Colorful fall leaves are showing in Colorado early this year. So the time to get out and go is now, and (unsurprisingly) the place to be is the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.
Jump into the season with cannabis. Check dispensaries near you.
Watching the changing of the leaves is even better when the experience is enhanced with cannabis. So I took a trip through the heart of aspen territory with Jon Kell—a professional guide—to peep the colors. But before you head to the Rockies, check out these mountain dispensaries on your way up.
Aspen: Silverpeak Apothecary
(Courtesy of Silverpeak Apothecary)
Silverpeak Apothecary is more than just a dispensary—it’s an experience. Called “the Tiffany’s of weed” by regulars, Silverpeak features stunning displays, informative budtenders, and high-quality buds. They even have clean bathrooms and a snack bar onsite (The 520 Grill).
“It’s all about providing a great experience,” said our budtender, Ryan, who also told us where the local leaves were popping.
Silverpeak cannabis grows just down the road in Basalt, Colorado. And by recommendation, we were offered the cerebral strain Dragon, perfect for taking in vivid colors and fresh air.
Insider tip: With informative budtenders, lots of medicinal products, and a selection of cannabis pharmacology books, Silverpeak is a great destination for newbies.
View Silverpeak Apothecary’s Menu
Breckenridge: Organix
At the edge of Breckenridge sits a strip mall of weed that’s affectionately known as “the green mile.” Although tourists go to all the dispensaries, Organix is the local smoker’s pot shop of choice.
Andrew recommended Blue Dream for peeping changing leaves, and it truly made the aspens look dreamy.
Find Blue Dream Nearby
Insider tip: If you want to buy cannabis in Breckenridge during the busy season, budget in some extra time—despite the plethora of shops in the area, there’s typically a wait just to get in the door.
View Organix Menu
Carbondale: High Q
(Courtesy of High Q)
High Q in Carbondale sells high-quality flower grown in live soil with organic pesticides. Their Bruce Banner pre-roll, recommended by budtender Lark, really hit my leaf-peeping spot. But my favorite find at High Q was the Eyce Sidecar. At only $70, this silicone rig makes dabbing easy, even if you’re going off-road.
Find Bruce Banner Nearby
Insider tip: Check out Slow Groovin’ BBQ in Marble, Colorado for a delicious after-trek meal.
View High Q’s Menu
Crested Butte: Backcountry Cannabis Company
Backcountry Cannabis Company in Crested Butte (formerly the Breckenridge Cannabis Club) has almost a decade of cultivation and extraction experience in the High Rockies. BCC cannabis is grown in Oak Creek, using indoor soil-based organic practices. As the retail outlet for Kayak Cannabis, BCC has great prices on Kayak concentrates, Kayak caviars, and Cheeba Chews (made exclusively with Kayak concentrates).
Behind the counter, Tom suggested a Chemdawg Kayak Caviar Joint for the mountains. A combination of Chemdawg bud, oil, and kief, this pre-roll made for a potent autumnal experience.
Find Chemdawg Nearby
Insider tip: If you’re hungry in Crested Butte, check out The Last Steep—their Bloody Mary bar and jerk chicken are positively mouthwatering.
View Backcountry Cannabis Company’s Menu
Glenwood Springs: The Green Joint
(Courtesy of The Green Joint)
The Green Joint is so proud of their cannabis farm in Rifle, Colorado that their reception area features photos and a video of their grow.
Chelsea recommended Clementine, a high-energy strain with no raciness. I bought their 4-joint special for $25 and wasn’t disappointed.
The Green Joint also has dispensaries in Rifle, Aspen, and Parachute.
Find Clementine Nearby
Insider tip: For a less touristy experience, Chelsea also recommended Iron Mountain Hot Springs over the more crowded Glenwood Springs.
View The Green Joint’s Menu
Vail: High Country Healing
High Country Healing cares about educating their customers—they are the only dispensary I know of that has a vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free menu.
High Country Healing divides theirs bud into five distinct varieties based on effect. Christian offered Gold Label (euphoric, creative, focused) before a colorful hike, and Purple Label (zen, relaxing, peaceful) for relaxing afterwards.
I also decided to buy some delicious and unique Jade & Jane’s cupcakes which were the perfect edible at 10,000 feet.
Insider tip: If you show the budtender your medical card, High Country Healing with give you a 30% discount.
View High Country Healing’s Menu
