What does a Dispensary in Colorado Sell?
Dispensaries are retail stores that sell a range of cannabis and cannabis related products. The items available for sale are determined by state law and they need to pass strict quality control measures in order to make it to the shelves. In Colorado, the sale of flower, concentrates, edibles, pre-rolls, topicals, tinctures and vape cartridges are all legal. You can also find accessories and equipment for toking. These products are processed and packaged to deliver a quality high in specific doses. While you can buy many items through online shops, there are some spectacular benefits to visiting a physical store. First, you can experience all your various options hands on. You can sniff your way through the available creams and feel the weight of your new pipe. You also have the opportunity to ask questions of the store clerks so you can find the ideal products for delivering your preferred high or managing your particular ailments. Another perk is that, by buying your products at local shops, you are providing jobs for members of your community. You support the breeders, growers, bud tenders, processors, packagers and management team all while collecting premium pot products and paraphernalia. If you would rather buy your seeds, grow your own flower and make your own products, you could instead opt to buy grade A seeds from Weed Seeds. We are one of the seed banks that ship to Colorado, and we bring you the best seeds on the market!
Edibles
If you are looking for a way to consume your cannabis smoke free, edibles could be for you! A selection of tasty items, like Gummies and Taffy, can be purchased in dispensaries. They deliver fast, potent effects in precise doses. You can find a variety of flavor options and constitutions which can be selected based on your needs and preferences. While there are a lot of great, readymade items, it is easy enough to make your own at home. You will want to start by decarboxylating your flower. This is done by roasting your bud around 240 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. One you have activated the THC with this process, you cover the flower in vegetable glycerine or vodka to create a tincture. After two to eight weeks, you can strain out the plant matter and use the remaining liquid as a base for your candies. Capsules are another easy to consume option that can be purchased or made at home. If you prefer to concoct your own, start again by baking your bud, this time at 220 degrees for 30 minutes. Mix the flower remnants with coconut oil and soy lecithin and heat the concoction for three to six hours in a slow cooker. Cool the mixture and portion into your gel capsules! Drinks are yet another option for easy consumption. These deliver microdoses of healing properties into the system. They are often selected for use by medical patients, as they provide a bit of reprieve without intoxication.
Topicals
When your main concern is pain management, you may want to invest your cash in topicals. These are products that hold the powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the cannabis plant but are made to be applied directly onto your skin. They will not get you high and work to alleviate aches and pains in your muscles and joints. Things like lotions and salves are made by countless companies and have different ingredients and scent profiles. While there are plenty of great options available for resale, these are also an easy item to make in the comfort of your home. As is true with making edibles, you will want to begin the process by decarboxylating your flower. Once roasted, mix your bud in oil on low heat. Finish by straining the plant matter out of the oil and use this oil either on its own or as an ingredient in creams or balms. Oils are sometimes put into roller bottles and applied straight. Rolling it into the hairline can help relieve headaches and applying it to the bottom of the feet, where it is quickly absorbed, can help lull users to sleep. If you decide to add the oil in with other ingredients to create other products, you can find plenty of easy and awesome recipes online. You can choose to blend in rich butters, like cocoa or shea, to bring extra moisture and protection to your skin. You could also add other oils, like vitamin E or rosehip, which work to rejuvenate and heal the skin.
Flowers
Cannabis flowers are separated into four tiers. The assessment of their value is determined based on a number of characteristics including the structure of their flowers, their trichome density and terpene profile, and their flavor and effects. Burn and ash color also play a role, with lighter ash being an indication of a better quality herb. The lowest tier is A. The flower that falls under this designation is often deemed ‘bad’ weed and will not find its way to the dispensary shelves. The trichomes are generally small and damaged, the color dark off-green or brown, and the smell musky and weak. These usually have a low cannabinoid content. While they may deliver some relaxing effects, they are usually mixed with discomforts like dizziness and headache. This is a result of errors in the curing process that leaves behind pathogens or other impurities. AA is the next level. These are great for those on a budget or who are looking for flower to make edibles. They are light and dull in color and have a low odor. AAA is the mid-grade which consists of flowers that are rich in THC and deliver a potent high. The buds are sticky and spongy with a nice aroma and flavor. AAAA strains are the best on the market. These are generally more expensive but entirely worth it for the potent effects. The dense buds are vibrant in color with diverse aroma and flavor profiles.
