April 2024:: Puff Puff Yaaasss

Break From The Booze: Go "Colorado Sober"

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The Must-Do

Indigo De Souza Gothic Theatre

April 01-30 2024 picks 4/5

The Center on Colfax

Jimbo’s Drag Circus LGBTQ+alks

Fillmore Auditorium

Queer Open Pole

Selenite Studio Pole Fitness

Chappell Roan

Boulder Theatre

Hurray for the Riff Raff

Larimer Lounge

Free Drag Triva

Your Mom’s House

Willow Pill’s “God’s Child”

Sexploratorium

Death in Drag

Creepatorium HORRID

The Non-Renewed Album Release Party

Town Hall Colaborative

Queer AF Engagement Party

Town Hall Colaborative

Two D*kes and a Mic

Oriental Theater

Bianca del Rio

Temple Hone Buell Theatre

Diversions Word Search - Dan Levy

Find the words in the list on the right hiding across, backwards, up, down and diagonally in the grid. Words separated by a slash “/” are found individually in the puzzle. Words in parentheses “( )” are not in the puzzle. The unused letters starting at top left and going down by row will reveal a quote by Dan Levy!

Daniel/Joseph/Levy

(Born in) Toronto/Ontario

Canadian/Actor/Filmmaker

Writer/Director/Producer

MTV Canada/MTV Live/Host (The) After/Show

Movies:/Admission (2013) Cyberstalker (2012) Happiest/Season (2020) Good/Grief (2024)

Not A Real/Company Productions/Co-founder Schitt’s/Creek/Co-creator (as) David/Rose (2015-20)

Won many/Primetime Emmy/Awards (The) Great (Canadian)

Baking (Show)(2017-18)

Coastal/Elites (2020)

The Big/Brunch (2022)

Animal/Friends (TBA)

Father/Eugene (Levy) (Named) Member (of the) Order (of Canada)(2023)

Visit Facebook.com/DiversionsPuzzles for more free puzzles & book info!

Greetings, stoners! Spring has sprung, and we’re ready to puff puff yaaasss our way into another 420 season.

But like every issue of OFM, every season, and every part of lifew, really, we must balance the fun and the serious. The cannabis industry is still alive and well, but it has also suffered setbacks, and we discuss those in this issue, along with how cannabis can heal and support the community and how much queer folks rely on cannabis as medicine.

We also share a fun photo shoot, how cannabis can impact the community, a luscious review section, and a whole lot of other positives. Because with all the heavy stuff going on in the world, sometimes you just need to sit back, relax, and take a toke.

So whether you celebrate 420 or not (stoner allies are always welcome), dig into our latest issue for some green goodness. Just try not to get a second-hand buzz.

-Addison Herron-Wheeler

by Anna Lee

Trying to cut back on beers and cocktails but don’t want to eliminate the elevated vibes associated with letting loose during happy hour? Maybe it's time to go “Colorado Sober” and replace the margaritas with alternatives that swap the bubbles for something a little more earthy.

Explore some nonalcoholic options that don’t quite reach the hard line of straight-edge—There are many elixirs that can light up the night and don’t come in the fermented, fizzy variety.

Break From the Booze: "Colorado Go Sober"

With the World Health Organization coming out with the not-so-fun proclamation that there is no safe amount of consumption for the toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance known as alcohol, maybe it time to branch out into some other forms of highs.

Blaze Over Beer

If you want to relax without the booze buzz, the devil's lettuce can offer the dopamine hit without the poisonous punch. Whether you want to smoke at home while baking a five-cheese pizza or get out of the house to socialize, there are plenty of opportunities to get stoned while out on the town.

The Coffee Joint invites guests to meet new people and enjoy a toke in Denver’s first consumption lounge. Enjoy the less-than-sober painting class Tokes and Broadstokes every Saturday. Sundays you can bring your THC of choice and a vaporizer (no open flames) and earn bragging rights at their weekly Super Smash Bros Tournament.

If you need to align your body with your brain, maybe it is time to attend Elevated Yoga at the Urban Sanctuary Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. Bring your own plant medicine to combust while you give your spine and shoulders some well needed attention.

Weed and art more of your perfect vibe? Well in that case, hop on a cannabis-friendly bus, and enjoy the RiNo Murals Tour on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

And, as always, you can draw the blinds and have a nice night in with your preferred choice of THC. Find a snuggle buddy, and check out All of Us Strangers while enjoying a joint, dab, or brownie. Or make pizza from scratch, laying out oregano and loading your bong with something a bit more potent. While it may not have the kick of tequila, a little bit of bud with a buddy can produce a similar night to remember without the nasty hangover.

