Overview of Cannabis Etiquette 101

Colorado, renowned for its progressive approach to cannabis legalization, offers numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy their favorite strain of green. That said, there are still rules to follow and places where you can and cannot partake in your favorite cannabis products. In this guide, we'll delve into the various spaces where you can legally consume cannabis in Colorado, helping you make the most of your experience while staying on the right side of the law.

Colorado Marijuana Laws: The Basics

To fully grasp where you can and cannot consume cannabis in Colorado, you need to be familiar with the state's marijuana laws. Breaking those rules can result in fines, community service, and worse. To make sure you’re able to keep your record clean, we'll outline some essential basics of Colorado's cannabis regulations:

Where Can You Smoke Marijuana in Colorado?

When it comes to enjoying cannabis in Colorado, your options extend far beyond your own home. The Centennial State offers several cannabis-friendly spaces for residents and tourists alike. They include:

Personal Private Property

If you're a Colorado resident, your private property is generally a safe space to consume cannabis—provided you’re not being a nuisance to your neighbors (and local laws don’t prohibit certain areas of your residence). Keeping your marijuana enjoyment within the confines of your home or property and out of the prying eyes of neighbors is perfectly acceptable. 

420-Friendly Lodgings & Campgrounds

Tourists and campers can find accommodations that are cannabis-friendly. Certain lodgings and campgrounds permit cannabis consumption, creating a relaxed atmosphere for cannabis enthusiasts. Before booking your accommodations, make sure that they explicitly allow cannabis use.

Cannabis Events & Tours

In Colorado, various events and tours cater to cannabis enthusiasts, including those new to the scene. From educational cannabis tours to immersive experiences, these events provide a legal space to consume while learning more about the plant's history and culture. They also are a great way to meet other green-minded individuals who share your passion. 

Consumption Lounges

Consumption lounges have been on the rise in Colorado, offering a social setting for cannabis enthusiasts. Whether you prefer to vape, smoke, or consume cannabis edibles, these lounges provide a controlled and legalized environment for enjoying your favorite products. If you’re planning on visiting one of these places, double check if you can get cannabis there, or nearby, or if you have to bring your own. 

Members-Only Clubs

Members-only clubs are also emerging as safe spaces for cannabis consumption. These private clubs require membership for entry and typically provide a secure environment for enjoying your cannabis products. This is a great way to meet a dedicated group of cannabis enthusiasts who are there to have as good of a time as you are, regularly. 

Where Are Consumers NOT Allowed to Enjoy Marijuana in Colorado?

While there are several cannabis-friendly spaces in Colorado, it's equally important to recognize where cannabis consumption remains prohibited. These places include:

Public Property

Consuming cannabis in public spaces, such as parks or sidewalks, is illegal—and for good reason. In public spaces, you’re around a whole variety of different people, including kids. Be sure to keep your marijuana under wraps when out in public.

National Parks & Federal Land

National parks and federal lands within Colorado are subject to federal law, which still classifies cannabis as illegal. This means that cannabis consumption in these areas is against the law, so you should definitely keep your cannabis safely stored at home for any hiking trips in national parks or on federal land.

Hotels, Cabins, Rentals

Most hotels, cabins, and rentals maintain a no-smoking policy, which applies to cannabis as well. However, some establishments offer 420-friendly accommodations, so be sure to check the rules before you book your stay. If you end up somewhere that doesn’t allow cannabis consumption, you can always ask a front desk attendant if there are places nearby where cannabis can be enjoyed.

Ski Resorts

Technically, ski resorts are either public property or on federal land. As such, these resorts in Colorado do not permit cannabis consumption on their premises. You may find private property where you can ski and enjoy your cannabis, but just remember that skiing can be dangerous, and coupling that with the effects marijuana can have on your endocannabinoid system may result in injury.

Restaurants, Cafes, Bars

Although Colorado has made significant strides in cannabis legalization, you cannot consume cannabis in most restaurants, cafes, or bars. There are some places, however, that offer patios and outdoor designated areas for consumption. If you’re interested in bringing your cannabis with you, be sure to call ahead and ask first. 

