Good Chemistry is helping to make Denver a better and more vibrant place. Check out how in 303 Magazine!
In honor of Veterans Day, Good Chemistry will be providing a 20% off discount on all products to those who have served in America’s armed forces on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12.
Originally established in 1938, Veterans Day honors those who have served the country during times of war or peace.
Good Chemistry is a proud employer of veterans, and we support those who have served through veterans support projects, and by providing regular discounts for veterans on Good Chemistry products.
If you are Veteran please bring your Military ID or documentation of service to any Good Chemistry location on Sunday and Monday so we can thank you in person.
Become a Good Chemistry member to maximize Good Chemistry’s benefits. As a member, you receive a point per every dollar spent and will receive a $25 credit for every 500 points*. On top of in-store rewards, Good Chemistry members also receive special access to local Denver events.
Good Chemistry is one of the country’s leading providers of Cannabis products and related services. Good Chemistry’s team of experienced professionals implements the company’s vision for a groundbreaking retail cannabis experience that is both inviting and educational. Staff use their expertise and knowledge to create a professional and user-friendly experience for customers of all interests.
Come in to any of our locations and join our Member Benefits to ensure you’re getting the most out of your loyalty to Good Chemistry.
*Loyalty points are equal to one point for every dollar spent, pre-tax, as a Loyalty Member. Loyalty points may only be redeemed by current Loyalty Members.
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.
Stephen Spinosa, vice president of retail operations at Good Chemistry, has over seven years of experience working in the cannabis industry in the operation and management of licensed dispensaries.
He was previously an inventory manager in a 7,000-square-foot medical marijuana cultivation in Colorado. Spinosa is currently part of the team at Good Chemistry dispensaries, which has locations in Aurora and Denver, Colorado. He oversees staff training, state and local regulatory compliance and seed-to-sale inventory tracking.
Spinosa recently delivered a keynote presentation at the Dispensary Next Conference in Portland, Oregon titled “From Waiting Room to High-End Retail Experience: How Dispensary Culture Has Changed from 2009 to Now.” He discussed the rise of high-end experience and gave tools for dispensaries to improve retail operations
How did you end up working for Good Chemistry? I had known Steve for a couple years since before he began at GC, and once he started I kept a peripheral eye on him and the industry. I had come to a point in my other career paths that I was no longer feeling satisfied and challenged, so when I was talking with him in late 2013 and he mentioned he was in need of help at the store I couldn’t help but grow interested. After taking a bit of time to ponder the options and reflect on my passion for cannabis, I decided this was the move I wanted to make and informed Steve. We talked and I was soon in the store being introduced to Matthew by Steve, and the rest is history.
What is your role? I am the General Manager of the Colfax store.
What makes you come to work every day? There is a never-ending chain of unique challenges to keep me occupied. Also, we have a great group of interesting people in the store that I enjoy surrounding myself with.
What has been your favorite project at Good Chemistry? It would be difficult to isolate any single project I have been a part of that I enjoyed more than another. I think it has been the never-ending series of changes and projects that have kept me engaged and challenged in a way that I really enjoy. Whether it has been making the many aesthetic and/or operational changes at the Colfax store, opening in Aurora, developing the S.T.A.T.S. guide, or simply running the day-to-day operations of the Colfax store, there has always been interesting and challenging ways to apply myself and grow.
Where would you like to see Good Chemistry in the next 5 years? That’s a question I would have difficulty answering with specifics. The industry and cannabis’ acceptance on a national level is in such a constant state of flux, and there is so much possibility as to what will even be allowed and where, that to try and say where I would like to see us is impossible for me. I would just say that I would like to see GC staying true to the core values that separate us from the other professional environments I have worked in, while continuing to push ourselves as pioneers of this revolution that is the freeing of cannabis.
What are some of the things you like to do outside of work? Outside of work I am a bit of a busy body. I spend a lot of time with my dog, Lebowski, walking around the neighborhood and exploring the parks. I recently started to walk slacklines, and I ride my bike, swim, run and strength train regularly, as well as smoke a LOT of blunts in between. I also cook quite a bit and do a lot of juicing, and hope to be hunting for my own meat within the next few years as well. Plus, I do all of the same stuff as everyone else in CO like hiking, skiing and outdoors-ing, but that’s boring to repeat so I will forego
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.