Concentrates
Some of the most popular items to hit the dispensary shelves in the past couple decades are concentrates. These are pure substances that consist of a condensed collection of the healing terpenes and cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. They are removed from the plant matter, which creates a smoother, cleaner smoking experience that is less harsh on the lungs than inhaling smoke. They are also more potent and fast acting. They hit the market in the early 2000’s and made their debut in the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2010. They have only continued to gain momentum in the community since. They are derived using two methods of extraction, solvent-based and mechanical. Chemicals are used to make Shatter and crumble. The slurry is spread on parchment and is purged using evaporation. The result is a clear, glass like substance, which is then broken into pieces. Budder and Wax are hand whipped, which leaves behind substance with a similar aesthetic to whipped cream. Budder is moist and more malleable, while wax is hard and brittle. Diamonds and distillate are refined to the point of having even their terpenes removed. They are then selected and added back in to curate specific effects and flavors. Hash Oil is another chemically extracted product that is a clear liquid used in vaporizers. Live Resin, Hash and Bubble Hash are all extracted by temperature shifts and manual manipulation. These are the purest forms as they are most comparable to the natural plant.
Testing Kits
Testing kits are an item you can purchase online. They are used for a variety of purposes. The most common use is to test individuals for the presence of substances in their system. Point of Care Testing is the most popular method, and this screens oral fluid and urine for drugs using a drug test cup, dip sticks, or oral swabs. These tests are most often used to test employees to secure a safe job site, or to test patients in a medical capacity to assess appropriate treatment. You can also buy tests that can be used to test for drugs on the surfaces of items in your home. Some substances are extremely potent and can be quickly absorbed through your skin, so scanning the area for safety purposes may be necessary. There are kits for testing for specific substances, or you can buy kits that provide a panel for a range of different drugs. If you are looking for stimulants, you will want a Coke Testing Kit, a Meth Testing Kit or a MDMA Testing Kit. For sedatives, opt for a Fentanyl Testing Kit or Opiates Testing Kit. The third purpose of these kits is to test the purity of the substance itself. If you are indulging in marijuana for medicinal purposes, this is particularly relevant. The dose and composition of your plant will play a vital role in the effectiveness of it in your treatment. Buying a Cannabinoid Testing Kit to test your flower prior to consumption can support you in getting adequate relief.
Vapes
If you are looking to consume your cannabis product in a discreet way, you likely want to invest in the hot item, the Vaporizer. This device allows you to indulge in a session without emitting a cloud of pungent smoke that offends your neighbors. It delivers potent effects and can be tucked into your pocket for quick puffs as needed. This contraption is made up of several components. The most integral part of the vape is the Atomizer. This piece is responsible for turning liquid to mist. When you press the power button, a coil inside the device is heated. A wick carries oil to the coil where the oil is warmed and turned into vapor to inhale. Low heat is used to avoid altering the various healing constituents of your oil so as to deliver a potent high. Vape Oil is made using a solvent-based extraction method. The result is a thick, translucent liquid that is rich with terpenes and cannabinoids. This oil is held in a Cartridge, where it is stored until you turn the device on and inhale! You can buy pre-filled cartridges with different combinations of CBD and THC depending on your needs. There are many options for a vaporizer, but amidst the most popular is the Vape Pen. This item is known for being easy to fit in your pocket or purse, thanks to its small, cylindrical shape. Little scent can be detected from the healing mist, so you can take your medicine without anyone being the wiser!
Seed Starts
The first step in growing cannabis from seed is Germination. This is a process of sprouting a seed after a long or short period of dormancy using a mix of water, temperature, time, oxygen and light. There are several methods you can employ to assist your seedling in breaking free of the confines of its hard, shiny shell. One technique that continues to be the most commonly used is the paper towel method. This can be done for free and uses a few items that are notoriously found around the homestead. Start by soaking your seeds and then lay them out on top of a damp piece of paper towel on a dinner plate. Cover your evenly spaced seeds with a second towel and then encase them with a second dinner plate placed face down. This dome holds the ideal moisture content to support your plant sprout. You will see results in as little as 24 hours and no longer than 48. Once your seedling is hatched, you can transplant it into its pot or garden plot. You will want to do this gently to avoid risk to the delicate young growth. Another option is to buy soil cubes. You can press your seed into the damp cube and transplant the whole unit once your plant starts to develop. Germination stations are also a popular tool, as they allow you to keep a close watch over your humidity levels to provide a precise environment for your valuable seeds.