Other Colorado Consumption Rules to Consider

Besides recognizing where you can and cannot consume cannabis, you should be aware of other essential rules and regulations to ensure you don’t have any unfortunate run-ins with the law. Here are a few important things to know:

Cannabis Products Cannot Leave the State

Because marijuana is still federally illegal, cannabis products, including flower, edibles, and concentrates, cannot cross state lines. It's essential to consume or dispose of any remaining products before leaving Colorado.

Understand Possession Limits

The state imposes specific possession limits for cannabis (two ounces), but there are also purchase limits. You can purchase an ounce of marijuana, eight grams of concentrates, or 800 mg of THC in one day. This is more than enough cannabis for most enthusiasts. 

Check Hyper Local Laws

Whether you're smoking in Denver or Pueblo, Colorado allows individual counties and municipalities to establish their own cannabis regulations. For instance, in some places, you can’t enjoy cannabis outside, even if you’re on your own property, if your property isn’t hidden by a fence. Knowing these rules is going to be crucial to staying compliant.

Understanding Where You Can Smoke in Colorado

Navigating cannabis-friendly spaces in Colorado is fairly easy because businesses want you to be able to enjoy yourself. That said, everyone—from cannabis newbies to seasoned connoisseurs—needs to know that there are some spots you simply can’t spark up. By following state laws and respecting private property rights, you can embrace the unique cannabis culture that Colorado has to offer without getting in trouble. 

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.   Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations. 

The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year, but there’s one thing you don’t need to stress about—finding the perfect holiday strains for all your celebrations. Whether you’re snuggling down on a cold winter night or looking to liven up the festivities for eight fun-filled nights, we’ve got a strain for you to make this a merry marijuana Christmas and holiday season.

Winter Cannabis Terpenes

Terpenes are an often-overlooked crucial part of the things we love about cannabis strains of all varieties. They give flower its flavors and aromas, and they may also contribute to the entourage effect—the idea that all compounds in the marijuana plant come together to create the high you feel when you consume cannabis. Of course, certain terpenes are more popular than others during different seasons, so these are just a few of our favorite winter terpenes:

Pine: Candle companies are just one of the many industries that capitalize on the pine scent during the holidays. That winter forest aroma comes from pinene, a terpene found in rosemary, dill, pine trees, and yes, marijuana. 

Mint: The minty flavor is everywhere in the holiday season. Where some scents are because of a single terpene, mint is a combination of minor terpenes, like thymol and methyl chavicol. Though they’re only found in small amounts in certain marijuana strains, there’s enough in there to ensure you get a minty puff with every inhale. 

Cinnamon and cloves: If it has a spicy taste or aroma to it, chances are good that the caryophyllene is in there somewhere. Caryophyllene is the terpene that gives black pepper and basil its tongue-tingling taste. It’s also what gives strains like Girl Scout Cookies and Sour Diesel its peppery spark.

12 Strains for the Holidays

Forget the five golden rings and partridges in pear trees. It's time to update that classic gift list with something a little more green—these 12 strains. In no particular order, here are just some of our favorite strains that are sure to put the fa-la-la into your holiday. 

Christmas Tree

For many cannabis enthusiasts, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until you’ve got your Christmas tree up and decorated. The indica-dominant Christmas Tree strain might be our favorite take on that old tradition. It brings the sweet pine scent we love about fresh-cut trees, and it has a woodsy flavor with just a little bit of a punch to remind you this is a canna-Christmas treat. Best of all, just like Christmas is on the 25th of December, Christmas Tree packs 25% THC. 

Candy Cane

Whether you’re hanging them on your tree’s boughs or munching on them after a big family dinner, candy canes are undeniably the most well-known holiday candy out there. The Candy Cane strain comes from a few of the most well-known cannabis cultivars out there: AK-47, Mango, and White Widow. Once you spark this bud, there’s no question why it’s earned its name. The flavors are sweet and minty with just a hint of berry on the back end, and the aroma smells just like you’d expect a marijuana nug named Candy Cane should. This indica-dominant strain offers THC levels ranging from 15-20%.