Members of the Good Chemistry team turned out to support communities in need and educate the the crowd on STATS at Westword Show 2017. Thousands of Denverites took the the streets of the Golden Triangle to hear their favorite local and national artists. Headliners included, Shakey Graves, The Revivalists and A R I Z O N A.
Proceeds from the event support Youth on Record, an organization that helps members of some of Denver’s most vulnerable communities to make life choices that positively impact their future by teaching them to develop the coping tools, inspiration, and wherewithal to succeed in today’s world and to become leaders of tomorrow. Proceeds from the event will also help preserve and protect one of Denver’s oldest and most iconic locations, Civic Center Park.
Click here to learn more about other organizations Good Chemistry supports, and how you can contribute.
Festival draws thousands of attendees
The sun was shining this weekend as the community gathered to celebrate the start of summer and support the Capitol Hill neighborhood at the 45th annual People’s Fair. People from all across the Mile High City joined forces for two days of art, music, and entertainment to raise funds for an array of non-profit organizations.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival benefit Capitol Hill United Neighbors (CHUN) in their mission to protect, preserve & enhance the quality of life in and around Capitol Hill. Good Chemistry is a proud business member of CHUN and our staff members were happy to help assist with the event.
CHUN is just one of the organizations Good Chemistry is proud to support. Learn more about those organizations and how to support them here.
DENVER (August 12, 2015) – More than 200 guests toasted Good Chemistry’s Fifth Anniversary at Spill Lounge on Saturday night. The celebration crowned a year of exciting developments for the Colorado dispensary and producer, capped by the grand opening of a new Aurora location that showcases the industry’s leading retail design, and consumer-friendly and helpful shopping experience. Good Chemistry’s original location on Colfax in Denver’s Capitol Hill will also incorporate the new category system once renovations are complete this month.
“I got involved in the cannabis industry in its nascent stages because I wanted to aid people who suffer from a variety of illnesses by giving them the opportunity to add cannabis to their treatment plans,” noted Good Chemistry founder and CEO Matthew Huron. “My background in cultivating medical marijuana has distinguished Good Chemistry with innovative programs such as the Good Chemistry Compassion Program. It is very rewarding to recognize our fifth anniversary, and we know there is still enormous work to be done in this field.”
Good Chemistry will continue fifth anniversary celebrations when it sponsors AIDS Walk Denver on Saturday, August 15. The company also returns for the fourth year in a row as a Universal Sponsor for One Colorado Education Fund’s Ally Awards, which will be held the following Saturday, August 22. One Colorado is an organization dedicated to securing and protecting equality and opportunity for LGBT Coloradans and their families.
Good Chemistry’s sleek and modern category system is based on the type of experience customers are seeking: Amplify, Relax, Relieve and Sleep. Good Chemistry created its category system to help people try cannabis strains and products in an informed way.
Huron is one of the most experienced cultivators of marijuana in the United States and is a pioneer in best practices for marijuana cultivation and dispensing. He and his colleagues are using their expertise and knowledge to create a professional and user-friendly experience for customers of all interests. Good Chemistry has established one of the nation’s most sophisticated nursery programs, with grow operations in metro Denver that produce consistent, high-quality products.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Shawna McGregor at 917-971-7852 or shawna@rosengrouppr.com.
About Good Chemistry
Good Chemistry is a leading provider of marijuana products and related services, and is committed to making life better for people through the growth, production and use of cannabis. Good Chemistry’s two locations in Denver and Aurora offer customers an award-winning line up of medical and recreational marijuana products and outstanding service. Good Chemistry has established one of the nation’s most sophisticated nursery programs, with grow operations in metro Denver that produce world-class products at the highest levels of quality, reliability and consistency. For more information, visit www.goodchem.org. Friend us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram.
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
What is your role at Good Chemistry?
Vice President of Information Technology
How did you end up working at Good Chemistry?
