Colorado has long been the destination of choice for savvy outdoor travelers, and legal cannabis has added an extra layer of attraction for visitors.

Is Cannabis Tourism a Game Changer for Denver and Colorado?

Mile High Numbers:

Colorado tourism is booming. Last year saw a record-breaking 86 million visitors to the Centennial State. The numbers are still out on 2018, but it will likely be another banner year for out-of-state visitors. And while the cannabis industry can’t claim all the glory for this influx in tourists, it has undoubtedly played a significant role, particularly in Denver.

For many cannabis tourists, Denver is seen as the epicenter of the weed industry revolution, and for a good reason. Of the 1,000+ medical and recreational dispensaries in Colorado, Denver dispensaries account for over half of these, making it one of the most ‘dispensary dense’ cities in the world. And our hometown is happy to welcome domestic and international visitors to enjoy the offerings. With these tourists adding close to $21 billion to our economy last year alone, it’s easy to see why. And there’s certainly no shortage of reasons to visit.

From East to West, Your Bases Are Covered:

Fall is on the horizon, but there is still time to squeeze in the last little bit of Summer vacation, and if you’re one of the many people planning on coming through Denver there are plenty of ways to soak up the last few drops of Summery goodness.

With Denver’s abundance of dispensary locations, you’ll be set from the moment you land at Denver International Airport. Just past our beloved “Blucifer” (do a quick Google search, you won’t be sorry) on your way into town, you’ll have plenty of Denver dispensary options to choose from to get your trip started off on the right foot. The I-70 corridor between downtown and the airport is packed with both medical and recreational dispensaries, including Lightshade’s Peoria location, which you can’t miss from the highway. You may even smell our grow house before you see our glowing sign, just to the south of the interstate near the Peoria exit.

No matter what brings you to Colorado, be it our beautiful National Parks, the picturesque campgrounds, one of the many music and beer festivals, or maybe just to hang out and experience everything Denver has to offer, your cannabis needs will be covered. Even smaller mountain towns like Breckenridge, Crested Butte and Winter Park offer medical and recreational dispensaries. Tax revenues from marijuana sales drive both state and local education, public health, and other beneficial social programs. Additionally, cannabis fuels the local economy by providing jobs to a large percentage of industry professionals.

Elevate Your Vacation:

Maybe you’re looking to indulge in a more cannabis-forward experience on your trip to Colorado. Don’t stress, there are plenty of weed-friendly adventures available to Denver tourists and locals alike.

Summer is the season of Red Rocks in Denver. With near nightly concerts and events, there’s always something ready to drop at the most scenic venue in the country. The music hall of the gods is a 20-minute drive from downtown Denver, but there are stiff penalties for driving while high in Colorado (it’s simply not smart or safe). Not to worry though, just take your favorite rideshare to the show. Get the full Red Rocks experience without worrying how you’ll get back home. As a reminder, it is not legal to publicly consume cannabis so pre-game in the comfort of your home.

After the concert, you might need a little Zen in your life. A cannabis-inspired yoga class is just the thing. Denver based companies like Marijuasana and Twisted Sister offer private CBD and marijuana focused yoga classes and workshops to add a mellow “vacation-from-your-vacation” to your Colorado visit.

What’s a vacation without indulgence? Before heading back to DIA, make an appointment to pamper yourself at one of Denver’s CBD friendly spas. From cannabis-infused oil massages to facials with CBD-based skin products, many spas throughout Denver are taking a holistic approach to self-care and elevating spa-days to the next level.

This is just a small sampling of the cannabis-centric activities Colorado has to offer. From private multi-course weed dinners to creative art classes and everything in between. There’s something for every visitor to the Centennial State.

No matter what brings you to Colorado, we’re happy you’re here. Lightshade has eight Denver-metro dispensaries ready to serve you. So if you’re just here for a quick layover, have a work meeting downtown or need a quick pit stop on the way to your mountain getaway, we have the goods to make your stay in Colorado one you’ll never forget. Stop by and see why the difference is night and day!

Lightshade team members are adorned with new flare and our customers are wondering why. Here’s the lowdown.

If you’ve been into one of our eight locations recently, chances are you’ve noticed the new “I Am Not A Doctor” pins adorning the shirts and lanyards of our in-store staff. Understandably, we’ve had a lot of questions about the purpose of these pins and what they mean, so we thought we’d address them head-on.

