Need some weed to drop into your new fruit pipe? Hit our site to place an online order from one of our Colorado dispensaries today.

They say that cannabis boosts creativity–and there’s no better proof of that than the many ways the stoners of the world have found to create a DIY smoking pipe with ingredients sourced from the fruit bowl.

Maybe you’re here because you just dropped your favorite glass pipe (bummer) and you’re scratching your chin, thinking, “what can I smoke out of around the house?” Or maybe you’re looking for homemade bong ideas for a weekend afternoon. 

Whatever your situation, we’re here to show you our favorite DIY pot pipe solutions–and yes, that includes learning how to smoke weed from an apple.

• How to Smoke Out of an Apple
• How to Make a Peach Pipe
• How to Make a Pear Pipe
• How to Make a Pipe Out of a Banana
• How to Make a Homemade Bubbler Pipe Out of a Pineapple
• How to Make a Pumpkin Weed Bowl

Foods You Can Smoke Weed Out Of

When it comes to discovering new things to smoke weed out of, the sky’s the limit. Here are a few possibilities we tested out just for you, plus instructions for making easy homemade weed pipes and bongs from basic grocery store supplies.

How to Make a Homemade Bubbler Pipe Out of a Pineapple

Maybe there’s a reason SpongeBob was always so cheerful–his pineapple house also makes a fantastic homemade bong.

To recreate the magic of Bikini Bottom, cut off the top of your pineapple and hollow out the center. Next, cut a hole down the side at an angle, filling it with a spare downstem and bowl from another bong before filling the pineapple with water. Inhale, and reflect on how Squidward had it all wrong.

Step 1: Cut the top off your pineapple (but don’t discard it – you’ll need the top later). 

Step 2: Hollow out the center of your pineapple. 

Step 3: Cut a hole at an angle in the side of your pineapple (a little less than halfway between the pineapple’s top and bottom). 

Step 4: Place a spare bowl/stem from another bong in the hole you poked in the pineapple’s side. 

Step 5: Fill your pineapple with water. 

Step 6: Poke a hole in the pineapple top from which you’ll inhale and place the top back on the pineapple. 

Step 7: Load your bowl and smoke. 

Need some weed to drop into your new fruit pipe? Hit our site to place an online order from one of our Colorado dispensaries today.

Everything Colorado cannabis fans need to know about getting a Medical Marijuana Card in our state. 

By now, you probably know that cannabis is legal in Colorado–but rules still apply! That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide for how to get a medical marijuana card, with a specific focus on getting a med card in Colorado. Whatever your questions, we’ll try to answer them here:

What Is a Red Card in Colorado?

A “Red Card” is the Colorado-specific word for a cannabis card or a medical weed card if you’re keeping things informal. If you have a card, it means your physician has registered you with the Colorado marijuana registry, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana as long as you operate within the Colorado Red Card rules.

How is Medical Weed Different?

Since all Coloradans over 21 can buy recreational cannabis, why bother to get a Colorado mmj card? One of the benefits is that medical marijuana is cheaper to purchase since the taxes on recreational marijuana are higher than on weed designated for medical use. Medical patients are also allowed to buy larger volumes of products.

What Qualifies You For a Med Card in Colorado?

For an adult to qualify for a medical marijuana card, Colorado asks that they be over 18 years old, a state resident, and have a qualifying medical condition.

Can You Get a Medical Card Under 18?

Yes! Colorado minors can get a medical marijuana prescription if they are state residents and have a qualifying medical condition, as long as their legal guardian is also a resident of Colorado. However, please note that all medical cannabis patients under 18 must visit two physicians and submit two physician certifications and a Patient Minor Consent Form. 

What are Qualifying Medical Conditions for Getting a Med Card?

These are the conditions that the Colorado government considers suitable for treatment with a cannabis prescription:

• Cancer.
• Glaucoma.
• HIV or AIDS.
• Cachexia.
• Persistent muscle spasms.
• Seizures.
• Severe nausea.
• Severe pain.

Don’t worry if you’re wondering how to get a medical marijuana card but don’t have any of these conditions. Medical marijuana card requirements also include any chronic mental or physical symptoms that harm your safety, physical, or mental health or limit your ability to live normally.

