We need to honor the role of African Americans in shaping our nation – and their connection to the turbulent history of cannabis. And not just in February.

The story of modern American cannabis runs parallel to the turbulent history of our nation. It’s a story marred by tragedy and triumph, misunderstanding, falsehoods – and racism. 

February is Black History Month, the annual celebration of African American achievements, and a time to honor the pivotal role black folks play in shaping United States history. However, we can, and should, argue that limiting the celebration of African Americans to one month out of the year is a tone-deaf approach to an impossibly long history. After all, black history doesn’t start – or end – in the 28 days of February.

“It’s literally impossible to fit 400+ years of history into a 28-day time span. So this year, don’t pat yourself on the back just for posting a Maya Angelou quote during Black History Month, keep that energy year-round.” – DM Blunted

Black history is intertwined with the history of American cannabis, and our nation’s legacy of institutionalized racism.

Cannabis during the time of slavery was cultivated, cared for, and harvested by slaves. The American hemp industry, born in Kentucky, was built on the forced labor of West African slaves who grew the hemp seeds carried by their Virginian slave masters. Kentucky became the biggest producer of American hemp and home to one of the largest slave populations in the nation. And things remained this way for nearly a century until the Civil War forced a decline in demand. 

The psychoactive form of cannabis owns a history as tragic as it’s non-psychoactive sibling hemp.

According to a paper authored by University of Kansas professor, Barney Warf, shifting global borders and the movement of nomadic populations over centuries resulted in wars and imperialism that influenced the history of weed. 

Cannabis – first cultivated in central Asia before arriving in Southeast Asia, India, and Arab Countries – was introduced to African peoples by Arab merchants in the 13th century. Called “Dagga,” consumption spread across the continent, and historical records reveal that Indian indentured laborers in South Africa consumed cannabis for centuries before the plant was introduced to Western Africa via British and French military officers during WWII. 

The British Military moved thousands of indentured Indian laborers to the Caribbean during the 19th century. And those laborers brought their ganja. The Caribbean introduction to cannabis was the historical tipping point that led to its global dissemination. But, in most instances, cannabis was used by slave owners and traders to pacify slaves. 

Cannabis entered the United States via Caribbean sailors and immigrants arriving in New Orleans, and through Mexican citizens escaping the tragic violence of the Mexican Revolution. Black and brown folks in America consumed cannabis recreationally, and those white Americans sympathetic to the racist ideologies of the abolished slave trade established the longstanding stereotype that upstanding whites abstained.  

*Additional reading: High Points: An History Geography of Cannabis, Barney Warf, 2014

These stereotypes and racist fears eventually led to cannabis prohibition in the 1930s.

Harry Anslinger, America’s first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (he held the position until 1962), turned the nation against cannabis through his fear-mongering and bigoted rhetoric. Anslinger tied cannabis to Jazz, and Jazz, an almost purely African American musical tradition, was an affront to his racist sensibilities. 

“There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and others.” – Harry Anslinger 

Fast-forward to 1971 and the launch of Nixon’s War on Drugs: cannabis-related arrests skyrocketed, and as is still the case, the arrests disproportionately impacted communities of color. In a 2010 study, the ACLU found that more than half of drug arrests in the United States were from cannabis possession, and, despite the understanding that equal numbers of black and white Americans consume cannabis, black people are four times more likely to face arrest. 

“The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. Do you understand what I’m saying? We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course, we did.” – Nixon’s Chief Domestic Advisor, John Ehrlichman, Harper’s Magazine, 1994

It’s too easy to forget there are black and brown folks behind bars in cities and states where recreational and medical cannabis prohibition continues. Even in Colorado, where prohibition is over, and cannabis consumption is equal across racial lines, blacks face arrest at a rate ten times higher than whites. Cannabis arrests overall are down, but there is a distinct and unsettling racial disparity. 