I had been working in IT / software development for the healthcare industry for most of my career and I loved the aspect of making people’s lives better. With the dawn of cannabis legalization in Colorado, I left the healthcare industry and began working on multiple software products that could be used in the cannabis business. One of my colleagues and friends (Stephen Spinosa, VP of Operations) and I had been in contact on and off for several years, and he informed me that Good Chemistry was hiring. I came in to interview for a completely different role hoping to get my foot in the door with a company I admired and thought was doing awesome things. Upon talking to the team at Good Chemistry, we found that there was a serious need for an IT professional on staff and I was hired to help streamline, automate, and enhance the entire technology infrastructure within the organization.
What attracted you to Good Chemistry?
Working with several cannabis startups I had the opportunity of meeting with many dispensaries and grows in Colorado, and I was always most impressed with Good Chemistry. From the people that worked there, to the product, to the care and thought that was ingrained into the culture, I always felt Good Chemistry was the premiere cannabis business in Colorado. It was also my personal favorite dispensary as a consumer, so it was a very easy decision to come on board when the opportunity arose.
Most Rewarding Achievements?
It sounds cheesey, but everyday at Good Chemistry is rewarding in some way. During my time with the company I have assisted in converting several manual processes over to automatic/software based solutions. I have had the opportunity to work with all aspects of technology from software design to interfacing with various types of hardware (scales, scanners, POS systems to name a few). Overall it is most rewarding knowing that the work I do effects the company as a whole and has a positive impact on people’s day-to-day work.
What are some of the things you like to do outside of work?
I love to play video games, watch Kung-Fu and horror movies, and spend time with my 2 beautiful daughters. I find myself on my personal computer tinkering with new software or writing little programs more than I’d like to admit. Oh yeah, and sometimes I even get out to enjoy the beauty that is Colorado.
What is your life motto?
This too shall pass
Latest Album?
Wu-Tang “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” – it’s oldschool but in heavy rotation at my house
Last Book?
I’m re-reading Stephen King’s “IT” to get ready for the new movie!
Favorite TV Show?
Blood Drive
Car person or motorcycle person?
Car – I don’t trust myself on a motorcycle.
Cat person or dog?
Cat – meow meow
Good Chemistry has two Colorado locations, one in Denver and another in Aurora, and are planning to expand into Nevada. Their style is a mix of warm woods and sophisticated color coding to help recreational consumers find the right herb.
Their four pillars denote effects like amplify, sleep, relief, and relaxation. Consumers can browse through mounted tablets to help them find strains prior to approaching the counter.
See the full list here.
Team Supports One Colorado in Advancing LGBTQ Equality
The Good Chemistry Nurseries team turned out for a Night of Resilience, supporting One Colorado and the LGBTQ community at the 2017 Ally Awards on Saturday, August 26, 2017.
The evening’s festivities included a silent auction, cocktail party and award reception to raise funds for One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for Colorado’s LGBTQ community.
The Ally Awards honor the work of those with the courage and determination to facilitate change within the Colorado community. A longtime sponsor of the Ally Awards, Good Chemistry is proud to support such a meaningful cause and one that hits close to home for our company.
Good Chemistry Nurseries’ CEO and Founder, Matthew Huron, was honored at last year’s Ally Awards for his dedicated work to advance equality for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families View the video from that presentation here.
2017 ALLY AWARDEES:
Pat Steadman, Lifetime Achievement Award: Former Colorado State Senator Pat Steadman was a part of Equal Rights Colorado — a volunteer-run equality group that advanced LGBTQ policies before One Colorado’s inception. He was also a champion in fighting and defeating Amendment 2, was on the Colorado Joint Budget Committee, and was key in passing civil unions in Colorado.
To learn more about One Colorado and their mission, click here.
To view photos from the One Colorado/Good Chemistry photo booth, click here.
Learn more about Good Chemistry’s philanthropic initiatives and how you can contribute.
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.
Good Chemistry Nurseries’ expert staff has years of education and experience that has allowed them to cultivate the finest, most consistent cannabis is Colorado. Good Chemistry Nurseries’ rigorous cloning and cultivation plan ensures that each plant produces the highest quality flower that is identical to the flower it was cloned from.
Good Chemistry can ensure quality and consistency because of the following:
Good Chemistry Nurseries has developed two exclusive strains:
Ingrid – Exclusive to Good Chemistry, Ingrid was found in a bag of Big Bud regular seeds brought to the United States from Switzerland. When propagated, there was one plant that stood out from the rest. Look, growth, smell and density of bud set this particular plant apart from all her brothers and sisters. “Ingrid” (which is Austrian slang for marijuana) is a full indica, known for nighttime pain relief and for helping with insomnia. Extreme sedative effects may present themselves within 30 minutes after use.
