistic and masochistic serial killer.

Get smart about cannabis

The year 2022 has been an interesting one in the cannabis world. Throughout the last 365 days, we welcomed even more states into the fold with legal recreational cannabis. And for the first time, cannabis use is being reported to be higher than tobacco use, so it probably isn’t surprising to hear that the normalization and acceptance of cannabis use is also higher than ever.

How do we know this, you ask? Well, the answer is “new studies,” of course. Here’s a roundup of the new cannabis studies worth noting.

in sales patterns.

Interestingly, study data showed that cannabis sales on the most predictable days, like Green Wednesday or Black Friday, weren’t as high in 2022 as in years past — but what was surprising was that sales, in general, were higher across the board.

Cartridge and edible sales were up 3% from November 2021, according to study data. Showing that more buyers are opting for edibles and cartridges.

day. It’s right there when you need it. But either way, the easier the access, the quicker the stigma attached to cannabis is going to change, which is never a bad thing.

Budding benefits for bipolar disorder

paminergic activity in the brain, and the reduction of dopaminergic activity would likely help to relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Researchers also found that cannabis moderately affected punishment sensitivity and extended attention — both of which are beneficial in the treatment of bipolar disorder among certain people.

Normalization of cannabis

Cannabis normalization is on the rise in the U.S. That news may come as no surprise to many of us, but it might be shocking to others in more restrictive states. The New Frontier Data company compared cannabis sales data for the month of November in 2021 and 2022 and what it showed was a significant shift

And, per the data, that was especially true around the holidays — which may have something to do with the extreme weather and people not wanting to step outside to light up a joint. Or perhaps people are just enjoying the ease of use with the flower alternatives.

Ultimately, cannabis normalization is likely impacting the reduction in sales on those previously predictable days. Researchers believe that access is driving the normalization of cannabis — and when you can access it easily, you don’t really need to stock up on Green Wednes-

While the reasons are unclear, statistics have showed that many people with bipolar disorder are attracted to cannabis — and anecdotally you may even know a few people who fall in that category.

Well, it turns out that there may be a reason for it. Recent research has confirmed that cannabis may have unique benefits for those with bipolar disorder — and may in particular help to reduce risky decision-making.

Scientists believe that bipolar disorder has increased dopaminergic activity, but regular cannabis use would help them achieve “dopamine homeostasis.” That’s because, according to the research, cannnabis may help to reduce the do-

In addition, the research showed that chronic cannabis use can have a modest improvement in some cognitive functions — and was associated with normalizing risky decision-making and motivation in people with bipolar disorder.

This isn’t the first time that promising research has led to a connection between bipolar disorder symptom alleviation and cannabis. In 2018, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Tufts University found a link between cannabis and improved symptoms in bipolar disorder and confirmed marijuana does not negatively impact cognitive performance. They also found that cannabis use resulted in reduced depression, anger, and tension.

Teenager are ditching booze for weed

A recent study published in the journal Clinical Toxicology found that since 2000, adolescent cannabis abuse increased by 245% in the United States, and, in tandem, alcohol abuse steadily decreased over the same period.

Per the research, marijuana exposure cases remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2009, but then steadily increased from 2011 — and there was an even more dramatic rise in cases from 2017 to 2020. Experts analyzing the data attributed the rise in marijuana use to the increased popularity of edible cannabis products, which are now widely available across the country.

According to the research, edible marijuana showed the highest average monthly increase compared with all other forms of cannabis, indicating that adolescents have moved away from smoking weed to alternative modes of consumption. Marijuana extracts, such as those used in cannabis vaping products, had also become increasingly popular,

according to the data.

Edible and vaping products are often marketed in ways that are more attractive to young people, in part because they are considered to be more discrete and convenient. But while they may be perceived as less harmful, studies show that is not the case. Intoxication from edible forms of marijuana usually takes several hours to kick in, which may lead some individuals to consume more significant amounts, and, in turn, experience unexpected and unpredictable highs.

The significant uptick in youth cannabis use, which has occurred since 2017, coincides with a wave of decriminalization and legislation in the U.S. As of 2022, cannabis is legal for adult recreational use in 19 states and medical use in 36 states.

Psilocybin as a Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder

There are currently limited choices in treatments for Autism Spectrum Disor-

der, which leads many families to resort to using behavioral therapies as their treatment modality. However, recent research has show that the rise in alternative therapies involving psilocybin is showing promise.

A new study published in the Psychopharmacology journal examined the effects of psilocybin microdoses on Fragile X Syndrome, which is a leading cause of autism and the most common form of inherited intellectual disability involving one gene.

As part of the study, researchers gave rats a single large dose of psilocybin and tested for any changes to their cognitive abilities. What they found was that the initial tests showed some improvements. Rats that did not have Fragile X Syndrome, on the other hand, showed reductions in cognitive performance.

Researchers then microdosed another group of rats with psilocybin over the course of five days, giving them daily cognition tests. What they observed were improvements in all of the rats, and the cognition results for the rats with

FXS were nearly identical to rats that did not have FXS. Researchers ran the experiment again, extending it to two more weeks, and subsequently found identical results.

The data supports current theories regarding how psilocybin may affect the production of serotonin and help people living with cognitive and emotional conditions. More research is needed, of course, but the study is a ray of light in terms of autism research.

While 2022 brought forth some exciting things to the cannabis and psychedelics world, it’s likely that 2023 will result in even more amazing findings. It is exciting to see progress being made in regard to the medical uses of cannabis and other alternative drugs — and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Give it back!

The holidays are a time for giving, and that giving and not receiving tends to take precedence as we get older. The days of getting excited about gifts just dwindle away in exchange for the joy of giving.

The fact that the love of getting presents may dwindle due to getting socks and sweaters instead of the cool stuff we wanted as kids is neither here nor there, though. Either way, that’s what happens.

And, this year the cannabis industry has been doing Santa’s work by putting an emphasis on giving this holiday season. Here’s how businesses in the cannabis industry gave back this holiday season.

Jackets for Joints

In November, Puff Cannabis gave out more than 1,700 turkeys to Michigan residents. And, that wasn’t all. Puff also held a really cool donation campaign called “Jackets for Joints” event, which ran between Dec. 5-18, and asked for donations of coats and jackets that fit kids between the ages of three to 12. In return, they handed out one jar of prerolls for making a jacket donation.

Puff president Justin Elias said that the Jackets for Joints program came about after he recognized that many children throughout the state of Michigan needed warm jackets and coats — and decided that a program like this could make a big difference for many of those young kids.

Improving education and opportunities

Florida-based cannabis industry financiers AFC Foundation recently donated to Georgia-based Corners Outreach organization, which focuses on improving education and helping create career opportunities for families in the state.

In the past, AFC Foundation has also contributed to groups like Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, Yo Soy Ella, and The Weldon Project.

AFC Foundation president and co-

founder Robyn Tannenbaum says it is essential for the company to give back, and believes the evolution of the cannabis industry is heavily reliant on the health of the communities in which the businesses operate.

According to Tannenbaum, it is imperative that we work to improve these communities and invest in their future.

40 Tons…of donations

40 Tons is an organization dedicated to assisting people and families affected by cannabis convictions. In late November, the organization held a Canna Christmas event and invited attendees to donate to a Christmas wish list created by people who have family members currently incarcerated for cannabis convictions.

While the event has already passed for 2022, 40 Tons is a truly incredible organization to donate to if you’re looking for a landing spot for your extra cash — as it continues to help others.

Ayyyyy…more donations

Ayr Wellness announced on Dec. 5 that it would be conducting a 12 Days of Giving campaign. Ayr Wellness, which currently operates dispensaries in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, has held its 12 Days of Giving campaign two years in a row. The initiative is intended to reinforce its commitment to being a company with a positive communal impact. The company does this by activating 12 days of charitable giving across their retail footprint.

