Forget brunch or barbecue. You know what your dad really wants to do on Father’s Day: Go to a pot shop to learn about all the new strains that the kids (of legal age) are smoking these days.
For weed-curious dads and seasoned smokers alike, we’ve put together some dispensaries that might get him high, provide quick answers to his many questions — as well as quick retorts to his awkward jokes.
And to actually smoke marijuana or ingest any edibles, remember you’ll have to be on your own property or at a bud and breakfast or consumption cafe.
Be safe. Happy Father’s Day.
Groundswell, East Colfax
A sleek and stylish East Colfax dispensary that used to be home to an art gallery, Groundswell is the place where even the most uppity fathers will feel comfortable surrounded by marijuana. If window shopping isn’t in the cards, though, sign up for the shop’s loyalty program to pre-order and skip the line. Tip: On Sundays throughout the summer (including Father’s Day), the store is celebrating City Park Jazz by offering buy-two-get-one-for-a-penny Mountain High suckers.
3121 E. Colfax Ave., 303-309-0078; groundswelldenver.com; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Dank, Park Hill
Multiple (OK, two) fathers have verified Dank as dad-friendly. Dank prides itself on being “one of the cheapest dispensaries in Denver, without sacrificing quality and kindness,” according to its website. How dad-like. The vibe is modern enough but also relaxed enough for those laid-back fathers who will recall the good old days with their good old head shops.
3835 Elm St., 303-394-3265; dank-colorado.com; 8 a.m.-9:45 p.m. daily
Native Roots, multiple locations
Before bringing dad into one of Native Roots’ eight Denver-area locations, give him a primer on the brand’s website, which includes a thorough rundown of products, from 30 flower strains to a couple dozen edibles. For a perfect dad’s day outing, head to the Highland location, which is within walking distance of plenty of munchie stops like Little Man Ice Cream or Uncle Ramen.
2209 W. 32nd Ave., 720-287-1478; nativerootsdispensary.com; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Botanico, RiNo
Decade-old Botanico is a favorite among Larimer Street locals. It offers both express and private-service counters for customers who know what they’re looking for or those who are new to the process. For the more personalized option, one-on-one consultation rooms provide even more privacy so dad can ask all those dad questions. Bonus: It’s right on Larimer Street, so you can take him for a street art walking tour and a beer afterward.
3054 Larimer St., 303-297-2273; botanicommj.com; 9 a.m.-9:50 p.m. daily
Lucy Sky, multiple locations
This family of boutique shops has four locations around Denver, and we particularly like the South Broadway and Wash Park stores, located in a converted bungalow and on a pedestrian shopping street, respectively. Go for the knowledgeable “Cannabis Advisors,” the bright and homey atmosphere and strains cultivated by a two-time Northern California Cannabis Cup winner.
2394 S. Broadway, 720-379-7295; lucyskycannabisboutique.com; 8 a.m.-9:50 p.m. daily
Good Chemistry, multiple locations
A Colorado cannabis success story, Good Chemistry has expanded cultivation to Nevada and Massachusetts, with five facilities across the country now growing more than 60 strains of marijuana. Your dad might like S.T.A.T.S. guidance in evaluating good bud through sight, touch, aroma, taste and sensation. They’ll also help him pick out the best strain for his desired outcome — amplify, relax, relieve or sleep — depending on mood and symptoms.
1724 S. Broadway, 303-733-3113; goodchem.org; 8 a.m.-9:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-9:45 p.m. Sunday
Higher Grade, Golden Triangle
Fans rave about Higher Grade’s selection and quality, so take your connoisseur father here. The cannabis is all soil-grown, hand-trimmed and cured for at least three weeks. And for those dads who don’t want to roll their own joints, the pre-rolls are some of the best around. Visitors here can take dad to the nearby museums for art appreciation after their weed outing.
1269 Elati St., 303-993-4547; highergradeco.com; 8 a.m.-9:45 p.m. daily
Ascend, multiple locations
This is the place for dads who know their marijuana and need a next-level experience. Fans of Ascend tout its selection of live resin, a concentrate that preserves terpenes, which elevate flavor and aroma and sometimes heighten the psychoactive response. If this means nothing to you, you can still try out Ascend — the staff is friendly regardless of your pre-existing pot knowledge.
3555 S. Yosemite St., 720-482-3191; ascendcannabisco.com; 10 a.m.-9:50 p.m. daily
Diego Pellicer, Alameda
If dad likes his joints like he likes his cigars — stored in a wooden box — then this is the shop for him. With rich wood cabinets, reading lamps and those cigar boxes for marijuana holders, he might never leave the place. Take him to Diego Pellicer and then to lunch at a nearby Federal Boulevard restaurant for some of Denver’s best international food.
2949 W. Alameda Ave., 720-580-3726; co.diego-pellicer.com; 8 a.m.-9:45 p.m. daily
L’Eagle, Baker
Don’t let dad get stuck on the pronunciation of this one (read: legal). It’s a pioneer in the organic marijuana community that focuses on “clean cannabis,” and L’Eagle has been recognized locally and nationally for its efforts. A Certified Green Business by the Denver Department of Public Health and a Clean Green-certified facility by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this is the place to take your highest-of-standards (“But are they certified?”) fathers.
380 Quivas St., 303-825-0497; leagledenver.com; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Smokin Gun, Glendale
And for the most unique experience, there’s Smokin Gun Apothecary, where you can shop from inside a replica jail cell before buying from a Prohibition-era bank teller window. You’ll get lost in the historical paraphernalia and corresponding literature: ”Replica jail cell, Mississippi, circa 1941. For what you’re buying here today, you would have received a life sentence in Mississippi in 1941.” Someone’s dad is definitely into that.
492 S. Colorado Blvd., 720-519-0891; smokingunapothecary.com; 11 a.m.-midnight daily
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