Lightshade Dispensary Denver - Medical Marijuana for PTSD

Is Cannabis the Answer to America’s Growing PTSD Epidemic?

Cannabis is an all-natural treatment for an often-overlooked mental illness.

We believe in the power of cannabis to treat physical and mental ailments. From back pain to anxiety, depression to daily stress, the proven benefits of marijuana as a catalyst for improved health and wellness, are undeniable. In a recent blog, we explored the rising tide of mental health issues among Americans and discussed the ways cannabis is being used to treat these issues—with outstanding results.

Mental health issues among Americans, frequently go overlooked and undiagnosed. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, in particular, is all too often ignored. PTSD impacts an estimated 3.6% of adults in the U.S. and up to 20% of combat veterans. PTSD often appears in people who have experienced life-threatening or shocking events like military combat, natural disasters, physical assaults, or other traumatic situations. Those suffering from this debilitating condition often ‘re-live’ these traumatic experiences through flashbacks and extreme anxiety, even when there is no immediate threat. The most common treatment for PTSD is psychotherapy and prescription medications, but a growing body of research shows cannabis is an ideal method of treatment for this unfortunate condition.

recent study published in Molecular Psychology, demonstrates the potential of cannabis to help people suffering from PTSD. Cannabis lowers the occurrence of nightmares and reduces stress and anxiety levels brought on by traumatic experiences. 

“Medical cannabis is used in conjunction with other therapies. Peer support groups are highly supported therapy for patients suffering an Operational Stress Injury (this is another term for PTSD). Medical cannabis strains with the right CBD and THC levels are assisting veterans with chronic physical pain, as well as anxiety and insomnia issues. I believe that medical cannabis will continue to work in conjunction with many other therapies.” —Shelly Franklin, Veteran Program Coordinator, Canadian Cannabis Clinics

Other research shows people who have PTSD are especially likely to benefit from the implementation of a cannabinoid-based plan, as the stress of initial trauma may cause the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to become more receptive to treatment. As there is no medication explicitly manufactured to treat PTSD, these patients are typically prescribed antidepressants. That said, we will soon see cannabis treatments designed to address their exact symptoms, as a doctor-prescribed natural option.

“There’s a consensus among clinicians that existing pharmaceutical treatments such as antidepressants simply do not work. In fact, we know very well that people with PTSD who use marijuana—a potent cannabinoid—often experience more relief from their symptoms than they do from antidepressants and other psychiatric medications.”—Alexander Neumeister, MD, Director, Molecular Imaging Program, Department of Psychiatry and Radiology, NYU School of Medicine

Increased awareness creates better understanding.

Unfortunately, there is still a need to educate people on how cannabis consumption can be successfully used for the treatment of mental health issues. Federal regulations have made it difficult to adequately research and investigate cannabis, drastically impacting the ability of healthcare professionals to understand and recommend the plant to individuals affected by PTSD. Still, minds are beginning to shift—the societal views of cannabis have started to transform, and public pressure is beginning to produce results.

While growing numbers of individuals impacted by PTSD have begun to speak up and seek assistance, the prevalence of social stigmas and a lack of understanding, assures that thousands of men and women, many of whom have served our country—making the ultimate sacrifice—will tragically continue to go undiagnosed.

Education is an essential facet of our mission at Lightshade. Not only do we endeavor to teach customers about our products, but we also strive to educate people about the issues surrounding cannabis. We believe we have to shine a light on the ways marijuana can positively impact the lives of people, not only in the United States but globally.

The impact cannabis has on individuals who have PTSD is nothing short of amazing.


Cannabis for Mental Health - Lightshade Colorado

Are You Anxious and Stressed?

Drop the Wine and Pick Up the Cannabis

Research shows that cannabis is an ideal tool to help people battle issues related to mental health—from daily stressors to severe conditions.  

Our world is changing. Technology, for better or worse, is transforming the physical and mental landscape of society. The ways we work, connect, find romantic partners, and communicate, have become increasingly digital. Today, we are a culture addicted to technology. Is it just a coincidence that anxiety, depression, and general dissatisfaction are on the rise?

“Interactions on social media can have a major impact on an individual’s well-being and satisfaction. Many studies have observed that more time spent on social media is associated with an increased risk of loneliness and depression, which poses the question: are unhappy people using social media or does social media use affect happiness?” Medical News Today

study published last year in the Journal of Psychiatric Services estimates that 3.4% of the U.S. population—more than 8 million people—suffer from serious psychological distress (SPD). SPD is a term used to describe feelings of sadness and despair that are threatening enough to impair physical well being.

