The History of Cannabis in Colorado
October 27, 2020
The Early Days of Cannabis in Colorado
Cannabis has been utilized for a variety of purposes throughout American history and was legal throughout the United States in the 1800s. Cannabis was legal at the time Colorado became a state in 1876 and remained legal until the early 1900s. In the late 1800s it was not uncommon to find cannabis tinctures in almost every medicine cabinet.
Timeline of Colorado's History with Cannabis
| 1800s | Cannabis was used in a variety of applications including to make clothing, paper, sails, and rope. Cannabis extract tinctures were also legal and commonly used to remedy various ailments. |
| Early 1900s | Cannabis opponents began to associate cannabis with migrant workers from Mexico and Asia that smoked cannabis recreationally. The term marihuana started to see more widespread use to stoke anti-immigrant sentiments and demonize cannabis. |
| 1917 | The Colorado Legislature made the cultivation and use of cannabis a misdemeanor. |
| 1929 | The Colorado Legislature passed a law that made possession and sale of cannabis a felony. |
| 1930s | "Reefer Madness" propaganda was distributed throughout the United States by Harry Anslinger, Director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. |
| 1937 | The United States Government enacted the Marihuana Tax Act which made the cultivation and use of cannabis a federal crime. |
| 1960s | Cannabis opposition began to focus more on associating cannabis with hippies and free love culture. |
| 1968 | Surveys conducted among college students in Colorado report 67% support for cannabis legalization — one of the first indications that Colorado leaned towards cannabis legalization. |
| 1970 | The United States Government enacted the Controlled Substances Act and classified cannabis as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, the most restrictive schedule. |
| 1975 | The Colorado Legislature decriminalized cannabis possession of up to one ounce and made possession a petty offense with a maximum fine of $100. |
| 1979 | Colorado Governor Dick Lamm signed the "Dangerous Drugs Therapeutic Research Act" which allowed glaucoma and cancer patients access to legal medical cannabis. The plan was not supported by the federal government. |
| 1981 | The Colorado Legislature passed a bill to allow patients access to medical cannabis distributed by the federal government, but the federal government did not agree. |
| 1998 | Colorado medical cannabis advocates successfully placed Amendment 19 on the ballot, but the Secretary of State refused to count the votes because they claimed the initiative did not receive enough signatures to appear on the ballot. |
| 2000 | Colorado voters passed Amendment 20 which allowed caretakers to dispense medical cannabis to patients with a doctor's recommendation. Passage of Amendment 20 made Colorado the only state to place a right to medical cannabis in the state constitution. |
| 2009 | The Colorado Legislature passed the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code which allowed the licensing of commercial cultivation, production, and distribution of medical cannabis. |
| 2012 | Colorado voters passed Amendment 64 which legalized the sale, possession, and use of recreational cannabis. |
| 2014 | Colorado became the first state to open recreational dispensaries for legal cannabis sale. |
| 2020 | Colorado Governor Polis declared cannabis businesses essential services, allowing dispensaries to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical marijuana deliveries are legalized and begin. Marijuana hospitality licensing and spaces are authorized. |
Infographic: Click to Enlarge
The Start of Cannabis Prohibition
Cannabis was widely used for medicinal purposes into the early 1900s, but the turn of the century also saw a shift in the treatment of cannabis. Economic booms across the western states resulted in an influx of migrant workers, including many from Mexico who used cannabis recreationally. Those opposed to the migrant workers started to associate cannabis with the migrant workers and began working towards criminalization. The media started referring to cannabis as “marihuana” and published numerous stories on the dangers of the plant. Western states like California, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada criminalized cannabis and Colorado followed in 1917 by making the use and cultivation of cannabis a misdemeanor.
Cannabis Becomes a Felony in Colorado
Cannabis continued to be associated with migrant workers and other immigrants that moved to Colorado to work in mines or on farms. The media published sensational stories attributing violence and the corruption of youth to the use of cannabis. These stories prompted local religious leaders in Denver to call for stricter measures to control both the growing immigrant population and cannabis. In 1929, the Colorado legislature responded by making the possession and distribution of marijuana a felony.
The Marihuana Tax Act & Reefer Madness
Restrictions on the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis continued to be enacted across the United States. Prohibitionists also spread propaganda, including the film “Reefer Madness,” that eventually resulted in the federal government taking action. In 1937 the United States government enacted the Marihuana Tax Act which criminalized the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. The Marihuana Tax Act was lifted briefly during World War II to allow the production of hemp fiber needed to create ropes for the United States Navy.