How to get a Medical Card in Colorado?

• Gather your documents. This means your doctor’s recommendation, government ID, and social security number.
• Fill out the online application. Unfortunately, you can’t get a medical marijuana card online, but you can apply without going into an office.

Where To Make a Doctors Appointment?

Technically, under Colorado law, any licensed physician can write you a prescription for medical marijuana. So if you’re wondering how to get a marijuana card and have a good relationship with your primary care provider, you can ask about the possibility of getting a cannabis prescription at your next check-up. 

A List of Licensed Physicians & Clinics

If you’re not sure your doctor is a supporter of medical cannabis, you may want to visit someone from this list of Colorado Red Card doctors:

• MMD Medical Doctors in Denver
• Doctors of Natural Medicine in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo
• Holos Health in Boulder
• Medical Alternative Clinics in Colorado Springs and Pueblo

Where to Get a Medical Card?

Once you’ve got your doctor’s recommendation in hand, you can apply for your medical card online. You’ll then receive an email with your official med card attached. 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Medical Card in Colorado?

Now you’re all registered, but how long does it take to get a medical card? Once you’ve submitted your application, the Colorado government says it should take between 1-3 business days.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost?

So how much is a medical marijuana card? Not as expensive as you might think! It costs $25 to apply for a Colorado mmj med card online, plus the cost of your doctor’s appointment, which may be covered by your insurance if you can get a prescription as part of your annual check-up.

Do I Have to Renew my Red Card?

The Colorado mmj registry requires patients to renew their cards once a year. You’ll need to get a new doctor’s recommendation and pay the application fee again through the online portal.

Lightshade Locations Offering Medical Cannabis

Here’s a list of all of our Colorado Dispensary locations that offer medical marijuana. 

Are you ready to place an online medical cannabis order with Lightshade? Click here.

Colorado is packed with legal dispensaries (including ours). And while competition is fierce, we’re all in this together, so we want to help you understand what we think are Colorado’s top ten best dispensaries. 

When it comes to dispensaries, Coloradans enjoy a wealth of choices. As of 2021, there are 1,021 dispensaries in Colorado, with 446 dispensaries in Denver alone.

With so many options, how does a cannabis-loving Coloradan select just one? We narrowed it down for you by rounding up our top ten favorite medical and recreational Colorado dispensaries.

The Best Recreational Dispensaries in Colorado

The process of buying recreational cannabis in Colorado is easy. All you need is a government-issued ID, an appropriate payment method (some spots still only take cash), and an idea of where you want to start. Here are our picks for the five best recreational dispensaries in Colorado, perfect for both cannabis connoisseurs and newcomers alike: 

Lightshade

When it comes to naming the best dispensary in Colorado, Lightshade is the GOAT (clearly, we’re biased, but come on, you know we’re the best). With nine locations throughout the state, including six in Denver alone, you might be surprised to find that Lightshade is already your friendly neighborhood dispensary.

From sustainably grown flower to ultra-potent distilled resins, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and more (we have it all), Lightshade has the perfect product for your every cannabis need. So, in our humble opinion, when it comes to choosing the best recreational dispensary in Colorado, it doesn’t get better than Lightshade. 

The Giving Tree

Named after the slightly codependent hero of our favorite Shel Silverstein book, this Denver dispensary is a munchies paradise. Try a slice of THC-infused dried pineapple, or indulge in a cannabutter-based peanut butter rice crispy.

The Green Solution

Whatever your problems, you can always count on The Green Solution! A great place to stock up on cannabis accessories, we’re big fans of their impressive selection of kush pouches, pipes, and even cannabis-themed coloring books.

Rocky Mountain High Dispensary

There’s no more iconic ode to The Centennial State than John Denver’s Rocky Mountain high – so of course, we’re fans of the dispensary of the same name. These hometown heroes are proud boosters of Colorado’s cannabis scene, highlighting products from across the state. 