Recently, the Marijuana Enforcement Division of Colorado, or ‘MED’, has made some changes to what workers in the marijuana industry are allowed to claim, both in person and on product packaging. Primarily, the new regulations aim to curb the practice of marijuana industry workers providing medical advice to consumers, surrounding the use of cannabis products to treat specific conditions and ailments. As a result, Lightshade is working closely with the MED to make sure we are giving our customers safe and accurate information about both medical and recreational cannabis products – without crossing the line and recommending specific products for any conditions that could/should be treated by a healthcare professional

In addition to the pins, you’ve likely seen our handouts which read “We are NOT Physicians and are unable to provide product recommendations or advice based on medical conditions. Please consult your healthcare professional to determine the potential benefits of cannabis.”

The pins and handouts are all to keep our customers the most informed cannabis consumers in Colorado.

Your Health Is Our Priority

At Lightshade, we are proud to have some of the most knowledgeable and discerning budtenders in the industry working in our stores. Our staff is well versed in all of the products we offer, but we are not physicians. The safety and well-being of our customers is our highest priority. Our goal is to give you as much information as possible and help guide you towards the right decision on your cannabis purchase, but when it comes to your individual health, your doctor knows best.  We wholeheartedly believe in the use of cannabis as part of an active, balanced, and enjoyable lifestyle. However, qualified medical professionals are the only ones who should be providing you with advice and direction when it comes to your physical health. We encourage you to speak with your doctor about cannabis and if it’s right for you, in the treatment of any physical and/or mental ailments you might be experiencing.

Our industry is ever-changing and advancements in technology, research, and product information continue to push us forward. Lightshade aims to stay at the forefront of all things cannabis and we believe this is a step in the right direction—ensuring the longevity of retail marijuana in Colorado.

Keep the Questions Coming!

While the new MED regulations, and our ongoing efforts to provide customers with accurate information, will impact the conversation around the medical benefits of cannabis, it by no means should stop you from coming in and talking to us! The best part of our job is getting to chat with our loyal customers about our products and the latest in the world of cannabis.

Our staff is more than equipped to handle all your questions about strain effects, consumption methods, which products contain CBD and in what amounts, and any other topics you may be curious about. We want you to have the best cannabis experience possible, and we’re here to make sure that happens. So come by one of our eight Denver-metro locations with all your questions, speak to one of our budtenders and see why the Lightshade difference is night and day!

July was concentrate month here at Lightshade and in honor of it we’ve been exploring the often-misunderstood world of oils and concentrates, not to mention running some great specials as well. In our last blog, we took a deep dive into oil cartridges, but now let’s take a look at the other side of the cannabis extraction equation, concentrates.

Let’s Talk About Marijuana Concentrates

How It’s Made: Solvent-based and Solventless Extraction

Marijuana concentrates can come in many different forms. Ultimately, your end product will depend on the extraction method used to create your concentrate. It wasn’t long ago when there were not many options on the market for these products, but in recent years new developments in technology and advancements in extraction processes has made this genre one of the most varied and exciting forms of consumption.

The two most common types of extraction are solvent-based and solventless extraction. In layman’s terms, solvent-based involves using chemical and organic solvents to dissolve the trichomes of the marijuana plant to separate the plant material from the cannabinoids and terpenes, leaving you with highly concentrated product. Some of the most popular solvent-based methods include butane, propane, ethanol, and CO2. CO2 is particularly popular as it doesn’t require any addition of chemicals throughout the process, which typically results in the purest and safest products. However, it is also by far the most expensive and complex method, so only the most cutting-edge manufacturers are able to utilize CO2 extraction.

Solventless extraction methods do not utilize any chemical or organic solvents, except water, in the extraction process and are strictly mechanical in nature. Many consumers prefer solventless concentrates for this reason as there is no chance of intaking any undesired residual solvents, although this isn’t a huge concern if you’re purchasing concentrates from trusted and reliable manufacturers. Solventless extraction implements different combinations of applying water, heat, and pressure to achieve the final products, the specific methods of which depend on the concentrate you are looking to achieve. Common forms of solventless extracts include kief, hash, and rosin.

The Many Faces Of THC Concentrates

Some of the most popular concentrate products include wax, shatter, budder, live resin, sauce, and diamond. Each of these have their own unique characteristics and effects, allowing consumers to find the perfect product for their individual needs. It’s important to note that concentrates typically have extremely high THC concentrations (hence the name), sometimes achieving levels upwards of 99%. This makes them better suited for more experienced consumers and are not recommended for beginners, without instruction. Just like with any new form of cannabis consumption, start low and go slow, if you are new to a product or a consumption method.  