With legal recreational cannabis consumption programs in place, the public eye has finally turned toward addressing the cannabis-related inequalities and injustices in communities of color. The discussions range from equity programs that include technical assistance, business incubation, and distributing half of new cannabis business permits to equity businesses, to no-charge expungements for cannabis-related arrests. 

Still, with roadblocks like banking restrictions, punitive tax codes, high license and permit fees, and limiting land-use laws, cannabis equity programs are baby steps in the fight to level the playing field for people interested in gaining entry to the industry. 

It’s a step in the right direction and helps address decades of bigoted Drug War policies that bulldozed communities of color, but it’s only a start. 

“Black history is cannabis history. Black history is the United States history. The good, the bad and the ugly are all permanently interlaced. So when we celebrate hemps’ legalization or pop fireworks on July 4th, we also need to acknowledge in the same breath that black people’s literal blood, sweat, and tears are behind those celebrations.” – DM Blunted

Our cannabis-focused guide to a fun, adventurous, and elevated Colorado winter season.

Tourists flock to Colorado during winter (and they always have). With unparalleled access to winter snow sports, a healthy dose of seasonal sunshine, an urban center exploding with art and food, and of course, legal weed, it’s easy to understand why. 

That’s why HuffPost, in 2017, said, “Colorado is the most magical state in America.”

“There’s a reason ‘Rocky Mountain High’ is one of Colorado’s official state songs. Because regardless of your feelings on legalized pot, Colorado will leave you feeling absolutely magical.” – Lisa Miller, HuffPost

Our Denver Metro area dispensaries are ground zero for tourists taking their first steps on Colorado’s hallowed ground (we realize this sounds epic, but Colorado is epic!). Our budtenders welcome guests with more than a selection of our state’s premium cannabis products. They’re an unofficial extension of the Colorado Tourism Board, doling out advice to visitors who want to take advantage of what our state has to offer. And if you’re looking for dispensaries near the airport, you’re in luck. Lightshade Dispensary on Peoria at I-70 is one of the closest recreational and medical dispensaries to Denver International Airport. 

It’s for this reason that we decided to create our cannabis-enhanced tourist’s guide to Colorado winter activities (locals might find an undiscovered gem too).

Hike or take-in a chill (and chilly) concert at Red Rocks.

Red Rocks, just ten miles from Downtown Denver, is Colorado’s open-air amphitheater and natural wonder. Dusty red rocks (hence the name) rise above the city and beg for visits from tourists and locals alike. A day spent hiking and exploring the massive geological formations is a day well spent. 

Built into naturally occurring stone structures, Red Rocks Amphitheater plays host to touring musicians year-round. Everyone from the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to Phish, Widespread Panic, and Wu-Tang Clan, have graced the Red Rocks stage. And while the concert schedule slows during the colder months, there’s a safe bet you can take in a show during a winter visit to Colorado. 

Cannabis and music go hand-in-hand. Bring a spiritual quality to your Red Rocks experience with a pre-show (or hike) edible. Just remember, with this, or any of the activities in our guide, public cannabis consumption is illegal, and it’s NEVER ok to consume and drive. Leave the transportation to a sober friend, Uber, or Lyft. 

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

18300 W. Alameda Parkway,
Morrisson, CO, 80465

Enjoy an elevated meal at one of Denver’s outstanding restaurants. 

Denver’s food scene is exploding. Our once ho-hum selection of restaurants today is packed with talented chefs creating culinary masterpieces in every corner of the city. Cannabis is the ideal complement to food – there’s no better way to enhance the flavor and experience of eating at one of our city’s new restaurants or dining halls, than with a pre-roll, pre-dinner (see what we did there?).

Give yourself a case of the munchies and head to a Denver eatery. Here are some of our favorites:

Relax and stroll in one of our beautiful urban parks.

Denver has a slew of beautiful parks you should visit. And what’s better than strolling through a park with a discrete cannabis vape tucked into your pocket (remember public cannabis consumption is illegal – take caution). We are partial to two city-close parks in particular: City Park and Washington Park. 