Good Chemistry

Using a fun, visual approach to cannabis shopping, Good Chemistry’s budtenders help cannabis newbies figure out what they like. Use their STATS guide to figure out the cannabis experience you like the best, and then shop for the products that suit your needs.

The Best Medical Cannabis Dispensaries in Colorado

With recreational cannabis catching all the headlines these days, it’s essential not to overlook the foundations of legalized cannabis in the US; medical marijuana. From inflammatory conditions to anxiety, if your doctor has recommended cannabis to meet your medical needs, a medical dispensary is your pharmacy. Find what feels good with our picks for the five best medical dispensaries in Colorado: 

Native Roots

A straightforward referral system for new patients makes Native Roots an excellent choice for new cannabis consumers dipping their toes into the world of medical marijuana. In addition, a light-filled, spacious storefront makes for easy browsing. 

Medicine Man

What’s the primary feature that makes some fans call Medicine Man the best medical dispensary in Denver? Its proximity to the airport. Stop off after landing to stock up for your adventure through the Colorado wilderness (but, better yet, shop at our Peoria location near DIA for the ultimate canna-tourism experience).

Terrapin Care Station

This laid-back dispensary serves both medical and recreational patients and uses a portion of its profits to support local and international nonprofits. Not only is it a qualifier for one of the best dispensaries in Denver – their local partnerships also make them a force for community good (like us – learn about Lightshade’s social equity efforts here).

LivWell

Specializing in house-grown cannabis, LivWell is the best Denver dispensary for cannabis connoisseurs interested in exploring what LivWell calls “seed-to-sale” marijuana. But, when it comes to medical patients, they take their name seriously!

The Clinic 

Visiting this Colorado dispensary is like taking a trip to your favorite day spa – it’s all blonde wood and soft lighting. Staff at The Clinic are well versed in guiding new medical cannabis patients through their journey of discovery, helping you find the products that suit you best.

With so many great options to choose from, finding your favorite from the list is up to you. That’s the fun part!

Click here to order online from Lightshade today!

There comes a time in every dedicated cannabis consumer’s life when they realize things aren’t working like they used to. If you’re facing the dreaded tolerance break, this blog is for you. 

When it comes to cannabis consumption, it can be tempting to overindulge. A market flooded with highly potent cannabis products means that the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) will quickly grow used to high levels of THC exposure for many people.

While this can be fun in the short term, overindulging in cannabis can lead to your system developing a tolerance–resulting in weaker, less satisfying experiences. So let’s take a closer look at cannabis tolerance; what to look out for, and how to reset if your favorite heavy-hitters just aren’t hitting the same.

What is Cannabis Tolerance?

From caffeine to cannabis, the human body is good at adjusting to altered chemical states. This normalization is excellent for us on an evolutionary level. Still, on the day-to-day, it means it’s easy for our bodies to stop responding to the substances that used to help elevate us beyond our normal resting state–just ask anyone who needs a cup of coffee in the morning to feel normal!

Cannabis tolerance develops when THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, repeatedly binds to CB1 receptors in the brain’s endocannabinoid system. Repeated exposure causes these receptors to have reduced responsiveness to the presence of THC, meaning you won’t experience the same high from using the same product over and over again. When and how your body develops cannabis tolerance depends on a few key factors, including how often you consume cannabis, how potent that cannabis is, and your biological response to the presence of THC.

Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?

The short answer: yes, theoretically. Your body processes CBD like any other chemical and can build up a tolerance to it, especially if you take the same dose every day. 

However, unlike THC, CBD doesn’t bind directly to the receptors of the endocannabinoid systems. This means that if you experience a CBD tolerance, it’s likely due to other metabolic processes. Your brain won’t stop responding to CBD the way it does to THC, and in fact, some studies show that CBD responses grow stronger over time. So when we’re talking about cannabis tolerance, it’s mostly THC rather than CBD that’s of concern.

How to Tell if You’ve Built up a Cannabis Tolerance?

There are a couple of warning signs to look out for if you suspect you’ve developed a cannabis tolerance. First, like any other compound, the definition of tolerance varies by individual. Some people can use the same products and experience no diminishing effects, while others need to increase their dosages to obtain the same experience. 

