Good Chemistry is helping to make Denver a better and more vibrant place. Check out how in 303 Magazine!
While most Americans in the 1980s learned about AIDS on television news years after it erupted into a legitimate epidemic, Matthew Huron saw the virus on the faces of his friends and family while growing up in San Francisco’s vibrant Castro neighborhood.
“A lot of those men there were very sick and dying, and that included my father and his partner and all of their friends,” Huron said. “Every week my dad was going to another funeral, and it was just a really challenging time.”
It wasn’t long before Huron was that socially conscious teenager volunteering at an AIDS hospice in the heart of the Castro. Philanthropy was important to his father, and so it was also important to son. And as Huron grew up and started noticing how cannabis was helping his friends and family living with the disease — restoring appetites, diminishing pain, remedying nausea and generally treating the patients’ wasting syndrome — he opened a medical marijuana co-op in 2000.
“The fundamental reason we started that co-op was to give, not sell, medical marijuana to sick men dying from AIDS,” said Huron. “That’s what we did. We delivered to a variety of hospice care and assisted living facilities around San Francisco.”
Huron’s involvement in cannabis these days is more official. But the CEO of Good Chemistry Nurseries’ cannabis businesses in Colorado and Nevada is still donating medical marijuana (and leafy-green cash, as well) to those in need.
The Ally Award video tribute to Matthew Huron
He donates to One Colorado to support their political work on behalf of the LGBTQ community; In 2016, the organization bestowed upon Huron an Ally Award. He assembles a team for, and sponsors, the AIDS Walk every year. He also donates to the Denver Police Brotherhood, the Comitis Crisis Center of Aurora and the Harm Reduction Action Center.
To boot, Good Chemistry’s Compassion Program is a direct descendant of the co-op he started more than 16 years ago.
“We’re one of the only dispensaries in Denver that has an organized and internal compassion program, which gives free and low-cost medicine to low-income and terminally ill patients,” Huron said. “My father passed away in July of ’09 (to complications from AIDS), and I moved the business here in December ’09 … It was important to me and to his legacy, and it was why I got into this industry in the first place — to continue the Compassion Program.”
Read the full article here.
Helping Underserved and Marginalized Communities
We’ve already seen all the good that cannabis can do. From providing medical relief and safe recreation to generating tax revenue thanks to astronomical sales, more and more people all the time are starting to come around to the idea that cannabis is a good thing that can do good for the community. But in addition to all of this, there are many programs within the cannabis industry that go a step further, intentionally using products and profits to make the world, or at least the local community, a better place. Here are a few ways that cannabis is giving back and helping contribute to positive change.
In addition to helping out the environment, many cannabis businesses go out of their way to serve communities that otherwise would be passed over. Good Chemistry, a dispensary with production facilities in Colorado and Nevada, participates in many LGBTQ-friendly events because they hit close to home.
“I became involved in the medical marijuana industry when my father and my father’s partner were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS,” stated Matthew Huron, Founder and CEO of Good Chemistry. “In 1996, when medical marijuana became available in California, I saw firsthand the symptomatic relief patients experienced from this alternative medical treatment. In 2000, I began growing medical marijuana for AIDS patients throughout the state, founding and operating a nonprofit medical marijuana co-op.”
Now as a Denver-based dispensary, Huron makes sure to participate in the AIDS walk and One Colorado’s Ally Awards, in order to actively help the LGBTQ community.
“To be an industry that is not only accepted but also valued, we must extend our support to other communities and causes,” explains Huron. “We must continue to fight for other underserved communities. Good Chemistry Nurseries would not exist without the support and advocacy of others, and we prioritize giving back.”
Read the full article here.
How did you end up working for Good Chemistry?
I met Matt back in 2010. We would run into each other through various cannabis industry meetings held at different dispensaries. At the time I was growing and running a retail store for a competitor. We stayed in touch and eventually met up to discuss an opportunity, managing the Colfax store. I just left my prior job and was debating on staying in the industry. I met with Matt and connected with his passion for the industry and drive to help make cannabis legal. Matt had an extremely positive, but rare attitude about the Industry and I wanted to be a part of his team.