During the 12 days of the campaign, Ayr Wellness collected $1.12 per transaction to give to two of its partner organizations, Freedom Grow and Minorities for Medical Marijuana Project Clean Slate Initiative. Ayr Wellness’ goal was to collect more than $100,000 from nationwide sales to help support victims of the federal cannabis ban and their families, as well as various advocacy efforts and expungement programs.

Sativa-funded scholarships

Cannabist, a medical dispensary in West Virginia, recently donated almost $6,500 to a local American Legion Post

159 in late November. Cannabist has four locations in the state and took a portion of funds from weekly sales to make the donation.

The donation will be used to help fund

scholarship opportunities for local high schools, provide funds for state capitol trips, and more.

While there are plenty of businesses giving back this time of year, it’s impor-

tant to highlight what the cannabis industry is doing, as it’s just another example of the positive communal growth that happens when cannabis is legalized.

The DEA has quietly acknowledged cannabis seeds are legal

In a surprising but quiet turn of events, the DEA acknowledged with little fanfare earlier this year that cannabis seeds are legal, regardless of how much THC those seeds might produce once planted. While marijuana seeds used to be controlled, the federal agency said that’s no longer the case due to — you guessed it — the federal legalization of hemp as part of the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill.

Under the Farm Bill, hemp was excluded from the Controlled Substances Act’s definition of marijuana. And, what’s more is that any part of the cannabis plant that does not exceed a certain amount of THC is no longer controlled — and since cannabis seeds do not exceed that limit, they’re now legal.

Confused? Yeah, the DEA probably is too. But it’s true.

So, what does this whole “legal seed” thing mean for you? And what does this mean for the cannabis industry? Let’s find out.

According to the DEA, a marijuana seed with a delta-9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis meets the definition of hemp, and, in turn, is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act. Since both hemp and marijuana seeds generally contain less than 0.3% THC levels (because they’re seeds), they don’t exceed the legal threshold.

In other words, the DEA is conceding that people can legally have cannabis seeds — no matter how much THC the resulting plant might produce. However, it continues to be federally illegal to use any cannabis seeds to grow marijuana plants,

which are still prohibited under federal law.

However, what is not illegal anymore is possessing and mailing these seeds if they contain under 0.3% THC. As a result, a ton of seed businesses have popped up online — and are conducting business out in the open. But as usual it’s buyer beware. If you can obtain seeds from a reputable source in a reputable state, do that instead.

Anyway, it’s worth pointing out that this acknowledgment by the DEA leans in favor of the cannabis industry because the DEA’s conclusion suggests that the “Source Rule” is no longer relevant in determining the legality of cannabis seeds, tissue culture, and other genetic material. And one would assume that the sale, transportation, and delivery would have

the same legal status.

Either way, knowing that the view on cannabis seeds has changed in the eyes of the DEA is a significant step forward any way you look at it. We wouldn’t take this as a sign to be wild, free, and reckless when traveling with seeds in the wrong states, though. Maybe give it a little time and see how this all plays out. You don’t want to deal with the hassle of a bullshit arrest over something a small town sheriff doesn’t understand.

Time will tell what will come from this, but the acknowledgment definitely appears to be leaning toward progress on the part of the feds.

» What does this move forward mean for the rest of nation?

What the heck is THC-B?

It seems like every week there is a new discovery when it comes to cannabinoids and the cannabis plant. So far, researchers have discovered over 120 cannabinoids, and there are virtually no signs of this type of research slowing down.

One cannabinoid you may not have heard of yet is called THC-B.

A group of Italian scientists discovered a THC-B back in 2019, and what they learned is that it’s a phytocannabinoid that is closely related to THC, which is the most abundant phytocannabinoid in the cannabis plant and the cannabinoid responsible for most cannabis psychoactivity. In other words, it gets you high.

According to researchers, THC-B has slight differences in chemical structure when compared to regular old THC — but since it’s one of the new kids on the block,

research into it has been limited. Here is what we know about THC-B so far.

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabutol, or THCB, interacts with the endocannabinoid system in similar ways to THC, according to researchers. The big difference is that THC-B mainly acts on CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain — and it also has a stronger binding affinity with CB1 receptors than the more abundant THC.

By testing THC-B on small animals, researchers found that it resulted in decreased pain, slowed reaction time, and deeper sleep. According to the research report, the team also observed the cannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and what it found was that the preliminary data suggested that THC-B behaves similarly to THC, giving it potential for pain-relieving and antiinflammatory properties.

Per the research, THC-B may also have potential as a sleeping aid. However, researchers aren’t yet 100% sure if THC-B has the same psychoactive properties as THC.

Due to THC-B having stronger binding capabilities to CB1 receptors, there is also a chance that it could be more potent than THC. However, this effect has not been confirmed in humans as of yet. And, the extent to which THC-B has a noticeable effect when consumed is not yet clear, as it is not found in abundance in cannabis plants.

It is, however, being synthesized from hemp oil, much like Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are. In fact, THC-B products are already available on the wider market. But if you want to try this or the other new synthesized cannabinoids entering the market, it’s probably smart to go for a

reputable brand.

Right now, one of the biggest pioneers in the industry is Binoid, which offers all kinds of THC-B products, ranging from vapes, tinctures, cookies, and gummies. The carts have great reviews and are the most eco-friendly option when it comes to vaping.

They also sell disposable carts, which, while convenient, aren’t the best for reducing non-recyclable waste.

This is an exciting time when it comes to the discovery of new cannabinoids. But whatever you do, make sure to take your time to research and find reputable brands before you dive in head first.

Who’s been blocking the federal cannabis bills?

Surprise, surprise. As it turns out, that jerk who looks like an old turtle is allegedly the one blocking all the federal cannabis bills.

While you may have been under the impression that the opposition to cannabis is widespread among conservative lawmakers, Senator Cory Booker said recently that it is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who is opposed to marijuana policy reform — and, in turn, is the one who’s blocking cannabis bills from being approved by his Republican colleagues.

In fact, McConnell has said in the past that blocking cannabis reform is one of his pet priorities. And, it appears he’s making good on that because Booker said that McConnell’s opposition is what precisely what’s preventing the passage of monumental marijuana legislation in Congress before the end of the year. And conveniently, control of the House will switch to the GOP in January.

Cannabis policy reform advocates were hoping to pass the legislation prior to control of the House of Representatives passing to the Republican Party. How-

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

ever, McConnell’s opposition to cannabis reform bills, including legislation focused on restorative justice for those harmed by marijuana prohibition and a bill that would allow the legal cannabis industry access to banking services, is having an influence on other GOP senators.

At this point, it is super clear that the Republican party is dead set against anything pro-cannabis. This shouldn’t come as a considerable shock, but one would hope that over time, the stigma attached to cannabis would subside — especially after nearly two dozen states have legalized it at the state level.

And now, with Republicans set to take control of the House, we can be almost certain that any and all marijuana legislation will be left off the table. If cannabis policy reform advocates do not pass a bill prior to the end of the year, the change in leadership makes progress a long shot for at least the next two years.

is extremely important for the industry, which has struggled with access to banking since its inception, and provisions of the bill have been passed by the House a total of seven times since 2019 — literally seven times — but the measure still needs to gain the approval of the Senate.

In fact, language from the most recent version of the SAFE Banking Act was included in the House version of an annual defense spending bill. But guess what? The cannabis provisions were left out of the version released last week.

from Ghost Walk Durango

The current cannabis policy reform is largely focused on the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, which would ease access to traditional financial services for regulated marijuana businesses. This Act

For his part, Booker is doing everything possible get the bill passed, but thinks that Mcconnell’s influence over his colleagues is strong enough to keep it from happening. After all, most politicians are expected to tow a certain line, and part of that line is going with what the turtle man McConnell says. If he puts his head back in his turtle shell when it comes time to vote, chances are that his fellow party members are going to do the same.