The main thing, of course, is your own individual responses to ingesting familiar cannabis products. If a favorite pre-roll or tincture isn’t hitting the way it used to, it might be a sign that you’ve developed a heightened cannabis tolerance.

How Do You Reduce Cannabis Tolerance?

Ok, you’ve developed a tolerance, so what’s a pot-loving person to do? Here are our budtenders’ top ten tricks for reducing cannabis tolerance ASAP.

• Take a T break

Taking some time away from cannabis is the fastest way to let your endocannabinoid systems reset, so let’s start with the obvious; taking some time away from cannabis is a great way to return, refreshed, with a newly lowered tolerance. 

• Opt for lower dosages

If a T break isn’t an option, you can reduce the wear and tear on the ol’ receptors by opting for products with lower doses of THC. Using products with the lowest possible amount of THC needed for you to feel an effect has the added benefit of letting your body go for longer without building a tolerance. 

• Try altering up your ratios.

Ease out of THC tolerance by experimenting with higher ratios of THC and CBD. Starting your way with a THC-heavy product and easing into a higher CBD, lower THC alternative can help your system reset. 

• Plan a cannabis-friendly snack session

Nothing goes together better than cannabis and a snack sesh, and studies suggest that indulging in foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids can help boost THC absorption within the bloodstream. 

• Stretch it out

Cannabis isn’t the only thing that activates the endocannabinoid system! Both Yoga and tai chi have been shown to interact with CB1 receptors potentially. Pairing your cannabis with a stretch sesh could help encourage your receptors to activate.

How Long Does it Take for Cannabis Receptors to Return to Normal?

If you’ve decided on a T break, you’re probably wondering how long it will take before you can get back to business as usual. 

There’s no exact data on how long it typically takes for CB1 receptors to reset because so much depends on your biology. Some people report that their sensitivity has returned after just a few days, while others need as long as a month or two.

The best thing to do for your first T break is to take it day by day and see what works for you. Try taking a few days off and then indulge in just a little bit of cannabis, waiting before redosing to see how you feel. If that doesn’t work, give yourself a little more time. Your cannabis tolerance will be back to normal before you know it!

Do you want answers to your cannabis questions? Our friends a Leaf411, are here to help. Check them out at https://leaf411.org/.

Are you getting into cannabis for the first time? Are you returning to cannabis after a long hiatus? Are you a cannabis tourist traveling to Colorado? Here’s everything you need to know to have a great experience. 

Since 2012, Coloradans have enjoyed recreational cannabis legally without a qualifying medical condition (way to be a cultural trailblazer, Colorado!). 

Because of our early adoption, Colorado has gained a reputation for being an excellent place to (legally) indulge in the world of cannabis. With beautiful natural scenery, a famously laid-back vibe, and legal weed, it’s no wonder our state is a cannabis industry hub.  

But if you’re new to the world of legal cannabis, it can be hard to keep track of the rules and regulations regarding consumption in Colorado. 

Fortunately, Lightshade is here to help with our handy dandy guide to the rules of cannabis consumption in Colorado.

Where can I legally purchase cannabis in Colorado?

You can legally buy cannabis in Colorado from any of the state’s 500 plus retail stores, including one of Lightshade’s many accessible locations. 

We think we’re the best, but whatever location you decide to visit, ensure the state properly licenses them. Otherwise, the cannabis you purchase might actually be a sneaky alternative, like synthetic cannabis or salvia. And when it comes to cannabis, we think there’s nothing like the real deal.

How can I legally purchase cannabis in Colorado? 

Suppose you’re a Colorado native; good news! All adults living in Colorado can legally purchase up to 1 ounce (or 28.35 grams if you’re fancy) of cannabis at any licensed retail store in the state. Nonresidents are still welcome to purchase cannabis, but the limits are slightly lower. Visitors can buy just a quarter ounce (or 7.08 grams) at their licensed dispensary visit.

In both cases, you need to be at least 21 and have a valid government-issued ID to show at the dispensary—passports, driver’s licenses, and even, in a pinch, your birth certificate all count. In addition, you must consume the cannabis you purchase yourself – no gifts allowed! 