Social Drinking at Dry Bars

If weed is not your scene, maybe it’s time to get back to socializing by hitting the dry bar and chilling out with some kava. Kava bars are popping up all over Colorado, and the plant is making headway as an alternative to alcohol.

Kava and kratom have been used in traditional medicine and cultural practices in the Pacific Islands for centuries, offering consumers an alternate high that aligns the body and mind.

Kava and kratom have a euphoric effect giving consumers an energy booster, mood enhancer, and pain reliever, all while being an alternative to alcohol. The social pressure of drinking (especially in the bar scene) can be challenging for anyone, but particularly for people in recovery. Establishments serving kava and kratom can offer a social

space for connecting without the looming pressure of alcohol.

Colorado has liberal laws surrounding the plant, and the plethora of kava bars in the state offer a space for social drinking, without the spirits. And the movement is likely to continue to expand across the country and offer people a new take on the social “drinking” experience.

If you’re located in Denver, you can check out the Kavasutra Kava Bar located on East Colfax and enter an intoxication of a nonalcoholic variety. Their blends are earthy, carrying a unique and memorable taste—and while the flavor is not everyone’s cup of tea, the mood-enhancing effects elevate a night on the town quite well.

Kicking alcohol or even cutting back can help clear your head and improve your health. From improving your heart health, liver function, and evening supporting a healthy libido, turning down the glass of wine can make a big difference in your day-to-day life. Not everyone wants to start a total sober journey—and that's more than ok.

If you want to trash the can of Coors, it may be time to consider the world of alternatives to give you the kick or relaxation you need. But do remember, moderation is the best policy to safely enjoy anything—especially in relation to mind-altering substances.

Cirrus Social Club plans to redefine what a cannabis sesh can look like. Cirrus Social Club, opening in 2024, prioritizes service, comfort, and memorability to make smoking weed a new and beautiful experience.

Cannabis can immensely improve the quality of one’s life, both in physical and mental health. Arend Richard, the founder of Cirrus, attests to this in his experience with weed, saying medical cannabis “really improved my health quality of life” as he dealt with a blood cell disease called Mastocytosis.

Along with the physical benefits, cannabis can have a positive impact on mentality. Particularly for queer people, ganja can be incredibly healing. Regarding weed’s benefits, Arend says, “It helps my mental health a lot. It really helped me sort of bridge the gap of growing up as a gay person in an extremely conservative family where I wasn't accepted. It kind of helps me shed a lot of those labels and look at the world in a different way. And I just had a huge passion for cannabis. I just feel like if more people consume cannabis, it would be a much better place. It's really hard to be an asshole when you smoke weed.”

Richard is taking his passion and optimistic outlook on cannabis and putting it into action through Cirrus. Cirrus is a luxury cannabis lounge rooted in the community. Richard explains some of his priorities in opening Cirrus, saying, “Cirrus is about three elements. Number one, creating a comfortable and timelessly beautiful environment where maybe cannabis hasn't been seen or consumed before to kind of change the perception of what cannabis looks like, where it can be consumed, and who it's for. We also focus heavily on service. So whether you're a first-time consumer or a sophisticated stoner, our staff is highly trained in the art of the sesh to make sure you have a memorable experience. And that's the third aspect, we want to make sure everyone leaves with a memorable experience that they take with them for the rest of their lives.”

"Cirrus will be a monumental business." There are no other similar businesses open in Colorado doing cannabis lounges at this level. It will change the Denver cannabis scene, but its uniqueness also brings struggles in finding investors. When asked about the most challenging aspect in the process of opening Cirrus, Richard says,

Wants to Give You a Queer Place to Smoke

by Kendall Mcclain

“I think just the hardest part has been trying to explain to investors the value that's here because there's nothing like it that we can point to to say, ‘Look, it's going to be like this.’ So it's, it's a little bit more of a risk for them because they don't have a model to go off of.”

Richard has faced several setbacks while working on Cirrus, though he says he persisted through these challenges by “believing in (himself) when no one else would.” This self-motivation and persistence mirrors that of the queer community. Richard says inclusivity and community are important factors in creating Cirrus.

“If you go to a cannabis trade show, like half of the booths have half-naked women trying to get people to buy things from them, which, you know, whatever floats your boat; I'm not here to criticize anybody else. But I think that there's another fraction of people on this earth, queer people, who want to find a safe space where we feel like we belong, where we love spending time, and that's really important to me to bring to the world.”