Mr. Good Chem – With hints or fruit and undertones of perfume, Mr. Good Chem has an undeniable smell. After medicating with this sticky strain, the euphoric sensation may amplify the joy of your activity, as well as relieve any stress that may be holding you back.
Stop by one of the Good Chemistry locations to try out our consistent flower for yourself.
How did you end up working for Good Chemistry?
It’s kind of a funny story – I happened to be budtending for a much smaller dispensary at the time. The company asked me to attend a cannabis industry event, which is where I met Steve Spinosa. We got to chatting and he let me know Good Chemistry was hiring budtenders. I decided I wanted more stability, with an established and compliant company. I interviewed with Halley and Haley for a budtending role at the Aurora store and the rest is history!
What is your role?
I’ve been a Budtender with Good Chemistry Aurora since July 2016.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The customers. Sometimes, I feel like I should have a white collar on! People come to see us after they’ve experienced traumatic events, or even just had a hard day. Budtending allows me to express my humanitarian side. I really just love to help people. There are customers who will wait just to be served by me, and it means a lot to be able to establish those relationships.
Philanthropy is a core value for the Good Chemistry team. Tell us a little bit about your experience giving back to the community:
As a child, I was in and out of homeless shelters with my mom and my sister, so I grew up understanding poverty really well. No matter how hard we were struggling, my mom always made muffins for us to pass out on Sunday’s to the homeless in downtown Denver. She always said that no matter how bad you’re doing, somebody else has it worse. It’s never been a question for me – giving back is like brushing my teeth, it’s just natural habit – it’s a part of who I am.
What motivated you to collect donations for Denver’s homeless community?
I decided that I wanted to utilize my college graduation party as a celebration for Denver’s at-risk and homeless populations.I didn’t want this to be just another pointless party in my life – I figured I’d try to turn it into something much more meaningful. Instead of receiving gifts, I asked guests to bring items for those in need. Not only was this an effort to help support those in need by providing simple everyday necessities, but I also wanted people to step outside their comfort zones and realize that we’re all in this together. Upon arrival, guests were invited to take a sack lunch and items from any of the stations set up around the venue for mens, womens, and childrens clothing as well blankets, coats, shoes and toiletries. Everyone left with something that night. The homeless left with tangible items and my family and friends left with an experience that hopefully opened their eyes and helped to destigmatize what it means to be homelessness. At the end of the night all the leftover goods, food, and materials were taken to the Denver Rescue Mission. All clothes and donations were taken to non-profit Thrift Store. They were a huge source of support for me through my Freshman year of college, so I like to do whatever I can to help support them, too. What I love most about about their organization is that they donate all their items to the shelter first, and whatever isn’t used by the shelter is then sold in the store. They also hire their homeless youth to help run the stores.
What motivated you to do Locks of Love?
Growing up my father helped me to realize you need to give where you can. I want to be able to give everything I can, and hair is one of those things! As long as I could grow hair, I’ve donated it to Locks of Love. I’m lucky enough to have it grow as fast as it does and happy to give what I can.
What are some things you like to do outside of work?
I love to travel! Aside from traveling I’m a big activist on my time off – any local event supporting human rights, I’m there! I also enjoy getting out and meeting members of Denver’s homeless population. Live music and attending concerts are another one of my favorite pass times.
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
Denver is pioneering the Cannabis industry in ways to lessen the environmental impact of cultivating and selling Cannabis. The initiatives initiated by responsible Cannabis businesses working to decrease their footprint have trickled out through various news stories, but The Cannabis Sustainability Symposium, hosted by the Organic Cannabis Association, held on October 26th, 2016 at the Colorado Convention Center, will ignite the conversation.This one day event will educate attendees on the latest tools, techniques and technologies for efficient and safe Cannabis production.
Covering water & wastewater, solid waste, integrated pest management, community engagement, energy efficiency, cultivation practices and sustainable design, the symposium will bring together leaders from all over the industry to present on the industry’s key environmental challenges. Our very own Meg Collins, Vice President of Public Affairs will moderate the panel on energy, and Good Chemistry Nurseries will have a booth on site to provide attendees with more information. Good Chemistry Nurseries understands the environmental impact of indoor Cannabis cultivation. We look forward to learning from experts in this very field as well as educating other members of the industry on the lengths we go to in an effort to minimize our own environmental footprint.