So how about paying for your cannabis purchase? While you used to be able to buy cannabis exclusively with cash, due to a complicated network of regulations on the federal level, most Colorado dispensaries will now allow you to use a debit card to pay for your purchase or withdraw the necessary cash from their onsite ATM. Just don’t try to put it on the AmEx–federal laws make it impossible for the major credit companies to handle cannabis transactions.

How do I legally consume cannabis in Colorado? 

You’ve got your legal cannabis–now comes the fun part. But how can you consume cannabis legally in Colorado? The answer is, it depends where you want to indulge. 

Public cannabis consumption, whether indoors or out, isn’t allowed. Since cannabis is still a controlled substance on a federal level, you’re also prohibited from consuming on federal land. But there’s good news–indulging in marijuana in any form, smoked, eaten, or vaped, is allowed on private property for any adult over age 21. So if you have a private place to enjoy that cannabis, go wild! 

One thing to note is that property owners are allowed to decide whether or not they’re comfortable with cannabis consumption. So check your lease to make sure your landlord hasn’t explicitly prohibited cannabis if you don’t own your residence, with the same rule of thumb applying if you’re visiting a friend. 

Out of town visitors should check with their hotel or Airbnb host to make sure they’re comfortable with on-site cannabis consumption. If not, Colorado has a few private lounges and event spaces where visitors are invited to indulge in cannabis in a legal, social setting.

How do I consume cannabis in Colorado for the first time? 

You’ve got your cannabis, found the perfect place to unwind, and you’re ready to begin your legal cannabis journey. Congratulations! Let’s talk about the best way to consume legal cannabis for the first time.

For many Colorado residents and visitors, legalization takes a substance that used to feel out of reach and transforms it into a fun, accessible resource for unwinding with friends. If this is your first time, make sure to let your budtender know. They’ll suggest the perfect product for your experience level and desired outcome and help you manage your experience. 

As always, our advice is to start low and go slow, beginning with the smallest amount of cannabis and ramping up slowly as you get a better feel for your tolerance and what kind of cannabis experience you enjoy.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Lightshade welcomes you to the world of legal cannabis. Enjoy your exploration!

We’ve only started to scratch the surface of understanding the full potential of cannabis, but there’s one thing we do know for sure: terpenes are essential. 

Most of us know to look at THC and CBD percentages when we’re exploring new cannabis strains. But while those are decent (and traditional) indicators of a strains’ effects, our expert budtenders say there’s an unsung hero that might have more of an impact on your cannabis experience. 

These mysterious compounds are called “terpenes,” which help create the unique smells, shades – and experience – of individual cannabis strains. But what are cannabis terpenes? And why should you care?

Read on to learn how terpenes might be the secret to predicting your next cannabis experience.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

When we say cannabis terpenes, what do we mean? Put simply; terpenes are a naturally occurring compound responsible for the flavors, scents, and colors of certain types of vegetation, including cannabis.

Like many other plants, cannabis produces terpenes to repel predators and attract pollinators with their sweet aroma. However, many different factors impact how and why a cannabis plant has terpenes, including the soil type the plant grows in, the weather it experiences, and even the time of day it blooms! So far, researchers have identified over one hundred distinct terpene varieties in cannabis (every strain produces its own unique composition).

What Do Cannabis Terpenes Do?

Terpenes are most known for the flavors they impart to our favorite cannabis strains. For example, a strain like Lightshade’s popular Blueberry Headband is packed with terpinolene and pinene, two terpenes that give the strain its distinctive sweet berry undertones. 

But some researchers believe that cannabis terpenes might interact with THC to produce a distinctive effect. This is one theory about why strains with the same proportions of CBD and THC have unique effects, depending on the terpenes they contain.

Some individual terpenes are considered psychoactive like THC and interact with the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors. While they’re not intoxicating alone, these terpenes might help intensify the effects of THC. In addition, some preliminary research suggests that terpene content could help make particular strains more beneficial to specific unique mental health conditions.

