When consuming the many different forms of marijuana on the market today, consumers tend to find favorite strains along the way. Whether the outcome is productivity, melting into the couch, pain relief, or creativity, we know what we like and want in marijuana’s effects.

We Coloradans know what we like when it comes to how we “choose our own highs”. Innovation in marijuana continues to gain traction at the speed of light. You will see some classics on this list but also note the newcomers. With such innovations come delicious, mouth-watering products with extremely potent results.

With that said, let’s look at the top strains in Colorado.

Do note: strains tend to appear and disappear all the time. You can’t always expect to get these strains but we guarantee if you do, you’ll be all the better for it. You can check here for deals on all bud.

Top Strains in Colorado

Without further ado, here are our top strains that you can find here in Colorado.

​​99 Problems

“If you're having girl problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems”

Gotta stop you right there, Mr. Z, is it? Or can I just call you Jay? We’ve already got it!

99 Problems is a sativa-dominant strain being the result of breeding Stardawg and White 99. The strain tends to bathe those who live wildly in the strong aroma of sweet fruit/berries. 99 Problems blasts through your senses with positivity, energy, and a grand boost of focus.  This potent strain often hits between 28-30% THC. 

Let it be known, 99 Problems is not for beginners.  

Afghan Kush

The awesome strain needs no introduction!

Afghan Kush is known for being a pure indica strain that can be traced for centuries. The strain is known for having body heavy effects which allow the consumer peace of mind and possibly a visit from the sleep fairy.

Afghan Kush manages sleeplessness in canna-newbies who might be more prone to paranoia when trying to unwind. This comes from the high yield of CBD in the strain.

With a homely earthy aroma and taste notes of old-school hash, Afghan Kush shows proud lineage through dense buds and many shiny trichomes.

Blue Walker

Blue Walker is the beautiful hybrid of the strains Blue Dream and Skywalker OG. This force-yielding strain is almost a pure sativa at 90%. THC percentages tend to stick to 26-30%.

Blue Walker will grant you a long-lasting buzz of euphoria. The strain is known to help with anxiety, pain, depression, nausea, and stress. 

Bruce Banner #3

AKA The Incredible Hulk is the strain many consumers seek after. The strain has effects of euphoria and happiness, that come quite quickly.  With THC levels between 23-26%, it is easy to see why Mr. Banner is gaining popularity.

Bruce Banner #3 is a sativa dominant hybrid being a cross of  Strawberry Diesel and OG Kush. BB #3 is known for being incredibly relaxing. The sativa head high achieves euphoric greatness, with allowance for creativity and boosting mood. The strain is nice and sweet, with flavors of citrus. 

Chocolate OG

Chocolate OG is an indica dominant strain and is well known for its highly relaxing chemical structure. Chocolate OG is the immaculate cross with Chocolate Rain (Also sounds awesome) and True OG. THC percentages in this strain come close to 30%. 

Chocolate OG delivers flavors with cheesiness and hazelnut but lingers with cocoa aromas. The buds in this strain are nicely capped with icey trichomes. The chocolatey goodness allows you to fall into a euphoric/giggly sensation. 

Chocolate OG effects help to reduce pains, aid in combating insomnia, and other health-filled benefits. Come try this, the Willy Wonka in you is screaming.

Green Crack

Let it be known, you will not become a Dave Chappel skit. Green Crack is only pure energizing sativa. No trace of crack here, whew…

Green Crack is the definition of pure energy, focus, and fun-having good times. Green Crack has incredible cerebral effects and maintains its awe through mouth-watering fruity/mango flavors. Green Crack is a great daytime strain helping fight fatigue and stress. Green Crack is extremely appealing to those needing to get stuff done and have fun doing it.

Grease Monkey

This is an Indica-dominant weed strain resulting from a cross between Gorilla Glue and Cookies and Cream marijuana strains. It is the highest THC percentage flower on our list, with a whopping value of 31%. This value can significantly vary depending on the growth conditions, as already stated.

Grease Monkey has a strong aroma of nutty vanilla and skunky diesel. When smoke, the high effect builds behind the eyes and then spreads to the rest of the body. It drives you to a euphoric high characterized by mental calming effects. Medicinally, this strain is a remedy for chronic pain, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc.

Hell's OG

Hell’s OG buckles down with a heavy, indica dominant breed of the strains Blackberry and OG Kush. Hell’s OG sounds scary at first, but ends up being a citrus flavored, candy-coated treat.

Hell’s OG is known for its psychoactive effects. The strain is well-known to destress consumers from mind and body, allowing for some timeless bliss. Hell's OG has been used to treat PTSD and insomnia. First-timers beware. This stuff is awesomely potent.

Ice Cream Cake

This is a tasty treat I was able to try recently. Almost as relaxing as ice cream on a hot day.

Ice Cream Cake produces large, dense nuggets of golden green. Ice Cream Cake is the cross of Animal Mints and Triangle Kush. The strain mirrors flavors of vanilla for pure delight. The aroma is a classic skunky one. You can expect your sesh to encounter body relaxation and ease you into dreamland. 

