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8,000 Feet High: A 420 Guide to Aspen

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Where to buy it, where to experience it, and where to eat after.

As more states push for legalized marijuana, those who indulge in this basic pleasure will seek it out where they can find it. With medical despensaries becoming a metropolitan staple, it's not difficult to get. But few cities wear their marijuana culture as proudly as Aspen.

With Colorado's legalized recreational usage and the natural beauty and culture of Aspen, it's a perfect destination for some quality cannabis tourism. Rich with outdoors activities, a delectable selection of restaurants and a thriving marijuana scene, enthusiasts find themelves flocking to the mountain town. At 8,000 feet, there are few better places to get high.

Where to buy it

Silverpeak Apothecary

With strains cultivated from High Valley Farm in Colorado Springs, this cannabis boutique features some of the finest products in the state. Find more info here.

Green Dragon

Located in the hearted of downtown Apsen, this one stop shop carries all the products you could ask for, making it Colorado's go-to. Find more info here.

Native Roots

With a vast menu, the staff of "budtenders" at Native Roots can help you find the perfect strain for you. If you already know what you want, chances are they have it. Find more info here.

Atlanta Pride

The Silver Queen Gondolas from the top of the line (Photo by Glenn Garner)

Where to experience it

Maroon Bells

Whether you prefer a hike through the woods or just a chance to soak in Aspen's beautiful nature, the Maroon Bells are the perfect location. Sit by the lake or dip your feet in one of the many streams. Find more info here.

Silver Queen Gondolas

Enjoy an overwhelmingly beautiful trip up Aspen Mountain in one of their iconic gondolas. Take in one of the many epic sweeping views from the top and partake in some yoga or just have a drink on the Sundeck. Find more info here.

Conundrum Hot Springs

Some of the highest in North America, these pools vary in size and temperature. Take in a therapeutic soak with some of the loveliest views in Aspen. Find more info here.

Where to eat after

J-Bar

Located in the lobby of Aspen's historic hotel Jerome, this is the perfect place for lunch, a late night bite or to feed your munchies. Enjoy their classic burger or their Aspen Crud, an alcoholic milkshake they've served since the Prohibition. Find more info here.

Ryno's Pub & Pizzeria

Delectable bar food comes with a warm social setting. Enjoy the outdoor seating on a nice day or eat downstairs where you can enjoy an arcade game or two after. Find more info here.

SO Café

Located on the rooftop of the Aspen Art Museum, this beautiful Shigeru Ban-designed establishment features a weekly-changing menu with fresh local ingredients. It also comes with beautiful views of Aspen Mountain and Independent Pass. Find more info here.

The J-Bar at Hotel Jerome (Photo by Glenn Garner)

Tips from a local

Hydrate

"Did you know that altitude accelerates dehydration?" says Melissa Wisenbaker, local ACRA representative for the legalization of marijuana. "You need to drink twice the amount of water here as you would at home. When in doubt, don’t take another hit (or bite if it’s an edible)."

Smoke in private

"It is illegal to consume marijuana in public," Wisenbaker says. "If you are going to smoke, make sure you do so on private property and not in public i.e. not in downtown Aspen, as there are families everywhere. Be respectful as you would with alcohol."

Consult your "budtender"

"Walking into a pot shop can be both exciting and overwhelming," Wisenbaker says. "The budtenders can help you find what you’re looking for exactly by educating the customer on the variety of strains, edibles and other products sold at the store. The best trained budtenders will ask the customers questions and leave the customer feeling more educated on cannabis and cannabis consumption."

For more info, visit the Aspen Chamber of Commerce.

Advocate Channel - The Pride StoreOut / Advocate Magazine - Fellow Travelers & Jamie Lee Curtis

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