His identity as a gay man plays a considerable role in his hope for what Cirrus can do for the world. He notes the relationship between the cannabis industry and queer people by saying, “Queer people really led a charge for cannabis legalization and normalization in the 80s during the AIDS crisis because it was something that was helping patients in a way that nothing else was.”

Richard takes queer history into account and hopes to add to the relationship between queer people and cannabis by making Cirrus outwardly inviting of queer people. He says, “It’s really exciting to be on the forefront of this new industry of cannabis hospitality as a gay man. And I really hope that Cirrus sort of carves a very significant wedge in this industry to kind of show the world, like, this is what the gays are going to bring to the table.”

Richard is incredibly qualified to change the cannabis hospitality industry. He has an extensive background in customer service and marijuana education. He founded and was the CEO of WeedTube, the largest cannabis social media platform ever created. He shared a deep passion for both

Photos by Coryn Nelson

service and cannabis and regarding Cirrus says, “This is it. I want to bring my food and beverage customer service love with my love of cannabis; I want to bring people sesh experiences that can change the world. And so that's kind of how I got started with Cirrus.”

Outside of Cirrus, Richard has an array of impressive accomplishments. He wrote two gay novels, "expanding representation." He grants insight into these novels by saying, “I wrote two gay sci-fi books called

Being Found and Finding Home. I wrote them for my 15-year-old self who desperately searched the library for a main character in a fiction novel that I could relate to. And so I wrote that book in 2020. There are two in the series. Now I'm working on the third one. And we would just love for more queer people to find out about this story so that they can feel represented.”

Cirrus will be a monumental addition to Denver coming this year, giving people a first-class sesh experience surrounded by beauty community, and great cannabis.

Photographer: Ivy Owens

Photography Assistant: Alex Gallegos

Polaroid: Alex Gallegos

Model: Lydia Miro

Colorado’s world-renowned cannabis industry has taken a tumble since its peak in 2021. Dispensary doors are closing; brands are disappearing, and smaller local businesses cannot compete. Sales prices per gram are falling. The plant count is down. Growers are grasping to cope as career opportunities dwindle and workers are laid off.

If you’ve never thought twice about the role you play as a cannabis

by Madeleine Farber

beautiful and beneficial. Weed has given countless individuals health benefits, from easing chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation, to increasing general livelihood and enjoyment. It is now vital to work towards raising public awareness and recultivating an industry that has helped so many people.

the pandemic. Unending growth became a pressing issue, as people came out of quarantine and supplies piled high while prices plummeted.

Colorado has continued to grant new dispensary licenses—with 685 issued in 2023 alone—despite the loss of businesses and the lack of demand. With too many dispensaries, cultivation, and products collecting dust, “Most companies I know are losing money, or they’ve shut down and scaled back,” says Renée Grossman, who opened High-Q, a small chain of dispensaries across Colorado. She is not alone in her views.

theGrassisgreenerontheotherside:

consumer as you spark up a joint—even if you’re not thinking much at all afterward—now is the time to do so.

Colorado ranked second among largest cannabis job losses just last year. Colorado’s industry, overbuilt and overgrown, is struggling to recover from competition with other states, issues with banking and financial challenges, lack of inclusivity, and ongoing problems posed by federal law and legalities.

Denver is home to 308 dispensaries which foster tax revenues empowering Colorado’s economy. Amendment 64 allotted Colorado and Washington with legalization rights, placing the decisionmaking into the power of local state governments. This once-underground business has accumulated $15.6 billion since Denver hosted the first ever legal sale of recreational marijuana on January 1, 2014.

navigating challenges for today's cannabis industry

Competition with other states has been a driving reason for the decline of Colorado’s weed sales. Twenty-three other states have legalized recreational cannabis. As weed becomes commonplace, the spotlight shifts away from Colorado.

Colorado has helped rebrand a drug in the public’s eye into something

Colorado’s sales and investor interest boomed during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Consumer demand skyrocketed as people sat at home with nothing to do but light up. As vaccine access spread, the demand softened, and industry vulnerability surfaced. The market had been rapidly flooded with new dispensaries during

No longer holding exclusive reign on the cannabis industry means less tourism and decreasing revenues in an increasingly pressurized market. Strain and product competition furthers the divid; some compare the cannabis industry to the restaurant industry, competing to out-do and perfect.