So let’s take a look at some of these forms and what makes them unique:

Wax

Wax is a solvent-based concentrate that is typically created through Butane extraction. Wax gets its name from its physical appearance, which is often compared to ear-wax. We know, not the most appetizing of images, but wax is an incredibly popular form of concentrate. Wax is fairly versatile as you can consume the product with a bong, vaporizer or dab rig. Wax is highly potent and can be felt almost immediately when consumed, so make sure to plan ahead when enjoying this product.

Shatter

Shatter is created in a very similar manner to wax, most often utilizing solvent-based Butane extraction. Shatter is considered one of the more visually appealing concentrates available with its honey-like, translucent coloring. When cooled, shatter has a glass-like consistency, giving it the ability to break apart, which is where it gets its namesake. Like it’s cousin wax, shatter can be consumed through dabs and vaporizers, or even placed in a joint hit for an extra intense hit. Dabbing shatter also produces very potent effects, so start off small and go from there, even if you’re a more experienced consumer.

Budder

Also a part of the wax/shatter family, budder is created through either CO2 or butane extraction. Consumers prefer budder mainly for its user-friendly consistency. Not quite a solid and not quite a liquid, budder is a creamy, pliable concentrate that can be scooped and dosed with great accuracy for a consistent and reliable consumption experience. This consistency is achieved by utilizing different temperatures and purging processes during extraction. Like shatter and wax, dabbing and vaporizers are the most common ways to consume budder.

Live Resin

Live resin also utilizes the same solvent-based extraction methods that wax, shatter, and budder use, but instead of extracting from dried or cured buds like these aforementioned concentrates, live resin uses cryogenically frozen plants. Freezing live plants preserves the oils, cannabinoids, and terpenes that are typically lost with other extraction methods. As a result, the aromas and flavors of live resins are much more noticeable and intense, which is the biggest reason live resin fans choose this product. Live resin is typically on the higher end of the price spectrum for concentrates as the extraction process is more expensive, however, many users consider the rich flavor profiles well worth the cost.

Terp Sauce

Like live resin, terp sauce is all about the flavor and effect spectrum. Terp sauces utilize THC distillates, which are essentially concentrates that are distilled further to achieve even higher concentration levels of THC. Distillates do not contain any odor, flavor, or strain-specific attributes as the distillation process removes every compound other than THC. Enter terp sauce. Terp sauce is created with terpenes that have been extracted from flower and reintroduced into distillates, allowing for highly customized flavor and effects that span the entire cannabis line up. Unfortunately, terp sauce tends to be similar to live resin in the higher cost category, due to the extra steps involved in its creation.

Diamond

Fairly new to the concentrate universe, many experienced consumers consider weed diamonds, or THCa diamonds, to be the holy grail of concentrates. These diamonds pack a punch and are the strongest form of concentrate available, often reaching between 99%-100% potency.  On it’s simplest level, these diamonds are made by extracting the non-psychoactive THCa compound from the cannabis plant, then isolating and concentrating it to create the “diamond” crystal. Because TCHa is not psychoactive in nature, combustion is required to turn the THCa into THC, most frequently by dabbing the crystals. THCa diamonds also contain no terpenes, which is the reason many manufactures choose to add terp sauce drizzles or coating to the diamonds. The result is a high flavored, super intense dabbing experience that is not for the inexperienced consumer, or the faint of heart.

At Lightshade, we carry the full range of concentrate options, so no matter what your preferred product is, we’ll have you covered. Our knowledgeable budtenders are well versed in all aspects of cannabis concentrates and are happy to guide you toward the right purchase. Stop by today to see why the Lightshade difference is night and day.

In honor of oil month at Lightshade (don’t forget to check out our awesome specials) we thought it would be great to explore one of the most popular forms of cannabis consumption: oil cartridge vape pens.

A Deeper Look Into Oil Cartridges

The use of oil cartridges is on the rise. While flower still remains the consumption method of choice for the majority of consumers, every year the market share of oil cartridges is increasing as oil extraction methods continue to create purer products and consumers look towards cartridges for their ease of use, discreetness, portability, and style.

What Are Oil Cartridges and What’s Inside Them?