These numbers come to us at a time when America is in the throes of a prescription medication nightmare. More Americans take prescription drugs to treat mental illness today than at any time before.

Cannabis for Mental Health - Lightshade Denver

Cannabis: the all-natural antidote.

What does this have to do with cannabis? Everything.

Cannabis may be the all-natural remedy to the mental health issues plaguing us today.  

As our knowledge around cannabis and the endocannabinoid system broadens, psychiatrists and behavioral health experts are looking to the plant as an antidote to the psychological issues impacting Americans. And, while the legal status of cannabis in the United States is a challenge for healthcare professionals seeking to study and prescribe medical marijuana on a larger scale, many patients with mental health disorders have taken it upon themselves to improve their lives through cannabis consumption.

PTSD, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, insomnia, ADHD, and addiction—cannabis is being used to treat each of these issues, and patients are sharing positive results when reporting back to their healthcare professionals.  To us of course, this comes as no surprise. Our customers often share stories of triumph over mental and physical hardship as the result of cannabis consumption.

One customer recently shared with Jo Madrid, Lightshade’s manager of marketing, that she was able to wean herself off of sleeping pills, as well as anti-anxiolytic prescription medications, with the support and monitoring of her physician. By gradually replacing pills (and sometimes wine with the pills), over several months time, with a CBD/THC product, along with smoking flower in the evenings, and occasionally consuming an indica edible a few hours before bed, this customer was able to entirely discontinue daily use of both benzodiazepines and high dose sleeping pills. After 6 months, this customer is still ‘prescription free’ and reports feeling ‘balanced’, alert, and more in tune with herself, which has allowed better personal decision- making, and has resulted in a better job, improved relationships with family and friends, as well as ending an unhealthy relationship.

Trade your daily glass of wine for an edible.

Do you find yourself craving a glass of wine at the end of a workday? Anxiety shows itself in different ways, some more damaging than others. Mental health covers everything from daily stressors—work, childcare, family—to more severe issues diagnosed by healthcare professionals. While alcohol abuse rates continue to rise, especially among women, and we look at the opioid epidemic and general dissatisfaction among many Americans, cannabis has emerged as an unlikely hero. Marijuana is non-habit forming, non-toxic, and cannot kill you. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for alcohol.

Eliminate anxiety without the high.

You don’t have to get high to realize the positive effects of cannabis. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive chemical found within the plant and has properties that produce results akin to anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Furthermore, a study performed by researchers at Sao Paulo University in Brazil found CBD to have a significant impact on people suffering from social anxiety and fear. As medical researchers dive deeper into the science around CBD, we expect to see greater adoption among people who in the past may have been hesitant to introduce cannabis into their overall health and wellness routines.

Outside of providing a comfortable space for customers to shop and learn about cannabis, one of our goals is to remove the stigma surrounding this extraordinary plant so people can discover its life-changing potential. Marijuana, unlike alcohol, provides a healthy way to tackle life’s anxiety-inducing challenges. Instead of pouring that glass of wine at the end of a workday, stop into your nearest Lightshade and consider an edible, tincture, or infused beverage. Your mind and body will thank you.

The next time you feel stressed reach for one (or all) of the products listed below:

Anxiety- CBD products

  • Mary’s Medicinals CBD Oil Remedy 500mg
  • Wana Sour Strawberry CBD Gummies 10:1
  • Evolab Chroma CBD 3:1 Cart 500mg

Depression – 1:1 or Sativa products

  • Altus Sativa Pills
  • Blue Kudu Sativa or 1:1 bonbons
  • Lucid Mood Energy, 1:1 CBD THC disposable vape pen

Stress – 1:1 or Indica products

  • CCC Relieve Transdermal Patch 5mg THC:30mg CBD
  • Dixie 1:1 Tinctures or THC Bath Soak
  • Any Lightshade flower from the Calm or Rest Categories


Cannabis for Recovery for Athletes

Cannabis: The Secret to Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery

Amateur and professional athletes have started to embrace cannabis as a component of training. Are they on to something? We think they are.

It wasn’t long ago professional athletes were harshly criticized for openly discussing cannabis consumption. Careers were ruined, athletes stigmatized, and in the case of Michael Phelps who was chastised in the media after his infamous ‘bong photo’; athletes have been banned from competition after acknowledging (or being caught) consuming cannabis.

Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since the Phelps incident of 2009. Laws, policies, and attitudes toward cannabis are changing and a growing percentage of athletes now openly discuss cannabis consumption as a component of their training and recovery programs—and for good reason.