What is your role?
I oversee operations to ensure patients and customers have the highest quality products and services in a safe and secure environment. I am responsible for budgeting, seed-to-sale inventory tracking and management, state and local regulatory compliance, policy and procedure development, staff hiring, training and management. Another aspect of my job is to manage the company’s Compassion Care Program, which provides marijuana products to hardship patients at minimal or no cost. In short, I manage the business side of both the Aurora and Colfax location, make sure the staff is happy and working hard, and provide remarkable product to everyone who walks in the door.
What makes you come to work every day?
The culture we have built here at Good Chemistry is undeniable and makes my job fun and rewarding. I genuinely enjoy all of the people who work for GC so it doesn’t make coming to work a chore. Having an energetic, passionate crew has helped make Good Chemistry what it is today. Another aspect of my job I love is educating the Good Chemistry customer on remarkable cannabis. Being able to help people make their lives better through cannabis is extremely satisfying and why I do what I do.
What has been your favorite project at Good Chemistry?
Building the Aurora store was an incredible project, but my favorite project is actually one that is still in the works. This particular project will change how people view cannabis and the industry as a whole. It has been a blast to develop and I cannot wait to see how people react to it when it goes live during this year’s 4/20 festivities.
Where would you like to see Good Chemistry in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years I would like to see Good Chemistry become a household name in regards to quality cannabis. I can also envision a few more retail stores and grows in Colorado with a couple grows or stores, out-of-state.
What are some of the things you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family; Preeya and I have twin boys, so we are very busy. I still get out to play basketball, work out, read, and enjoy/assess fine cannabis.
Good Chemistry is proud to be named one of High Times’ 15 Best Dispensaries in Denver. Below, the magazine explains why we made the list:
Good Chemistry:
“Responsibly cultivated cannabis that’s broken down for shoppers into “effect categories” (Amplify, Relax, Relieve or Sleep)
“Its 3,600-square-foot flagship store opened on Colfax Avenue as one of Denver’s first higher-designed, state-of-the-art dispensaries. Since then, two more locations (Aurora and South Broadway) have opened and the company’s signature color-coded “effect categories” of recommended uses (Amplify, Relax, Relieve or Sleep) guide customers toward an experiential-focused product selection process steered by a knowledgeable staff. More than 60 strains of flower, extracts and concentrates are cultivated under the Good Chemistry Nurseries umbrella, whose products are also available in select Nevada retailers. Founded in the spirit of “making life better” for those in need, Good Chemistry is also committed to giving back, officially supporting ONE Colorado, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Denver Police Brotherhood, Comitis Crisis Center of Aurora, the Harm Reduction Action Center, the Aurora Police Association and more.”
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GoodChem
We appreciate your feedback! Leave us a review on Yelp, Weedmaps, or Leafly
Whether you’re a professional weed reviewer or a recreational stoner, there are a LOT of Metro Denver rec shops to choose from: some are known for their selection, most for their quality, and a few just because they’re cool as hell.
Capitol Hill – Denver Recreational Dispensary
On top of the quality weed and low prices on offer here, each strain is marked with one or more of the following effects: Amplify, Relax, Relieve, and Sleep. Whether you’re a first-time shopper or simply want to try something new, this labeling system takes the guesswork out of your decision. If you can make it to the bigger, newer location in Aurora, you’re in for a treat — it’s one of the sexiest stores out there.
Read the full list here.
Team launches first annual “Bike Your Funky Soul” cruiser Ride
Good Chemistry Nurseries’ first “Bike Your Funky Soul” cruiser ride to fight cancer was a success! We raised $5,000 for the Ray of Hope Foundation to respond to the urgent needs of Coloradans with cancer by providing financial assistance with dignity and humanity.