Jungle Cake

Ohh! More cake! Just remember, in terms of marijuana, anytime you see cake...get it!

Jungle Cake is the cross of the strains Wifi and Wedding Cake. The strain struts in with light smells of sugar/frosting with pungent fuel.

Jungle is also another on the list to reach up to 30% THC potency. The strength ensures a lasting, powerful high.

Sour Diesel

And last, but most certainly not least. A legendary favorite. Sour Diesel, the popular sativa that just doesn’t slow down. Sour Diesel is a perfect addition to a day of adventure. Sour diesel is a long-lasting strain that will leave you stress-free and relieve any pains you may have.

Being a 90% sativa dominant strain, the high you will feel from Sour Diesel can help you access hallways of creativity. This strain is typically pretty high in THC being between 20-25%. Sour Diesel is rich with citrus flavor and robust gassy smells. The strain is known to help anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

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Frenchy Cannoli is gone. And with his passing, a gaping hole left behind in the cannabis community. Born in France is 1956, Frenchy traveled the world learning the art form of hashish of which he shared openly. His journeys took him to such hash-meccas as India, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines where he studied and perfected their traditional extraction methods. A guru in every right, Frenchy humbly claimed there will always be more to know about this ancient art, & was ever a student of the plant. Complications from surgery he underwent on 7/18 have been cited as the cause of his death. He was only 64.

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Believe it or not, July is only a week and a half away. You may be gearing up for fireworks on the 4th, but as we are cannabis consumers, did you know 4/20 isn’t the only stoner holiday? Rejoice! This July stoner holiday has become very popular over recent years in Colorado. While maybe not as well known as the mother of cannabis holidays, 7/10 is a relatively recently established day in which cannabis concentrates are celebrated. But what is 710?

The Code: 710

As I’m sure you are aware, 420 is the key code for establishing whether something is marijuana-related and the day in April on which to celebrate. Along with that comes the phrase "420 friendly" which describes whether an event, business, or household is accepting of marijuana-related activities. It helped to link like-minded pot-smoking people together.

In the years of legalization, a different three numbered code has emerged among the marijuana culture. 710 has become the term used to define marijuana concentrates (wax, shatter, etc.) and thus the celebratory day in which to dab down good and heavy. 

710 was chosen because when flipped around, 710 spells “OIL”. OIL is a term that has become synonymous with cannabis concentrates. Cannabis concentrates or “oil” is found in products such as wax, shatter, or live resin and when all put together with the specific smoking method creates dabbing. Like 420 friendly, if someone is 710 friendly they are perfectly fine with marijuana concentrates being around.

How Was 7/10 Started?

The popularity of cannabis oils has only appeared in recent years. Like most things in cannabis culture, some rumors, much like with the code “420”, extend back to the Grateful Dead in their heyday. But being only rumors, whoever coined the term 710 in relation to concentrates is a mystery though the code is widely used. Most likely, the code 710 only started to appear in the last decade. It has been said that the first 710 celebrations took place in 2012 when a group of oil enthusiasts pushed concentrates to the mainstream limelight.

It’s 7:10 on 7/10, What Will You Need To Celebrate?

A proper 7/10 will have you smoking your favorite concentrates on July 10, optimally at 7:10 a.m. or 7:10 p.m. Traditional “dabs” or pinhead size portions of concentrates, such as wax or shatter, are normally consumed by the use of a rig (small concentrate bong). You are also going to want a dab tool to pick up your concentrate with a torch to cause combustion. If you’re extra fancy, you can also attach an e-nail for consecutive hits without constant relighting.

Vape pens and other portable dab vapes have become incredibly popular in the past couple of years. They have made dabbing even easier for you to consume your favorite concentrates. Current vaporizers and portables allow you to heat your concentrate to an idle temperature making the devices very refined. Temperature control allows you to have complete control of the flavor and smoke production during your sesh.

710 Product Guide

Cannabis concentrates are products that contain much of the plant itself and appear in an assortment of ways. The naming of specific cannabis extracts can be a bit confusing to understand at first so let’s look at some concentrates.

Wax

A soft concentrate that can look many different ways in terms of color, texture, smell, and looks. It comes in varieties known as crumble, badder, budder, and honeycomb.

Shatter

A harder concentrate, shatter is named based on its likeness to glass. Shatter is a hard, fragile amber-colored, and translucent substance. Shatter also has a variety known as pull-n-snap. This is a softer concentrate texture making it easier to break up for smoking.

Live Resin

This delicious concentrate is widely known as the highest quality of marijuana extracts. Live resin is created by extracting plant materials process the marijuana plant has been cured/dried. With the process of live resin, the concentrate maintains its fullest terpene profiles. Another iteration is known as "sauce. This consistency has a more watery texture which drowns in rich flavor.

As marijuana legalization spreads its way across America, the code term, 710, continues to gain traction as the years go by. 7/10 is a way to celebrate marijuana’s “OIL” with products like wax, shatter,  hash oil, and live resin. Concentrates such as these can be found as high in percentage as 90% THC.