Clones
At some point in your cultivation journey, you will stumble upon the perfect plant. Without much effort, it will grow into a monster with abundant, dense sticky buds. The aroma will be intoxicating in its own right and the glistening layer of trichomes is sure to be harboring incredible effects. You will find yourself wishing that all plants could be so advantageous! Well, the simple process of cloning cannabis plants can make it so. Cutting clones can be done with one tool, either a sharp pair of shears or a razor blade. Find a spot on your plant where a new branch is forming and then follow its stem down about five to eight inches. Make your cut and strip it of its leaves and nodes. This allows it to focus its energy on developing its new root system. You can increase the surface area for this root creation by splicing its end. Simply soak this cutting in water and watch it grow roots! You could opt to use one of the most advanced hydroponic systems to encourage healthy development of your clones. Purchase an aeroponic cloner kit to have all the necessary supplies on hand. They come with bulbs, hangers, a tent and conditioners to aid you in the process. Ultimately, you suspend your cutting in a soilless medium and then spray it with a nutrient laden solution. This helps with potent terpene development to ensure you get all the therapeutic benefits from your clone!
Headshop Merchandise
Headshops are retail establishments that sell a wide range of cannabis paraphernalia. There are only a few must-have items to enjoy your bud. Rolling Papers are used to hold your ground flower and lighters will help you get your joint smoking. Beyond that, there is little else you need. However, there are plenty of awesome tools to enhance your overall toking experience. Grinders are a nice addition, as they bust up your bud without getting sticky resin all over your fingers. Pipes are the next step. These contraptions consist of a bowl where you put your flower, and a pipe that the smoke travels down before entering your mouth. You can find ceramic, wood, and glass pipes or invest in water cooled pipes that cool the smoke before it enters your lungs. You can purchase screens that block ash and plant matter from being sucked into your mouth as well. Bongs are another useful tool. These devices filter the smoke through water for a smoother, cleaner toke. Down Pipes are delicate tubes the smoke travels through before hitting the water. They are delicate and often break but come in a standard size so you can replace them without needing to purchase a whole new bong. Dab Rigs are comparable to a bong but are used primarily for smoking concentrates and oils. Powerful butane powered Torches deliver sufficient heat to burn these products effectively for consumption. All these tools can be purchased to aid you in a more enjoyable session.
Kratom
Kratom is another plant that has hit the alternative medicine scene. Although it has been used for thousands of years in its native southeast Asia, it is just starting to gain momentum in America. It is a tropical evergreen plant that has its origins in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its botanical name is Mitragyna speciosa and it is a member of the Rubiaceae family along with other infamous plants like coffee and gardenia. There are three species available for purchase. They all have the same active ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and deliver the popular Kratom effects. Borneo Reserve is the classic, traditional red veined strain from mainland Borneo. Bali Reserve is another red veined strain, but this is a fast-growing plant with larger leaves and a unique aroma. The third species is Enhanced Malay. This is the most sought after as it is the only green veined strain on the market. All of these plants deliver similar effects. Low doses act as a stimulant by increasing alertness and physical energy. It is not uncommon to feel chatty, so this could be a superb choice for social engagements. In large doses, this plant acts similarly to an opiate by working to eradicate pain. In fact, it is most commonly used to assist in opioid withdrawal. You can consume this plant by chewing or smoking the leaves, steeping them to make Kratom tea or drying and grinding them to fill Kratom capsules.
Psilocybin Mushrooms
If you are looking for another alternative medicine that is quickly gaining recognition for supporting mental health conditions, you may wish to explore Magic Mushrooms. These are hallucinogens that deliver comparable effects to those of the synthetic drug, LSD. Depending on the species and dose, you can experience a range of effects. Some effects are as profound as seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not present, while lower doses will work to heighten emotions and senses while providing mental and emotional clarity. Ongoing research is showing evidence for the support of issues like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder through the use of shrooms. These have been used for thousands of years and there are around 200 different species. Although use is not yet legal in the United States, the most common species found throughout the country is psilocybe semilanceata. Their use has been decriminalized in Denver, Colorado and Oakland, California and we imagine it will not be long before their use is more widely accepted and widespread as is the case with cannabis. Psybin Mushrooms can be consumed in several ways. You can eat them raw or cooked, you can steep them to make tea, or you can grind them to fill capsules or make tablets. The effects take 15 to 45 minutes to kick in and last anywhere from four to six hours.
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