Popular Cannabis Terpenes You Should Explore

With such a vast world of terpenes to explore, it can be challenging to know where to start! So to help kick off your terpene adventures, we’ve consulted with our expert budtenders to discover the most popular cannabis terpenes and the effect each one creates.

Myrcene 

Sweet with a delicately herbal aroma, Myrcene is also found in mangos, lemongrass, and hops. It creates a soothing, calming effect that promotes a relaxing yet euphoric experience. A myrcene heavy strain like The White creates a potent sensation, perfect for indulging in on a relaxing evening unwinding with friends.

Pinene

The scent of pinene reminds many enthusiasts of a noble fir forest – which makes sense because this terpene is commonly found in many pine species. It also appears in herbs like basil, dill, and rosemary and has a calming, subtle aroma. Blue Dream is one of the best-known pinene strains, offering a perfectly relaxing experience with energetic undertones.

Limonene

Just as the name suggests, limonene has a deliciously citrusy flavor. Found in citrus fruits and herbs like rosemary, juniper, and peppermint, limonene is a lively terpene that brings a little zest to any cannabis experience. A limonene strain like Mother’s Milk is perfect for kicking back and getting creative – get ready to break out that sketchbook!

Caryophyllene

This terpene has a peppery, slightly spicy kick, which makes sense, given that it naturally occurs in black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Some caryophyllene fans say the taste reminds them of the perfect cup of chai. A caryophyllene strain like Orange Herijuana is right at the balance of soothing and energizing, making it the ideal companion for a long walk through nature.

Perfecting Your Cannabis Experience 

These four popular varieties are just the beginning of the beautiful world of terpenes – each with its own distinct flavor profile and effect. Once you begin looking out for them, you’ll find terpenes everywhere. And by paying attention to what terpenes create an effect you enjoy, you can mix and match to create your ideal cannabis experience. 

Need help finding your new favorite strain? Drop by any of our Colorado Dispensary locations, and our budtenders will guide you to a product you’ll love! 

Everything’s better when you have an entourage – even cannabis. 

It’s no secret that high-quality cannabis often has a sticky, shiny appearance, thanks to the resin coating the bud. Some weed fans consider these visual signs a surefire indicator they’re about to have an enjoyable experience. 

And for cannabis consumers who enjoy getting their THC from a natural source, there’s a scientific explanation behind the power of resin. It might be the source of the “entourage effect,” a process that many believe gives cannabis flowers their unique therapeutic appeal.

What is the entourage effect?

By now, you’re probably familiar with the two heavy hitters of cannabis compounds; THC and CBD. But while each of these compounds is beneficial (and enjoyable!) on its own, something special happens when you consume them together. 

Studies show that medical cannabis patients treated with both compounds simultaneously received more significant relief than those who used just one or the other, an effect called the “entourage effect.” This means that consuming THC and CBD together will generally produce a stronger and more enjoyable experience than enjoying one isolated compound. 

Just like peanut butter and jelly, or bacon and eggs, the entourage effect means that THC and CBD are better together!

How does the entourage effect work?

Like any rockstar, CBD and THC work best when they have their entourages. That means for the optimal cannabis experience, both compounds should be present within your body’s endocannabinoid system, which is why cannabis affects the human brain and body.

Believers in the entourage effect say that these compounds interact within the body to elevate and support the desirable effects of cannabis by making it easier for them to bond with your endocannabinoid receptors.

But fans of flower say it doesn’t stop there. They believe the entourage effect also helps intensify the cannabis experience when you pair THC and CBD with the other organic cannabis materials, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, all of which interact within your body’s endocannabinoid system to create an elevated experience.

What does the entourage effect feel like?

While there’s little formal research on the entourage effect, proponents of its power say that it feels like an intensification of everything they like about cannabis. 

People who use cannabis to relieve short-term inflammation or anxiety say the entourage effect helps suppress undesirable symptoms for longer. In contrast, those who enjoy the psychoactive properties of cannabis say it’s the ultimate shortcut to a long, strange trip.

TLDR: The entourage effect is your favorite cannabis experience, only more so.

Which cannabis products help promote the entourage effect?

So the entourage effect sounds pretty awesome, right? Here are some of Lightshade’s favorite products to help you experience it.

