Skip to main content

Newbies at the Dispensary – It’s Easier Than You Think

Welcome to Colorado, where the Green Revolution is real. For those of us who have been here for a while, the frustrating, time-sapping and often shady chore of finding weed is a distant memory. But for those of us who are new to recreational marijuana, emerging from the shadows and entering a state sanctioned dispensary can be intimidating, to say the least.

As a budtender we see the full spectrum of dispensary customers; the newbies with visibly trembling hands to the highly experienced smoker, gently schooling their budtender with inexhaustible knowledge. The thing to remember is that we are here to help. Our team is small, tightly knit and committed to the physical and mental benefits of the products we sell.

The first thing you’ll notice once you make it to the counter is that the weed in labeled jars is now called ‘flower’ and organized according to Indica and Sativa. Have no fear, you have just found perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of legal pot: you can now work with different strains to engineer the type of high you want, and all you really need to remember is that Sativas are stimulating and Indicas make you relaxed. Amazing, really.

On the engineering side of things it gets more complicated than that, but marijuana is meant to be enjoyed first and foremost, so stress not. That knowledge will come in time. Using your newly found understanding of Indica and Sativa as a guide, let your eyes and nose do the rest when looking for flower. Take your time to smell all of the strains your budtender recommends based on your objectives, and look to see if the buds look crystally, richly colorful and energetic.

One of those corny truisms about pot is that ‘ the nose knows’. Later on in your marijuana journey you’ll begin to discover the mysteries of terpenes and you just might find that the smells you are most attracted to in your flower are related to the medical benefits found in the terpenes that create those smells.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves. For now, sniff away – your job is to experiment! Our strains do rotate, but after a short while you will become familiar with common strains and that gives you a feel for the new strains they are cross-bred into. Discuss your experiences with your budtender and let them help guide you towards the best strains for you.

You will notice a plethora of products on display at the counter. This is especially relevant for any newbie who wants to avoid having to smoke, or for customers who want a smell-free smoke. If this is the case, Indica and Sativa are still important terms to know. Your budtender will take you through all of the rules and regulations regarding each type of consumption method – smoking, ingesting, and topical applications.

If your mental mathematical database for marijuana is limited to the break-down of an ounce, you will be faced with new multiples regarding dosage and purchase limitations. Listen to your budtender, trust your budtender, and you will not be led astray.

Marijuana is many things to many people, and at The Greenery we want to help you explore what marijuana can mean for you. Therefore purchasing it must be done in an environment that is safe, friendly and fun. We strive to provide this for all of our customers. Being a newbie can be a wonderful experience if you’re not afraid to take that first step and come in and say hello!

5 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Cotton Mouth

It’s plagued pot smokers for centuries. That awful feeling of a completely dry and barren mouth. Ugh…what an terrible way to spend the next two hours of your life. Will switching to edibles actually solve this problem? I’m afraid not, the inhalation of smoking is not what causes cotton mouth. It’s actually the THC that causes it.


What causes cotton mouth?

I am going to explain this in the most simple way possible. If you would like a more in-depth analysis, check out the following website http://www.truthonpot.com/2013/08/04/the-science-behind-cotton-mouth/

AS IT TURNS OUT, BOTH TYPES OF CANNABINOID RECEPTORS (CB1 AND CB2) ARE PRESENT IN THE SUBMANDIBULAR GLANDS – A PAIR OF GLANDS LOCATED BENEATH THE FLOOR OF THE MOUTH THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING ABOUT 70% OF OUR SALIVA.

WHEN A CANNABINOID LIKE THC BINDS TO ITS RECEPTOR, THE SUBMANDIBULAR GLANDS STOP RECEIVING MESSAGES FROM THE PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM TELLING THEM TO PRODUCE SALIVA – RESULTING IN AN EXPERIENCE THAT PERHAPS ONLY A MOUTH FULL OF COTTON COULD REPLICATE.

 

While there is no medical solution to re-activate your saliva glands yet…here are a few tips that will help you in the meantime, while science catches up.


Simple Remedies:

Drinking water is poured into a glass.lemonadeLollipops in jar on wooden tableyoung girl in the bathroom body careWoman using breath freshener

Water or ice – They won’t reactivate your saliva glands, but at least they will provide some moisture to your mouth. Cold water or ice has the added benefit of cooling the mouth and reducing sensitivity.

A nice big glass of lemonade – Some people believe that lemons cause your glands to constrict, causing less saliva. Actually, they activate the saliva glands. A nice cool glass of lemonade is will leave your mouth refreshed.