» Well, according to Cory Booker, it’s Mitch McConnell

The little towns that weed built (or helped, anyway)

While the legalization of cannabis products becomes more mainstream, marijuana as a large stream of revenue is not new to many of Colorado’s cities and towns. In fact, weed has served as a vital part of Colorado’s economy, even within sparsely populated areas with no more than a few thousand, or even a few hundred, residents. Let’s see how marijuana changed these small Colorado towns, rich with greenery, into stopping points for travelers inside and outside of the state.

Antonito

Located near the New Mexico border, Antonito has several operating dispensaries. This was not always so, however.

“You drive through Antonito and you used to not even have a gas station, and now it has four marijuana shops,” New Mexico Republican Sen. Cliff Pirtle told the Associated Press.

Today, for the record, Antonito has three gas stations.

With a population of roughly 750 people, Antonito has attracted people from all over The Land of Enchantment for years because of its proximity to the border. While some are concerned over New Mexico’s recent legalization of recreational marijuana, some shop owners aren’t overly concerned, feeling that their customer base in New Mexico has grown strong over the years.

“I think everything will be fine,” Leonard Garcia, co-owner of the Green World Express told The Colorado Sun.

Dinosaur

A speck of a town just three miles away from the Utah border, what Dinosaur lacks in spotlights, it makes up for in dispensaries. In 2016, Dinosaur residents voted 102-50 to allow for recreational marijuana sales within the town and the foot traffic has proven prosperous.

Since then, this northwest Colorado town has become home to three dispensaries. Dinosaur, made up of 320 residents, receives about $25,000 in tax revenue from the selling of marijuana, according to The Colorado Sun.

Durango

With more dispensaries than you can count on all 10 fingers operating in the city, Durango is a haven for lovers of all

things green: mountains, forests, and marijuana. Like many of the towns on this list, Durango is a border town, but not to just one state. Not too far from The Four Corners Monument where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet, Durango attracts foot traffic not only across the southwest but across the country as well.

Pagosa Springs

In 2020, in Archuleta County, where Pagosa Springs resides, $15.5 million of marijuana products were sold. There are roughly six dispensaries in Pagosa Springs, the county seat of Archuleta.

Archuleta County requires dispensaries to grow 70% of what is sold at their stores. This policy protects the local businesses by keeping large corporations from coming to town and pulling customers from the smaller grows and shops.

Trinidad

In the southern Colorado town of Trinidad, the area has become a bit of a green haven as two of the state’s large cannabis companies, LivWell and The Green Solution, have set up shops here.

Situated in a county of 14,000 residents, Trinidad hosts about 25 dispensaries. In 2020, altogether, these shops sold $71 million worth of weed. Collecting $3.5 million in sales tax that year, Trinidad has been able to fund amenities and necessities such as a new fire truck and street sweeper as well as assist residents with rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Colorado Sun.

Sedgwick

With a population of only 150 residents, Sedgwick was on the cusp of becoming a ghost town in the early 2000s. Now, for this Colorado town that borders Nebraska, a prohibition state, things are looking quite a bit different.

As of 2010, Sedgwick already had medical dispensaries operating in town. When state officials legalized recreational marijuana use in 2012, Sedgwick started experiencing a bit of an economic boom. According to The Gazette, the tax revenue this northeastern town has gained from hosting a handful of dispensaries has allowed the Colorado border town to revamp, clean up, and maintain its downtown as well as other areas of the community.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

FR OM D G O MA GA Z IN E

» Cannabis has helped these rural Colorado towns become big pot havens

Are you a Blue Dream or

»

Like a game of drunk-stoned Clue, here’s how to find

— Amanda Push Special to DGO

Are you the type of boozehound who enjoys the social butterfly bump you get from a smooth cocktail or hoppy IPA at a social event? Or perhaps you’re the type of drinker who savors a sleepy buzz from a glass of wine or bourbon on the rocks before bed.

No matter your style, chances are, the effects you welcome from a well made alcoholic beverage may also be the result you are seeking from your favorite weed strains. Are you the type of smoker who enjoys the energetic stimulation of sativa? Or you appreciate the heavy body high that comes with an indica as you sink into your mattress? Maybe you even like a little bit of both. This mix-and-match of your favorite drinks and bud will give you a good idea of which weed strain is your best match based on your choice of booze, whether that be because of personality, flavor, or clout.

their hoppy flavor is just too bitter. For others, why pass up on the amount of alcohol content? We chose OG Kush as the IPA weed-strain counterpart because both vices are robust, potent, and incredibly popular.

Like IPAs, OG Kush has a strong, funky aroma and flavor that’s not for everyone. The smell can be described as “skunky” and even resembling a dingy gas station. But, hey! Some people enjoy the smell of gasoline.

The strain measures at high THCcontent levels — usually between 20-25 percent — while similarly, double and imperial IPAs measure at a higher alcohol by volume (ABV), typically over 7 percent, making both of these pack a serious gut punch to your sober self.

In the words of Dave Chapelle, “It’ll getcha drunk!”

Drink of choice: Martini

Strain match: Tangerine Haze

Drink of choice: IPA

Strain match: OG Kush

IPAs are one of those beers where you love ‘em’ or you hate ‘em. For some,

Let’s say, hypothetically, you’re at a fancy work party and you find out that, not only is dinner free, but there’s an open bar for you to take advantage of. What’s your drink of choice? Obviously a martini with a lemon peel twist (or ol-

or a Girl Scout Cookie?

find the perfect weed strain based on your favorite booze

ive, your choice). If you’re really feeling in the mood for a hangover, you can get it a little sweeter and/or get it flavored.

We picked Tangerine Haze, a sativadominant hybrid, in honor of that lovely lemon twist, and martinis and this strain’s stress-relieving functionalities. This strain is beloved for its citrus-floral smell and flavor. Not unlike a martini at a social function you don’t really want to be at, Tangerine Haze lifts the spirits and makes for a much more uplifting mood.

smoke a bit of this strain to give yourself that spark of pep you’re looking for.

Drink of choice: Boxed wine

Strain match: Blue Magoo

Ok, first off: If you’re at home drinking boxed wine, what in Zuul’s good name are you doing with your life? Not that we can judge much, but c’mon! Cheap bottled wine ain’t that bad OR expensive!

Drink of choice: On the rocks

Strain match: Durban Poison

Vodka/whisky/bourbon/scotch/fill in the blank on the rocks? You like your booze smooth, classy, and quick, just like your weed. Durban Poison is the weed strain for you. A pretty, purple-studded sativa, there’s a reason this strain is a fan favorite, just like sipping your favorite liquor over a glass of ice.

Durban Poison is sweet-smelling and has an energetic effect on users. If you’re the type of stoner who gets a creative, motivated buzz from sativas, Durban Poison will give you the boost you need to inspire productivity. Or, like sipping booze at the end of a long day,

If affordability is what you’re after, however, your strain of choice should be Blue Magoo. Cheap and fun (just like boxed wine!), this is a weed fusion of fruity and floral. So it even tastes better than that crap in a box you call wine! Blue Magoo will even combat all the hangover effects of your boxed wine including nausea, anxiety, loss of appetite, and pain.

Drink of choice: Moscow Mule

Strain match: Super Lemon Haze

Ah — Moscow Mules: the delicious concoction of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. On top of getting a smooth, citrusy beverage out of the deal, it also comes with a copper mug to

seal the deal. This drink makes us long for beach vacations and sitting out in the sun.