Snowball

An indica-dominant strain, Snowball gets its name for its frosty-looking buds that are coated with glistening trichomes. Those trichomes should be a pretty good indication of the punch Snowball packs, so you won’t be surprised when we tell you it has a THC range of 26-30%. The flavor and aroma are also high impact—a mix of sour-meets-sweet citrus with a diesel and orange aroma that leans more sour than anything. 

Sugar Cookie

There’s something classic about sugar cookies that makes them a must-have for the holidays. Whether you’re decorating them with frosting and sprinkles, or sticking to a traditional recipe, they’re an uncomplicated addition to any holiday spread. The Sugar Cookie strain brings that same energy. It’s a balanced hybrid—50% sativa and 50% indica—with exactly the flavors and aromas you’d expect. Warm, syrupy vanilla and coffee-swirled with sweet cream. Where this Sugar Cookie hits a little harder is its THC levels, ranging from 20-22%. 

Blue Frost

This indica-leaning strain is the product of another popular winter strain—Jack Frost—being crossed with Blue Monster. Though it's a little harder to find than others, if you see it, you’ll likely know it by the slightly blue hue of its glittery trichomes. In addition to its ornamental appearance, Blue Frost has a charcuterie flavor—cheese meets fruit with a hint of mint—and a pungent, slightly skunky aroma. Even though Blue Frost nugs are usually fairly small in size, they offer a THC level of 22%.

Permafrost

Though it has “frost” in the name, this sativa-dominant strain has nothing to do with Jack Frost or Blue Frost. Rather, Permafrost comes to us from two wildly popular and potent strains: White Widow and Trainwreck. So if the name doesn’t come from its parents, you can deduce that it’s likely the appearance of the bud that gives the impression of permafrost, and you’d be right. It is covered in crystalline trichomes that have the look of freshly rolled snowballs. Those trichomes are also responsible for the 20-23% THC levels.

Snow Cap

This balanced hybrid will make you climb to snow-covered peaks with its delightful palette and THC levels ranging from 21-24%. It also has about 4% CBD, making it a little friendlier for first-time winter strain smokers than some of the other bud on our list. Snow Cap tickles the senses with holiday-inspired sweet pine and citrus flavors and aromas that encourage you to settle in and enjoy the experience. 

Vanilla Kush

You can’t have a list of holiday strains and not include Vanilla Kush. It’s the perfect complement of creamy, sweet French vanilla flavors with the addition of floral notes in its aroma. While it does have a range of 19-20% THC (and 1% CBD), cannabis enthusiasts who enjoy this strain insist on its hard-hitting nature, so if you’re new to Vanilla Kush, start slow and with a lower dose than you may otherwise have enjoyed. Like with holiday treats, it's easy to overindulge in this holiday strain if you aren’t paying attention.

Kush Mints

Bring on the after-dinner Kush Mints, the perfect post-holiday celebration strain to indulge in. This balanced hybrid strain combines mint and coffee flavors with a sweet dash of spice in its aroma to make it as enjoyable while consuming it as after consuming it. Just make sure you indulge responsibly with Kush Mints, as it offers 22-24% THC in its fat buds. 

Gingerbread Cookies aka Gingerbread, Ginger Cookies, or Ginger Cookies CBD

While we know Girl Scout Cookies had a hand in making this delicious balanced hybrid strain, that’s about all we know about its history. What we do know is that Gingerbread Cookies has that classic, gingerbread house flavor and aroma. Spicy, nutty, and sweet. We also know that it has a unique THC range of 10-16% and a CBD percentage of 16%. This combination likely makes it one of the most friendly beginner strains on this list that we can almost guarantee you’re going to love.

Jack Herer aka Platinum Jack, Premium Jack, The Jack, or JH

Arguably one of the most popular sativa-dominant strains in the world, Jack Herer needs no introduction. It gets its place on this particular list thanks to its citrus pine aroma, like walking through a wintery forest. Its flavor, however, is similar to a Lemonhead—sour, sweet, and lemony that leaves a candy-like impression on the tongue. Jack Herer has a unique THC range, stretching from a moderate 15% all the way up to a super high 24%. It also has a splash of CBN at 1%. 

