I tried marijuana as a young teenager but I never really liked it. It made me feel quiet and uncomfortable–two things I personally don’t enjoy feeling. Because I decided weed wasn’t for me…after that, my friends would smoke around me but I’d never partake. It wasn’t until the age of 22, when I experienced some debilitating anxiety attacks, that I decided to give weed another go.
Since then, weed has become a very effective tool for me when it comes to managing my anxiety and anxiety related issues. I tried a cocktail of medications in the past that left me feeling worse in other ways. Although there is no cure for my anxiety, weed has been an incredible relief aid.
When I Bought Weed Legally
I was excited when I found out Colorado had passed their amendment 64 for recreational. I have good friends who live in Breckenridge, Colorado and I go visit them once a year or so to shred or hike the mountains–depending on season. [and now to smoke weed;)]
The first time I bought weed legally was in Breckenridge at a smaller, mom-and-pop feel store. To be honest, I felt a little nervous my first time! It felt a bit taboo going into a store to purchase weed! But, all of the employees were so kind and I quickly felt at ease.
You enter the dispensary through a small room where you get your ID checked. They like to limit the number of customers in the actual dispensary at a time to provide fast service and ample time for questions.
Such choice! Much weed!
Once in the actual dispensary, I spoke with a very nice lady. A ‘budtender’ I think they call ‘em! She chatted with me about a TON of different strains. We talked about what they smelt and tasted like, their plant lineage (because that’s a thing-cool!), and what ailments they would be beneficial for.
I was even able to snag a quick sniff of each strain, which was cool because they all smell so different and interesting! I felt comfortable explaining to her what I was looking for in a strain–something to help with my anxiety. She hooked me with up with something named Granddaddy Purple. And, oh boy! It was phenomenal!
Granddaddy Purple helped me to feel calm and clear-headed, something I look for in my strains. She did explain to me that strains are not a one size fits all. And, what worked for me won’t necessarily work for everyone.
The shop was clean and bright and the mood felt happy. It was a very relaxing experience. All the employees seemed to really love what they do and it’s fun being in a store that has an environment like that.
Marijuana Concentrates and More
They also had all sorts of concentrates–which are very potent extracts. I was impressed with all the colors concentrates came in. Some were quite green while others were a bright orange or yellow. My budtender explained that concentrates can look very different depending on the strain used to make them.
There were so many different marijuana-infused products! They had a diverse range of candies, from chocolates to sour and gummy. They had weed peanut butter and granola bars. They also had things like weed chapstick and lotions!
My favorite, by far, was the cannabis-infused soda. At some shops, you can find a 90mg soda. It’s potency makes for a good shot glass sized serving. I thought the soda tasted yummy and not too ‘weedy’. It seemed to deliver THC into my system at the perfect pace. I would highly recommend them!
I think these unexpected products and fun finds were the most interesting and exciting part of my experience. It seems the legalization of cannabis has really opened the door for new products and ideas.
Reflections of a More Experienced Weed Man
After my first experience at a dispensary, I felt much more comfortable entering others. I’ve come to find that they are all different. Some shops are very high-tech, full of iPods and folks dressed all in black. Other shops are more low-key and have more of a ‘hippie’ vibe. What I have noticed is, regardless of which shop I go to, I always feel that I am speaking with somebody who knows what they are talking about.
I am happy I went to a smaller shop for my first experience. I’ve since been to about 10 different dispensaries. I felt, with the smaller shop, I received a more personal experience and I didn’t feel as rushed by something like a long line.
I’ve come to realize my issue when I first tried cannabis all those years ago is that I was always consuming way too much at a time! When you have no tolerance, just one lil puff will do ya! You won’t need any more than that.
The Green Future
I am really happy I decided to give weed another shot. Nothing has helped to ease my anxiety as quickly and with little side effect, the way weed has. It always such an enjoyable experience to legally purchase weed at the dispensaries in Colorado. I look forward to checking out new shops and new cannabis products when I visit next.
I also look forward to checking out future dispensaries in other states as time progresses and legalization moves forward. I’m curious to see what special touch each state can add to the ever-growing list of cannabis products! It’s exciting to imagine what they’ll think of next! If you haven’t had a chance yet to check out a dispensary, I highly encourage you to do so. You definitely won’t be disappointed!
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