People, understandably, more often associate cannabis consumption with the munchies than they do strenuous physical activity. A growing body of research and real-life practical application, however, has shed new light on the possible uses of cannabis for enhanced athletic performance and recovery.

Brave athletes are standing up to support the breaking down of stigmas associated with cannabis consumption, and equally brave medical practitioners, are standing alongside them.

“We need to let athletes consume cannabis to heal from injuries and manage pain and inflammation.”—Eugene Moore, Baltimore Ravens

Men’s Journal recently profiled a Colorado triathlete who has integrated cannabis into a rigorous training program that includes pre-dawn runs, post-work swims, and long and lonely cycling adventures. The athlete, who asked to remain anonymous (there’s still a stigma), makes enhanced homemade energy bars that he consumes before early morning workouts. According to the article’s author, the triathlete considers cannabis a “genetically engineered workout supplement—a combined focusing agent for exercise, and a pain reliever that numbs his post-workout aches.”

The concept of working out after consuming cannabis, to some, may seem odd. That said, a growing body of evidence pointing to positive outcomes for athletes who incorporate marijuana into their fitness and training programs, and the endorsement of professionals and amateurs who swear by the plant’s medicinal properties—is altering public perception.

“When you’ve got as $10 million dollar player sitting on the sideline because of an injury, how do you justify that as a sports organization?”—Riley Cote, Philadelphia Flyers

Here are five reasons to work cannabis into your overall fitness and recovery program.

  1. Cannabis provides safe and effective way to manage pain.

    As America struggles through the opioid epidemic, a growing percentage of people, athletes included, are looking toward cannabis as a healthy alternative for pain management. Cannabis is an excellent tool to help athletes recover from exercise-induced aches and pains and with CBD, you can manage discomfort without feeling high.

  2. Cannabis doesn’t harm lung function. In fact, it may actually improve it.

    A study conducted over the course of twenty years found low to moderate cannabis consumers displayed increased lung capacity compared to non-smokers. For athletes, the ability to increase lung capacity leads to increased performance and speedy recovery after strenuous exercise. It’s also worth noting, THC has known anti-inflammatory properties and can strengthen the immune system, which may prevent lung irritation from turning into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a devastating lung disorder common to cigarette smokers. While most athletes choose alternative consumption methods, for those who opt to smoke cannabis, it shouldn’t hinder athletic performance.

  3. Cannabis aids in recovery and performance.

    Cannabis enriched salves and topicals help athletes reduce muscle pain and the anti-inflammatory properties of both THC and CBD help to speed up muscle repair, drastically improving recovery time—a key to enhanced athletic performance.

  4. Cannabis helps athletes focus during intense training sessions.

    Athletes who have worked cannabis into their training and fitness programs report an increased pain tolerance and enhanced focus, allowing them to push through the temporary pain of challenging workouts and intense endurance sessions. THC and CBD ease anxiety and increase the pain threshold, giving athletes the extra physical and mental push they need, to make it through the most intense moments of training.

  5. Cannabis promotes neuroprotection.

    An alarming number of NFL players have come forward in recent years describing PTSD-like symptoms as the result of sports-related head injuries. The neuroprotective properties of cannabis make it an ideal tool for athletes experiencing head injuries. Put simply, cannabis helps with brain repair.  

“I think all athletes—whether they’re NFL or NBA pros or just serious athletes wanting to better their fitness—are learning about the therapeutic potential of this plant.”—Susan Sisley, M.D., Doctors for Cannabis 

The myriad of benefits offered by cannabis consumption, from enhanced recovery and performance, to brain protection and repair, make it an attractive option for athletes looking for a leg up on competition, or for people simply looking for a better way to help before, during, and after hard workouts.

At Lightshade, we are committed to educating consumers on the benefits of cannabis for all. Drop by any of our eight Colorado dispensaries to speak with a budtender to learn how you can work cannabis into your overall fitness and training program.


Lightshade Dispensary Education - Health and Wellness Benefits of Cannabis

The Health and Wellness Benefits of Cannabis For All

Researchers continue to discover a deepening connection between cannabis consumption and positive health outcomes—for people of all ages and medical dispositions.

Cheech and Chong, ‘The Dude’, Jeff Spicoli, Harold and Kumar, Reefer Madness, and Pineapple Express—the portrayals of cannabis within Hollywood, have in a sense, contributed to longstanding stereotypes and stigmas—some are amusing and harmless, many are damaging. Still, notwithstanding the opinions of our current administration, nearly 64% of Americans support the wholesale legalization of cannabis.