Lifesavers, gum, lollipops – These tasty treats all help produce saliva in your mouth, really any candy that you can suck on helps.

Brush your teeth – This helps bring moisture to your mouth and also activate the saliva glands as well. In addition there is a placebo effect that the minty taste of the toothpaste helps the effect of cottonmouth

Biotene® If you want to try a more medical approach, give Biotene a try. This product is available in mouthwash, gel, spray and toothpaste. People that suffer from chronic dry mouth state that it actually helps relieve their symptoms. You can pick up Biotin at a local pharmacy or by visiting http://www.biotene.com

*Disclaimer: Simple remedies are not scientifically proven and are anecdotal at best. Our suggestions are based on our opinions and not any scientific facts.

Have a recommendation you want to share? Log in and comment below

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Best Places To Pack A Bowl & Chill In Durango

Before you get too excited about me revealing pot-friendly businesses in Durango, or places where you can kick back and light up…you need to know this: Consuming marijuana in public is illegal in the state of Colorado. That’s right! You can buy it, possess it and even show it off to your friends, but you cannot consume it publicly. It has to be on private property. Yes, this law includes the ski resorts too, such as Purgatory, formerly know as Durango Mountain Resort. It also includes all federal land, including national forests.  And, for good measure, I’ll mention that driving while impaired is illegal, too. Just in case you missed all the warnings about driving while impaired.

OK, now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. So where can you blaze up a tasty joint or kick down a few gummies?

I can’t really say where you can light up … but I can share with you the best activities to do while you are in Durango, Colorado!

hiking in Durango co

Hiking

Hiking with a nice buzz is a fantastic way to relax and get some exercise. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how peaceful and serene the forest is. Durango has no shortage of hiking trails. One of the local favorites is Hog’s Back Mountain. Climb this scenic trail for an incredible view of the city of Durango. If you are looking for something a little more laid back, I would recommend a nice stroll down the Colorado Trail.


Group of friends having backyard dinner party on sunny summer afternoon. Sitting gathered around a table under a tree. Talking and having fun, while eating and drinking some wine and beers. One of the guys is in sharp focus. Applied LUT in post.

Chilling with your friends

Bringing a nice bottle of wine or a 12 pack of SKA Pinstripes is always in good taste in Durango. Now, step it up a bit with some nice Afghani Kush.


Beautiful young woman washing dishes. Shot made during Istockalypse Paris 2016 event.

Clean the House

Someone should conduct a study on clean houses and the correlation with the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. It’s a chore that needs to be done, why not spice it up a bit? Turn on your favorite tunes, grab the vacuum and get busy.  Your wife / husband / roommate / dog will love you for it!


Relaxing mature couple doing shopping on line

Watch Movies

Some movies were just meant to be watched high. My personal favorites are Sausage Party, The Big Lebowski and of course … Beavis and Butthead. Grab a big bag of popcorn, roll up a joint and enjoy.


Band playing at a live concert, shallow depth of field

Concerts

Being high at a concert is so common, you might as well join the crowd. Durango hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Check out the concert schedule here


composite image

Breweries

Durango is the Napa Valley of micro breweries. There are seven of them in Durango. Each with it’s own unique style and selection of beer. The breweries often host live music and offer delicious food. Watch for a future article where we pair weed with our favorite beers at the local breweries.

Click here for a list of the local breweries


Beef steak with grilled vegetables served on white plate

Food

Durango often boasts that they have the greatest number of restaurants per capita in the US. Now, I can’t say for sure if this still holds true, but I can tell you that there is abundant amount of quality places to eat in Durango.

Click here for a list of local restaurants


Meditation and yoga practice at sunset or sunrise.

Yoga

Yoga is known for it’s ability to calm the mind and relax the body. It’s a tranquil experience a wonderful way to keep in shape and relax. Durango offers many types of yoga classes!

Click here for a list of local Yoga classes


feature

Vacation Rentals

Visiting Durango and looking for a “420 friendly” place to stay? Airbnb has a few listings available. Hopefully this list will grow in the future.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3238563

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3677066


Want to learn more? Below are some references about marijuana usage in Colorado:

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/marijuanainfodenver/residents-visitors

https://www.coloradopotguide.com/

New Extended Hours

Durango Marijuana Dispensary new hours

Starting September 1, 2016, The Greenery in Durango, Colorado will be open for an extra 2 hours on most days!