Banking and financial challenges imposed on Colorado’s weed industry stem from a lack of access to traditional banking services and protection due to federal regulations. Dispensaries, largely cash-based, face security and financial management concerns. High, strict tax rates on weed impact the monetary success of cannabis business, as well as the state’s economy. These taxes have been vital to Colorado and local community revenues. Unstable taxation harms the programs which rely on cannabis taxes, specifically funding for construction, schools, and addiction treatment.

Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. As a Schedule 1 drug, federal oversight and regulation is nearly nonexistent. This is disadvantageous for the industry, putting pressure on the state and its subsequent counties. The unpredictable economy mixed with denied interstate commerce and federal bankruptcy protections position the federal government as a rival to the cannabis industry. To add insult to injury, the weed industry does not receive federal tax breaks

found in other industries on top of their hefty state tax burdens.

Social equity and inclusion is another pressing topic revolving around the struggling weed industry here. A lack of diversity and inclusion resultantly deters minority entrepreneurs. Although there have been efforts made to solve issues of social equity, the distribution of businesses remains heavily in the hands of the white majority. Gender disparities persist as well as disproportionate and unjust cannabisrelated incarcerations of marginalized groups.

There is hope for Colorado cannabis despite the dwindling dank distribution and obstacles the industry faces. The future industry has the potential to offer licenses to hospitality establishments, public places to consume cannabis. Aurora introduced the idea of lounges, private clubs, and tasting rooms before being rejected due to rigid indoor air laws. But the facilitation of weed-friendly establishments could bring back revenue and tourism in Colorado.

There has also been talk of lowering the classification of cannabis to a

Schedule III. This would aid the industry astronomically. With a little community effort, public recognition, and positivity, Colorado can combat these challenges and reignite the industry that has burned bright for so many years. The grass is always greener on the other side!

Ganjagoodies

We have the certified goods this year, y’all! From proprietary cannabis strains to new lines of ganja goodness, we’ve got it all. Check out our choice offerings below, stay stoney, and consume responsibly!

This exciting new line of concentrates features disposable vapes and some really high-quality rosin, described in more detail below. The vape pen is a must-grab because it feels like taking a dab on the go, no lie, and the packaging is beyond cute. Don’t sleep on this new brand, which is a part of the Binske family.

Harvested at the peak of ripeness, ONI genetics are handled delicately as the flowers are removed from the stems and quickly frozen to preserve flavors, aromas, and potency.

The sweet, terpinolenedominant White Cherry Diesel meets our Sour Diesel male in an epic clash of flavor and aroma. Robust flavors and aromas of citrus and pine intermingle seamlessly with notes of petrol and skunk, creating a true connoisseur experience.

Good Chemistry Unique Cultivar Strains

Apples & Bananas is a delightful hybrid strain that promises a euphoric experience like no other. With its alluring light green flowers coated in trichomes and adorned with orange pistils, this strain is a feast for the eyes. This cross of Platinum Cookies , Grandaddy Purple, Blue Power, and Gelatti results in a harmonious blend of fruity flavors and an overwhelming sensation of relaxation and relief.

Apples & Bananas

The trait that stands out the most with this GC Unique, Colorado Creamsicle, is its bold, creamy aroma and taste! This light green flower has orange pistils and is coated in trichomes. Derived from carefully selected phenotypes of Platinum Huckleberry Cookies and Frozen Lemons, Colorado Creamsicle may leave consumers feeling relaxed and relieved!

Colorado Creamsicle

Raspberry & Black

Cherry 1:1 100mg

Nanobites

Both of these DOSD nanobites have the perfect raspberry and black cherry flavor combined with the perfect gummy texture! The 1:1 ratio is perfect for the evening. Settle down, relax, and get your jam jams on.

DOSD

These tasty treats pack all the punch of the 1:1 products, but without the CBD., Tthey’re great for a day in nature or anytime you want a less stoney, less heady high. The flavor is reminiscent of the “healthy” fruity gummies we all tried as kids, so the nostalgia is real with these.