For this beverage and weed strain match, we chose Super Lemon Haze, aka SLH, as this drink’s match made in heaven. A sativa-leaning hybrid, this strain captures the citrus and zesty notes we adore in Moscow Mules. Even Super Lemon Haze’s flavor is similar to this beverage — sweet, yet tart. Like the drink, Super Lemon Haze is also just eye-catching: a yellow hue with flecks of burnt orange peppering the buds. This drink and strain match is a top winner in our books.

Drink of choice: Wine coolers

Strain match: GSC/Girl Scout Cookies

Ah, wine coolers: the choice drink of the basic college student. Maybe that was your past self, or perhaps that’s still your inner you. Either way, we see you! And we’re here to tell you that your perfect weed strain match is GSC, aka Girl Scout Cookies.

GSC is a popular strain due to its parentage — the aforementioned and well-loved OG Kush and Durban Poison. Like wine coolers, this hybrid strain has a sweet aroma, but with earthy notes as well. Like wine coolers, GSC gives you that euphoric party high that makes social events a little more relaxing. GSC

will shoot your mind and body up to space and back with its full-body effects. Don’t let the name fool you, though. Unlike wine coolers, this strain has some hella potent THC levels — generally ranging from 17-28 percent, which is a big reason GSC has quite a few Cannabis Cup award notches in its belt. GSC is also a great remedy for pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Drink of choice: Lager Strain match: Jack Herer

Like marijuana, lagers have a wide range of type, flavor, and color. While they vary greatly, generally lagers

tend to be hoppy, earthy, and malty. This flavor profile made us think of the marijuana strain Jack Herer, a terpy and bold sativa.

With a parentage of Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk, Jack Herer is true to its sativa personality and delivers an exhilarating and heavenly head high. Created in the Netherlands in the mid1990s, this earthy strain has earned a lot of clout over the years, taking tons of awards for its quality high.

Drink of choice: Mimosa cocktail Strain match: Tangie

It should be fairly obvious why we

chose to pair mimosas with Tangie. A mixture of champagne and orange juice?

A marijuana strain born of California Orange and Skunk-1? It was a match meant to be.

Interestingly enough, Tangie, a sativa, is actually a remake version of Tangerine Dream that was popular in the 1990s. True to its namesake and its alcoholic beverage pairing, Tangie smells of citrus fruit. As a sativa, Tangie will give you the head high of your dreams and spark creativity and euphoria.

Drink of choice: Rum and Coke

Strain

match: Larry OG

We don’t know about you, but when we think of rum and coke it brings back the nostalgia of summer patio drinkin.’ The spicy kick of rum mixed with the sweet Coca-Cola is quite the relaxing combination.

That’s why we chose the indicadominant Larry OG, aka Lemon Larry, marijuana strain. A cross between SFV OG and OG Kush, Larry OG offers a mellow body high while also packing a mean punch. While the effects are euphoric, they’re not overwhelming so there’s a pleasant balance. Like the rum and Coke, Larry OG has a bit of a spice to it as well as a piney aroma.

Drink of choice: Margarita

Strain

match: Holy Grail Kush

Tequila is yet another one of those liquors you either love or hate. Maybe you had a terrible experience with it. Maybe you only have wonderful experiences with it. Maybe the very aroma of it makes you gag. Maybe it’s the only thing you’ll drink. Whatever your poison, how can you say no to a nice, chilled glass of margarita?

We picked Holy Grail Kush, a hybrid weed strain, as this marijuana match. The spawn of OG #18 and Kosher Kush, this strain gives off a mellow and relaxing vibe which, now that we think about it, isn’t very tequila-esque. However, like tequila, Holy Grail Kush is quite aromatic. It’s a delicious mixture of spicy, kushy, and citrusy which lines up quite well with a good ol’ marg. On top of all these great assets, Holy Grail Kush won the hybrid category at the 2011 High Times Cannabis Cup and was the first competitor to achieve a perfect score.

Drink of choice: Shots, shots, shots

(shots, shots, shots, everyboooooody!!!)

Strain match: Godfather OG

If you’re a straight shots type of person, you’re all about getting to the point, which we respect. That’s why we think your weed strain match is going to be one of the most potent strains on the market: Godfather OG, aka “The Don of All OGs.”.

Godfather OG is the indica strain of dreams. Literally. This cross of XXX OG and Alpha OG will sedate you and it’s the choice strain for medical marijuana patients who are having trouble sleeping. Much like taking shots, Godfather OG is not a sweet intake. Instead, this strain is spicy and robust. If you’re new to the world of smoking weed, you’ll probably want to wait on this one or at least only smoke it in small doses as Godfather OG’s THC content maintains around 28 percent. In fact, this strain is so strong, it won first place for Best Indica at the 2013 Cannabis Cup in Los Angeles.

Drink of choice: Ale

Strain match: Peanut Butter Breath

Peanut Butter Breath is definitely one of the more amusing weed strain names we’ve come across, that’s for darn sure. We chose to match this strain with the classic ale because of its earthy tones.

Peanut Butter Breath, an indica-dominant hybrid weed strain, is regarded for its sleep-inducing effects, not unlike having a few too many ales. Peanut Brother Breath comes from the strains Do-Si-Dos and Mendo Breath has a uniquely nutty flavor when smoked (hence the name) with earthy and terpy notes. Peanut Brother Breath will bring you down to earth, causing you to feel relaxed and peaceful enough to fall into a deep, deep sleep.

Drink of choice: Bloody Mary Strain match: Blue Dream

There’s nothing quite like catching Sunday morning brunch and starting your day with a sharp and tangy Bloody Mary. It doesn’t matter if this beverage comes with the whole kit and kaboodle of a side breakfast (but we won’t complain if it does) — we’re just glad it’s here with us at the table.

We can say the same thing about Blue Dream, too, which is why we think this is the perfect booze and strain match. A sativa-dominant hybrid that hails from

California, this strain has reached legendary status among stoners. Stemming from a cross of Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream offers a delicious balance of total relaxation as well as inspirational exhilaration — the best of both worlds, if you may.

On top of its fantastic effects, Blue Dream also smells divine just like its alcoholic beverage counterpart, with a fruity and berry aroma. The cherry on top? If you’re having some trouble sleeping, Blue Dream will remedy that real quick.

Drink of choice: PBR Strain match: Sour Tsunami

Ah, such a watered-down beer deserves a weaker strain. Just kidding. But also, how is PBR your favorite beer? In any case, your marijuana match is Sour Tsunami, a sativa-dominant hybrid.

Like PBRs, Sour Tsunami doesn’t pack a serious punch to sobriety. That doesn’t mean this isn’t an excellent strain, however. Sour Tsunami, a cross between Sour Diesel and NYC diesel, became popular after it was one of the first strains to be cultivated for higher CBD content rather than THC. This means that, while it won’t get you very stoned, it will help with ailments like pain and inflammation. Even better, these buds smell a helluva lot better than PBRs — a musky and diesel aroma.

Drink of choice: Gin and tonic Strain match: Sour Diesel

A gin and tonic is one chic mothereffer. It’s the perfect go-to drink if you’re trying to impress whoever you’re with. Just that gin, tonic water, and lime wedge is enough to class the joint up.

There’s really only one strain that will level up to this drink: Sour Diesel, aka Sour D. This sativa strain’s name comes from its sharp diesel aroma. Believed to be the child of Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk, this strain is a creeper — one moment you’ll be stone-cold sober and the next you’re rearranging your entire kitchen while your brain floats on a cloud of weed smoke. Like its legendary brethren, Durban Poison, Blue Dream, and OG Kush, Sour Diesel is a top favorite among fans and it’s obvious to see why. This strain is known for chasing away the blues as well as physical pain and stress.

