Denver’s 420 rally has been banned from Denver’s Civic Center Park for the next three years, but does anyone really care?

The ban comes after city council members say that the organizers of the Denver 420 rally/festival left the park a complete disaster, with trash strewn everywhere. While the city’s decision may seem to put a damper on things, the reality is that the spirit of 420 will live on…just somewhere else.

Complicated Circumstances

The circumstances surrounding the banning are questionable at best. While it is true that trash was indeed left in an ugly heap all around the 420 rally venue, how the trash got there may not have been the organizers fault. As fast as the reports of the incident hit social media, so did claims disputing the announcement. Dozens of local residents who either took part in the cannabis festival or were passers by, reported that when the event was concluded trash was cleaned up and the park was, for the most part, in order.

It Wasn’t Us

According to Miguel Lopez, the rally’s organizer, the problem came about when a man with a knife, intentionally tried to scuttle the efforts of the festival clean-up crew, who had already bagged up most of the trash. Around 80 to 120 bags were cut open and thrown around by the lone individual, who when confronted, pointed his knife at the workers.

Police were called around 2am to respond, Lopez says. The Denver PD showed up, but made no attempts at taking a report on the incident, a blatant violation of DPD policy. When questioned about it, they acknowledged they had responded but “didn’t know” anything else about the incident at the 420 rally .

Was it ever about the trash?

Despite the revelations by Lopez, the city wasted no opportunity to inject their own personal views on the Denver cannabis festival and the message it permeates. The ban was an opportunity the city council couldn’t pass up, yet it had very little to do with trash. According to Lopez, the ban is the city’s way of silencing the festival’s message. He plans to fight the ban, as the rally was pulled off without a hitch, until an act of sabotage spoiled the fun for everyone.

Another point of contention, according to Lopez, is that the 420 festival had until noon the next day to do clean-up, a deadline which was met. Lopez was also fined almost $12,000 for the incident, while according to the city, damages totaled only $190.

Here, there, 420 everywhere

The one thing that the city of Denver can count on is that the spirit of the 420 rally is not defined by its location. The 420 rally is about freedom, and embracing a culture of togetherness. It’s about loving your neighbor, and coming together as a community. The one thing that the city will never get is that cannabis unites people, and nothing will ever change that, no matter how hard they try.

Cannabis concentrates or marijuana extracts, are without question the new frontier of cannabis consumption. According to recent reports, the demand for concentrates in Colorado was up by nearly 125% for the first quarter of 2016 over the previous year.

Whats the deal with cannabis extracts?

The demand for cannabis extracts, also known as concentrates has sparked a wave of innovation and scientific advancement in extraction technology, and has resulted in a significant portion of the overall cannabis market sales. Cannabis extracts can be used in cooking and tinctures, but are primarily consumed by dabbing. Dabbing involves the vaporization of THC-rich cannabis oil, typically extracted from the trimmings of the cannabis plant. Extraction techniques involve the injection of high pressured gas, through cannabis trim, resulting in a concentrated oil, wax, or hard shatter.

Cannabis extract sales TerpX

While flower sales will always be popular, their growth pales in comparison to that of cannabis extracts who went from just under $27 million in early 2015 to over $60 million by the end of the first quarter of 2016. That sort of increase in market share undoubtedly caught the attention of would-be cannabis investors looking for the next big thing in the marijuana business.

Anyone familiar with extracts and dabbing knows about TerpX, the Colorado based concentrate company. Jordan Psigoda has taken his connoisseur concentrate brand TerpX to the High Times Cannabis Cup and come home with no less than five awards. Their Lemon Amnesia Shatter, Kosher OG, and San Lorenzo Valley OG have all made waves in the world of high end dabbing. But what goes into the best of the best of concentrates? According to Jordan, its all about terp profiles.

Why are cannabis extracts all the rage?

So why the cannabis extracts blowing up right now? Here’s the deal. Terpenes are the invisible hand behind the THC and cannabinoids that marijuana is usually known for. Terpenes are responsible for the incredible aromas, and scents we taste as we inhale our favorite strains. The various extraction processes that have come to be are able to isolate these terpenes, which have been shown to have a profound effect on our buzz. Various terpenes appear to have varying effects in not only our mood, but also in how THC and CBD interact with the body.