Never underestimate the power of concentrates, not all marijuana products are equal; with differences in consistency, effects, and texture. 

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Arizona is one of the newer states to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, which is why we’re glad to announce that Cannasaver is now expanding into the Grand Canyon State! 

On November 3rd, 2020, voters helped pass Proposition 207, which legalizes recreational cannabis use for adults 21 and over.

This means adults in Arizona can purchase cannabis legally, even without a marijuana card. As an expected result, more and more recreational dispensaries are opening across the state.

To help our Arizonian friends find the best deals and dispensaries in the area, we’ve put together a list of our favorite dispensaries. And to top it off, we’ve included some deals and coupons redeemable at these locations.

Here are our top picks for dispensaries in Phoenix and surrounding areas:

Best Dispensaries in Phoenix Area

1. Debbie's Dispensary

   1. Spend $150 to get a free eighth of Jilly Bean, worth $60

   2. Five grams of Mohave shatter for $100, originally $150

2. Health for Life

   1. Receive 20% off any purchase up to $100

   2. 5 for $70 Black Label 1G cured resin cartridges

   3. A special for first-time visitors: BOGO on MPX (Melting Point Extracts) products or Black Label products when you purchase an eighth

3. Arizona Natural Concepts Phoenix

   1. Any 5 Grams Flower $50

   2. BOGO free Yummy Gummies with 100MG THC each

   3. Buy any two cartridges and get one free! 

4. The Prime Leaf

   1. House prepacked eights are 2 for $65

   2. 40% off any PuraEarth products

   3. Buy one get one free on a variety of Uncle Herb's products

5. Oasis Cannabis 

   1. 20% off your entire purchase

   2. Buy one gram and get another free of HAZE concentrates

   3. $20 off any ounce of flower

Phoenix Weed Deals

Cannasaver has deals for all types of stoners, whether you’re looking for flower, extracts, edibles, or topicals - we’ve got a deal for you!

Another amazing feature on Cannasaver includes searching for deals based on your location. Those located in the Phoenix area can easily search the dispensaries around them, we also provide the exact distance from your location to your dispensary of choice. This feature will also allow you to see what other dispensaries are close to your exact location.

Here at Cannasaver, we strive to provide you with the best and newest deals in your area. We continue to partner with the best dispensaries in the area and make saving money easier than ever. Make sure you check out Cannasaver for new deals daily before heading out to your favourite Arizona dispensaries.

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Vaping cannabis has become an extremely popular way of consuming cannabis. Many stoners turn to vape because of its functionality, portability, and discretion. Vaping cannabis also eliminates the health impacts that traditional methods of smoking can have. 

Vapes are portable and therefore easy to carry around, meaning you don’t have to worry about keeping your grinder, papes, and lighter handy. Vaping cannabis is also known to produce less odor than smoking it from a bong or joint, allowing you to smoke in public without drawing unwanted attention to yourself.

The market for e-vaporizers keeps expanding and new products are coming out faster than we can blink. Along with that, innovative cannabis products are also emerging, allowing weed smokers to switch over to vaping. If you’re interested in scoping out some vape pens for weed, check out our list of some of our favorites that won’t break the bank. 

Concentrates

Vapes made for concentrates rising in popularity. They are used in conjunction with concentrates such as wax, shatter, and budder. Here at Cannasaver, we have teamed up with some of the best Colorado dispensaries to offer you new and amazing vaping deals daily. Here are some of our best deals on concentrates: 

Twin Peaks Dispensary in Longmont is offering a gram of wax or shatter for $18!

1 gram of Viola Live Resin is on sale for 29.99 at Golden Meds. They are also offering West Edison Wax or Shatter for $10.85 per gram.

The Lodge Cannabis on High St offering White Moose Shatter 4g for $70 and $20 Champagne Wax and Shatter grams. 

Vape ‘Carts’

The cannabis market is also seeing the rise of vape cartridges which are glass cartridges filled with cannabis oil. ‘Vape carts’ usually come in a gram or half-gram serving and usually have a higher THC to CBD ratio. However, CBD-dominant cartridges are becoming more available as more people hope to reap the full benefits of the marijuana plant.

Here is a preview of some amazing deals on vape cartridges available on Cannasaver right now, you can find these deals on our page by entering ‘vape’ on the website’s search bar or checking out our ‘Newest Deals’ page. 

La Bodega is offering Two 500mg Vape Cartridges for $30!

Trenchtown Cannabis Denver is offering BOGO 50% of all cartridges! 

All Golden Meds locations are offering Binske Live Resin 500mg Cartridges for $16.99.

High West Cannabis has a variety of deals on Open Reserve Cartridges. Check them out here!

AMCH Denver is offering this promo: Get 5 Fuehl 500mg Fruit carts for $79. 

Vaping Deals at Cannasaver

Whether you prefer the traditional way of smoking or have fully converted to vaping, finding a good deal on weed and saving money is a great feeling for anyone!

At Cannasaver, our duty is to provide you with the best deals in one, easy-to-use interface. Vaping deals can be found throughout our website and you can expect new deals daily.