The Durango City Council recently voted to allow all marijuana dispensaries to stay open past the original 8:00pm cutoff time.
Colorado law currently allows marijuana dispensaries to stay open until 12:00am, but the Councilors have compromised on 10:00pm, due to safety concerns. (http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20160719/NEWS01/160719556/-1/taxonomy/Extension-of-marijuana-shop-hours-clears-first-City-Council-hurdle)
Below are the new operating hours for The Greenery:
Monday:  9am – 9:50 pm
Tuesday:  9am – 7:50 pm
Wednesday:  9am – 7:50 pm
Thursday:  9am – 9:50 pm
Friday:  9am – 9:50 pm
Saturday:  10am – 9:50 pm
Sunday:  10am – 7:00 pm

The Greenery is located at 208 Parker Ave, Suite E, Durango, CO 81303

Got questions? You can reach your Best Buds at (970) 403-3710 or info@durangogreenery.com

Harsh Hits Getting You Down? O.penVAPE Has You Covered

O.penVAPE at The Greenery Durango CO

Harsh Hits Getting You Down? O.penVAPE Has You Covered!

This simple and fun device is a revolution in recreational marijuana. Instead of burning cannabis flower, O.penVAPE vaporizes THC oil. This creates a smooth, enjoyable hit with much less odor. 

The O.penVAPE is built on vaping technology, so if you are familiar with vaping, you already know the benefits and how enjoyable  it is. You’ll love that O.penVAPE offers a lifetime warranty on their batteries.
For those who have not used a vaping product before, get ready to be delighted!  It’s incredibly convenient and discrete, ready to go when you are. Just start inhaling and the O.penVAPE does the work for you. No lighting, no packing, no mess – just toke and go.
Here’s a quick review from one of The Greenery’s customers, Jared:
“I love the sensation of inhaling, but I was looking for something more discrete. The vape pen hits the mark!”

O.penVAPE will be at The Greenery in Durango on July 6th!

Stop by and give the O.penVAPE a try, meet the great staff from O.penVAPE and grab some free swag!
Get a FREE battery with the purchase of two O.penVAPE oil cartridges!

To celebrate this event, The Greenery is offering 15% off all concentrates.

208 Parker Ave, Durango, CO
What: 
O.penVAPE Meet & Greet At The Greenery
When: 
Wednesday, July 6, 2016,  3pm – 5pm
Where: 
The Greenery, 208 Parker Ave, Suite E, Durango CO 81303
Share this event on Facebook!

 OpenVape2

Top Questions:

Q:  How long does an oil cartridge last?
A:  The O.penVAPE cartridges gives you about 125 puffs per 250mg.
Q:  Is the battery rechargeable?
A:  Yes, the O.penVAPE battery comes with a USB charger. The light on the top blinks when the battery needs to be recharged.
Q:  What do I do with it when I am done?
A:  You can either replace the cartridge or simply dispose of the unit. Great if you are just visiting Durango for a short period of time.
Q:  What oils are available for the O.penVAPE?
A:  Sativa, Indica and Hybrid are all available. Also available in O.penVAPE Reserve, which is 100% Cannabis oil.
Click here to watch a great video about the dual logic O.penVAPE and learn more!

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Extended Marijuana Dispensary Hours on the Horizon in Durango!

Extended Marijuana Dispensary Hours on the Horizon in Durango

Extended Marijuana Dispensary Hours on the Horizon in Durango!

Marijuana may be much more available in Durango, Colorado, if all goes as proposed.

On June 14, 2016, the Durango city council discussed the possibility of extending Durango medical and recreational marijuana dispensary operating hours to midnight.

Currently, a Durango ordinance, as well as the Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) rules, state that dispensaries can operate only between 8 am and 8 pm, though the Colorado state regulations allows marijuana dispensaries to stay open until midnight.
In an effort to raise more tax dollars and compete with the black market, the Durango city staff is proposing this LUDC amendment to the Planning Commission on June 27, 2016 and to the City Council on July 19, 2016. If the new ordinance passes, the change will take effect August 31, 2016.
To see the full agenda for the meeting, click here.

Additional Source: http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20160614/NEWS01/160619777/Marijuana-shops-could-have-extended-hours

California Recreational Marijuana Initiative on the Verge

California Recreational Marijuana Legalization

California Recreational Marijuana Initiative on the Verge

The Golden State is on its way to legalizing the recreational use of cannabis! (California 2016 ballot propositions 5/14/16).
Throughout history California has been an innovator in progressive cannabis culture. The state decriminalized marijuana in 1975 and in 1996 they became the first to legalize medicinal marijuana. Now, they are taking another step to legalize cannabis for the recreational user.

In November, 2016 the legalization of recreational marijuana will be on California’s ballot.