Stock Up for the Holidays

The best strains for the holidays are the ones you like the most—so pick a few from this list or choose from your own favorite strains. No matter what, your budtender will be able to help you stock up and treat yourself for the holiday season. You may also want to pick up a few gifts for some cannabis-loving friends.

Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

There are certain things that just go together: Fall and pumpkin spice. Cool weather and warm jackets. Corn husks and gourds. Now, we’re introducing a newly popular pairing: Thanksgiving and cannabis. For this holiday, don’t put away the cannabis. Rather, check out all the ways you can bring your favorite bud into the festivities. 

Cannabis and Danksgiving Traditions

Cannabis purchases are on the rise, especially around Thanksgiving. In fact, dispensaries can see sales increase up to 50% on the days leading up to the holiday, like Green Wednesday. So what does this mean? Danksgiving and all of our favorite Danksgiving traditions are catching on. If you’re ready to partake on behalf of all your cannabis cousins across the country, check out a few of our favorite ideas to keep it green this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Walk

Holidays like Thanksgiving bring a lot of family members together, from just-flew-in siblings to cousins and best friends. Why not participate in the time-honored tradition of the cousin walk or Thanksgiving Walk? 

Wondering just what the cousin walk is? Here’s how it works. When things get hectic during the day, and you just need to get away, slip outside with a couple of your favorite, appropriately aged (21 or older) family members and break out the cannabis. While you walk, you can chat, get some fresh air in the yard, and return to the house refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the holiday and everything it has in store. (Just remember to stay on private property so you aren’t breaking local cannabis consumption laws!)

Green Wednesday

We all know Black Friday is the craziest shopping day of the year, so cannabis enthusiasts rightly took the day before Thanksgiving, aka Green Wednesday, for their big cannabis purchases. On this day, you can get all the cannabis you need (within legal limits) to have an enjoyable holiday weekend. So if you’re already planning to hit up your dispensary, let us inspire you with a few pairings we think you’ll enjoy.

Pairing Thanksgiving Foods with Marijuana

Thanksgiving is the perfect reason to splurge on all of our favorite foods—and strains. Whether you’re sticking to your classic recipes and enjoying some flower on the side, or you’re adding a little pizzazz to an otherwise predictable meal, we’ve got you covered with these cannabis and Thanksgiving food pairings:

White Widow & Turkey (or your meat or vegan substitute of choice)

Turkey and Thanksgiving go together like peas and carrots, so it makes sense that you’re going to serve the bird (or its vegan substitute) on the holiday. Because of the savory flavors of turkey meat, we recommend going with a strain that has a little bit of sweetness to it, like White Widow. Its berry-meets-earthy flavors will have just the right amount of tang to them to pair perfectly whether you prefer white meat or dark meat. Keep in mind, however, that White Widow can have up to 25% THC, so factor that in if you plan to entertain guests on the holiday.

Skywalker OG & Sweet Potatoes or Yams

Who doesn’t love giving their food a little kick? That’s exactly why Skywalker OG and sweet potatoes share the same table at our Thanksgiving. Obviously, the sweet potatoes or yams have that natural sweetness that many people love to add butter and brown sugar to as a flavor enhancer. Skywalker OG, on the other hand, leans to a spicy, herbal flavor with earthy notes that remind you of just where those sweet potatoes came from. Just keep in mind that Skywalker OG got its name for a reason—it can contain an astronomical 30% THC.

Alaskan Thunder F*** (ATF) & Mashed Potatoes

While you might have a no-cursing-at-the-dinner-table rule, some rules are meant to be broken, and that’s why we’re putting Alaskan Thunder F*** and mashed potatoes on the table together. (You can also call it ‘ATF’ to avoid any backlash.) The savory, buttery warmth of the mashed potatoes only enhances the herb-like undertones of ATF. In fact, that herbal enhancement can pair with just about any vegetable you serve, including corn and cauliflower, green beans and peas, and so much more. Additionally, ATF has a moderate 16% THC, meaning that it’s perfect to be enjoyed as a side instead of the main event. 