Drink of choice: Whiskey sour

Weed match: Ultra Sour

It’s hard to argue that whiskey sours don’t bring a lot of life to the party. They’re sweet, they’re sour, and they’re potent which makes for a potent concoction.

Much like whiskey sours, ultra sours create a spark of bliss and euphoria which makes sense as it is the spawn of MK Ultra and East Coast Sour Diesel.

This sativa-leaning strain has an aroma that smells of pine and diesel. Its buds are a deep green hue with flecks of burnt orange making for some damn pretty flower. Novice users beware, however. Don’t be fooled by the name. This strain is not for the faint of heart as it tends to carry a level of potency similar to whiskey sours.

Drink of choice: Hurricane Weed match: Tangerine Dream

If you end up with a Hurricane in your hand at some point, you know you’re in for one helluva evening. With a mix of rum, lemon juice, and passion fruit syrup, most likely, you’re in for a world of hurt the next morning but dang it’s so worth it.

In honor of that delicious fruitiness, we picked Tangerine Dream, a sativa strain, as this beverage’s partner in crime. This strain will even reduce the effects of that inevitable migraine like nausea, pain, and a lack of energy. Tangerine Dream hails from G13, Afghani, and Neville’s A5 Haze. Much like Hurricanes, Tangerine Dream has a citrus aroma and offers joy and euphoria when it’s smoked. Like strains such as Durban Poison, it offers a balance of both relaxation and clarity.

Getting skull-hugged by Purple Headband

Ever said something dumb while stoned? Of course you have. There are some strains that turn your brain into complete and total happy brain mush. For me, that strain is apparently Purple Headband.

I learned this little fact recently while reviewing the strain for Prohibition Herb. This strain, one of Prohibition’s beautiful premium strains, just landed on the shelves at the dispensary, and if you like being rendered the human equivalent of a single-celled — but extremely optimistic — amoeba, you may want to grab some. (I kid; I kid. You should all grab some of this strain. It’s freaking awesome — but we’ll get to that.)

If you aren’t familiar with what Purple Headband is, here’s a quick synopsis of this strain. The Purple Headband strain has some interesting genetics behind it. It’s a hybrid strain with the skull-hugging Headband strain as one parent. The other parent? Hell if I know. It’s an unknown

purple strain. You can clearly see where the name came from, so I won’t bother pointing that part out.

I grabbed an eighth of this strain from Prohibition over the weekend and was super excited to see that it came in the dispensary’s fancy-as-heck glass containers. There were even pictures of the plants on the box the container was housed in.

What I love about those containers is that you can see right into the soul of your weed. All you have to do is peer in and look.

What I saw in the jar was a mound of purple-green buds, both dense and thick, with the most pungent aroma on the planet.

How do I know the aroma was pungent, you ask?

Well, I was able to smell the weed through the glass — despite the lid still being on the container. The bud smelled like fruity gasoline mixed with the earthy

scent of the forest, and, while that mix of smells may seem a little strange, I loved it.

And, as you may have guessed, that aroma was much, much more noticeable after I took the lid off the jar. It filled my entire kitchen with the smell of weed, despite the candle burning on the counter. In other words, this stank was no joke.

I was super excited to try this one out — just as I am with any strain Prohibition asks me to review — so I decided to take my chances and load a bowl in the middle of the afternoon. I pulled apart the sticky buds — and I do mean sticky; it was stuck to my fingers after inspecting it — and loaded a dry herb vape with fragments of Purple Headband.

I wasn’t sure what to expect after smoking it — the last time I smoked Headband I remember being really, really high, but don’t remember much else — but I figured I’d just let it ride.

That turned out to be a surprisingly good call on my part.

All it took was one bowl of this strain to get me blazed as hell in the very best way. No coughing, no choking, and nothing unpleasant. I just fired it up, inhaled, and felt the warm hug of Purple Headband wash over me.

It started with the feeling of being elevated into a better mood, which I could use basically all the time these days. I wasn’t in a funk prior to smoking, but I am naturally an angsty jerk. So having a strain that can pull me out of that natural cynicism is great. Let that do the heavy lifting for me. All of my cares washed away with that bowl, and what came in was a wave of positivity.

Once I had a perma-grin plastered across my face, the rest of the effects started to kick in, too. I was just sitting there, smiling and zoning out, when the odd but pleasant feeling of the “headband” started to wash over me. It’s such a surreal feeling, that tightening and pressure around your skull that comes from smoking strains like these, but it always appears, and I always feel it.

And, after the headband came more of the cerebral high that I was hoping for. I was mellow, happy, and relaxed, but not couchlocked in any way. If I’d wanted to get up and be productive I could have. I just didn’t really feel like it. I was content

doing what I had been doing all day, which was nothing. Nada. Zilch.

While those were the primary effects of this strain, I will tell you that they weren’t the only ones that came with it. I was so pleased with how happy I felt after smoking a bowl that I decided to smoke another one just for kicks. And that’s when the real fun started.

After the second bowl, the effects were a little more psychedelic. I was still just basically stoked to be alive, but when I looked at my phone screen or my book, the words appeared to be popping out of the pages or the screen like they were being projected onto the surface. That has happened before with other strains, but I usually have to smoke way more than two bowls to get there.

I rode that out for a while, amused with life and the effects this strain had on words and images, before passing out. No munchies. Just sheer bliss.

If you’re looking for a kick in the mood pants, or if you want to get stoned enough to have weird things happen to the words in your book, this strain is it. It turned me into a slap-happy human being, which is a tough feat for any strain, and kept me amused for a lot longer than I’d expected. I’m digging it, and totally stoked that I have the rest of an eighth left. I’ll be tossing this one into the mix on a regular basis, that’s for sure, and you probably should, too. It’s badass and you’ll love it.

Pufnstuf

» If you’ve ever wanted to become the human equivalent of a single-celled amoeba, this strain will hook. you. UP.

Eat your weedys

salsa, honey, or champagne (not all at once, mind you). I decided to give it a go with some salsa. While I don’t have much experience making my own salsa, I’d like to think it’s edible, especially now that I’ve mixed in some cannabis mango.

We all could use a little more fruit and vegetables in our lives, and I am no different. As someone who is not afraid to say that their diet is mostly made up of stoner snacks, some weekends, the closest thing I eat to being healthy are some fruit snacks.

Well, folks, I’m turning over a new leaf with Forbidden Fruit. Not of the biblical kind, mind you, but of the cannabis sort. Started in 2018, Forbidden Fruit is a Colorado cannabis company that sells its products all over the state. Their products are unique in that they offer up dehydrated fruit like apples and mangos infused with THC. Listen, that’s one way to get stoners like me to eat healthy!

Forbidden Fruit comes in five different flavors: kiwi, mango, chili mango, apple cinnamon, pineapple, and papaya. Now all these sound delicious but, for me, the only choice was to go with the mango, my absolute favorite fruit. That and apple cinnamon to switch things up.

Let me assure you, Forbidden Fruit delivers on the taste and high fronts. I went with mango first as it was the flavor I was most excited about and was not disappointed. It tasted like, well, dehydrated mangos, and same with the apple cinnamon. (Feel free to make a joke about how the snozzberries taste like snozzberries like I did.) Not sure what else I was expecting but one never knows with edibles sometimes!

One of the other really great things about Forbidden Fruit is that they also provide suggestions on what to pair your edibles with. For example, the company suggests pairing the mango edibles with

The same went for the apple cinnamon which Forbidden Fruit suggests you pair with vanilla ice cream, apple pie, and cinnamon oatmeal. As my baking skills leave a lot to be desired and I wasn’t too keen on having edibles for breakfast, I went with the simplest solution of getting myself some vanilla ice cream from the store, scooped myself a bowl, and sprinkled some cinnamon apple edible bits into my ice cream.