On Saturday, August 12th, Good Chemistry staff members, friends and family took to the streets powered by an all-funk soundtrack with the goal of raising money to support those fighting the good fight against cancer.
“At Good Chemistry Nurseries, supporting those in need is a priority,” said CEO & Founder Matthew Huron. “Good Chemistry grew from my experience operating a medical marijuana co-op dedicated to serving those suffering from life threatening illnesses. We all have someone in our lives who have struggled with the fight against cancer. We are grateful to those who helped us with this fundraising effort, and hope that it brings some comfort to those in need.”
All donations from the “Bike Your Funky Soul” fundraiser will benefit the Ray Of Hope Cancer Foundation. Ray of Hope helps respond to the urgent needs of Coloradans with cancer by providing financial assistance with dignity and humanity. By giving unrestricted cash grants directly to cancer patients in treatment, they give them the freedom to use the gift however they see fit. Groceries, rent, utility payments—even flowers for a daughter’s wedding—they impose zero restrictions. All of their grantees have expenses that exceed their income, many of them with no income at all due to loss of work as a result of cancer treatment. They are provided with the dignity of managing their grant funds, prioritizing their needs as only they know them.
Thanks to everyone who came out to bike their funky soul!!
If you are interested in donating to Ray of Hope click here.
Learn more about Good Chemistry’s philanthropy initiative and how you can contribute.
On Wednesday September 13, 2017, Tears McFarlane House & Garden welcomed the community to enjoy wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres for the 10th annual Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN) Wine Tasting.
Good Chemistry is a proud business member of CHUN and representatives from our team enjoyed meeting with neighbors of the Capitol Hill community.
Proceeds from the event directly benefited Capitol Hill United Neighbors (CHUN) in their mission of “Preserving the Past; Improving the Present; and Planning for the Future”– making it possible for them to continue advocacy for smart zoning and land use, the protection of historic landmarks, community safety and neighborhood beautification.
CHUN is just one of the organization’s Good Chemistry is proud to support. Learn more about those organizations and how to support them here.
Check out out the continued full schedule of events: Here
At Good Chemistry we are committed to being leaders in making life better for people through the growth, production and use of cannabis. Starting at Good Chemistry Nurseries, our experienced and knowledgeable staff curates reliable and high quality cannabis every day.
When introducing strains to our consumers, it is our mission to ensure our customers are educated about the cannabis flower they are buying and consuming. To do this, Good Chemistry developed the pioneering Category System which is designed to familiarize consumers on what types of strains to use for desired results. To begin the process, Good Chemistry started a comprehensive study that had customers take surveys after using a specific strain, and reporting on the sensation they felt afterwards. From this, the Category System was born and was broken down into four main categories to help consumers decide which sensation they would like to experience: amplification, relaxation, relief or sleep.
Good Chemistry uses the four categories to guide their customers through their extensive daily flower menu. Each strain on the menu is labeled with the category it belongs in, making it easy for the Good Chemistry customer to pick a strain based on what sensation they are looking to achieve.
Some of Good Chemistry’s most popular strains include:
Although the category system is a perfect way to determine what sensation can come from each strain, the first sensation from cannabis is the sensation of lift, or being high. Come by our Aurora and Colfax locations and see for yourself how the Category System can help you light up for any frame of mind. Our staff is excited to help you navigate your way to having the best experience as possible.
Fans name their pet Goose after Good Chemistry’s well-loved strain
Exclusive to Good Chemistry Nurseries, “Ingrid” is a heavy Indica strain, categorized in our “Sleep” and “Relieve” effect categories. This fan favorite may be helpful for pain relief and promoting a restful night’s sleep. We’ve heard more than a few stories about customers who have drawn an influence from Ingrid in the past. None quite compare to this one.
Our most recent account is about a customer who named her goose, Ingrid. Kelsey, a loyal customer at Good Chemistry Aurora and Ingrid’s owner gave us the scoop on her story. “We have a very sweet and sleepy goose named Ingrid. We named her after the Good Chemistry strain because she gives us the same warm, happy feels,” Kelsey said. “She strangely loves blankets, and has recently been trying to get into our house to cuddle up.”