Mixed Fruit 100mg

Nanobites

Spectra Live Badder is a dabbable concentrate crafted for the true connoisseur. Extracted from fresh frozen flower, Live Badder has a velvety smooth and creamy texture. This product serves as a great step between Live Resin and Live Rosin due to its fluffy texture, strong terpene profile, and bright flavors. Tropical Banana is a result of blending Tropicanna with Banana Kush. Known for its invigorating effects, Tropical Banana is cherished for its ability to boost energy levels. Those who have enjoyed this strain report feelings of upliftment, increased energy, and enhanced focus. The flavor profile is predominantly sweet, enriched with tropical and citrus nuances. Pinene stands out as the dominant terpene in this strain, contributing to its distinctive aroma and taste. Mood State: Uplifted

Spectra Live Badder

Tropical Banana

Native Roots

its fluffy texture, strong terpene profile and bright flavors. Alien Bubba x Super Lemon Haze — ABSLH as it's affectionately known by the Native Roots budtenders — is a fan fave because of its effect and the different kind of energy it invokes. Bud structure is dense and the exhale is sweet with light gas from the unique cross of Alien and Bubba Kush with Super Lemon Haze. With an earthy/floral terpene mix from the heavy β-Caryophyllene terpene presence paired with lemon citrus characteristics, this strain offers a lively upper body energy first, that leads to euphoric effects felt from elevated levels of CBG. 2023 THC Classic WINNER 1st Place in Flash Frozen Mood State: Energetic

Spectra Live Badder

Alien Bubba x Super Lemon Haze

Gold Label

Cha Cha

Dive into the Cha Cha, a vibrant collab of Jungle Cake and Runtz, blending tropical fruits, spicy florals, and earthy tones. It’s like sipping a fruity cocktail with a twist of cinnamon spice, perfect for all-day enjoyment. This strain is sure

Starfire Cream is skillfully bred from a genetic fusion of Starfire Chem x Creamsicle OG. Starfire Cream stands as an ideal choice for the experienced cannabis connoisseur. Its robust potency is known to ignite a blast of euphoria, sparking creativity and focus. The strain's flavor profile is as intricate as its effects, featuring a rich tapestry of pine, diesel, and citrus notes. Caryophyllene, the dominant terpene, lends a spicy and earthy aroma, adding depth to its already complex character.

Gold Label

Starfire Cream

BAD HABITS DENVER

3014 E Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 335-9690

badhabitsdenver.com

BLUSH & BLU

1526 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 484-8548

blushbludenver.com

BOYZTOWN

117 Broadway St. Denver (303) 722-7373

boyztowndenver.com

CLUB Q

3430 N Academy Blvd. Colo Springs (719) 570-1429

clubqonline.com

CHARLIE’S NIGHTCLUB

900 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 839-8890

charliesdenver.com

DENVER EAGLE

5110 W. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 534-0500

Facebook @denvereaglebar

EL POTRERO

4501 E. Virginia Ave. Glendale (303) 388-8889

Facebook @elpotreroclub

GOOD JUDY’S

BAR & CLUB

103 N. 1st St. Grand Junction (970) 433-7115

www.good-judys.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S

1336 E. 17th Ave. Denver (303) 993-5812

hamburgermarys.com/ denver

BAR TAB

Colorado Nightlife

3 E. Bijou St. Colo. Springs

@icons_colorado

LIL' DEVILS

255 S. Broadway St. Denver (303) 733-1156

Facebook @lildevilslounge

R&R LOUNGE

4958 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 320-9337

Facebook @randrdenver

TIGHT END BAR

1501 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 861-9103

tightendbar.com

TOWN HALL

COLLABORATIVE

525 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (720) 389-7502

townhallcollaborative.com

TRACKS

3500 Walnut St. Denver (303) 836-7326

tracksdenver.com

TRADE

475 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (720) 627-5905

Facebook @tradedenver

WILD CORGI PUB

1223 E. 13th Ave. Denver (303) 832-7636

wildcorgipub.com

X BAR

829 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 832-2687

xbardenver.com

#VYBE

1027 N. Broadway St. Denver (720) 573-8886

303vybe.com

DENVER SWEET

776 N. Lincoln St. Denver (720) 598-5648

denversweet.com

TUE: Taco Tuesday! w/$2 Tacos, $3 Modelo, $5 House Margs

WED: Trivia with Alejandro 7p-9p w/$5 U Call It At The Bar, $.75 Wings

THU: Solve That Puzzle 7p, Karaoke 8p w/BOGO Well & Drafts 2p to 8p, $5 Sliders

FRI: Drag Race & Star Lite Show 6p-10:30p w/Happy Hour 2p-8p, 1/2 price flatbreads

SAT: Rooftop T 5p-9p w/Happy Hour, $10 Beer & Burger Special

SUN: Charity Beer Bust 4p-8p$12/cup Coors Light & Truly Hard Seltzers to 7p