Just east of Downtown Denver, City Park offers beautiful views of both the city and the mountains. And, it’s just minutes from our Holly location. It’s also adjacent to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science – if you get cold, duck into the museum and learn a thing or two. 

South of Downtown Denver rests Washington Park. With a sprawling lake and beautiful inner and outer walking paths, you can take a stroll with South Denver’s fitness fans who use the park to train for spring and summer endurance sports like running and cycling. And, it’s just a few miles from our central Denver dispensary. And yeah, Colorado locals are hearty – they will run or ride in the coldest of temperatures. 

City Park

2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205

Washington Park

Downing and E. Louisiana Ave,
Denver, CO 80210

Take a DIY tour of the RiNo (River North) Arts District.

The River North Arts District, most often referred to as RiNo, is a former industrial area transformed by artists. Sprawling and walkable, the neighborhood is home to craft breweries, specialty coffee shops, restaurants, and independent retail boutiques. 

Each September, artists (legally) paint murals across the neighborhood during an event called Crush Walls. Locals and tourists flock to RiNo to experience and photograph the urban art, and even on the coldest of Colorado winter days, it’s fun to get lifted and lost in the maze of streets and artwork. 

*Pro-tip: RiNo is infinitely Instagrammable. Don’t forget your phone or camera. 

River North Arts District (RiNo)

Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Colorado sees over 300 days of sunshine each year, and that’s why the Denver Botanic Gardens is open year-round. Offering a beautiful and educational plant-focused experience, as well as sunrise yoga sessions, special events, and free days, for Colorado winter tourists, a day-long visit is a perfect respite from the fast pace of travel. 

With an expertly timed cannabis dose, you’ll find mellow satisfaction wandering the beautifully curated gardens. 

Denver Botanic Gardens York Street

1007 York Street
Denver, CO 80206
303-865-3500

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms

8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road
Littleton, CO 80128

Head to the hills to ski or snowboard.

We’d be remiss not to mention the number one draw for Colorado winter tourists: easy access to the nation’s best skiing and snowboarding. Our mountains are beautiful and fun, and of course, winter sports and weed go hand-in-hand (but please, always be safe). There’s nothing like floating down the slopes in a haze of fresh powder, elegantly elevated by your favorite strain. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? 

And instead of an apres-ski beverage, how about a post-snow smoke session or mellow edible. Not only is cannabis a healthier option that won’t leave you feeling hungover the next day, but it’s also excellent for easing the aches and pains that come part and parcel with a day out on the slopes. 

*Pro-tip: when you arrive at Denver International Airport (DIA), drop by our Peoria Dispensary and pick up a cannabis-infused salve to give your tired muscles extra TLC.

Act like a local and go sledding at Ruby Hill.

Colorado Public Radio calls Ruby Hill, a “sledders gold mine.” This in-the-know spot is where you’ll find kids (and adults) sledding on epic snow days.

If you’re lucky enough to visit our state during, or after, a round of heavy snowfall, we suggest you find a sled and join locals on the legendary sledding hill. Of course, everything is enhanced with cannabis – before you launch yourself down a slope covered in snow and ice, drop by one of our Denver dispensaries and stock-up for the frigid festivities. 

Ruby Hill Park

1200 W. Florida Ave
Denver, CO 80223
720-913-1311

Get arty at the Denver Art Museum.

Former Mayor’s Wellington Webb and John Hickenlooper worked hard to transform Denver from Cowtown to Art-town, and the Denver Art Museum is our crown jewel. We love to consume cannabis on a frigid winter’s day and spend hours lazily gazing at collections of art, from modern masterpieces to epic renaissance scenes of beauty and tragedy, to contemporary pieces that leave us scratching our heads. Canna-friendly winter tourists traveling to Colorado should make a trip to our world-class art museum a priority. 

The Denver Art Museum

100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-0169

Fight the cold in hot springs.

Colorado is home to several naturally occurring mineral hot springs, and Strawberry Park, just outside the major Ski destination, Steamboat Springs, is our favorite. 