The 1960s: Public Opinion Begins to Shift
During the decades following the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act, the focus of prohibitionists shifted from immigrant workers to the flourishing hippie culture. Local newspapers included numerous stories about hippies busted for growing cannabis plants and opinion pieces on how they deserved to go to jail.
The same decade also saw some shift in public opinion. A 1968 story reported that 67% of college students in Colorado supported cannabis legalization. By 1970, the same year the federal government enacted the Controlled Substances Act, progressives in Colorado were pushing for lower penalties on cannabis use and possession. This resulted in recreational possession being downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor. In the same year, Hunter S. Thompson ran for Pitkin County Sheriff in Colorado on a platform of drug decriminalization and lost by only a small margin.
The 1970s: Colorado Downgrades Cannabis Possession to $100 Fine
In Colorado, public views on cannabis continued to shift throughout the 1970s. It became increasingly clearer that Colorado residents wanted cannabis decriminalized and the Colorado legislature decriminalized possession of up to once ounce in 1975. Possession was made a petty offense with a maximum fine of $100.
Colorado’s First Medical Cannabis Bill
In 1979 Colorado Governor Dick Lamm signed the “Dangerous Drugs Therapeutic Research Act.” The law would make marijuana legal for glaucoma and cancer patients with a doctor’s prescription to access medical cannabis from the University of Colorado Health Science Center. The program was dependent on federal approval which was never provided. Colorado attempted a similar bill in 1981, this time with medical cannabis provided by the federal government, but federal government again refused to act because cannabis was classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
Amendment 20 Puts Medical Cannabis in State Constitution
Following passage of the medical cannabis initiative Proposition 215 in California, proponents of medical cannabis in Colorado attempted to place Amendment 19 on the ballot. The Secretary of State Vikki Buckley refused to count the votes and argued that the measure had not received enough signatures to appear on the ballot. Medical cannabis proponents persisted and successfully placed Amendment 20 on the ballot in 2000. Colorado voters approved Amendment 20 and Colorado became the first state to place medical cannabis in the state constitution.
Amendment 20 allowed caretakers to dispense medical cannabis to patients after the patient received a doctor’s recommendation. The program began in 2001 despite a threat from the Attorney General to press federal charges against doctors that issued recommendations. Growth in the program was slow initially but by 2010 there were over 100,000 patients registered with the medical cannabis program in Colorado.
The Colorado Medical Marijuana Code
During the 2000s caregivers were operating retail outlets even though Amendment 20 had not explicitly authorized or regulated the distribution of medical cannabis. It became clearer that Colorado required a state-regulated system for the production and distribution of medical cannabis. In 2010, the Colorado legislature created the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code with the passage of bills that licensed the commercial production and distribution of medical cannabis. The bills also placed new restrictions on patients, caregivers, and doctors.
Amendment 64: Legalized Adult-Use Cannabis
On November 6, 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana. In Colorado, Amendment 64 altered the state constitution and committed Colorado to regulate cannabis similarly to alcohol and tobacco. On January 1, 2014, Colorado became the first state to open recreational dispensaries. The tax revenue generated from cannabis sales soon eclipsed the tax revenue from both alcohol and tobacco and became a reliable source of revenue for the state.
Colorado Leads the Way
Amendment 20 and Amendment 64 have been good for the state of Colorado and acted as a model for the rest of the country on how to successfully end cannabis prohibition. Along with the economic boost, cannabis legalization has inspired creative and innovative entrepreneurship. Colorado companies continue to lead the way in developing new cultivation techniques, production efficiencies, and other innovative solutions to industry problems. Legalization has also helped to continue the shift in public perception of cannabis and recent polls show support for legalization at an all-time high.
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
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If you’re a cannabis connoisseur, you know all about how blunts are an OG classic with their own culture. Or, you may be new to the scene and wonder “what is a blunt?”. In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about blunts, blunt wraps, and the differences between blunts, joints, and spliffs.
What is a Blunt?
A blunt is a marijuana roll made with hemp wraps or tobacco wrappers. Consumers may also hollow out little cigars or cigarillos and replace all the tobacco content with crushed cannabis, and this is how blunts used to be smoked in the mid-1800s1.
There are various theories about why blunts became so popular at the time. One theory suggests that people in the Caribbean at that time had to get creative about how they smoked cannabis because the tools cannabis enthusiasts have today - e.g. pipes, bongs, etc. - weren’t available then. Other theories propose that blunts allowed people to smoke more marijuana at once, and the cigar wrappers helped mask the smell of the herb. The use of a cigar wrapper also added to the flavors when smoking a cannabis-filled blunt.
