Lightshade Volunteers at DeLaney Community Farm
As a part of Lightshade’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, we aim to remain active in our community. Members of the Lightshade CSR Team, with representatives from each retail location, recently volunteered at DeLaney Community Farm to help weed and get the fields ready for planting.
DeLaney Community Farm, operated by a partnership between Denver Urban Gardens and Project Worthmore, has a mission of supporting refugees residing in the local community through food-based programs. Lightshade’s volunteers worked alongside immigrants from Burma, Senegal and Afghanistan, as part of the farm’s program to connect refugees to the local fresh food economy and teach sustainable agricultural practices.
We love being a part of the Denver Metro community and having the opportunity to give back through positive programs. Lightshade is proud of their team’s willingness to get their hands dirty and make a difference. Stay posted on more from our CSR Team to come!
What’s Your Ambience?
Whether you’re looking to jump-start the morning or wind down for the day, Lightshade has the perfect strain to fit your ambience. We realize the world of cannabis can be quite confusing, even for seasoned veterans, so we are launching a new categorization system in an effort to help our customers identify the physical and mental effects of our strains.
Lightshade celebrates the importance of night and day in the natural cycle of the plant as it soaks up energy from the sun and soil. The below four categories of our ambience scale were created from the course of the day—from bright mornings to soothing evenings.
Awaken • soak in the crisp morning
Enliven • get energized from the warm sun
Calm • enjoy the relieving evening breeze
Rest • find relaxation in the night sky
Lightshade used decades of knowledge from our growers and staff, as well as the latest terpene and cannabinoid research to categorize our strains. In addition, we are continuing to build this system with our customers by gathering feedback to understand the effects of various strains. If you’re interested in participating, simply enjoy our Lightshade strains and send over your thoughts: lightshade.com/strain-categories
Watch for more valuable information about Lightshade strains on our website and in stores over the next few months. And don’t forget that our trained budtenders are always willing to help guide your selections based on your needs desired effects. Outside of the over 30 strains available, we have concentrates, tinctures, edibles and topicals for you to explore and use to find the perfect fit for you and your day. Stop in and see why the difference is night and day.
Lightshade Gives Back
Giving back to the community has always been important to Lightshade. As a part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, we aim to limit our effects on the environment and remain active in our community.
Lightshade is in the process of testing high-efficiency LED lights and building a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility to reduce our carbon footprint. We continue to facilitate recycling programs at each retail location and in our cultivation facilities within compliance regulations. In addition, Lightshade uses organic-based pest control methods and makes their own organic nutrients, which are used in each cultivation facility. We maximize watering efficiencies by using capillary mats and as a result, very little water is wasted.
Although Lightshade works hard to help out the local community, some non-profit organizations are hesitant to work with cannabis-related businesses. Since cannabis is still illegal from a federal standpoint, some nonprofits are concerned about losing their 501c3 status or federal grant funding by working with cannabis industry partners. Additionally, some of the companies’ partners, board members or financial supporters may not look favorably on the cannabis industry.
Despite some hurdles, Lightshade is ahead of the industry in creating a CSR program that started in the fall of 2016. We have engaged our employees to form a CSR Team with representatives from each retail location and created a two-tier program to support hyper-local initiatives, as well as one or two larger corporate initiatives year-round. Lightshade’s current focus is to make an impact on combating hunger and homelessness.
Lightshade is working with Kind Colorado to determine the best fit for supporting local organizations such as volunteering at food banks, building urban gardens or working with veterans. Lightshade has supported The Gathering Place to provide funding and food and toiletry drives for homeless women and children. We are also sponsoring Manny’s SummerFest on May 20th, a fundraising event for Senior Support Services, which provides food and services for homeless seniors.
We greatly appreciate the continued business from so many loyal customers that help us in supporting our local community. Lightshade is building a corporate culture of giving back and creating a framework that provides our employees with opportunities to understand how important it is to give back to the communities that we serve. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming causes and how you can help make a difference!
Don’t Let a DUI Ruin Your High – Lightshade Rolls Out Partnership with CDOT
Lightshade is proud to be a part of the communities we serve – we’ve built a tight-knit and welcoming group of clients, fans and influencers that we consider to be our family. Safety is a big part of our commitment to our community and our industry, which is why we’re partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to help educate and protect our consumers when it comes to driving high.
Lightshade and CDOT partner on Drive High, Get a DUI campaign
We believe it’s our responsibility to keep you happy, informed and safe (and, of course, out of jail). Not only that, but eyes are on Colorado as we blaze a new trail with the legalization of recreational marijuana, and we’re determined to set a positive example of the many social and economic benefits of cannabis to ensure the long-term viability of our industry. Through our partnership with CDOT and its Drive High, Get a DUI campaign, we’ll be focusing on education and outreach to increase awareness about the dangers and consequences of driving high.