Oil cartridges are essentially the “product” part of a vape pen. These pre-filled cartridges are filled with THC and/or CBD oils and distillates and then attached to the ‘pen’ which is actually a battery that powers the heating element. Cannabis-derived or food-derived terpenes can also be added, not only for flavor, but also because ‘terps’ can affect the type of experience vaping the product will provide. The vape pen, or battery, uses a hot coil system to heat the oil at low temperature to produce vapor, which is consumed by the user when inhaled. In modern pens, this is most commonly done simply by pulling through the mouthpiece to activate the coil, however, some pens are fitted with custom temperature settings and activation buttons.

The oil within the cartridge is where the main event takes place. There are many ways of extracting the active ingredients from marijuana plants, namely THC and cannabinoids, to convert them into an oil form. Oil cartridges utilize what is known as solvent-based extraction. Without going too much into the science behind extraction, which can be highly complex and even dangerous, essentially the solvent will dissolve the solid form of the plant, leaving a highly concentrated oil. Some of the most common solvent extraction methods include CO2, BHO (Butane), and EHO (ethanol) based processes. Since all the plant material has been removed, what you are left with is a compound that can be upwards of 90-100% THC, compared to the original flower that usually falls between 15%-25%.

Additives: The Good and the Bad

Depending on the type of extraction method used, some manufacturers choose to use ‘cutting’ agent additives in their oils. Controlling viscosity is essential in creating cannabis oil. If the oil extract is too thick, it will not be able to burn within the pen and turn into vapor. These agents are used to thin out oils to achieve proper viscosity for smoother burning. Some common cutting agents include coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, and polyethylene glycol. As advancements in extraction technology continue to make leaps and bounds, manufacturers and oil producers are beginning to steer further away from the use of such additives as they have come under a great deal of scrutiny for potential health concerns. A good rule of thumb: the purer, the better.

However, not all additives are created equal. Take terpenes for example. Extracts from cannabis plants are raw, stripped oils, meaning in their purest form they no longer have unique strain specific effects and flavors. Enter terpenes. Strain specific cannabis terpenes can be added to oil cartridge extracts to achieve desired effects, whether it’s the energy of a sativa strain or the mellow of an indica, and everything in between making oil extracts highly customizable. It doesn’t stop with effects either. Natural terpenes from fruits and other plants can be added for flavor, such as blueberries. While some manufactures may choose to add synthetic terpenes for flavor and effect enhancements, its best to always choose a cartridge with natural additives and fewer cutting agents.

If you’re unsure about what ingredients are in any oil cartridge, just chat with one of Lightshade’s experienced budtenders. We’re always happy to explain our product line and we strive to provide a consistently excellent shopping experience.

Oil Cartridges Are Taking Over. But Why?

As for why cannabis consumers are turning to oil cartridges over other methods, there are plenty of reasons why vape pens are a great alternative to traditional flower, edibles, or dabs.

For one thing, oil cartridge vape pens offer easy functionality. As mentioned before, many pens only require the user to pull, or breath in, on the mouthpiece or simply press a button to activate the coil. And since the pen heats the oil at lower temperatures, you’re inhaling vapor and not smoke, unlike the combustion process of smoking flower in joints or bowls. This results in a less harsh inhalation experience for the user, often making oil cartridges the perfect choice for more novice users or beginners. Variable voltage batteries, or pens, are becoming the standard for many popular cartridge brands and usually provide 3 levels of heat, which can vary the ‘robustness’ of the hit.

Speaking of vapor, oil cartridges make consuming cannabis discreet and easy when you’re on the go. The vapor produced typically has little or no odor, dissipates quickly and doesn’t require major rigs or flame to be able to consume.Cartridge vape pens are becoming quite sleek and stylish. Companies like PAX are taking pen design to the next level, making carrying a vape no more noticeable than holding an actual pen or USB drive.  

Oil cartridges also make dosing very simple–another plus for those new to cannabis consumption. With quick onset times and mid-level duration, oil cartridges allow users to gauge their intake to match their desired effect, much the same as smoking or vaping flower.

Top Brands

At Lightshade, we carry a full array of your favorite cartridge brands. We expertly curate to make sure only top manufacturers make their way to our shelves, including brands such as PAX, O.PenVape, Willies, LucidMood, The Lab, Craft, and Spherex. So whether you’ve never tried oil cartridge vaping and are looking for a discreet consumption method – or you want to learn the latest and greatest battery/cartridge combination, we’ll have you covered. Stop by one of our eight Denver-metro locations and see why the Lightshade difference really is like night and day.