Colorado cannabis is heating up as 4/20 approaches, with plenty of pot-friendly classes and parties happening across town this week and the NoCo Hemp Expo taking place in Estes Park. But let's not forget about mushrooms, either, as Westword prepares to host its first-ever psychedelics panel and conversation at the Mercury Cafe this Thursday. Find out more below:
Westword Mushroom Panel
Thursday, April 11, 5 to 7 p.m.
Mercury Cafe
2199 California Street
Just over a decade after Colorado took the first step into recreational cannabis sales, we're going through a similar trip with legal psychedelics. And, as with cannabis legalization, questions are burning through Colorado about what is allowed and what isn't. Westword News Editor Thomas Mitchell and a panel of experts will walk you through these questions and more as part of a members-only discussion and Q&A at the Mercury Cafe. Become a Westword member by supporting our journalism and giving any amount. After you become a member, you'll get an email with the free invite. Already a member? Watch your inbox for the invite; spots are limited.
NoCo Hemp Expo
Thursday, April 11, through Saturday, April 13
Estes Park Events Complex
1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park
Immerse yourself in all things hemp at the NoCo Hemp Expo, one of the country's largest hemp trade shows. The three-day conference will have hundreds of vendors as well as dozens of discussion groups and keynote speakers ready to talk about current events and issues facing the hemp space. Functional mushrooms, sustainable building and health foods will have a place at the expo, as well. Find out more about attendance and tickets to see what day looks best for you (or attend all three) at the NoCo Hemp Expo's website.
Kush Krafters
Thursday, April 11, 4:20 to 7 p.m.
The Coffee Joint
1130 Yuma Court
It's arts, crafts and cannabis night at the Coffee Joint, Denver's only licensed and operating cannabis lounge. Learn more about attendance (21+) and admission details by calling the Coffee Joint at 720-583-4657. Be prepared to bring your own cannabis or buy something at the dispensary next door, and bring a vaporizer or e-dabber. The Coffee Joint is a vape-only establishment, and guests must bring their own cannabis.
High Rollers Game Night
Friday, April 12, 4 to 7 p.m.
The Coffee Joint
1130 Yuma Court
If you've never finished a game of Monopoly before, maybe you just haven't played in the right atmosphere. Perhaps it's time to add a little weed to the mix. Try it out at the Coffee Joint's game night this Friday. Learn more about attendance (21+) and admission details by calling the Coffee Joint at 720-583-4657.
Psychedelic Integration Group
Friday, April 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Denver HeartQuarters
925 East 17th Avenue
Join a soulful exploration with the Psychedelic Integration Circle at Denver HeartQuarters. Hosted by the HeartQuarters and Dose Denver, this group is open to all individuals working with psychedelic sacraments. The program, a mix
of "Western and holistic thought, ensures a consistent and aligned experience," according to Dose Denver, with licensed therapists, medicine keepers and shamans hanging around to offer guidance. After a meet-and-greet, there will be a circle opening, a sharing circle and an integration workshop. Tickets are $22.
UFC 300 Watch Party
Saturday, April 13, 6 to 11 p.m.
JAD's Mile High Smoke
7667 Washington Street
Catch all the action of UFC 300, from preliminary to title fights, at JAD's Mile High Smoke. The state's only licensed cannabis bar is showing the big night of fights with no cover charge, with Colorado's own Justin Gaathje participating in one of the headliners. All cannabis consumed at JAD's must be purchased at the bar, with non-infused snacks and drinks available also for sale. Learn more by calling JAD's at 303-993-5760.
Brush & Blaze
Monday, April 15, 7 to 10 p.m.
JAD's Mile High Smoke
7667 Washington Street
For $40, you'll get a canvas, painting supplies, artist instruction and a pre-roll to puff while painting — and if you want to wing it and get creative, that's fine, too. Get tickets (21+) for $40 each; learn more by calling the cannabis bar at 303-993-5760.
Ongoing cannabis events:
Mile High Loop Tour
Daily
Green Space Market Place
2590 Walton Street
Take a weed-friendly trip around the city, with stops including a local dispensary, the 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square, the Denver Art Museum and more. The tour starts and ends at Green Space Market Place in RiNo; tickets (21+) are $77 each.
RiNo Murals Tour
Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Green Space Market Place
2590 Walton Street
RiNo is a hot spot for Denver and art, so why not ride around in a weed-friendly bus while checking out some of the state's best murals and wall paintings? After stocking up at a nearby dispensary, the bus will show you around one of Denver's most popular art districts, joint in hand. Tickets (21+) are $77 each.
Elevate Yoga
Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.
Urban Sanctuary
2745 Welton Street
Five Points wellness studio Urban Sanctuary is hosting a plant-friendly yoga class for movement, healing and flow. Although herbal combustion is allowed (you must bring your own plant medicine), it's not required. Attendance (21+) is $22; learn more and RSVP with Meetup.
Toking & Tacos Tour
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Green Space Market Place
2590 Welton Street
This cannabis-friendly tour, set for two hours, will take you to a handful of Denver's hottest taco spots for samples — after you hit up a dispensary and burn one, of course. The tour starts and ends at Green Space Market Place in RiNo, so don't worry about driving. Tickets (21+) are $77 each.
Toker Poker
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6 p.m.
JAD's Mile High Smoke
7667 Washington Street
It's poker night every Wednesday and Saturday at JAD's Mile High Smoke, Colorado's only licensed cannabis bar. Get comfortable at the cards table and see how good your stoned bluffing really is. Entry is free and starts at 6 p.m., with the first hand dealt at 7 p.m. There will be a $150 cash prize for the winner, as well as product giveaways and discounts. There is no fee to enter JAD's (21+), but visitors may only consume cannabis products purchased inside the venue. Find out more on JAD's event page.
Seed to Sale Tour
Thursdays through Saturdays, noon and 6 p.m. (weekdays) and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (weekends)
Seed & Smith Denver
5070 Oakland Street
Ever wanted to learn more about the life of a cannabis plant? See what it takes to run a cannabis cultivation, processing lab and retail dispensary with Seed & Smith, a vertically integrated marijuana business. Check out the grow room, hold a pound of weed, and get plenty of free smells in. Tours (21+) are free, but you have to sign up online first.
Tokes and Brushstrokes
Saturdays
The Coffee Joint
1130 Yuma Court
Puff and paint at the Coffee Joint, Denver's only licensed pot lounge. For $55 ($65 the day of), students will receive instruction and painting supplies, but anyone wanting to consume cannabis must bring their own, as well as a vaporizer or dab rig (no smoking is allowed at the Coffee Joint). Find out more and buy tickets (21+) on Eventbrite.
Know of more marijuana events? Send information to [email protected].