Dear Stoner: How Do I Get the Most Out of My Edibles?

Dear Stoner: Can you list some shops that have a good selection of edibles? Also, can you recommend something to eat along with edibles so that they have the full effect? Gracias!
Bar Hopper 62

Dear Bar Hopper: I go to a new dispensary every week for my Strain Gang review, and rarely see a shop that doesn’t have some combination of candies, baked goods and drinks. But if you’re looking for something beyond that, I have a few recommendations. Pure Medical Dispensary, which has three shops in Denver, sells infused olive oil and honey if you want to cook your own edibles or sex up your morning tea and toast. Rocky Mountain High makes its own line of gourmet edibles, so if you enjoy fresh cake pops and chocolate truffles or prefer something quick, like medicated breath spray, check out one of Rocky Mountain’s four Denver dispensaries. And to help tame an impending gut bomb from hot wings or rib tips, go to Medicine Man Medical Market in Glendale for infused Buffalo and barbecue sauces. The place also sells infused apple butter and hot cocoa mix.

Because THC bonds to fat cells before digestion, anything high in fat that you eat or drink along with edibles will increase their effects. Next time you indulge, wash your munchies down with whole milk, or add extra butter to your infused dishes to boost the high a little. Some people eat mangos an hour before smoking or eating pot because the fruit contains myrcene — a terpene also found in hops and cannabis. Myrcene can increase permeability in your brain’s cell membranes, which, according to some scientists, makes you more susceptible to THC’s effects.

Dear Stoner: I don’t mind tipping budtenders, but my wife (who is a nurse) finds it highly unethical. Her words: “Would you tip your doctor or pharmacist?” I am sure they spend way more time with you than a bartender, who simply opens a beer. Getting past the whole wink-wink medical aspect, is it ethical?
Confused About Tipping

Dear Confused: Medical marijuana is called “alternative medication” for a reason, so not every aspect of a pot dispensary is supposed to resemble either a pharmacy or a bar. A medical dispensary should have a more detailed and professional atmosphere than a recreational shop aiming to get you stoned, but until you start seeing trained professionals with degrees and salaries servicing MMJ patients with consistently regulated products, tip all you want. Extra information and honest opinions always deserve some extra love.

Send questions to [email protected] or call the potline at 303-­293­-2222.