Northern Lights & Stuffing or Dressing

Arguably the most important food of Thanksgiving, stuffing or dressing can cause actual family fights if it’s not done right. No matter how you prefer to stuff your bird, Northern Lights will complement it. You’ll get some sweet spice mixed with woody pine notes and even a splash of citrus, creating a flavor combination that only enhances every scoop of stuffing. Also enhancing the dressing will be the 21% THC that Northern Lights brings with it.

Apple Fritter & Cornbread

Cornbread brings that slightly sweet, savory flavor to the meal, and the Apple Fritter strain brings that seasonal sweetness. Best of all, you don’t have to wait until dessert to enjoy this version of Apple Fritter. While it goes great no matter what course in the meal you’re at, you may want to save it for the end if only because of its sky-high 28% THC. Otherwise, you might not get to enjoy all your food before you're carried away by these apple vibes.

Roasted Garlic Margy & Green Beans

If there isn’t a green bean casserole at your Thanksgiving table, what are you even celebrating? But there’s nothing worse than an unseasoned green bean, and seasoning just happens to be exactly what Roasted Garlic Margy brings to the table (along with a stratospheric 34% THC). With this indica-dominant hybrid, you’re getting a flavor profile that’s designed for holiday dinners. Its flavor is a splash of citrus with a spicy bit of sage. You get hints of garlic and maybe even a little bit of a sour tang to keep things interesting. Roasted Garlic Margy is a great complement to all your veggie dishes. 

Skunk #1 & Mac and Cheese

There’s one major difference between good mac and cheese and bad mac and cheese—seasoning. You could have a plate of noodles and cheese, or you could have a rich, complex casserole-like side that makes people want to skip the main course for a little more of this side. Skunk #1 is to cannabis what good mac & cheese is to Thanksgiving dinner. It’s not too strong, not too light with up to 19% THC and a flavor that mixes a splash of sour with some earthy vibes. It’s the kind of flower that you just want more of—just like mac & cheese. 

Lavender Haze & Cranberry Sauce 

You could go to a thousand friends’ houses for a thousand Thanksgivings, and there’s a good chance that not one of them would have the same cranberry sauce recipe. Cranberry sauce is a family thing, a regional thing, and it’s as particular as pie crust. When you like it, you don’t want anything else. Lavender Haze, with its 20% THC, has the exact same vibes. It’s sweet with a sprig of floral to its flavor and aroma, making this strain its own unique standout in a series of Lavender-named strains—just like your family’s cranberry recipe.

Bubba Kush & Glazed Carrots

Bubba Kush is one of those strains that just has to be in a cannabis enthusiast’s smoke kit—like glazed carrots have to be at Thanksgiving dinner. It has up to 25% THC, making it one of the more potent pairings on the list, and a complex sensory profile. The flavors are reminiscent of spicy chocolate with hash undertones, and the aroma is a combination of the same with just a little bit of earthiness to keep things interesting. It’s a cannabis fan favorite, and shouldn’t be forgotten for more exotic strains. Bubba Kush is as tried and true as your aunt’s sweet glazed carrots and worthy of a permanent spot in your pipe. 

Vanilla Kush & Pumpkin Pie

Forget the marijuana brownies; for Thanksgiving, we need to do dessert differently. During the fall, pumpkin is infused in everything, and at Thanksgiving, it makes its star appearance as the last plate of the night. So it needs a strain that can match its rich sweetness, and there’s no other strain more deserving than Vanilla Kush. If you don’t normally pair your pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream, you might add a dollop of whipped cream, and Vanilla Kush takes the place of both with its rich, creamy vanilla flavor and sweet aroma. It’s delicious enough to make you forget about the calories in the pie and the THC in the bud—a respectably high 20%. Dessert doesn’t have to be served, it can also be sparked.

Happy Danksgiving

Thanksgiving and cannabis pairings are like wine and cheese pairings—customizable to you, your flavors, and most importantly, your family’s traditions. If you’re interested in refreshing your supply for the holiday, be sure to head to your dispensary and talk to your budtender. They might even have their own pairings they’d recommend.

Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.