Stigmas, however, are difficult to break. Despite the now well-documented benefits of adult cannabis consumption, among doctors, policymakers, researchers, and scientists, there are few subjects as polarizing as marijuana. Most often stigmas and stereotypes exist because of misunderstanding. It’s natural for people to dismiss what they don’t understand—for this reason, education is critical to breaking the stigma around cannabis.

We live in this world—it’s our industry, passion, and our livelihood—we believe in the benefits of this beautiful plant and we understand the potential of cannabis when consumed for health and wellness.

That said we realize there are a lot of misconceptions, inaccurate stereotypes, and a general lack of knowledge around the consumption of cannabis for health—from serious conditions to minor ailments and athletic recovery.

You don’t have to get ‘high’.

Marijuana, weed, cannabis—however you call it—getting high isn’t always the desired result, and it doesn’t have to be. Long-held beliefs about cannabis have been disrupted by scientific and medical research showing numerous applications for the treatment of medical conditions. Everything from anxiety and depression, to pain suppression and the management of complex health conditions, can be treated with cannabis—with or without feeling elevated.

Why cannabis works.

In the last decade researchers have more closely studied the impact of marijuana on the human body. Their research has led to significant discoveries surrounding the influence of cannabis on adults, specifically the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—our bodies own biochemical structure designed to connect with cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids, the active compounds found within cannabis, help to create different characteristics inherent to each plant. Cannabinoids are the chemicals which give the plant its coveted medical and recreational properties. They hook onto receptors within your brain and act like chemical messengers to help the body maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis is a system designed to allow your body to balance different biological functions like pain management, appetite, and motor coordination. In the process of research, scientists discovered our bodies make their own cannabinoids—Anandamide and 2AG. This discovery led to the unearthing of the Endocannabinoid System, and while there’s still much to learn about the ECS, the discovery has revolutionized the ways healthcare professionals view cannabis.

Despite being one of the most significant receptor systems in the human body however, the majority of medical schools ignore teachings around the Endocannabinoid System—we’ve got a long road ahead before the stigma surrounding cannabis is broken.

Endocannabinoid System Facts:

  • Animals have had an Endocannabinoid System within their bodies for over 600 million years
  • The cannabis plant, containing Phytocannabinoids, dates back 25 million years
  • Anandamide and 2AG, the two primary cannabinoids, were discovered in the early 1990’s
  • Endocannabinoids provide us with balance and homeostasis
  • Endocannabinoids moderate the flow of neurotransmitters, keeping the nervous system running smoothly

Cannabis for the treatment of age-related diseases and conditions.

Recent studies have revealed significant discoveries surrounding the consumption of cannabis to treat age-related illnesses and diseases. Cannabis has been found to have a positive impact on patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and spasticity associated with diseases like Parkinson’s.

We’ve seen an uptick in customers within our Colorado dispensaries looking for products to assist in the management of conditions like those listed above. It’s encouraging to witness a shift in the perception surrounding marijuana use for age-related medical conditions, especially among an aging population who grew to adulthood during the lengthy period of cannabis prohibition.

Cannabis is your all-natural ‘chill pill’ and a potential answer to America’s opioid crisis.

We are in the midst of an opioid crisis in America and have witnessed an increase in anxiety and depression, as well as a surge in medications prescribed as treatment. As one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, anxiety disorders impact nearly 40 million adults (Anxiety & Depression Society of America)—roughly 18 percent of the entire population. Cannabis is an all-natural answer to the issues related to prescription drug abuse in this country, as well as an ideal treatment for symptoms related to anxiety and depression.

As researchers continue to gain deeper insights into cannabis, they are discovering more ways it can serve as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications. Increasing evidence shows the benefits of cannabis when used to treat disorders related to anxiety and depression, as well as for pain management—a common factor leading to opioid addiction.

States with medical cannabis laws have observed the following positive results:

Reduction in deaths as a result of opioid overdose

Fewer hospitalizations from opioid abuse

Reduction in hospitalizations from opioid overdose

Education and understanding are the keys to breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis.

We are committed to providing education around the myriad of benefits offered by responsible cannabis consumption and encourage you to learn how to can include this long-misunderstood plant in your overall health and wellness regimen.

Visit with an expert budtender at any Lightshade Colorado dispensary  and learn how to incorporate marijuana into your life as a component of an overall health and wellness program.


Denver's 2017 Health & Fitness Expo

Each year, Denver hosts the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. This event features a two-day Health & Fitness Expo prior to the race. The event is free and open to the public, “this expo features the latest in running technologies, fitness apparel, health & nutrition information and interactive displays.” Lightshade was proud to be an exhibitor with Mary’s Medicinals at this year’s expo.