For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit http://www.cannabissustainability.org/.
Good Chemistry Nurseries is proud to support the Shining Stars Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring hope to youth battling cancer or life threatening illnesses through outdoor programs, recreational activities, and sports. Good Chemistry’s CEO Matthew Huron, and VP of Operations Steve Spinosa participated in the organization’s annual fundraiser on June 9th.
The Shining Stars Foundation provides year-round services centered around unique recreational and social activities, including: adaptive skiing/snowboarding, outdoor education, adventure sports, music, cultural and community events, animal based therapy, and more. Services are delivered through overnight, week-long programs and single day events.
The Shining Stars Foundation is currently one of the only nonprofits in Colorado and one of few nationally providing long-term, year-round care for children and their families through recreational programming at any stage in their cancer battle, including treatment, relapse, or remission. They continue to be groundbreaking in our ability to safely adapt a diverse range of outdoor adventures to meet the needs of children with a life threatening illness.
Good Chemistry Nurseries, a company founded on the premise of “making life better” for those in need is enthusiastic to support such an important cause. Shining Stars Foundation is just one of the organization’s Good Chemistry is proud to uphold. Learn more about those organizations and how to support them here.
Good Chemistry was named “The Best Pot Pricing for Recreational Customers” AND “Best Name for a Marijuana Dispensary” by Denver Westword. A big thank you to everyone who voted and to all of you that support us regularly. Thank you!
http://bit.ly/1xBWobR
“What you do today, can improve all your tomorrows” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
At Good Chemistry Nurseries, it’s our mission to improve the lives of others through the production of high-quality cannabis. The cannabis we offer is a result of almost two decades of continual learning, refinement, dedication, and most importantly, passion. Whether it be our exquisite attention to cultivation, supporting organizations and participating in philanthropic initiatives, or keeping our planet in mind when it comes to the environmental impact of commercial cannabis production, Good Chemistry Nurseries aims to improve the lives of others – day in and day out.
Philanthropy: Good Chemistry Nurseries is on a mission to improve the lives of others by supporting and participating in local philanthropic initiatives. From sponsoring Denver Pride Week to participating in the Colorado AIDS Project’s Colorado AIDS Walk, Good Chemistry knows that it our responsibility as members of this community to do all we can to help improve the lives of our neighbors.
Medicine: Good Chemistry CEO Matthew Huron holds a special place in his heart for medical Cannabis and the way it can improve the lives of those who are suffering from ailments. Huron became involved in the medical marijuana industry when his father and his father’s partner were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. In 1996, when medical marijuana became available in California, Huron saw firsthand the symptomatic relief patients experienced from this alternative medical treatment. In 2000, he began growing medical marijuana for AIDS patients throughout the state, founding and operating a nonprofit medical marijuana co-op that became one of the most respected and well-known facilities in San Francisco.
Quality: As the Cannabis industry begins to operate in the sunlight, customers are becoming more discerning when selecting product. At Good Chemistry, we welcome this product analysis. We pride ourselves on producing the finest Cannabis in the world in the most responsible way. Our cultivators pour their hearts and souls into caring for our Cannabis plants, and the product brought into our stores embodies that commitment. We also know that it is not enough to simply make quality Cannabis, but it is also important to educate consumers on how to identify the quality of Cannabis in world full of uncertainties. We have created the S.T.A.T.S. program for that very purpose. By learning what qualities to look for through the five senses (sight, touch, aroma, taste, sensation), consumers can identify quality Cannabis, and their experiences can be improved and evolve.
Environment: The environmental impact of the indoor cultivation of Cannabis is increasing with every new cultivation facility and legalized state. As sponsors of this year’s Cannabis Sustainability Symposium, Good Chemistry has sought to understand and improve our own cultivation methods to reflect the responsibility we have as cultivators to protect the earth that allows us to cultivate Cannabis. We look forward to working with policy leaders, innovators and other Cannabis businesses to reduce our environmental impact and improve the quality of life within our communities.