If you didn’t already know, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis, and you can get a DUI, just like with alcohol. Last year, more than 17 percent of Colorado’s DUI arrests involved marijuana. Even if you have a prescription and use cannabis medicinally, the law and limits apply and can come with some pretty serious consequences – like jail time and loads of money.
We’ve heard from patrons who say, “I’m a better driver when I’m high,” so we think it’s important to point out the impacts marijuana has on you. Whether you eat, smoke, vape or dab, science confirms that consuming cannabis affects your reaction time, peripheral vision, and perception of time, distance and speed – some of the more critical skills needed to drive safely. When you’re high, it’s harder to respond quickly when something unexpected happens while driving – like if the car in front of you makes a sudden stop or a pedestrian steps out in front of you.
Working with our partners, our customers and the community, we hope to not only keep you safe, but also try to change the way people think about marijuana-impaired driving. If you’re going out drinking, it’s a no-brainer (we hope) that you’ll call a sober ride if you’ve had a few drinks. But there isn’t yet that same thought process when people know they’re going to be getting high. We encourage you to take advantage of Denver’s connectivity and plan ahead by using services like Lyft, Uber and public transportation when you’re high. Look for information in our stores, online and on social media as part of our partnership with CDOT, and thank you for consuming responsibly.
Lightshade Iliff Location Now Open
Lightshade is excited to announce that our newest Colorado recreational marijuana dispensary location is now open! The Lightshade Iliff location is one of the best marijuana dispensaries in the Denver metro, serving recreational customers ages 21+. Established in 2011, Lightshade continues to expand, with Iliff marking the sixth Lightshade dispensary in the Denver metro area.
Our newest location continues to uphold Lightshade’s reputation for growing the best quality genetics in Colorado. Our Iliff location—along with our other five Denver and Aurora marijuana dispensaries—offers a huge selection of marijuana products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, merchandise and apparel.
Lightshade Iliff is conveniently located on the corner of East Iliff Avenue and South Buckley Road in Aurora, 18 miles from Denver International Airport (DIA) via the E470 Toll Road, 19 miles from downtown Denver and 1.5 – 2 hours from the major Colorado ski resorts, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge and Winter Park. Lightshade Iliff has a large space to serve you the highest quality recreational marijuana and marijuana products. Visit today to see why Lightshade was voted #1 for the best dispensary bang for your buck in Westword Denver. The difference is night and day!
More Than Skin Deep
We see a wide variety of customers at Lightshade, and as one of many marijuana dispensaries in Denver, we work to tailor our business to each of their individual needs. Lightshade carries many forms of cannabis products, including topicals, which we suggest for a wide range of ailments. Our field auditor, Leah, describes the different forms and uses.
Topicals are seen in the form of lotions, salves, massage oils and transdermal patches. These products are a less traditional form of cannabis consumption due to the slow onset and minimal psychoactive effects, but they are a great option for medical users. Additionally, Lightshade suggests cannabis topical products for athletes and body builders who may suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy and chronic pain. Some of the highly recommended topical brands we carry include Apothecanna, Mary’s Medicinals and Dixie.
Apothecanna
- Relieving Creme: Fast-acting, moisturizing lotion with anti-inflammatory properties provided by the combination of natural plant extracts including arnica, peppermint, juniper and CBD. Perfect for sore muscles, swollen joints and distressed, dry skin.
- Stimulating Creme: Warming body lotion with herbs such as ginger, capsaicin and calendula to provide a natural stimulating sensation. Great for use in the morning or before physical activity to increase blood flow and revive tired muscles.
Mary’s Medicinals
- Transdermal Patches: Available in a variety of Sativa, Indica, CBD, CBN, THC and 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC. When applied to suggested areas, the patch provides quick, discreet and accurate dosage for all day or night relief.
- Transdermal Gel Pens: Designed to pair with Mary’s Medicinals Transdermal Patches, the light gel is placed directly on the skin and gently rubbed in for pain relief.
Dixie
- Bath Soak: Formulated with rosemary, lavender and cedarwood, the soak is used to relieve muscle tension and soreness to provide deep relaxation.
- Relief Balm: Thick, salve consistency, meant to be massaged into affected area for 30-60 seconds. Perfect for acute muscle pain and targeted relief of sore joins and skin issues.
Check out our new product catalog to explore the marijuana strains, edibles, topicals, concentrates and merchandise we have available. Or be sure to drop by one of our soon-to-be six marijuana dispensary locations in Denver and Aurora where our knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the best cannabis products for your specific needs.
More Than Just Indica & Sativa
As one of the best marijuana dispensaries in Denver, at Lightshade, we pride ourselves on educating our customers and helping them find the exact products to suit their needs. Whether a medical patient or recreational customer is struggling with insomnia, stress, pain, muscle spasms or more, Lightshade has a large selection of marijuana strains, edibles, concentrates and other products to help with a variety of ailments and conditions. Lightshade’s 6th Ave store manager, Chris, helps break down the education behind our strain classification system.
