Medical marijuana came to Colorado in 2000 after Amendment 20 was approved by a majority of voters. It was only a matter of time before a state legalized recreational weed, and Colorado joined Washington in being the first to vote for it way back in November 2012. It was added to the constitution on December 10 of that year, just four days after Washington state became the first in the U.S. to allow recreational cannabis officially.
The market has gone from strength to strength as the industry’s revenue reached $24 million per month by April 2019. Colorado has generated over $1 billion in revenue from recreational weed. Not bad since it was only available for sale in 2014! The last $500 million has come in just over two years.
DID YOU KNOW: Colorado has generated over $1 billion in revenue from recreational weed?
The state’s capital is Denver, a city that is also the most populous in Colorado with a population of 2.9 million if you include the Metro area. Denver is one of the 20 biggest cities in America by population and was technically the first to legalize recreational marijuana in 2005. Residents voted that you could possess one ounce of weed without being arrested.
Of course, as weed was still only legal for medicinal purposes at that time, anyone caught with cannabis without an MMJ card would be arrested! Things have definitely changed in the meantime. Now, you can safely visit Denver and purchase a nice ounce of premium-grade bud for a reasonable price.
The city has become a popular ‘weed tourism’ hub, and in this guide, we will show you how to spend an epic day in Denver; with marijuana as the main attraction! By the way, companies such as My 420 Tours offer packages for stoners and give you the low-down on the city’s cannabis scene.
Here is the ULTIMATE Stoner’s One-Day Tour of Denver, Colorado
Trust us – you’ll never want to leave these herbal havens…
The Night Before: Book into a Great Bud and Breakfast
Adagio – TripAdvisor
Denver has a fine assortment of high-quality hotels; but if you want to feel truly relaxed, a bud and breakfast is a no-brainer. Located at 1430 Race Street, the Adagio is one of the finest weed-friendly places to stay in the city. It has the usual amenities, and you can also ask for an in-room massage.
The main downside is that the Adagio only has six rooms spread across three floors. On the plus side, it means you receive personal attention in rooms that are splendidly decorated. Rooms are available for $299 per night, and you will feel like royalty as you spend a night or two here. You must be aged 21+ to book a room at the Adagio.
Each room rate is for two guests, but you are allowed to invite a third guest during the day for an extra $49, or overnight for $98. Not only can you safely get stoned in your room, but there is also a special Wake and Bake Breakfast, a 420 Happy Hour, and late-night sweet treats available for when you get the munchies.
9:00 AM: Rise and Shine! It’s Time to Find a Dispensary
Groundswelldenver.com
You can bring weed with you to Denver, but why risk any altercations with police when you can get it freely, easily, and inexpensively in the city? There are well over 500 dispensaries at the last count so you won’t be searching for long.
If you don’t want to go very far from the Adagio, try the Groundswell Cannabis Boutique, the only dispensary of its kind in Denver according to the owners. It is a 15-minute walk from the Adagio at 3121, E. Colfax Ave., and allows you to get a brief experience of the high altitude. The Groundswell has special offers regularly although first-time users must sign up first. Wake and Bake specials include 3 grams of wax for around $60 or 1-gram pre-rolls for $5.
If you aren’t staying at the Adagio, or don’t mind a longer trip, you could head to one of the four Lucy Sky cannabis boutiques in the city. Each store in the chain is known for providing an outstanding customer experience, and you have the option of some special strains such as Acapulco Gold, and Purple Champagne.
Lucy Sky offers competitive prices for its products. For example, there is live resin available for as little as $29 a gram. You can also get wax, sugar, or shatter for $20 a gram, or save by paying $140 for 8 grams.
10:00 AM: Fuel Yourself for a Day of Adventure with a Hearty Breakfast
Snooze AM – Tripadvisor
There are ample options, but Snooze A.M. eatery is one of the best. It was founded by the Schlegel brothers, Adam and Jon, and is known for the friendliness of the servers, the cool décor, and the list of American classics with awesome twists. There are three Snooze locations: 2262 Larimer Street, 1701 Wynkoop Street, and 700 Colorado Blvd Suite A.
The Snooze Classic is a feast containing free-range eggs, a choice of meats, hash browns, and toast. Alternatively, you can try a breakfast taco, breakfast burrito, or Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes in a welcoming atmosphere.
11:30 AM: Head to the Museum of Nature and Science
If there is one thing you can do to expand your mind during your trip, it is to visit the famous Denver Museum of Nature and Science at 2001 Colorado Blvd. General admission is $19.95, although you can save a dollar by booking online. Extra features cost more money; such as the $5 fee for the Planetarium or the $7 you must pay for IMAX.
If you’re already stoned, either one is worth the admission fee. The IMAX Theater includes a choice of movie that takes place on a gigantic screen. Cool recent movies included Superpower Dogs 3D, a film about dogs with life-saving capabilities. You could also explore space with the Apollo 11: First Steps Edition 2D movie which chronicles the moon landing.
The ‘problem’ with the museum is that you could spend the entire day there. However, you must cut your journey to 2-3 hours so you can explore more of the city. Remember, we only have a day!