Make sure to check out Cannasaver by Cannapages before heading out to your local dispensary, chances are… we have a deal waiting for you!

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'Tis the year for green. Like, everywhere. We're talking about people partaking in the glorious ganj, the grass is green again, the trees are starting to bud new leaves, and you're saving cash on weed. 4/20 is a great time to celebrate the green!

As people gather at their nearest dispensaries on/around April 20th for the best 420 deals, it's best to save some time beforehand (especially in a year where things like lines are already slow, given the circumstances).

You might already know, but 4/20 in Colorado can get pretty busy, so you're probably trying to get in and out of your dispensary with some awesome weed deals as fast as you can. Luckily, you can save time with some 420 deals online.

We've paired up with a ton of different dispensaries in Colorado to give you the best deals you can find, in-store or online.

The busiest day for the cannabis industry, also known as 420, is right around the corner, and everyone is gearing up for marijuana’s annual holiday. Due to the COVID-19 global health crisis, 420 is going to look a little different with fewer live celebrations and more virtual ones. Despite the restrictions placed on this year’s 420, there is no doubt that weed lovers everywhere will still be celebrating their favorite plant (they just might not be passing their pieces and joints this time around). 

An exciting part about 420 this year is the number of online deals offered by dispensaries to help you stock up for your celebrations and festivities. Whether you’re a flower child, an edible lover, CBD enthusiast, or a vaping master, we have some great online deals for all types of cannabis consumers. 

Like, a lot of 420 deals that we've just updated recently, with a ton of new dispensaries and locations, so find your nearest dispensary. 

420 Deals at Your Nearest Dispensary

As one of the first states to legalize the recreational and medical use of cannabis, Colorado is home to hundreds of dispensaries -- It’s also the epicenter of 420 celebrations on this side of the globe. To get you excited for this year’s 420 festivities, dispensaries in the area are offering incredible deals on some of your favorite products, and it’s just the beginning. 

On the website, you can actually sort through our 420 deals by category. That means to say, you can select your favorite types of weed products (wax, flower, edibles, etc.) and search all the 420 deals we have going on with those category filters.

First, click on Categories and select "420 Deals". Then, once the 420 Deals filter has been selected, you can select all stores that have 420 deals.

Here, we'll start with some dispensaries in the Denver area that are offering some of the best online 420 deals:

The Lodge Cannabis on High St. and Federal Blvd. is offering deals on a selection of wax, shatter, pre-rolls and edibles.

Peak MJ is offering 2g Harvest Wax for $30! 

Check out Pure Marijuana Dispensary’s deals on distillate, wax, and shatter, like 25% off all edibles and 40% off all apparel.

The Stone has a variety of shake, pre-rolls, and live resin on sale!

1136 Yuma is offering $1 pre-rolled joints with any edible purchase! 

The Little Brown House in Denver is coming in clutch with deals on Spectra cartridges and live budder. 

Doc's Apothecary is offering $50 ounces, OTD (out the door) on 4/19 and 4/20 only. So go!

420 Weed Deals by Category

On the website, you can actually sort through our 420 deals by category.

That means to say, you can select your favorite types of weed products (wax, flower, edibles, etc.) and search all the 420 deals we have going on. 

Simply just select the "420 Deals" category under the Category (or Categories) dropdown.

From there, you'll see all of the deals we're featuring, from a very large list of dispensaries. It's definitely worth checking out.

Here, we'll help give you a head start with a few examples of some different categories you can expect to save on, from flower to edibles and everything in between.

Flower

There's nothing like enjoying a good nugg on 420, so we've given you a few examples of some deals on flower:

Pure Marijuana Dispensary

• $55 half-ounce deals on select strains

The Stone Dispensary

• 1/8 of flower are $10.33 during 4/20

Doc's Apothecary

• $15 for 1/8 of flower  OTD, 4/19 and 4/20 only
• $50 for an ounce of shake OTD, 4/19 and 4/20 only (don't hate on shake, here's what we have to say about it)

Pre-Rolls (Joints)

Sometimes buying by the joint can really help you save money on weed. Some of our featured stores are offering great deals on prerolls right now, like:

Golden Meds

• 2 full-gram joints for $6.99

Pure Marijuana Dispensary

• 420-infused Wonder Joint is currently 25% off (these things hit hard)

1136 Yuma

•  Joints are $1 with the purchase of any edible

Concentrates

When you buy wax, you're spending a lot less and getting a lot more (when it comes to grams, etc.). You can really make wax go a long way, so here are some of the best 420 deals on wax – and holy cow, do we have a good list of deals on concentrate:

Peak MJ

• 2 grams of Harvest Wax is $30

Golden Meds (Med Only)

• 1 gram of Viola live resin is $29.99 during 4/20
• West Edison wax or shatter is $10.85 per gram
• Need 14 grams of Viola live resin? No worries, it's on sale for $399.99

The Lodge Cannabis

• High-quality champagne wax or shatter grams are only $20 (no limits)
• 8 grams of White Moose wax/shatter is $110

Three Rivers Dispensary (Pueblo, CO)

• Select shatter and wax is $12.95 per gram

Edibles

If you're not looking to inhale your weed, you can always ingest it! Edibles are a safer, "healthier" alternative to smoking weed. Here are some great 420 deals on edibles:

Pure Marijuana Dispensary

• 25% off all edibles on 4/20

The Stone

• You can find Robhots Gummies (100 mg) for $14.30

Golden Meds

• NFUZED gummies (100 mg) are currently $24.99

More Deals on Cannasaver

Who doesn’t love a good deal?