Flower

Because it’s sourced directly from the plant, flower contains a wide variety of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes that can help you achieve the entourage effect. Look for a flower with a good balance of THC and CBD for maximum results, like the Star Dawg, Fruity Pebbles, or Mother’s Milk strains.

For a more convenient take on the world of flowers, check out Lightshade’s selection of pre-rolls. Kaviar’s Hybrid Joint is the perfect way to carry your entourage in your pocket.

Full Spectrum Cannabis Extracts

If flower isn’t your favorite, never fear! You can still enjoy the benefits of the entourage effect with Lightshade’s library of full-spectrum cannabis extracts designed to supply user’s endocannabinoid systems with the perfect combination of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.  Extracts like fan-favorite Banana Bread create a distilled form of cannabis flower that preserves the power of those aromatic extras. 

Even if your preferred cannabis delivery method doesn’t contain terpenes, you can still benefit from the entourage effect by blending THC and CBD in a single dose. Products like Stratos’ 1:1 Energy Tincture have a perfect balance of THC and CBD, designed to encourage the entourage effect. Or try Midnight’s (1906) 50/50 blend of THC and CBD in delicious dark chocolate form.

Whatever method of consumption you chose, we hope you enjoy the relaxing benefits of the entourage effect! So tell your fans to hold off on the autographs for the time being–you’re chilling with your entourage.

Want more product recommendations? Drop into your favorite Lightshade Colorado Dispensary location and talk to our budtenders – we’re always here for you. 

As breeders continue to experiment and legalization expands, there are now thousands of cannabis strains available. These five have Lightshade riding high.

Cultivators are always on the hunt for the next big green—the cannabis strain sure to spark a chilled-out frenzy among mellow-minded pot purists. It’s a search that transforms cultivation teams into a band of botanists and explorers, with the noble goal of blazing a trail for all seekers to follow. 

The cannabis industry’s pace of ingenuity and innovation, a far cry from the stoner stereotype of slow-witted stagnation, has seen the germination of strains that are in a constant state of growth, diversification, and country-wide proliferation. Exactly how many strains are there? Well, it could be hundreds, but it could just as easily be thousands. There are so many strains being developed at any given moment that any estimation is hazy at best. It’s what we in the cannabis business call, “a good problem to have!”

Thankfully, we’re not here to provide you with an exhausting list of every strain ever to be packed, rolled, eaten, or vaporized. Instead, our cultivation team clears the smoke with five hand-picked strains—of varying potency, texture, and character—that we believe should be on your list of puff, puff, pass-worthy weed.

Keebler Cookies

An ultra-rare and ultra-dope hybrid strain sprouting from a cross between Platinum Cookie and Locktite, Keebler Cookies features large flowers, a trait that sets it apart from the similarly grown Girl Scout Cookies strain. Deep purple hues highlight the finished buds, which waft a sweet OG nose reminiscent of baked confectionaries. Toking this strain results in a super relaxing high with a relatively high potency that easily quells high-tension situations and the typical rigors of everyday stress.

Garlic Breath

Cannabis cultivators love a unique nose, and Garlic Breath delivers with a punch that speaks to its namesake pungency. An indica-dominant hybrid strain (a mix of GMO and Mendo Breath), it fills the olfactory with notes of freshly peeled garlic and unmistakably spicy undertones. Garlic Breath leaves you with a relaxed high that gradually becomes more sedative, making it the perfect bedtime bud. Speaking of buds, Garlic Breath’s are gorgeous, dense, and bright with a zesty funk that belies its sleepy potential.

Ice Cream Cake

Like the fever dream of a mad genius cultivator, Ice Cream Cake billows with large, dense buds, some serious weight, and a full structure that stands tall and proud. Vivid purple buds give off a rich, floral scent that transforms into a flavor profile of creamy vanilla and sugary dough. Relatively new to the strain gang, the indica-leaning Ice Cream Cake crosses Wedding Cake with Gelato #33 and offers a sedating effect that relaxes body and mind and relieves gnarly discomfort.

