A Guide to Aspen's Dispensaries
Image: Courtesy: Native Roots
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that cannabis was once illegal in Colorado—especially in a small ski town with multiple dispensaries in its downtown core alone. For tourists, a dispensary is often the first stop after wheels down, but with so many options it's hard to know where to go. Here is our guide (listed in alpha order, not ranked) and a few pro tips to make your visit to the high country even higher:
Green Dragon
409 E. Hyman Ave.
Located in the heart of downtown on the Hyman Avenue Mall, Green Dragon has a deep selection and, with 17 locations in Colorado, its cannabis is discounted more than most (locals love to head here for rotating specials like $10 eighths). A wall full of swag welcomes curious visitors to the shop's long bar, staffed with plenty of bud tenders so customers rarely have to wait. Recreational
The Green Joint
720 E DURANT AVE, Unit E-3
A family-owned and -operated shop, The Green Joint Aspen — located downtown at the base of Aspen Mountain — provides premium locally crafted cannabis in addition to an array of quality concentrates, cartridges, pods, pre-rolls, edibles, drinks, tinctures, and more. Recreational
Native Roots
308 S. Hunter St.
What began as a medical dispensary on the 16th Street Mall in Denver has since grown to more than 20 locations across the state. One of the largest chains of marijuana shops in the country, Native Roots's sleek interiors and signature black and white graphics have made it synonymous with a premium cannabis experience. Recreational & Medical
Roots Rx
400 E. Hyman Ave.
One of six locations along the I-70 corridor, the Aspen Roots RX store has a staff that's welcoming and informative on recommending edibles, accessories, and bud that’s “prescription strength, with no prescription needed.” It’s also known for competitive pricing. Recreational
Silverpeak
520 E. Cooper Ave.
The Silverpeak retail dispensary in downtown Aspen is complimented by a state-of-the-art greenhouse just outside Basalt, which produces flower for all of their affiliated dispensaries statewide. Look for a diverse selection from Silverpeak High Valley Farms, The Dab, and a popular lines of extracts. Recreational & Medical
Image: Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
Pro Tips
- The recreational sale of marijuana is strictly enforced to those 21+. IDs are checked upon arrival and then again at the counter, so be prepared—even if you’re 90.
- US citizens must have a valid state-issued driver’s license, passport, or military ID. Traveling from outside the US? Only a valid passport from your home country will get you in.
- Come with cash. Some shops accept debit cards, but none accept credit cards.
- Smoking is prohibited in public spaces, hotels, rental cars, bars, restaurants, etc. If reefer is the main reason for your trip, look into cannabis-friendly lodging options.
- PSA for those of you heading for the hills to shred powder or hit the hiking trails: most ski areas occupy federal land, where possession of marijuana is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Remember, though, there's a reason gondolas are dubbed "ganjulas"; lighting up is a commonly accepted part of mountain culture.
- Whether you’re a rookie or an expert, start slow—the grass is greener (i.e., stronger) in legal states. Consume with caution, know your tolerance, and play by the rules. Whatever you do, don't Maureen Dowd yourself.
- Traveling with marijuana is technically illegal—even if you're going to and from a recreational legal state—but TSA is known to turn a blind eye in some cases. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport has implemented amnesty boxes if you forget to ditch your stash before you hit security.
- Lingering paranoia? Give it to a friend or leave it as part of a tip to your hotel staff or rental house host. Worst-case scenario, they throw it out. Best case? You make their day.