Especially when it comes to a variety of cannabis products.

Here at Cannasaver, we want to light up your 420 celebrations by offering you the latest deals from local dispensaries.

These aren't the only deals on things like wax, edibles, and flower. Go and select "420 Deals" under the Categories to see all the weed options you can save on.

Make sure you browse the category and store selections from the dropdown menu, as there are so many more 420 deals you don't want to miss. 

Happy blazing!

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April is here and weed lovers everywhere are getting ready for 420, which is arguably every stoner's favorite time of day, and/or year. 

The phrase “420” has become synonymous with cannabis culture and with marijuana users all over the world. Cannabis enthusiasts usually like to smoke at the time of 4:20 or they use the term to refer to April 20th, the time of year cannabis-centered events and celebrations take place globally. April 20th is also known as “marijuana’s biggest holiday.”

420 is celebrated all over the world, but it is especially loved here in Colorado. With 420 just around the corner, locals and visitors are getting ready to celebrate marijuana for all its euphoric and therapeutic properties. 

It’s important to note current health and social distancing protocols, as 420 celebrations might look a little different this year. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and the safety protocols that are set in place, so everyone can have a safe 420. 

Colorado, The 420 Epicenter

When thinking about 420-friendly places, you can’t help automatically think about Colorado. The state, being the first in America to legalize medical and recreational cannabis, is one of the largest cannabis hubs in the country, making it a great place for marijuana tourism and 420 events.

Colorado has been the home base for 420 celebrations and activities since 2014. Every April you’ll find numerous events that cater specifically to the cannabis community. This year, cannabis lovers are forced to celebrate a little differently but you can still expect there to be celebrations all over the state and in Denver. 

In pre-pandemic times, dozens of festivals and major events take place in Denver and all over Colorado. The Mile High 420 Festival is one of the most popular and brings approximately 50,000 people to Civic Center Park. The festival includes vendors, music, and entertainment. Big-name artists like Lil Jon and Jermain Dupri have even made appearances. The festival is gearing up to return in 2022.

420 is not just limited to festivals, there is an endless list of cannabis cantered activities to partake in. Denver and Colorado are home to over 500 types of dispensaries and grow-ops.

Additionally, cannabis-centered tours are a great way to immerse yourself in all things cannabis, you can even learn more about your favorite strains and how they’re grown and cultivated while offering a safe and socially distanced experience.

What Does 420-Friendly Mean?

Generally, if a place or business is 420-friendly - it means that the person or place is accepting of marijuana users. It’s important to distinguish 420-friendly spots in Colorado from others because there’s still a slight taboo around marijuana consumption, so it’s best to be mindful of the places and people you encounter and the rules surrounding marijuana. 

With progressive marijuana laws continuing to roll out, 420-friendly places are emerging all over the state and country - allowing cannabis users to consume their beloved plant with minimal discretion.

If you are someone with a medical marijuana card, the circumstances are a little different. It’s important to check in with your hotel or accommodation to see if they can provide you with a smoking room or a designated smoking area. 

420-Friendly Accommodations in Colorado

In Colorado, marijuana laws allow hotels and private rental properties such as Airbnbs to individually decide if guests are allowed to consume marijuana on the property. 

Many chain hotels are smoke-free, which means any type of smoking, whether tobacco or marijuana. Additionally, smoking/vaping cannabis is not permitted anywhere smoking is banned.

If you find a smoke-friendly hotel, they can accommodate your smoking needs with designated smoking areas or outdoor amenities such as patios and balconies.

Bud and Breakfasts is another option for those looking for 420-friendly accommodations. These are safe and legal accommodations for travelers who also happen to enjoy marijuana and want to do so openly on their trip. Some 420-friendly bnb’s even offering activities centered around cannabis, such as paint nights or cooking with cannabis classes.

Other accommodations allow you to smoke openly with minimal discretion like 420-friendly hotels. These accommodations allow visitors to consume marijuana openly..

If you want to smoke and be more discreet, it’s recommended to stick to vaping as they produce less odor than smoking from a joint, pipe, or bong.

420 Must Go On in Colorado

Despite roadblocks caused by COVID-19 this year and last, stoners all over the world are going to find their ways of celebrating. In Colorado, the options of activities and events to choose from are far from limited for both locals and visitors alike. 

Maybe there's not much sharing of joints, pipes, etc, but no pandemic is stopping cannabis lovers all over the country from lighting up in celebration of the beloved plant.