Grease Monkey

A real funky monkey of pot, if there ever was one, Grease Monkey grapples you into sweet submission with a high potency that occasionally hits more than 30 percent total THC. This indica-dominant hybrid strain crosses classic Gorilla Glue #4 with Cookies & Cream, forming a rich inhale of nutty vanilla and sweet, skunky diesel, with an earthy, pungent aroma. The Grease Monkey high is a real creeper, starting in the eyes and spreading to the rest of the body in a relaxed, calming euphoria.

Mandarin Sunset

An indica with an uplifting, sativa-like high, Mandarin Sunset’s unique terpene profile squeezes a citrus-rich candy aroma with subtle notes of Chinese five-spice powder. While the strain is a cross of Herojuana and Orange Skunk, the flavor is supremely singular in the cannabis world. As for the high, Mandarin Sunset ushers in a surprising numbness that quiets physical frustrations and pushes a positive take to the forefront of the mind. Body soothing and mind-melting, Mandarin Sunset is a facility staple at Lightshade.

Be Your Own Strain Conductor

The search for your preferred strain is a magical ride of sights, smells, tastes, and textures. So whether you’re a first-timer or a cannabis connoisseur, always keep an open mind and stand at the ready to expand your green horizons to a new crop of strains.

7/10 might be in our rearview, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating.

With 710 behind us, we bet you’ve heard a lot more about cannabis concentrates lately. Still, these potent doses of THC are less familiar to many cannabis consumers than more traditional forms like flower or edibles.

So what is a concentrate? How does it differ from more familiar forms of cannabis? Let’s take a closer look at the beautiful and ever-expanding world of cannabis concentrates.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

The fundamental nature of cannabis concentrates is made pretty clear by the name: cannabis concentrates are concentrated, and thus more potent, forms of our favorite plant.

When making a cannabis concentrate of any type, processors begin with plant matter, like the flower you might have smoked or vaped in the past. They then use a process called extraction to remove all the inessential biological matter, leaving only the active components of the cannabis plant behind.

What’s left? Cannabinoids and terpenes; the chemicals that give the cannabis plant its flavor and power. Concentrates often have high levels of THC, the psychoactive component that produces the sensation of a high. However, there are blended CBD/THC concentrates and even CBD-only variants available on the market.

How Are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

The history of cannabis concentration began in the 12th century when smoking hashish became popular throughout the Middle East. Back in the olden days, cannabis concentrate was produced by hand by rubbing flower between your fingers. Processors would scrape the trichomes they collected into a dense block, creating an old school, but still highly potent, cannabis concentrate. 

While there are still some parts of the world where this processing method remains common, today, concentrates are typically produced with chemical rather than physical distillation processes. 

The most common chemical methods include hydrocarbon and CO2 extraction, each of which creates a specific array of cannabis concentrates. But whatever chemical method they use, cannabis concentrate producers use these solvents to separate the plant’s active components from the excess greenery, leaving the roughage behind.

What Does Using Cannabis Concentrates Feel Like?

Because of their concentrated nature, cannabis concentrates provide a more intense sensation than traditional flower. 

The potency of raw flower is generally between 10 to 25% THC content. On the other hand, a concentrate generally has a THC potency of between 50 to 80%, with some getting as high as 90%! 

The TLDR is that concentrates provide an amped-up version of the traditional cannabis high. As a result, concentrate fans appreciate their potency and power–and their ability to take a familiar cannabis experience to a whole new level.

How Can I Start Consuming Cannabis Concentrates?

There are several ways to consume cannabis concentrates. The most old-school solution to cannabis concentrate consumption is dabbing, although, with specialized tools required, it can take a few times for newbies to get the hang of the technique. 

For an easy boost of potency power, try topping your flower with a bit of additional concentrate. This DIY method requires no other tools and is an easy way to try concentrates to see if they suit your cannabis needs. Simply add a little cannabis concentrate, in whatever your chosen form to your bowl, and enjoy the bonus terpenes and THC! 

When using any new cannabis product, we tend to adhere to the same standard advice: start low and go slow. This is especially true for our favorite cannabis concentrates, which are as powerful as they are delicious.

So what are you waiting for? Get concentrating!