This here is where I caution you on portioning out your edibles. Please don’t just dump the entire bag of mangos into your salsa or all your apple slices into your bowl of ice cream. Maybe I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to how much edibles I take but, friends, I was QUITE stoned after devouring these snacks. Each pack comes with 10 fruit slices a piece that contain 10 mg of THC each. To be fair, edibles tend to deliver a swift kick to my rear end after ingesting them so I’m much more cautious about how much I eat than I am when toking on a vape or lighting a bowl.

But, I digress. I was an actual human slush pile after enjoying my evening of combining my dehydrated fruit edibles with various other foods, and I was not unhappy about it. I wish I could provide more details other than “I got really high” for you, dear readers, except I don’t remember much other than forlornly staring at the ceiling waiting for my stomach to explode from all the food I ate then promptly fell asleep. I suppose, depending on how you look at it, that’s actually a very good review of an edible product.

So, thank you, Forbidden Fruits, for making my Saturday evening a blessing and a half. I encourage the rest of you to go out and try these delicious fruity wonders next time you come across them and get to cooking. Your stomach, and your health meter, will thank you for your service.

— Sir Blaze Ridcully

» Get a few more THC-infused fruits and veggies in your life with Forbidden Fruits

And it tastes like candy!

“It tastes like Skittles!”

This was the first phrase that came out of my friend’s mouth as soon as they tried the Wana Quick Limoncello gummies. After I tried on next, I couldn’t have agreed more. They were effing delicious and, if they weren’t a bunch of edibles, I probably would have downed the whole thing by myself.

So, what is Wana’s line of fast-acting gummies exactly? Let’s get into it!

One of the complaints some people have when it comes to edibles is a) how long it takes to get high, and b) how long edibles last once you do get high. As a result, it can be tough to dose. Cut to the Wana Quick line where, instead of being metabolized in the liver, Wana used nano-encapsulation technology to instead send the THC straight into your bloodstream. This way, instead of it taking anywhere from a half-hour to an hour to get stoned, it only takes roughly five to 15 minutes. The high will last you anywhere from two to four hours so you’ll still want to take it easy if you pop one of these.

This month, we’re reviewing Limoncello, a hybrid that tastes like Skittles, as my friend initially stated. These gummies, which come with 5mg of THC apiece, are friggin’ delicious. I cannot overstate that. It legitimately is like eating candy. And the best part is that it’s both vegan and gluten-free so anyone can enjoy them!

I’ve experienced and enjoyed Wana Quick edibles before (their Peach Bellini and Strawberry Margarita flavors), so I was psyched to try Limoncello as well. The really nice thing about these gummies is that when you eat them, you won’t feel like you’re melting onto your floor as you shove a bunch of junk food into your mouth. Wana Quick edibles are a chill, easy high that isn’t as intense as most edible highs, I’ve found.

This is because when edibles are absorbed through the liver, the THC is converted into an 11-Hydroxy molecule which creates a more intense stoned experience. Because these Wana edibles are absorbed through the bloodstream, however, the TCH turns into the Delta9-THC molecule. As a result, the effects are much less overwhelming.

These Limoncello gummies made me feel floaty, like I was drifting on a comfortable cloud. It was a very giggly, smoker’s high and was all around pleasant. I didn’t feel fused with my couch or like I was about to fall asleep at a moment’s notice. Instead, I felt energetic and ready to dig into some chores I’d been avoiding all week, so my laundry basket thanks you, Wana!

As much as I love a good high that makes me wonder if I’m hearing voices from outer space, I don’t need that every Tuesday night. I’m good with a chill evening of staring dreamily at “Forensic Files” playing on my TV and being able to follow along, and I think you will be, too.

— Sir Blaze Ridcully

» It ain’t Zima, but these Wana Limoncello gummies are a close second

Ask a couple of potheads

» From whether your landlord can ban cannabis cultivation to where to find weed bars, here are all your burning questions for DGO’s resident potheads

Hi there! It’s time for another Q&A with our good buddies Blaze and Puf. These two potheads are here to answer all of your burning questions about cannabis, legalization, and other weed-related inquiries. That’s basically all they’re good for — that and smoking weed — so you might as well take advantage of their useless knowledge as you see fit.

For this first month of 2023, we have all sorts of random questions to answer for you. From where to find marijuana lounges to replacing opioids with weed,

here are your questions about pot for our in-house potheads. Have questions to ask these two fools? Send them to editor@ dgomag.com and we’ll do our best to answer them. And, feel free to send them allll over — your wild, wacky, and just plain weird questions about weed. Nothing shocks us at this point. And we do mean nothing.

I really want to visit a weed bar, but I can’t find any in Colorado. Are there any weed clubs or bars in this state, and if not, why?

Blaze Ridcully: Well, I have some

Tell Our readers WhaT’s GOOd

good news and some bad news for ya. The good news is that if you’re looking for a weed bar in Colorado, you are in luck. There are a few weed bars that are open in Colorado — which was not the case a few years ago.

The bad news is that you will find most of them in the Front Range area due to the more lax laws and the larger population. On-site consumption is a very new concept for Colorado, and let’s just say that most areas haven’t really been amenable to the idea.

The one thing you should know about most of these weed bars is that you can’t purchase cannabis to consume on-site. You have to bring your own weed or edibles or whatever your literal drug of choice is. In fact, this was the case for all weed bars up until JAD’s Mile High Smoke opened in Denver in late April of this year.

JAD’s Mile High Smoke is the first place in the state where you can buy cannabis and consume it on-site. You can walk up to the bar and order a gram of whatever bud suits you, or you can purchase a THC-infused beverage without leaving the building to enjoy it.

Per state law, there are also limits when you visit. During one trip, consumers can purchase up to two grams of flower, a half-gram of concentrate, or 20 milligrams of edibles (served up to 10 milligrams at a time).

DGO Pufnstuf: Listen. If you’re looking for weed bars in little ol’ Durango, you’re out of luck. While there have been numerous pushes to try and get marijuana lounges, aka “weed bars,” legalized in the area, none have been successful thus far — so you can’t just pop on over to the weed version of The Ranch and get stoned. Bummer, right?

But, as good old Blaze said above, you do have options for weed bars across the wider state of Colorado if you want ’em. Cities like Denver have allowed for marijuana lounges to open in recent years, because, well, these businesses are legal in the state of Colorado after the passage House Bill 19-1230. However, it’s up to the individual counties and cities to decide whether to allow these types of businesses to be issued licenses in their areas.

Durango hasn’t bought into the idea of marijuana hospitality yet. But for businesses in the cities and counties that have, the state of Colorado can issue two different types of licenses. One type of

license allows customers to consume on site — but the business can’t sell recreational marijuana to them. It’s strictly BYOC (bring your own cannabis, duh). The other allows the business to serve and sell cannabis — but interestingly, you cannot bring your own weed to those businesses.

The main difference between the licenses is that the businesses selling cannabis and allowing for on-site consumption can’t be mobile, so you’re not allowed to run a cannabis tour bus AND sell weed to your customers. But if you own a marijuana lounge that isn’t on wheels, as all marijuana lounges presumably should not be, then you can get issued a license for on-site sales and consumption if you’re conducting business in an area that allows it.

I know that is way more than you asked, but I say all that to say this: Yes, there are weed bars in Colorado, but what they offer varies vastly from one to the next — and chances are you will only find them in the Front Range. But the ones that are available would be super cool to visit! I haven’t actually been to any of them, but there are places that are almost certainly worth a stop — like The Coffee Joint, which was Denver’s first licensed marijuana lounge. The Coffee Joint allow you to vape flower and concentrates or eat edibles as long as you bring them with you. Or, there are private clubs like Tetra 9 Private Lounge and Garden, which is a members-only pot club that you can buy day passes to. You can BYOC and consume on site, and the venue offers a solid line-up of live music, gatherings, and weed-friendly classes you can attend.