Don’t forget to check out our latest deals on Cannasaver.

Happy 420!

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Colorado was one of the first states to legalize the use of recreational marijuana in 2012. Since then, the state has been a frontrunner in the fight for legalization and paved the way for many other states to legalize.

One of the big arguments for the legalization of recreational use was the insane amount of revenue and tax money weed could bring in on a statewide level. People felt that there was money to be made and no harm to be done.

 Turns out they were right.

Colorado Breaks Weed Revenue Record in 2020

Since 2014, Colorado has brought in over 9.9 billion dollars in revenue according to the Colorado Department of Commerce. The revenue has had steady growth over the last six years with little signs that it will slow down.

The sale of medical marijuana has remained relatively steady, with little ups and downs, but recreational sales have skyrocketed.

 In 2014, Colorado recorded about 680 million dollars in revenue from marijuana. In the six years since then, the revenue has multiplied by over fourteen times.

As expected, the money in taxes the state has made from marijuana far outweighs any of the alleged negative effects. Since legalization, the Colorado government has pulled in roughly 1.6 billion dollars in taxes on marijuana.

The Weed Revenue Spike of 2020

 2020 has been a hard year for everyone. There’s no one that’s gone unaffected by the pandemic. The last year changed the world.

 As you would expect, it also changed the marijuana industry. 

In 2020, Colorado recorded almost 2.2 billion dollars in marijuana sales. This broke the record from the previous year by about 450 million dollars.

The highest revenue was recorded in July, with over 220 million dollars in total marijuana sales. Colorado has come a long way since legalization. The total revenue for the entire year of 2014 was roughly three times that of July 2020.

It was reported by Marijuana Moment that Colorado pulled about 390 million dollars from taxes on marijuana in 2020.

Why Did Sales Spike?

It’s hard to nail down exactly why marijuana sales spiked rapidly last year. There are likely many factors that contributed to increased revenue. Some examples could be:

·         More people wanted a way to de-stress after the pandemic hit.

·         The general public’s ever-changing perception of the marijuana industry.

·         First-time users feeling comfortable trying marijuana after time has passed.

·         An increase in marijuana use in popular media.

·         Some have started to see marijuana as an alternative to alcohol.

The most likely answer is that all these aspects and more contributed to revenue growth. 2020 might have provided the perfect storm of timing, circumstance, and availability to expand the marijuana market.

The Role of the Pandemic

The pandemic affected people in a variety of ways. A common thought is that many turned to marijuana as a de-stressor, and the numbers back that up.

 It’s likely that the impending fear of a lockdown drove many consumers to stock up and buy more. The process of buying retail and medicinal marijuana also became easier, as dispensaries would offer curb-side and online ordering. 

The Colorado Sun reported that the national marijuana market grew by about 45 percent in 2020, bringing total revenue up to about 18 billion dollars.

It’s safe to say that the Covid-19 pandemic played a significant role in the uptick in marijuana sales.

Public Perception

Even as recent as ten years ago, a sizeable portion of the general public had a negative perception of marijuana. Though there will always be those who are against the growing and consuming of weed, the numbers continue to dwindle.

More and more people are finding that, simply, weed isn’t bad. The public perception of the plant is changing by the year. Marijuana use has become more accepted across almost all societal groups, and therefore more people are willing to give it a shot.

The most likely outcome of this is the continued growth in revenue via continued growth in legalization and use.  

The Effect of Time

         “Time is money.” – Benjamin Franklin

In this case, time may have led to money. Over the last several years, marijuana revenue has increased exponentially. One reason could be that people feel safer buying retail marijuana now that a significant amount of time has passed.

Consider this:

A substance that you were told not to use by anti-drug programs in elementary school suddenly becomes legal. You were a good student, so you listened to the dangers. But now the government has readily made that substance available, and that conflicts with what you were taught. As the years go by, nothing negative comes from the legalization of marijuana, and you feel as though the dangers you were warned about weren’t completely true. 

It could simply be that eight years since legalization (coupled with the stress from the pandemic) was enough time for more consumers to try smoking weed.

Marijuana in the Media

Consuming marijuana has been present in the media for decades. But over the course of the last couple, that seems to have spiked. Many celebrities endorse the use of marijuana. Some have even started their own weed-based companies.

The effects of marijuana in media have, in the past, been often dishonest and portrayed somewhat negatively. More recently, marijuana use has been portrayed as more fun, light-hearted, and widespread. This almost undoubtedly shapes the public perception.

People look up to celebrities. They look up to their favorite characters in movies and television. If marijuana use in the media continues to grow, it’s likely that marijuana revenue will as well.

Alcohol vs. Marijuana

Many people have found that alcohol can be destructive. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it’s estimated that about 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes per year.

Many people have found that marijuana is an acceptable, if not preferable, alternative to alcohol. It produces similar, but wildly different effects on the human brain.

Marijuana poses little-to-no threat when compared to alcohol. This, combined with the need for stress relief during the pandemic, likely contributed to the overall increase in revenue.