“Imagine relaxing in 104-degree mineral water while Steamboat’s famous Champagne Powder gently collects in the surrounding forest.” Sounds fantastic, right?

The drive to Strawberry Park is not for the faint of heart, so we suggest that you either have a designated driver or blaze after you’ve soaked and made your way back into town. We can’t think of a better post-Strawberry Park activity than relaxing at the AirBnB or Ski Chalet with a pre-roll, some great food, and a warm fire. 

Strawberry Park Mineral Hot Springs

44200 County Road #36
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970-879-0342

For years cannabis detractors cited unsubstantiated or flawed studies and reports showing a relationship between legalization and an uptick in societal ills. They were wrong.

Since legalization in Colorado, Cannabis has been blamed for everything, from an uptick in persons experiencing homelessness to an increase in crime. Despite the cannabis industry’s skepticism over unsubstantiated claims and “reports,” for the first few years, we had little data to prove the truth. 

More than seven years after legalization, consumers in Colorado (and beyond) finally have an answer. And we have a rebuttal to people like Bill O’Reilly, who, on The O’Reilly Factor, in 2014, aired a segment called “Stoned Homeless in Colorado,” in which he claimed Colorado neighborhoods had transformed into skid rows because of legal cannabis. 

Today’s reports show that cannabis doesn’t increase violent crime, can’t be tied directly to an uptick in persons experiencing homelessness, and underage cannabis consumption hasn’t risen post-legalization – to the contrary teen consumption is in decline.

Cannabis and Teens: A Rocky Relationship

A 2019 study suggests that cannabis legalization in the U.S. doesn’t increase consumption among teens, and is instead, having a cooling effect. Researchers examined survey data collected from 1.4 million adolescents between 1993 and 2017 to see how consumption compares between states where cannabis is legal and where prohibition continues. 

During the research period, 27 states, along with Washington, D.C., legalized medical cannabis, and seven states legalized marijuana for recreational consumption. 

The researchers found that medical cannabis laws had no impact on underage consumption. In states where recreational cannabis is legal, they found between an 8 and 9 percent reduction in teen consumption. 

This information flies in the face of cannabis prohibitionists who argue that consumption among America’s youth increases with legalization. The recent round of studies shows what truly happens when cannabis is legal and further debunks the longstanding myths surrounding our favorite plant. 

“Teens are our go-to demographic whenever we want to make something scary or edgy sounding, which is exactly why we rely on them to tell us what’s cool. However, a new study suggests modern teens are lame as hell. When opponents argue against the legalization of cannabis, they always mention how it’s a gateway drug for teens that will surely doom them to a life of harder addictions and substance abuse issues. Well, a new study reveals that those people are worried about the wrong age group.”—Sidni West, Boulder Weekly 

Why is underage cannabis consumption in decline?

One possible explanation for the decline in underage consumption is the difficulty of purchasing cannabis through black market channels. As drug dealers are replaced by legally operating licensed dispensaries, it’s harder for teens to get their hands on weed. 

“It may actually be more difficult for teens to obtain marijuana as drug dealers are replaced by licensed dispensaries that require proof of age. Selling to minors becomes a relatively more risky proposition after the passage of these laws.” – Mark Anderson, associate professor in agricultural economics, Montana State University

Another possible explanation for the decline in underage consumption is the conversations parents are having with their kids. More parents are openly discussing cannabis, just like they would alcohol or sex. And as we’ve long known, open and transparent conversations lead to better decision making among teens.  

Lightshade is committed to breaking the stigma and doing good in the community. 

As a company, we work to dispel the longstanding myths surrounding cannabis. Our CSR program addresses the stigma head-on by showing the good our industry does in the community through volunteering hours, financial commitments, and outspoken support for the less-fortunate communities and people in Denver and its surrounding areas. 

Regardless of what the opposition claims, as our industry matures and we gather research and data that inform the truth, we know the potential of this long misunderstood plant to do good. 

Click here to learn more about Lightshade’s Cannabis Social Responsibility program and consider getting involved in your community.