Ingrid is a dense bud with a strong, cheesy-earthy smell, and a smooth, fruity flavor. Many of our customers look to Ingrid for very specific sedative effects. This “sleepy time” strain is ideal for those dealing with pain, stress, insomnia, anxiety or for those just in need of some deep rest and relaxation.
“Ingrid couldn’t have been a more perfect name [for our goose]. She embodies it through and through,” Kelsey added.
We sure are glad to have learned about this friendly goose who embodies relaxation to the same extent as its cannabis counterpart.
Are you a fan of Ingrid? Share your story with us: info@goodchem.org.
Join our Member Benefits program and get $10 off a ticket to the 2018 Westword “ARTOPIA”
Good Chemistry’s new Member Benefits program gives you unique access to the finest Cannabis in Colorado and a special discount on tickets for the fun events we sponsor each year.
This year we’re a proud sponsor of Denver Westword’s ARTOPIA 2018, and if you’re enrolled in our Member Benefits program you’ll receive a promo code for discounted tickets to this amazing celebration of art, culture and fashion.
On Friday, February 23, dozens of artists will fill The Church, painting, sculpting, performing, modeling and offering guests full immersion in the artistic process. Attendees will explore themed spaces while enjoying the sounds of some of Denver’s best DJs and musicians. Artopia will also feature the iconic Whiteout fashion show, highlighting some of the City’s most talented designers: C.R. Lee, KimonoDragons and Matthew Morris Salon.
Artopia proceeds support organizations that assist members of Denver’s most vulnerable communities. These organizations strive to positively impact the futures of these individuals by helping them develop coping skills, inspiration and the wherewithal to not only succeed in today’s world, but become our leaders of tomorrow. This year’s event will also hold its fourteenth MasterMind awards – a grant program that offers no-strings attached awards to art organizations and individuals positively changing the cultural landscape of Denver.
Join Good Chemistry for a night of art, fun and fashion – all for a good cause. Details below:
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here.
Visit any Good Chemistry location today to join our new Members Rewards program. If you’re already a member, we’ll send your discount promo code directly to you. Thank you for supporting Good Chemistry Nurseries. We’ll see you at ARTOPIA!
Please note that this event is strictly 21+.
Good Chemistry now offers its exclusive, solvent-less hash oil, Rosin to customers and patients at both Colfax and Aurora location. Rosin is Good Chemistry’s way of offering our customers an alternative hash oil that is made simply by using heat and pressure. Our solvent-less processing eliminates the use of any harsh extraction methods such as butane, propane or CO2, making Rosin more natural for users of any level.
Rosin is a highly concentrated form of THC, produced by separating a honey-like resin from the marijuana plant material. The product can be consumed in a few different ways; however, the most popular method is “dabbing.” Good Chemistry Rosin should be stored in a cool, dry place to preserve its effect and texture.
In Dope Magazine’s article “FIRE FRIDAY: ROCKIN’ ROSIN – Why This Solvent-Free, Heat-Based Extract Is Taking the Cannabis Industry By Storm”, Good Chemistry’s Chief Production Officer, Duncan Cameron, was interviewed about Rosin. “It was something totally new, totally solvent-free, no extraction equipment, and here’s another great plus: It maintains the integrity of the flower. So it has the same flavor as the flower, the same terpenes, unlike BHO, where what you get is an undifferentiated sludge.” Duncan also explains that the terpenes are an important part of cannabis’ “entourage effect,” the synergistic powers of all the compounds in cannabis working together. He states, “You can take vitamin C, and potassium, and fiber, but that doesn’t make an orange. You can take all those separately, and you’re still not getting the total benefit of eating an orange. It’s the same with cannabis. Nothing is the same as experiencing the flower in its original state, unadulterated — and that’s essentially what you do when you experience rosin.” You can read the full article here.