There are presumably many other factors that assisted this year’s marijuana revenue growth in Colorado. Check back in after 2021 to see if revenue continued to grow and if any determining factors were found.

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States across the US are changing their views on cannabis, and they have been doing so for some time. That’s why it was monumental to see movement at the federal level, and not just the state. On December 4, 2020, the US House of Representatives passed H.B. 3884, titled the “Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2020”, or the MORE Act for short. But when will weed be federally legal?

While it is likely to be blocked in the Senate, the passage at the House of Representatives comes after 50+ years of strict federal prohibition of marijuana. While it may have taken a lifetime, and we still are not there yet, this is hopeful - and not just because it would make marijuana federally legal. 

The bill is loaded with resolutions that reach across political parties and offers some compassion for the mistakes and tragedies our criminal justice system has placed on consumers, growers, and non-malicious purveyors. 

Let’s take a look.

50 Years in The Making: Removing Cannabis From The Controlled Substances Act of 1970

The Wall Street Journal reports “The vote was largely along party lines. Libertarian Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan and five Republicans voted in favor of the bill, including Rep. Matt Gaetz (R., Fla.) who was a cosponsor. Six Democrats voted against the bill, all centrist lawmakers.” 

The bill passed the House with 228 Congressperson's voting in favor and 164 votings against the Bill, marking the first time since 1970 a measure for reforming cannabis laws that make marijuana federally legal was passed by either chamber of Congress.

What Would The MORE Act of 2020 Change?

There are several high-impact components in the Bill, most of which can stunningly reduce the past, existing, and future harm individuals and communities have faced from criminalization. 

Given these harms are and have always disproportionately impacted minority communities, the push to right the wrongs of our systems is front and center in the minds of many voters - and it seems most US House representatives support change as well. See some of their remarks below.

1. The MORE Act would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act

If signed into law, the MORE act would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, effectively leaving it to states to determine how they want their residents to engage with the plant.  

“Across this nation, thousands of men and women have suffered needlessly from the federal criminalization of marijuana, particularly in communities of color and have borne the burden of collateral consequences for those ensnared in criminal legal systems that have damaged our society across generations.” - Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)

1. Like the states already do, The MORE Act would allow the Federal government to tax cannabis

The legislation would impose a five percent federal tax on cannabis products. These funds would be used by programs in communities hurt by the war on drugs.

According to Marijuana Moment, “As now structured, the MORE Act would make it so cannabis would be federally taxed at five percent for the first two years after implementation and then increased by one percent each year until reaching eight percent. After five years, taxes would be applied to marijuana products based on weight rather than price.”

If passed, the MORE Act would both make cannabis federally legal - or at least states can choose without fear of a federal crackdown - and would create a Community Reinvestment Grant Program. 

The program would use tax dollars for job training, literacy programs, and youth recreation and mentoring services, and numerous other community services and organizations.

“This is about allowing states and localities to self-determine what their marijuana policies should be.” - Justin Strekal, political director at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, to WSJ.

1. The MORE Act expunges criminal records for most offenders

Within the bill, there are measures to resentence individuals currently incarcerated for criminal offenses related to cannabis. While ‘resentence’ means that the individual may still be sentenced for a crime, under the MORE Act, a majority of low-level cannabis offenses will be expunged. 

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2020 clarifies that not all marijuana offenses are eligible for expungement. More specifically, violent marijuana offenders and “kingpins” will be barred from resentencing/ expungement under the MORE Act. 

Under the rules making cannabis federally legal, the number of incarcerated individuals for nonviolent marijuana charges would see a substantial drop. 

1. The MORE Act does not require that federal positions be tested for THC or other cannabis-derived compounds, except in limited circumstances

The rules go on to say that the Transportation Department and Coast Guard may continue to include marijuana in drug testing programs, but most federal employees (and applicants) would no longer be ineligible for work because they got high on holiday. Hurray!

If you didn’t know, marijuana testing was a federal employee requirement. And since THC can be detected in urine for 2-4 weeks, people seeking federal employment had to worry about their employment, and their activities outside of the office would collide in a negative way. The MORE Act would allow this anxiety to disappear. 

1. Immigrants would have broader marijuana protections under the MORE Act

The bill, passed Dec. 4, 2020, aims to further protections for immigrant individuals and families. With regard to immigration laws, the MORE Act, in making marijuana federally legal, states the following:

“....an alien may not be denied any benefit or protection under the immigration laws based on  any event, including conduct, a finding, an admission, addiction or abuse, an arrest, a juvenile adjudication, or a conviction, relating to cannabis, regardless of whether the event occurred before, on, or after the effective date of this Act.”

BONUS: The MORE Act minimizes barriers to entry for small business owners through loan program access

Under the MORE Act, a Cannabis Justice Office would be started. The Office would have appointees under the Justice Department. This individual or office would be responsible for distributing funds provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provide loans for small cannabis businesses owned and controlled by socially and/ or economically disadvantaged individuals. These loans seek to reduce inequality by minimizing any existing bias or discrimination in current borrowing practices. 

Making Marijuana Federally Legal: What’s Next?