At the event, we spoke to athletes about the benefits of CBD and how products like Mary’s Medicinals Muscle Freeze combines CBD and natural plant extracts for a soothing, cooling effect on sore muscles. We want to educate athletes about the benefits of cannabis and how it can fit into their active lifestyles.

Cannabis topicals include oils, lotions, balms, and salves infused with active cannabinoids. They are applied directly to your skin and, although some topicals may contain THC, the effects are typically non-psychoactive as the dermal skin layer absorbs most, if not all the compounds before any reach the bloodstream. If a topical is applied liberally to a venous region, such as the wrist, an overall relaxation effect may be experienced. The limited absorption and regionalized effects make topical products a terrific way enjoy the anti-inflammation and pain relieving aspects of cannabis, particularly in targeting specific regions of the body like sore joints or aching muscles, making them great products for athletes.

The most effective way to apply topicals would be to massage the product well into the affected area. If the patient is seeking relief from muscle spasms, combining the topical with heat would be most effective. Topicals can be used on joints, rashes and normally is combined with other ingredients to reduce pain and inflammation of affected areas. Topicals have become an increasingly popular method of consumption method in part due to their benign nature. At Lightshade we carry a broad selection from offering different mixtures of cannabinoids and herbs for general relief, performance sports and more.


How High is Too High to Drive?

Lightshade is proud to be part of Cannabis Clinicians of Colorado (CCC) to spread awareness about knowing how high is too high to drive.

Cannabis Clinicians of Colorado is a non-profit that is dedicated to support the individuals working with Colorado cannabis patients. This group provides resources for physicians, caregivers and dispensaries across the state.

Last week, this marijuana advocacy group came together to learn more about how much marijuana someone can consume before it becomes unsafe to drive. The law currently prohibits driving if you have at least five nanograms of THC in your system. The study Cannabis Clinicians of Colorado conducted was to determine if that number accurately represents someone who is too impaired to drive.

Lightshade is passionate about increasing awareness regarding the danger and consequences of driving high. Safety is a big part of our commitment to our community and our industry, which is why we partnered with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to help educate and protect our consumers when it comes to driving high. You can read more about our work with CDOT on this issue here.

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.

Lightshade was a sponsor at last week’s event to support the CCC as they further research how much cannabis is too much to drive. Members of the CCC believe that the number of five nanograms of THC was set as the legal limit to drive without enough research.

As organizations like the CCC invest more in cannabis research we hope to learn more about the correlation between cannabis compound levels in blood and saliva and a reduction in a person’s cognitive functions.


Outside the Stereotype

Outside the Stereotype

Today’s cannabis user is not always what you’d expect. Lightshade has always valued the importance of education surrounding cannabis and the incredible products available for every type of consumer. We’re continuing to see an increased variety of consumers accepting and partaking in cannabis use, especially with the array of products available like flower, topicals, tinctures, edibles, concentrates and more.

Women and parents are becoming more familiar with these products, allowing them to have safe and subtle consumption for relief of anxiety, pain and other ailments without taking away their ability to parent and interact with their children. This recent article from Refinery29.com brings up some great examples and talks to two women about their experiences with cannabis.

Lightshade carries some amazing products that allow for these medical benefits without the high, replacing some consumers’ past use of alcohol or opiates. Our partners at Monte Content have testimonials from several success story patients like Bridgett, who can finally lead a comfortable lifestyle and play with her grandkids. Below are a few specific products we recommend trying, plus check out our up-to-date menus per location or try online pre-ordering!

Whitewater Teas
Coda Signature Truffles
Stillwater Ripple Dissolvable THC
Julie’s Natural Edibles
Binske Olive Oil and Honey

The Lightshade staff is trained and ready to answer questions or make suggestions based on what you may be looking for. It never hurts to ask a friend about their experiences too, you’d be surprised at how many people are adding cannabis into their wellness routines.


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.


CDOT Cannabis Conversation

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.


How-to Video: Dabbing

The Benefits of Dabbing (Cannabis)

Ever been curious about dabbing, but not sure how to get started? Check out this video with Lightshade’s 6th Ave assistant manager, Michael, who describes what dabbing is, the benefits of dabbing and the various types of concentrates available. Stick around to the end to watch his demonstration of how to dab. At Lightshade, we pride ourselves on educating our customers about the products, effects and consumption methods available to best suit their needs. If you have further questions after watching, don’t hesitate to stop by any Lightshade location to chat with one of our qualified bud tenders.