Why is it Called a Blunt?
In the late 19th century, companies started making rolled cigars using one leaf or a continuous wrap, which had a rounded, broad tip. These cigars were called blunt cigars to distinguish them from their cousin cigars with a tapered, pointed tip. Pennsylvania became the blunt-making hub, with brands like Phillies, White Owl, and Dutch Masters producing these machine-made cigars.
In today’s cannabis culture, a blunt refers to marijuana rolled inside tobacco paper, a hollowed-out cigar, or hemp wrap. If you are purchasing a blunt from your local, state-licensed dispensary, these products will be almost exclusively wrapped in hemp paper.
What is a Blunt Wrap?
Blunt aficionados know choosing the right wrap is at the heart of the blunt experience. So, a blunt wrap refers to the wrapping material used to make a marijuana blunt. The wrap can be made from multiple tobacco leaves, a single leaf, herbal blends, flavored paper, or hemp.
A blunt wrap can also be made from glass, and glass blunts (as they’re called) are reusable smoking devices that mimic the traditional blunt-smoking experience. Similarly to self-rolling, glass blunts put you in the power seat as you control how much cannabis goes in the blunt.
Do Blunts Have Nicotine?
The nicotine in “traditional” blunts is present in the wrapping material (the cigar leaves) since the filling is cannabis, not tobacco. For example, if a blunt is made using a cigar wrapper, the total nicotine content2 ranges between 1.2 milligrams to 6 milligrams per cigar. However, if you buy a blunt at a cannabis dispensary, it won’t contain nicotine since these products are rolled in hemp leaves or non-tobacco wraps.
Blunts vs Joints: What’s the Difference?
Blunts and joints require rolling cannabis to smoke it, but different rolling or wrapping materials are used. Blunts are a cannabis flower rolled in tobacco leaf, cigar, cigarillo wraps, or hemp leaves. However, joints require the cannabis to be rolled in a light rolling paper made from hemp, rice, wood pulp, or flax. These flavored or colored rolling papers can be in loose-leaf or cone form. The rolling/wrapping paper affects the overall experience and flavor.
Joints and blunts also look different. Blunts are bigger, burn slower, and hold more cannabis, so they are more potent. Joints may also have a crutch or filter that keeps the cannabis in the joint and not in your mouth.
Blunts vs Spliffs: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between blunts and spliffs is what’s inside. While spliffs are rolled using rolling paper, similar to joints, the contents contain a mix of marijuana and tobacco. Consumers can adjust the ratio of cannabis to tobacco, and spliffs usually have more tobacco than a blunt.
A blunt may contain tobacco and cannabis, but that depends on the wrap. Hemp-wrapped blunts, for example, only contain cannabis, while cigar-wrapped blunts contain small amounts of tobacco.
FAQs About Blunts
Your budtender can answer all your blunt-related questions, but if you can’t wait, here are a few questions consumers frequently ask:
Can I roll my own blunts?
You can totally roll your own blunts, but there’s a bit of a learning curve if you are new to rolling. Follow an easy “how to roll a blunt” guide, ask your buddies for help, and keep practicing until you perfect the blunt-rolling process.
How much marijuana is in a blunt?
A blunt typically contains 1.5 times3 the amount of cannabis as a joint does. So, if a joint contains between 0.5 grams and 1 gram of marijuana, a blunt will have 0.75 grams to 1.5 grams of cannabis, but it can contain more.
Are blunts stronger than pre-rolls?
A blunt can be more potent than a pre-roll because they simply contain more cannabis flower. However, the potency is always going to depend on the type of flower used. That being said, infused pre-rolls can be stronger than blunts as they contain both flower and a concentrate.
Purchasing Blunts
You can buy blunts at most dispensaries in the country. They stock sativa and indica-dominant blunts with a range of flavor profiles so you can find the product you prefer most. Or, chat with your budtender to help you find what’s right for you.
Sources
1. “The Tightly-Rolled History of the Blunt,” thrillist.com, August 21, 2020, https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/what-is-a-blunt-history-origins-timeline
2. “Does marijuana "blunt" smoking contribute to nicotine exposure?: Preliminary product testing of nicotine content in wrappers of cigars commonly used for blunt smoking,” pubmed.com, September 9, 2016, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27639129/
3. “Blunts versus joints: Cannabis use characteristics and consequences among treatment-seeking adults,” National Library of Medicine, March 14, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6467739/
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
It’s fun to admire the big, beautiful buds you purchased at your local dispensary, but cannabis consumption means pulling that precious flower apart. There are plenty of everyday objects that you can use to break up your flower–scissors, nail clippers, your own hands–but we highly recommend purchasing a cannabis grinder.