There are two main varieties of cannabis plants: Indica and Sativa. For customers who are just breaking into cannabis use, or even for those more experienced marijuana users, inquiring about the differences between Indica and Sativa marijuana strains is a question that we get asked hundreds of times a day in our multiple marijuana dispensaries in Denver and Aurora.
As a general rule of thumb, Indica strains are (for the most part) associated with a more relaxing high, whereas Sativa strains tend to impart a more energetic and focused high. Although these two main cannabis categories are good to be aware of, nowadays there are hundreds of strains that are bred with other strains to isolate desirable traits. Often times this cross-hybridization yields strains that cause both Indica and Sativa effects, blurring the line a bit.
With so many varieties and options of marijuana strains to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right product that meets your needs. To help with this, Lightshade has categorized and assigned 11 different color-coded traits that break down the effects of each strain in a visual and consistent way to help you find the strain that is right for you.
Typically Indica-Dominant Effects:
- Anxiety/Stress Relief
- Migraine Relief
- Muscle Spasm Relief
- Pain Relief
- Appetite Stimulation
- Sleep Aid
Typically Sativa-Dominant Effects:
- Depression Relief
- Energy Stimulation
- Focus
- Euphoria
- Creativity
Check out our Find the Bud For You page for an interactive feature that helps you explore all of our active strains, filtered by the effects you’re looking for. Beyond just Indica, Sativa or hybrid, our marijuana strain pages include average THC percentages, strain genetics and origin information, primary, secondary and tertiary effects, photos and more.
Or, if you’re looking for the best selection of weed in Denver, visit one of our marijuana dispensary locations in Denver and Aurora to see our color-coded strain effects and other strain information on each of our strain jar lids on display in our store product cases. Our knowledgeable staff would be delighted to show you why the difference is night and day.
Lightshade Doesn’t Allow Grow Facility Tours. We Explain Why.
“Can I tour your grow facility?“ It’s one of our most frequently asked questions. And while we hate to say “no” (we don’t want to disappoint our customers!), our no public tours policy directly benefits you; we promise! One of Lightshade’s grow managers, Kevin, sheds light on our policy and the benefits we’re passing onto our valued patients and customers.
The marijuana industry is growing every day. The competitive nature of the market is driving businesses to try and stay one step ahead of the curve by doing whatever they can to ensure that they’re the best. As one of the best marijuana dispensaries in Denver, one way Lightshade does this is by not allowing open tours throughout its grow facilities. By preventing tours, Lightshade can ensure a higher product integrity while making sure our proprietary grow methods and technologies are not available to the public.
Lightshade prides itself on having the best marijuana product on the market. In order to keep the plants free from cultural issues, Lightshade must continually work toward not only keeping the product as clean as possible, but the environment as well. While other Colorado marijuana dispensaries are capitalizing on marijuana tourism by offering cannabis tours to the public, this negates one of the key controls they have inside their grow facilities and could lead to a lower quality of product. Just think of the potential contamination that could occur if someone who had previously visited another grow facility wanted a tour at Lightshade. They might not know it, but their clothing could be contaminated with spores of powdery mildew, spider mites, or other microscopic, yet unsanitary materials that could severely impact what we have going on inside our walls. Lightshade has decided that the best way we can maintain our product’s integrity is by not allowing tours of our grow facilities.
Lightshade also incorporates tried and true growing methods that are bundled together with some of the most innovative equipment to run their facilities. By keeping these behind closed doors, Lightshade can not only thrive, but we can stay ahead of the competition. If people were free to tour our facilities, the intellectual property of the grow operations themselves would almost be worthless. A competitor working for another Colorado marijuana dispensary could tour the grow, take a mental snapshot of what Lightshade is doing, and put that memory into action at their own facility in order to improve their product quality, quantity and facility’s overall efficiency.
So, while it might be disappointing not to be able to tour our grow facilities, it’s for good reasons! Allowing tours of the grow facilities can put our cannabis product’s health and quality at risk—and that’s not a risk we’re willing to pass onto our patients and customers. Lightshade also runs the risk of letting people know how and why we’re staying ahead of the industry’s competition. As one of the best marijuana dispensaries in Denver, these are things we need to keep under our control to ensure that our patients and customers are walking out the door with a high-quality product every time. As one of Lightshade’s grow managers, I can say that I’m proud of the product’s quality from start to finish—and I’m happy that I get to share that quality with the consumer.
If the suspense of not seeing what goes on behind the scenes is still too much to handle, come visit the Lightshade Holly location—you can check out our viewing window into our professional, high-end marijuana grow facility from our lobby while you wait to shop our premium selection of marijuana flower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals and accessories. Visit Lightshade today to see why the difference is night and day!