There are half dozen primary terpenes that make up the majority of cannabis flavors and aromas. These terpenes, however, do more than just affect taste and smell, they have a direct impact on our experience. For example, Limonene is what gives cannabis its citrusy scent. It is also believed that strains high in Limonene are more likely to have a soothing or relaxing effect. Myrcene is another terpene that has an earthy smell, and appears to increase the flow of THC and CBD through what is known as the blood-brain barrier. Terpenes, as it seem, are far more important to our understanding of cannabis than we previously could have imagined.

Cannabis concentrates are the future

The science of cannabis extraction has not only produced new methods and techniques, it has helped carve out an entirely new industry. The increased demand for cannabis extracts are evident in the numbers.  As cannabis sales continue to grow throughout the nation, extract sales are sure to follow. There will never be a shortage of cannabis consumers who want frosty green nuggets, however, extracts are sure to give flower sales a run for their money in the years to come. The growth of  concentrate sales and the development of advanced extraction technology marks a new era for an industry that is never short on innovation.

It’s a holiday weekend in Denver and it’s time to figure out what you’re going to do with that extra day. In an amazing city like Denver, there are so many fun activities and strains to smoke that it might seem overwhelming. Good news, we did the decision making for you. Here are our top five choices of fun things to do on your holiday weekend and the strains to bring along.

1. The Ogden Theater with Durban Poison

Concerts are the one of the best ways to celebrate life (and long weekends). Luckily, Denver‘s local music scene is always popping. For a good show, you’re going to need a strain that will energize you and won’t burn you out. This weekend Drive By Truckers are playing two nights at The Ogden Theater. You’re not going to want something that will let your mind wander with the music while your eyelids stay wide open. Durban Poison is a great choice for lofty head highs that won’t drain you of energy.  Durban Poison is a pure sativa that is strong and flavorful. It’s a popular choice among cannabis enthusiasts making it pretty easy to find.

2. Skiing adventures with Northern Lights

We know it’s a little cold out, but the crisp Denver air is just a little sweeter this time of year. Rent a little cabin, hit a bed and breakfast, or go skiing for the day. If you want to stay close to Denver and still enjoy that fresh pow, check out Arapahoe Basin. Enjoy the very best of the winter season and don’t forget to bring a little nug of cheer. A nice indica will help take the edge off of that winter chill. Nothing goes better with winter than Northern Lights. Northern Lights is a popular indica hailing from the Pacific Northwest. The sweet and piney flavors will go well with your wintertime outdoor activity of choice.

3. Gaming with Blue Dream

For those of us who are scared of a little frostbite and prefer to spend the day indoors, cozy in our Denver homes, plugging into an Xbox or Playstation can be just as satisfying, especially since you don’t actually need to leave your house to hit the ski slopes anymore. Video games have become a perfectly good way to spend your time…or all of your time. Now just which strain do you need to go along with a day in front of the tube? You want to stay focused so a nice hybrid like Blue Dream will do the trick. Blue dream is sweet and fruity strain with a high THC count that will keep you elevated game after game.

4. La La Land with Death Star

Everyone loves going to the movies. In Denver, there are a series of historic Landmark Theaters that make the move going experience even better. Playing this weekend at The Mayan in Denver is “La La Land,” which is quickly cleaning up in awards and accolades.  You’ll want to stay focused enough to follow the plot, yet relaxed enough to really enjoy yourself. Regardless of what movie you go to see, Death Star is what’s going to get you there. Death Star is a pungent indica dominant hybrid known for its heavy diesel flavor. Use the force and grab some Death Star, the perfect compliment to a day at the theater.

5. Doing nothing and dabbing

You don’t have to succumb to the pressure of finding something to do in Denver on your holiday weekend. You can sit at home, relax and take advantage of not having to anything whatsoever. For the extreme tasks of sitting on the couch and staring off into space, skip the bud all together and get yourself a nice concentrate. Shatter, wax or butter doesn’t really matter, the concentrated dose of THC will put you in a place that will make doing nothing feel great.

What are your favorite strains for long weekends? Let us know on social media.