What is a Cannabis Grinder?
Grinders are small containers made up of various interlocking pieces that contain sharp teeth or points that shred your bud when you turn the mechanism. Grinding your flower is an essential first step when you’re going to smoke or bake with marijuana.
Cannabis grinders are available in your local dispensary, but you can also find them online or in any local head shop. They can be made out of metal, plastic, or wood, and come in just about every color and design imaginable.
What are the Benefits of Using a Grinder?
Have you ever had a bit of unburned bud disappear down the stem of a bong, or had a joint burn fast down one side? Proper grinding can eliminate these problems. This easy-to-use cannabis contraption is ideal in turning your flower into evenly sized, usable nuggets. And it’s a whole lot less messy than trying to do it with your hands!
Another bonus to using a grinder: some collect kief, the sticky crystals that are part of trichomes that contain more THC and other cannabinoids.
What are the Different Types of Grinders?
Grinders can be made of metal, plastic, or wood and they come in different sizes, from mini or small, about two-inches in diameter to medium and large, about six inches in diameter. There are two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece grinders, which are also sometimes called tiers.
Two-Piece Grinder: Two-piece grinders are the most basic, made up of just two halves–usually called a lid and a grinding bowl–that grind up your flower. Simply place your bud inside the grinding bowl and twist both sides until you have the result you want.
Three-Piece Grinder: In addition to the two halves of a two-piece grinder, three-piece grinders add a collection chamber. The second, or middle piece, comes with holes that allow the ground marijuana to drop through into the bottom piece or collection chamber. The three-piece design gives you a handy place to collect your ground flower.
Four- and Five-Piece Grinder: Four-and five-piece grinders add another chamber to the three-piece grinder, called the kief chamber. This consists of a screen that separates out the kief, or sticky portion of the flower's trichomes, from the rest of the bud. If you’re going all in on a five-piece grinder, you’ll often have two kief-catching chambers instead of just one.
What is a Kief Catcher?
A kief catcher is the lower chamber in a four-piece grinder that catches the kief, AKA the coveted cannabis trichomes
What is a Grinder Coin?
While a grinder is a common cannabis prep tool, grinder coins aren’t as well known. This handy item is a must-have to get the maximum amount of kief from your flower. You can purchase a grinder coin, but an everyday coin works as well. (Just make sure to sterilize it first!) When choosing a coin for your grinder, remember to choose the right size. A nickel will work well for small grinders, but opt for a quarter or similarly sized coin for larger grinders.
How To Use a Cannabis Grinder [3 Steps]
Cannabis flower is not cheap, and you don’t want to damage your bud with improper grinding. Here are three steps to ensure success.
Step 1: Place Flower in Grinder
Open the grinder's lid and press a few buds onto the teeth inside the grinder.
Step 2: Replace the Lid and Grind
Put the lid back on, making sure it is securely closed. As you begin to twist the chambers, you will feel some resistance–this is completely normal. We recommend ten turns, but you can always start with fewer. Remember, you can always grind more but you cannot ungrind your flower.
Step 3: Open and Use
After you've finished grinding, open the top and remove your flower from the chamber. If you used a kief catcher, scoop out those golden trichomes for future use.
Your flower is not ready for consumption! You likely won’t use all of it in one session, so make sure to store your flower properly so you can enjoy it later.
How Do You Clean a Grinder?
Natural plant material, including resin, can get stuck in the grinder's teeth over time and make it hard to use. If your grinder is not turning smoothly, it’s probably time to give it a wash.
Just like any other tool, selecting the right supplies will help your grinder stay safe and functional. We recommend gathering the following items: a small brush or toothbrush; plate or bowl; isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol; a plastic bag or glass jar; water; and a towel. You may also need to use needles or toothpicks for fine-level cleaning.
Once you’re ready, follow these steps for proper cleaning:
- Step 1: Completely disassemble your grinder
- Step 2: Soak each part in alcohol for half an hour using a plastic bag or glass jar.
- Step 3: Take each piece out of the alcohol and scrub with a toothbrush.
- Step 4: Rinse in clean, hot water, then let it air dry on a clean towel.