While the MORE Act passed the House of Representatives, the Senate is less favorable. The reasons for this are largely political and civil. However, since criminal penalties are being discussed, it is likely to cause a bit of frothy conversation first. 

The passage of the MORE act in Congress marks a first, but also a half-way point. There is more political and social support for changing the law than ever before, but it is not yet enough. When will weed be federally legal?

Not yet, but we're almost there.

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As COVID continues to spread across the nation, Colorado lawmakers try to make Colorado weed delivery legal statewide. With dispensaries continuing to thrive, the spread of the virus becomes a bigger problem with each customer helped at the facilities. With the question of how do we lessen social contact in the air, the answer seems pretty clear, allowing weed delivery in the state of Colorado. But what exactly is the status of Colorado weed delivery?

Colorado Weed Delivery Law Passed in 2019

In late 2019, a bill was passed allowing for marijuana delivery, starting with medical marijuana delivery. This bill began a two-year process to provide dispensaries with proper licensing that will allow them to make weed deliveries to medical customers and to later follow with recreational customers. Gov. Jared Polis described marijuana delivery in Colorado as a tactic to reduce impaired driving. The process began on January 2nd, 2020.

Other States Delivering Weed 

Each state regulates the marijuana delivery services closely and collects taxes accordingly.

California, Oregon, Maine, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Michigan all currently allow for the delivery of marijuana to recreational customers.

Every state will tackle the delivery service situation differently with some form of licensing being required to do so. 

California is the forerunner for acquiring the correct licensing, with hundreds of dispensaries currently licensed to deliver cannabis legally. For marijuana businesses to acquire legal cannabis delivery licenses, they must meet strict state safety and quality standards to move forward. As a consumer, you can rest assured that you will receive quality and safe products.

But where is weed delivery in Colorado?

Is Recreational Marijuana Delivery Legal in Colorado?

According to the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division, delivery of recreational weed in Colorado is absolutely not legal (yet).

Right now, Colorado weed delivery is limited to only medical marijuana dispensaries delivering to medical patients. Current recreational delivery services offered are illegal and are most likely trying to scam you. Unregulated weed deliveries have many physical risks involved with purchasing such as potential robberies involved with criminals making fraudulent delivery services and quality of the product not being as good as dispensary-grade products.

Also, not knowing where the product was grown, dried out correctly, etc. adds to the dangerousness of buying this way. Many Colorado cities simply haven’t brought marijuana delivery into a local law spotlight. Currently, the only two dispensaries offering legally permitted marijuana delivery are Native Roots and Helping Hands but the services are for medical patients only.

Laws Being Made for Colorado Weed Delivery Services

The real reason it seems that marijuana delivery is not legal yet in Colorado is simply that there are no laws for marijuana delivery. Lawmakers are currently working out the intricate details for the law. Marijuana laws are so new to Colorado that every regulatory decision sets a precedent for other states following marijuana legalization. With this, Colorado has been incredibly slow in the state’s approach to extending new allowances in the cannabis field. With agencies such as Cannabis against COVID, people are working to spread marijuana to people all around while drastically reducing the spread of coronavirus.

The initial goal as described by the campaign was to petition the State of Colorado to legalize home deliveries for recreational marijuana and add a temporary $20 surcharge to each delivery, which would go directly to COVID relief agencies. The group also pointed to the economic hardships imposed by the pandemic, noting that cannabis sales in Colorado suffered a significant dip in sales due to the lockdown measures. COVID-19 has done a lot to turn the spotlight on how important it is to make cannabis items accessible to those who are homebound, many of which need cannabis for all sorts of medical reasons.

The Timeline for Colorado Weed Delivery

As of right now, recreational marijuana delivery in Colorado is slated to debut in 2021.

This also depends on each Colorado county opting into the law. Being the case, there will be a slow political process in the state deciding whether or not marijuana delivery is appropriate for each locality. With COVID continuing to be present, this alone might be enough of a reason for the Colorado legislature to stop dragging their feet when considering the delivery laws. Though not intended to be a response to the COVID-19 outbreak in late 2019, Colorado cannabis delivery services may well be helping to stop the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus.

The Light in Sight for Marijuana Delivery

The Aurora City Council is advancing a proposal to legalize cannabis delivery for individuals who are of legal cannabis consumption age. On December 7, 2020, the Aurora City Council voted 8-2 to allow for licensed marijuana retailers to deliver recreational marijuana in Aurora. Under the proposal, weed delivery would be allowed from 8 am to 8 pm.

No more than one ounce of marijuana can be delivered to a customer in one day. The proposal will see a final vote later this month.

If passed, Aurora would be one of the first Colorado cities to permit weed delivery.

Should the Aurora city council pass the proposal later this month, marijuana delivery could begin in the community as early as January 2021.

The Colorado weed delivery bill gives discretion to local governments in the state to decide whether or not to opt into marijuana delivery. The realities imposed by the coronavirus pandemic may increase pressure on more Colorado cities to hop on board the bill. 

As of right now, marijuana delivery services are tentatively scheduled for some time in 2021.

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