Lieutenant governor Gavin Newsom leads a group of proponents that have gathered over 600,000 petition signatures, more than meeting the 365,880 requirement. (CAL NORML Guide to the Adult Use of Marijuana Act of 2016 AUMA, 5/24/16).
This movement, coined the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (“AUMA”), would take California into the same leagues as Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Washington D.C. This grass roots movement wants to pass legislation which includes allowing a person 21 or over to possess as much as one ounce of marijuana for private recreational use, also allowing for personal marijuana cultivation of up to six plants.
The act would establish a system to license, regulate, and tax recreational marijuana dispensaries, while allowing individual cities the right to govern sales within city limits. Accordingly, hundreds of millions of dollars would be set aside for substance abuse prevention and treatment, law enforcement, and research. (CAL NORML Guide to the Adult Use of Marijuana Act of 2016 AUMA, 5/24/16).
Although heading in the right direction, California voters failed to legalize marijuana in the recent past by rejecting Proposition 19 in 2010. It was defeated with 53.5% voters voting against and 46.5% voting for the proposition. If passed it would have had similar guidelines to the AUMA, legalizing various marijuana related endeavors and permitting local governments to regulate said activities. Supporters argued, as they do now, that regulation and taxation would help with California’s budget shortfall, would redirect law enforcement resources to more dangerous crimes, and would reduce a source of funding for drug cartels. (California Proposition 19, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative).
The vote in November is the next step California is taking to move into the arena of states that have increased statewide revenue and jobs, while decreasing opiate related deaths and domestic abuse (The Progressive Cynic, 8/29/2014).

“This November, California voters will finally have the opportunity to pass smart marijuana policy that is built on the best practices of other states, includes the strictest child protections in the nation and pays for itself while raising billions for the state,”  Lt. Governor Newsom said in a recent statement.

The California Medical Association touts the measure saying “the most effective way to protect the public health is to tightly control, track and regulate marijuana and to comprehensively research and educate the public on its health impacts, not through ineffective prohibition.” (CA Medical Association Announces Support for Responsible Marijuana Ballot Initiative, 2/1/16, para. 5)

Marijuana & Pesticides in Colorado

Marijuana Plants - Durango CO

Marijuana & Pesticides in Colorado

Many of you have probably read about the rise in pesticide recalls in Colorado’s retail marijuana & marijuana products. This may have you wondering: is Colorado’s marijuana safe?
This is the first in a series in which we explore pesticides in the Colorado marijuana industry. The aim of this post is to provide you with some insight into what requirements are placed on marijuana dispensaries and cannabis cultivation businesses when it comes to pesticide application. The second post in the series will explore how the pesticide requirements have affected Colorado dispensaries.
On November 12, 2015, Governor Hickenlooper issued Executive Order D 2015-015, sometimes referred to as the “Zero Tolerance” executive order.  This executive order directed Colorado state agencies to address threats to public safety posed by marijuana contaminated by pesticides.
The executive order calls out a few important points:
• The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulates pesticides in the United States;
• Given that marijuana is a schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act, the EPA has neither:
(a) assessed the potential hazards associated with the use of pesticides on marijuana; or
(b) authorized application of particular pesticides to marijuana
Colorado also regulates pesticide applications through the Colorado Pesticide Applicator’s Act (“PAA”). PAA prohibits use of pesticides inconsistent with the EPA’s labels and directions.

Therein lies the predicament:  Colorado’s PAA relied on directive from the EPA, but the EPA had not provided guidance on pesticide application for marijuana because it is still an illegal drug at the federal level.

As a result of the executive order, and in an effort to develop a list of pesticides that would be permitted for use on marijuana, the CDA consulted with the EPA. Specifically, as stated above the PAA and the  Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) require that all pesticides be applied in strict accordance with the label directions for the particular product. The heart of the issue is that pesticide labels identify the type of “crop” for which the the pesticide is permitted to be used.  At this time, there are no pesticides listing “cannabis” as a crop on the label.
Thus, the CDA created a list of pesticides that are permitted to be used on marijuana. That list is regularly updated and can be found on the CDA’s website. In testing marijuana, should the CDA find any trace of a pesticide that is not on the approved list, the marijuana will be placed on hold, likely resulting in a recall.
In the next post in this series, we will explore how these strict pesticide application rules have affected marijuana dispensaries across the state of Colorado.