2:00 PM: Time to Refuel
Mario’s Double Daughters – westword.com
Mario’s Double Daughters Salotto is a great place to test out the nature of your high. It looks a little like an LSD trip with retro colors and red teardrop seats that look like something out of a 1970s movie. You’ll half-expect the greatest hits of disco to play as you eat. The bar has lots of specials and is a great place to enjoy a cocktail.
If you’re hungry, go to Two-Fisted Mario’s next door. It offers pizzas using authentic ingredients. You can get a slice for $3 with toppings $0.50 apiece. If you’re hungry, the 14” pizza is $12.50 with toppings at $1.75, or you could get one of the place’s specials for $18.50+.
3:30 PM: Take a Marijuana-Inspired Tour of the City
There is an array of options here. My 420 Tours offers a 3.5 hour ‘Budz and Sudz’ excursion, which involves visiting a local grow facility where you can see cannabis in different stages of cultivation. One of the highlights of this tour is Brewability Lab, which offers gorgeous brews such as coffee porter flavored with Nutella and coconut! This tour is $79 and begins at 2 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If you fancy it, you’ll have to visit the pizza place a little bit later on.
Loopr is a mobile marijuana lounge that enables you to get baked in public. It is a fantastic option if you want to make new friends from all over the world. As well as the themed tour package which starts at $35, you can ride the bus which stops at nine places in the city; including dispensaries, bars, and restaurants.
6:00 PM: Find a 420-Friendly Place and Chill
iBake Denver – westword.com
There are plenty of options here! You can try the International Church of Cannabis at 400 South Logan Street, which allows weed consumption onsite during Friday gatherings. These special ceremonies celebrate Elevationism; the official ‘faith’ of the church. The site offers mysterious dinners, live entertainment, and much more. It also has amazing décor with psychedelic murals that draw the eye.
iBake Denver is believed to be one of the first weed lounges in Denver. It is one of the few early lounges that is still going strong. It is a private lounge so you can smoke without fear of breaking the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act. With an estimated 50,000 members, you will find it easy to strike up conversations. You need to be aged 21+ to enter, and must also sign up to become a member. The basic membership costs $12 a month and $3 for every day you enter.
8:00 PM: Enjoy a Late Dinner to Take Care of the Munchies
Steuben’s – Denver.eater.com
If you have been embracing the Denver stoner lifestyle, you’re probably baked at this stage! By now, the hunger pangs are probably taking control so satiate your appetite before you become ‘hangry.’ While Steuben’s isn’t a 420-friendly location, it serves the kind of food you’re likely craving!
Located at 523 E 17 Ave., Steuben’s is the place to be if you want high-quality American classics like hamburger and fries. If you simply want to grab a quick bite and leave, this place has you covered. Its collection of sandwiches includes the famous Monte Cristo, BLT, and the much-loved Steuben’s Burger.
9:00 PM: Try an Old-School Bar with Class
The Cruise Room – westword.com
Make your way to The Oxford Hotel at 1600 17th St, and check out the Cruise Room. A quick glance inside and you immediately get the impression of an elegant speakeasy bar in Prohibition America. You won’t be able to smoke here, but you can enjoy your share of martinis or Manhattans while relaxing in this stunningly decorated bar. Remember, you are treating yourself!
11:00 PM: Enjoy the Nightlife
If you’re too stoned to party, we don’t blame you for wanting to go home. However, you will be missing out because Denver’s nightlife is legendary. If you are feeling energetic, try La Rumba on 99 W 9thAve. It offers high-tempo music that is sure to get you off your feet, and on to the dancefloor. Other trendy nightspots worth considering include Milk, Beta Nightclub, and Vinyl Night Club.
If you want to stay out late, but don’t feel like dancing, the 1up Arcade Bar is a real treat for fans of classic arcade games. There are three locations, although the one at 717 E. Colfax Ave. has one of the biggest selections of pinball machines in Colorado! Along with the 40+ pinball machines, there are over 90 classic video games and six lanes of skeeball.
Add in 12 beers on tap, and you have a good, chilled out night ahead of you. Did I mention the Touch Tunes jukebox that allows you to listen to your favorite tunes? What could be better than being stoned, relaxing, and listening to The Doors for a few hours? By the way, the Colfax venue stays open until 1:30 am.
By now, you might be pretty damn tired! If not, you have the option to return to your bud and breakfast, light up, and order any treats you feel like when the munchies inevitably return.
Final Thoughts on a Stoner’s Day Out in Denver
If you are a resident of Denver, you probably think that we have barely scratched the surface of your great city. The truth is: You are absolutely right! Whether you enjoy marijuana or not, the Mile High City is one of America’s best tourist locations. However, it is especially great fun for stoners who know they can buy some weed, smoke it in a bud and breakfast, and chill out in 420-friendly locations across the city.
We shouldn’t need to tell you to imbibe weed responsibly! If you can think of any other great places in Denver that we have missed, please add your thoughts in the comments section.