Stop by Good Chemistry Aurora or Good Chemistry Denver and try Rosin out for yourself. Make sure to also check out the daily flower menu including the exclusive strains of Ingrid and Mr. Good Chem, as well as the highly acclaimed Sour Diesel, Blue Dream, OGer, Durban Poison, and many others all at $30 per 1/8th. Every strain. Every Day.
Recommending Sour Diesel as a weed critic is like a music writer extolling the virtues of The Beatles or a historian making a case for George Washington as a great president. In fact, Sour Diesel probably belongs on a Mount Rushmore of marijuana — a fake monument that I desperately want my picture taken in front of. You’d be hard-pressed to walk into a Colorado dispensary and leave without seeing some form of Diesel on the shelf, so I’d be remiss if you didn’t know how to spot it.
Sour Diesel by the numbers: $30 per 1/8 at Good Chemistry, Denver & Aurora.
I usually refer to Sour Diesel as the Campbell’s Soup of pot because it’s one of the chunkier strains out there. The calyxes are typically much rounder, giving it the appearance of more body. If most strains are a soft-serve cone, Sour D is Dippin’ Dots. Almost always pale to lime green with dark sugar leaf in contrast, you’ll notice the pistils range from faded peach to a fiery orange.
Some people legitimately enjoy the smell of gasoline. I’m not here to judge. What I had a hard time understanding was where the “sour” part came in. I immediately thought Warheads candy for many years, but couldn’t place that in the herb. No, sour here is a noticeable funk that has little sweetness to it. Think lightly expired dairy and not a full-on fridge science experiment.
My fiancee (yes, I’m recently engaged!) and I have a pact when it comes to cleaning. She’s great at the day-to-day, make-sure-this-place-doesn’t-fall-apart maintenance. Every few months, I do an OCD-level sweep of the premises loaded up on coffee and sativa and the futuristic sounds of Glitch Mob radio on Pandora.
As it turns out, Sour Diesel and I make a great maid service.
Gearing up for her surprise birthday party (don’t worry: she doesn’t read my column) I smoked a quarter-gram and began ripping couches away from walls to find whatever Sheltie hair and menacing spiders had been calling the space home. Our guests can’t know these things exist. Compared to a haze strain, the energy was much more focused as I methodically worked through the living room with the precision of Jack Bauer clearing a building of potential threats. I went full “24″ on it.
Usually anything I do that emulates Kiefer Sutherland takes a toll on my back. This was no exception. Only, I didn’t seem to notice until I was two hours in that a dull ache had crept up. Sour D isn’t the best at knocking out heavy pain, but this was a good example of a time when simply being distracted was enough to win the day.
Sour Diesel is the ultimate in what I call a nice “vacation sativa.” It’s not as mentally engaging (or paranoia inducing) as a strong haze, but isn’t as heavy as a Trainwreck or Jack strain. You can smoke a bit and still have a head on your shoulders for exploring the city. Plus, chances are you’ve smoked it before.
Come see us in Denver’s historic LoHi neighborhood at 2563 15th St (near the corner of 15th and Boulder).
“We are honored to be part of the LoHi community and have a presence in one of Denver’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods,” said Matthew Huron, founder and CEO of Good Chemistry. “Good Chemistry was founded on the four pillars of Science, Access, Dignity and Compassion, and we’re glad to be able to provide greater access to high quality cannabis products to this special community.”
As is true with all Good Chemistry Colorado locations, when visitors first arrive at our LoHi location, they are greeted with Good Chemistry’s pioneering category system that helps customers navigate the world of cannabis across many levels by identifying strains under the Amplify, Relax, Relieve and Sleep categories.
Good Chemistry Nurseries was founded in the spirit of “Making Life Better” for those in need. We believe it’s our responsibility to give back to the community, and support the vulnerable or under served. We plan to continue this commitment on behalf of the Lower Highlands neighborhood.
We’d love to stay in touch with you so we can share product information and Good Chemistry Nurseries news and events. Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to be added to our email list.
We look forward to serving you soon.