2016 Presidential Candidates Views on Marijuana Legalization

2016 Presidential Election and Marijuana

2016 Presidential Candidates Views on Marijuana Legalization

With the current presidential candidates dwindling down in numbers, we here at The Greenery in Durango, Colorado have to wonder what changes could affect our recreational marijuana dispensary with the general election right around the corner.
Let’s take a look at the three candidates who are still in the race to see where they stand on the legalization of marijuana:

Donald Trump (R)

He could be one of the most interesting candidates to run for president of the United States to date. Trump’s view on the legalization of marijuana has changed just a few times:
Back in 1990 at a speech in Miami, Florida he once said We’re losing badly on the war on drugs. You have to legalize drugs to win that war. You have to take the profit away from these drug czars.”Sarasota Herald- Tribune April 14, 1990.
At the Conservative Political Action Conference in June 2015 in discussing the legalization of marijuana, Trump stated “I say it’s bad. Medical marijuana is another thing, but I think it’s bad, and I feel strongly about it,” further stating “[T]hey have got a lot of problems going on right now in Colorado. Some big problems.” Washington Post, June, 2015
More recently Trump expressed his opinion of medical marijuana legalization versus recreational marijuana legalization. After Nevada legalized medical marijuana in October 2015, Trump was speaking at a rally outside of Reno and stated “Marijuana is such a big thing… I think medical should happen – right? Don’t we agree? I think so. And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states.”Washington Post, October 29, 2015
So where does Trump stand? On the Bill O’Reilly show in February 2016 when asked about his position on marijuana legalization in Colorado:  “I would, I would really want to think about that one Bill because in some ways, I think it’s good and in other ways, it’s bad.” – Bill O’Reilly show, February 10, 2016
All in all, it seems Trump supports each state’s right to vote on medical marijuana, but as far recreational use and legalization goes, it’s hard to tell officially where Trump stands.
Thus, we at The Greenery agree with the Marijuana Policy Project and give him a C+ rating for his views on the legalization of marijuana.

Hillary Clinton (D)

Hillary Clinton has a more solid stance, but will not firmly state whether she supports or opposes marijuana legalization. She does believe marijuana needs to be dropped from a Federal Schedule I Drug to a Schedule II so it can be further researched. – Claflin University on Nov. 7, 2015
Hillary historically indicated that she wants to take the “wait and see” approach to the legalization of marijuana.  She once stated: “I’m a big believer in acquiring evidence, and I think we should see what kind of results we get, both from medical marijuana and from recreational marijuana, before we make any far-reaching conclusions…We need more studies. We need more evidence. And then we can proceed.”  – CNN Politics, October 16, 2014
When recently ask if she has taken a stance on marijuana legalization, Hillary responded “No. I think that we have the opportunity through the states that are pursuing recreational marijuana to find out a lot more than we know today. I do support the use of medical marijuana, and I think even there we need to do a lot more research so that we know exactly how we’re going to help people for whom medical marijuana provides relief.” 2016 Democratic Presidential Debate, October 13, 2015
In addition, Hillary indicated her support for Colorado and said: “I really believe it’s important that states like Colorado lead the way, so that we can learn what works and what doesn’t work. And I would certainly not want the federal government to interfere with the legal decision made by the people of Colorado, and enforced by your elected officials, as to how you should be conducting this business that you have approved.” MSNBC, October 14, 2015
While Hillary doesn’t seem to have committed to a particular stance on the legalization of marijuana, she has recently said that she supports states moving toward medical marijuana and moving toward legalizing it for recreational use. – Jimmy Kimmel Live, March 24, 2016.
Hillary’s support for the state of Colorado’s legalization of marijuana is a positive sign despite her failure to take an official stance on the legalization of marijuana at the federal level.
We again agree with the Marijuana Policy Project’s rating of a B for Hillary as it relates to her viewpoints on the legalization of marijuana.

Bernie Sanders (D)

Bernie’s has “burned” before: the politician admitted that he tried marijuana twice in his life, ultimately deciding it wasn’t for him. – Washington Post, June 2, 2015
As of now, Bernie Sanders supports each state’s decision to legalize marijuana medical and recreational marijuana use. With that, he also supports federal legalization of marijuana in addition to lifting the federal prohibition, allowing states to decide whether to legalize.  This would also allow marijuana businesses and entrepreneurs to have access to the banking system. – Vice News, October 29, 2015
Bernie is also proclaimed to be a co-sponsor for the Marijuana Businesses Access to Banking Act of 2015, which provides a safe harbor for financial institutions providing depository services to legitimate marijuana businesses. – US Congress, July 9, 2015
Check out Bernie’s website for further information on his stance regarding the marijuana legalization and the war on drugs.
Given Bernie’s consistent stance on the legalization of marijuana for both recreational and medical use, Bernie gets an A rating from The Greenery when it comes to his views on this issue.