I’m a chronic pain patient, but I don’t like taking opioids. Is it possible to swap out my pain meds with weed?

DGO Pufnstuf: Please insert the obligatory “I am not a doctor, just a pothead” disclaimer here. OK, now that we got that out of the way, the answer to your question is yes, maybe. Magic 8-ball says outlook is good.

While cannabis affects each person differently, both research and anecdotal evidence have pointed to the idea that you can swap out opioids for cannabis in many cases. In fact, chronic pain is one of the qualifying medical conditions in most states with medical marijuana programs — and that includes Colorado. So that alone should tell you something. (And so

Anecdotally, I can tell you that I know many, many people who have successfully made the switch from opioids to cannabis for pain relief. One such case? My dad. He’s getting older and, well, he’s not getting any skinnier. Why does that matter? Well, he broke his leg in several places earlier this year, which resulted in a couple of surgeries, some metal leg parts, and him subsequently being stuck in a chair, immobile, for weeks on end. His pain levels during that time were extremely high, and my mom being the pragmatic person that she is was concerned about the dangers of the Vicodin presribed to him.

So what did she do? Well, she called her trusty pothead child and asked if weed could possibly help.

Long story short, it did. Dude managed to swap out the pharmaceuticals for a high-THC strain from ye local dispensary and it knocked the pain (and my dad) right the heck out.

He’s fine these days, but you know what he didn’t do? He didn’t put down the weed. He’s old and things hurt, so he makes his own tinctures at home and passes them around to his old people friends. It’s cute and weird and I’m here for it.

I’m sure Blaze has some more practical stats and information outlined below, but that’s my rant. If it helped my dad, I’d say it’s worth a shot for you. But as with any other medical question, maybe ask your doctor before making the switch.

Blaze Ridcully: Yes, you can replace your opiates with weed for pain relief — at least in a lot of cases, anyway. This is a growing trend that will almost certainly continue to increase as marijuana becomes legal in more states.

But, as always, you should consult a doctor before doing it. If you’ve been on opiates for an extended period of time, it can be dangerous to hop off your pain medicine without tapering down. And, best case it could cause you to go into withdrawals that you definitely will not enjoy.

That said, the hassle may be worth the temporary annoyances, cause it appears that making the switch to weed from traditional pharmaceuticals works. In Colorado, more than 93% of the 87,000 plus people with medical marijuana cards

report dealing with pain. And, almost two-thirds of recreational users say they use cannabis to help manage their pain.

When used correctly, users tend to find that cannabis helps manage their pain without the extreme — and extremely dangerous — side effects that opioids can come with. You won’t run the risk of getting physically addicted or become dependent on cannabis like you would a drug like Oxycodone or Vicodin, and that’s worth all the weight in the weed world, if you ask me. That stuff ain’t nothin’ to eff with (if you can avoid it).

It’s worth noting, though, that some doctors remain hesitant to jump on board with using cannabis for pain relief. However, chances are that you can find some that are willing if you ask around.

I’m a renter in Colorado, and I like to grow my own flower, but my landlord has said in the past he has a problem with it. I don’t want to get evicted, but I really want to grow my own bud in my own rental. Can my landlord stop me?

Blaze Ridcully: Unfortunately, yes. Your landlord can prohibit or limit the possession, use, and growth on their rental property. If a landlord or property manager wishes to prohibit marijuana use in their rental properties, they have to include a drug-free lease clause in their lease agreement. Under current Colorado law, a landlord may evict a tenant for failing to follow the drug policy in a signed lease agreement. Still, many judges are hesitant to enforce evictions or force residents out due to marijuana use.

DGO Pufnstuf: So Blaze is unfortunately right. While Colorado law allows for adults to grow their own flower within the limits of the law (look them up yourselves, lazies!), your landlord has the final say in what goes on in terms of possession, use, or cultivation of cannabis on the properties they own. It’s one of the downsides of renting. If your landlord is against the devil’s lettuce, well, they have a right to be.

That can include having a clause in the lease against growing or using cannabis in your own rented home — and if you violate your lease, you could be on the receiving end of an eviction. It’s totally legal for them to do. Even in a state where weed is legal. (I know, I know. But don’t shoot the messenger!)

If your landlord is adamant about not allowing you to grow cannabis, and it sounds like they are, the only real option

you have is to skip growing it and purchase it instead — or to move to a more 420-friendly rental. While I’m all for giving the finger to The Man, the reality is that violating the terms of your lease won’t lead anywhere good, and it’s probably not worth the risk at a time when rental costs are high as hell (and really limited depending on where you live in this state).

I’m going to visit Denver later this year, and I’m staying in a hotel. I can’t smoke there, so what’s the worst thing that happens if I light up a joint on the street and I’m caught?

DGO Pufnstuf: Well, you ever heard of drawing and quartering? Yeah…not fun. OK, OK. I’m kidding. You won’t get sentenced to being torn apart by horses as a punishment for lighting up a joint on the streets of Denver — not by the law, anyway. But it’s not really legal to do it, as both public consumption and public display of cannabis are illegal in the state of Colorado, and the penalties can be annoying if you’re caught.

In our fair state, public use of pot is considered a petty offense, but you can receive a small fine and/or a couple of weeks in jail if you’re caught using canna-

bis on the streets of Denver (or any other non-sanctioned public space).

And it’s important to remember that there’s a ton of federal land around Denver, and cannabis is very federally illegal still — so you need to watch yo’ ass. If you are caught for possessing marijuana on federal land, the punishment is determined under federal law, and can include a fine up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail.

Screw. That. Just buy some edibles and toss one back in your hotel room instead. It’s way less risky.

Blaze Ridcully: Getting caught lighting up a joint in public in Denver isn’t the end of the world, but it can come with a few penalties.

As Puf said, the state views this as a petty offense, and if you’re caught, there’s generally a $100 fine to pay. You can also get up to 15 days in jail for lighting up in public, so it’s generally not worth the risk — especially if you are on vacation.

Nobody wants to catch a charge, even if it’s a petty charge, while trying to relax. Hard pass on that one.

I bought way too much flower at the

Cannabis Crawl, and now I’m unsure how to store it. What’s the best way to do that?

Blaze Ridcully: The best way to store flower is either in glass mason jars, air-tight sealing plastic bags, titanium jars, or a humidor. You also want to ensure you store these containers in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Flower should be stored in a space that is 74 degrees or under — but ideally should be stored at 65 degrees. Just make sure it doesn’t get colder than 55 degrees.

You should also make sure there is minimal light and air exposure in the area where you’re storing your weed — and that the relative humidity is somewhere between 54%-63%. Storing flower in too much humidity can lead to mold and mildew, while too little humidity will dry your flower out.

If you’re not sure how to handle the fluctuations in humidity, you can purchase humidity packs to put inside your containers to make sure you are within the suggested range.

DGO Pufnstuf: I feel like Blaze pretty much covered all the bases up there, but

yeah. If you bought too much weed, it’s not really the end of the world. There are a bunch of handy gadgets you can purchase to keep your weed as fresh as possible — and the big thing is to keep it out of direct sunlight or extremely high or low temps. Kinda hard to do in sunny Southwest Colorado, I know, but I have faith in you.