Make sure your grinder is completely dry before using it again.
FAQs About Pre-Rolls
There are plenty of questions and misconceptions we hear at our dispensaries. Here are some of the most common.
Can I use a coffee grinder on my flower?
Yes, you can use a coffee grinder to grind your flower. However, always clean it before and after so you don’t end up with a mix of coffee and cannabis flavors.
Do I need a kief coin?
Kief coins are not a requirement, but they are a handy tool for extra kief collection.
How long should I grind the flower for?
Look to grind your flower about 10 rotations. You'll know it's ground properly when you stop feeling resistance.
Purchasing a Marijuana Grinder
You can find the marijuana grinder that's right for your needs at your dispensary. Talk with your budtender about the different options and levels that match your cannabis consumption methods.
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
Pre-rolls are one of the most popular products sold at dispensaries around the country. A simple yet enjoyable creation, pre-rolled joints make marijuana flower more accessible to cannabis shoppers. In the guide, we’re going to explain the ins and outs of this fan favorite.
What is a Pre-Roll?
It’s all in the name! A pre-roll is a ready made cannabis joint that you can purchase at a dispensary. Pre-rolls contain the same items as a regular joint - flower, rolling paper, crutch - but it has already been put together. No need to learn how to roll a joint on your own.
Pre-Rolls vs Joints: What’s the Difference?
The difference between pre-rolls and "regular" joints is that a pre-roll has already been packed and rolled for you. While you could roll your own joints at home, pre-rolls are often the more convenient option–especially if you are new to cannabis.
Pre-rolls are typically made in bulk by the cannabis product wholesaler, which means they offer consistency in each joint, as well as packaging that preserves freshness so you can enjoy your pre-roll over several sessions. You’ll also be able to sample more strains than you would if you were purchasing large quantities of cannabis flower and rolling your own joints at home.
Pre-Rolls vs Blunts: What’s the Difference?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are major differences between pre-rolls and blunts. Blunts that you can purchase at a dispensary are rolled with hemp paper and contain much more cannabis flower. (Blunts were traditionally rolled with tobacco leaves or cigar paper, but dispensaries aren’t permitted to sell tobacco products.) As a result, blunts can be much stronger than pre-rolls.
Pre-Rolls vs Infused Pre-Rolls: What’s the Difference?
Pre-rolled joints contain ground cannabis flower, but an infused pre-roll contains flower plus a cannabis concentrate. When it comes to which concentrates are used to infuse the joint, there are plenty of options–anything from solventless concentrates like kief or hash or extracts like wax, THC distillate, and even moon rocks.
What’s Inside of a Pre-Roll?
Pre-rolls are known for their simplicity, and their contents reflect this: flower, rolling paper, and sometimes a filter.
- Flower: Pre-rolls are all about the flower, the strain, and the experience. You can choose the strain you want and enjoy its flavors and aromas, with or without infusions.
- Rolling Paper: The rolling paper used to make pre-rolls are typically derived from natural materials like paper, hemp, and flax. The paper is designed to burn evenly while not interfering with the experience of the flower.
- Filter: Also called a crutch, the filter keeps ground cannabis out of your mouth while you're smoking.
Can I Save a Joint If I Don’t Finish It?
You can absolutely save your pre-roll for later, which is one of the many conveniences of this product. The key to preserving your joint for the next session is proper storage. Your pre-roll may have come in a special tube - playfully known as a “doob tube” - that also serves as an excellent storage container. If not, you can purchase one from a dispensary or use an airtight glass container.
FAQs About Pre-Rolls
If you have questions about pre-rolls, our helpful budtenders are always available. Here are some of the most common queries we hear at our dispensaries:
Do pre-rolls go bad?
Like any natural product, pre-rolls do have a "best-by" shelf life. They can deteriorate over time, but proper storage will help them stay good for longer.
How long do pre-rolls stay good?
Pre-rolls often come with expiration dates. If yours is printed with that, it will stay good to that date. If there's no expiration date, pre-rolls generally don't retain their strength and quality after six months.
Do I smoke the whole pre-roll?
You don't have to smoke the whole pre-roll to get the effects you want. In fact, we always recommend starting low and going slow. If you feel like you've hit your tolerance level, save your pre-roll for later.
Purchasing Pre-Rolled Joints
Pre-rolls are a convenient way to enjoy cannabis without having to purchase additional tools or larger quantities of flower. If you're wondering what pre-roll you will most enjoy, your budtender can guide you to the right product for you.
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