Letting your weed sit in direct sunlight is a surefire way to destroy all the good stuff in your bud because sunlight degrades cannabis — and it can do so very quickly. Research has shown that each hour that your weed is exposed to UV rays results in a 0.5% decline in potency. That is a decline of 0.5% potency for each HOUR it’s in the sun. If you don’t like THC then I guess letting your bud sit in the sun is a good plan, but maybe just don’t buy weed if that’s the case?

Maybe just buy an airtight container to keep your weed fresh instead. There are borderline a billion options to choose from in any price point, including some that will cost you just a few bucks or so. You can stick that container somewhere in the house where the temps are consistent and call it a day. Easy peasy.

I’m from the Midwest, and I’ve never

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been to a legal state before. What are the best weed-related places to visit on a trip to Colorado?

DGO Pufnstuf: There are so many weed activities in Colorado! SO MANY!

Now, I’m not entirely sure what you mean by “best” — but there are some rad places you may want to stop by while you’re here. For starters, the International Church of Cannabis is worth a stop if you have any interest in seeing a church that bases its worship around the almighty plant. It’s housed in a beautiful stain-glassed building in Denver, and it’s open to the public most of the time. You can find a ton of information on their website (and no, they’re not sponsoring this column).

I’d also stop by the weed mall in Trinidad, which I’m sure Blaze is going to mention as well. It’s like a clearinghouse of weed, with cannabis shops and products as far as the eye can see. [Please insert that Toy Story Woody gif in your brain here.]

There are tons of other places you

should stop by, too. If you’ve never been to a dispensary, don’t just stop at one. Go to numerous. Each one has its own vibe — and the products tend to vary from one to the next, too. They’re fascinating! Especially to newbies.

There are a ton of pot tourism businesses, especially in Denver and the Front Range, that you may want to check out, too. DGO’s staff has done some paint and smoke classes, sushi-rolling classes, and other random “get stoned and do stuff” classes in the past — and we had a fricking blast at all of them. You can’t go wrong.

Anyway, I don’t know. You have tons and tons of options to choose from, so pick a few and dive in. Colorado is the land of milk and weed honey, so whatever you do, just be sure to revel in it before you have to head back to your home state.

Blaze Ridcully: Colorado has some truly amazing cannabis-friendly spots, many of which offer amazing weed and/or amazing views — and there is something for every kind of stoner.

For starters, the weed mall in Trinidad is worth a stop, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. It houses five dispensaries in the same location, all of which offer up all the different weed and weed-related things you could ever want. And, a little healthy competition tends to help keep the prices low, which is awesome.

Or, maybe take a tour. Denver Marijuana Tours have been around for a while, but most people would say they just keep improving. There are a few different options to choose from with those tours. And City Sessions offers private and public tours that promote cannabis education and offer an in-depth look at the cannabis industry. These tours can last from two hours to multiple days.

Or maybe take a trip out of town to get stoned and take in the scenery. The city of Glenwood Springs is a great little mountain town in the Rockies to visit. There are three dispensaries, great views, three different hot springs, and even an amusement park with an Alpine coaster. All three of the hot springs are popular, but Vapor Caves is the coolest since you

feel immersed in the cave, and it is generally not as crowded as the others.

Estes Park is another great cannabisrelated destination. Estes Park has dispensaries, cannabis-friendly lodging, and some genuinely fantastic hiking and biking. What can be a better break from your daily grind than getting out in nature after smoking some local flower and watching the wildlife wander around?

Plus, if you’re a movie buff, you can stop by the Stanley Hotel in Estes, which was featured in the Hollywood classic movie “The Shining.” And the hotel is even open for business if you feel like spending the night in a famous — and famously haunted — location.

Dispensary listings

DURANGO

Border Buds, 1929 US-550, (970) 259-2639, borderbuds.com

Colorado Grow Co., 965 1/2 Main Ave., (970) 259-1647, coloradogrowcompany.com

Durango Organics, Bodo Park, 2 Suttle St., Suite F & G, (970) 259-3674, durangoorganics.com

Durango Organics, Grandview, 37 Co Rd. 232, (970) 426-4381, durangoorganics. com

Durango Rec Room, 145 E College Dr., (970) 764-4087, durangorecroom.com

The Greenery, 208 Parker Ave., Suite E, (970) 403-3710, durangogreenery.com

The Green House, 730 S Camino Del Rio, (970) 247-2420, thegreenhousecolorado.com

Kinfolk Farms, 83A Davidson Creek Rd., (970) 759-8683, kinfolk-farms.com

LOVA Canna Co –Durango, 1135 S Camino Del Rio, Suite 220, (970) 422-8029, lovaco.com

Mammoth Farms Dispensary, 927 CO-3, (970) 422-3282

Mountain Annie’s, 1644 CO Rd. 203, 970247-2190, mountainanniescannabis.com

Prohibition Herb, 1185 Camino Del Rio, (970) 385-8622, prohibitionherb.com

Rocky Mountain High, 120 E 36th St., (970) 259-4093, rockymountainhigh.co

Santé, 742 ½ Main Ave., (970) 375-2837, santecolorado.com

Telluride Bud Company, 3473 Main Ave., (970) 422-8311, telluridebc.com

CORTEZ

Chronic Therapy, 1020 S. Broadway, (970) 529-2045, chronictherapy.com

Doobie Sisters, 695 N Broadway, (970) 5652345, doobiesistersco.com

Durango Organics, 1013 E Main St., (970) 565-6500, durangoorganics.com

The Herbal Alternative, 1531 Lebanon Rd., (970) 529-7007, theherbalalternative.net

LivWell Cortez, 1819 E Main St., (970) 5659577, livwell.com

Mountain Annie’s, 310 E Main St., (970) 564-5181, mountainanniescannabis.com

MANCOS

The Cultured Cannabis, 385 N Willow St., (970) 533-9931, theculturedco.com

LivWell Mancos, 101 Railroad Ave., (970) 533-9848, livwell.com

PAGOSA SPRINGS

The Green House, 270 E Pagosa St., (970) 264-4420, thegreenhousecolorado.com

Pagosa Therapeutics, 235 Bastille Dr., (970) 731-4420, pagosatherapeutics.com

San Juan Strains, 356 E Pagosa St., Unit B, (970) 264-5323, sanjuanstrains.com

Smoke Rings, 266 E Pagosa St., (970) 2640942, smokeringsco.com

Pagosa Craft Dispensary, 127 Goldmine Dr., (970) 264-0833,.pagosacraftcannabis.com

High Grade Specialists, 600 Cloman Blvd. #1, (970) 731-3202, highgradespecialists.com

FARMINGTON

The Alchemist, 115 W Main St., (505) 2584180, thealchemistllc.com

Distinguished Dispensary, 4601 English Rd., (505) 278-8524, distinguisheddispensary. com

Dreamz Dispensary, 3501 E Main St., SUITE i-2, (505) 258-4680, dreamzcannabis.com

The Grass Station, 928 E Main St., (505) 2788825, tgs505.com

Oasis Cannabis Dispensary, 428 E Main St., (888) 505-3947, oasiscannabisnm.com

Purlife Farmington, 3024 E Main St., STE A, (505) 695-2360, purlifenm.com

The Reef Joint, 3000 E 20th St., Suite D2, (505) 278-8963, thereefjoint.com

Toke Dispensary, 4339 E Main St., Ste A, (505) 278-8823, ziatoke.com

Ultra Health Dispensary Farmington, 4251 E Main St., Suite D, (505) 258-4634, ultrahealth.com/new-mexico-dispensaries/farmington-2/

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ASK a of COU�LE POTHEADS

IS HERE FOR YOU!

DGO’s Blaze and Puf answer your weed questions you are too embarrassed to ask anyone else.

Come one, come all with your silly, embarrassing, or just plain weird questions about weed, weed-related issues, and whatever else you can dream up. We’ll do our best to answer them in the best way possible And here we go.