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.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, Good Chemistry Founder & CEO Matthew Huron was honored for his work to advance equality for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families at One Colorado’s 2016 Ally Awards. Held at Denver’s Four Seasons Hotel, the event featured additional honorees including Nita and Rudy Gonzales and Kristin Strohm, People’s Choice Award winner: Dr. Dan Reirden of Children’s Hospital Colorado as well as lifetime achievement award recipient Ted Trimpa.
The evening’s festivities included a silent auction, cocktail party and award reception, which raised money for One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for Colorado’s LGBTQ community.
“As someone who grew up with a gay father in San Francisco in the 80’s and 90’s I saw the challenges that members of that community faced, from discrimination to persecution to devastating illness,” Huron commented. “For years One Colorado has been fighting to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Coloradans and their families, and Good Chemistry is proud to support their efforts, and I am honored and humbled to receive this award.”
“The One Colorado Education Fund is thrilled to name Matthew Huron a distinguished ally to Denver’s LGBTQ community,” said Interim Executive Director of One Colorado Education Fund Daniel Ramos. “From sponsoring charitable events to promoting HIV and AIDS awareness, his passion for advocacy has been an asset to us all. The courage and support of all honorees furthers our progress towards equality.”
This year, Good Chemistry Nurseries returned as the Universal Sponsor of the event for the fifth consecutive year. Good Chemistry’s support for the LGBTQ community extends beyond the Ally Awards, with sponsorship of Denver’s Gay Pride Parade and the annual “Pink Party” during Denver’s Gay Pride Weekend.
Make a One-Time Gift to One Colorado Education Fund
One Colorado Education Fund is making a difference! With your support, we will advance equality and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Coloradans.
10) Ingrid at Good Chemistry
16840 East Iliff Avenue, Aurora
303-745-2420
“Last week, in honor of 4/20, Good Chemistry was offering 42 percent off any of its flower. The penny pincher in me simply couldn’t resist the lure of discount pot, so I stopped by the new Aurora location, at 16840 East Iliff Avenue, to see if Good Chemistry and good cannabis were one and the same.
Don’t let Ingrid’s homely smell fool you. Burning this was like enjoying cheese and wine for dessert, and the knockout blow makes it an easy choice for insomnia or stress relief. With such strong and specific effects, my leftovers will be set aside for a rough day or when counting sheep just won’t cut it.”
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.
Good Chemistry was originally formed to provide relief for those living with HIV-AIDS and other critical illnesses.
Since then we have expanded our outreach to a broad array of communities in need; organizations like One Colorado, Ray of Hope, Gathering Place, the Denver Rescue Mission and others. Today is Colorado Gives Day all across the state. Please take a moment today to help us in our support for these and other groups by visiting coloradogives.org and making a donation of any size.
Click here to learn more about the organizations we partner with in support: https://goodchem.org/philanthropy/
Colorado Gives Day features a $1 Million Incentive Fund, created by Community First Foundation and FirstBank. It is one of the largest gives-day incentive funds in the country. Every donation made through ColoradoGives.org on Colorado Gives Day is boosted by the incentive fund, which increases the value of every dollar. For example, if a nonprofit organization receives 10 percent of the total donations made on Colorado Gives Day, that same nonprofit receives 10 percent of the $1 Million Incentive Fund. An additional $100,000 in prizes, sponsored by FirstBank, gives nonprofits an opportunity to win cash for their worthwhile causes.
Click here to learn more about the organizations we partner with in support: https://goodchem.org/philanthropy/
Click here to make a donation to these or other organizations through coloradogives.org.
by Brian Bahouth
@MJ_pubic_media
The cannabis industry is inextricably grounded in the cannabis plant, and if you were to judge the latest business to enter Nevada’s medical cannabis market by their commitment to the plant, Good Chemistry Nurseries couldn’t be a better company.
About the same time Nevada voters approved a ballot initiative to legalize the adult use of cannabis, Good Chemistry Nurseries CEO and founder Matthew Huron announced the launch of a new Reno production facility that will service medical and eventually adult-use dispensaries throughout the state with distinctive flowers and concentrates.
A quick look at the Good Chemistry website reveals a stunning array of strains in active cultivation. From an intriguing Columbian Gold ’72 to exclusive strains Mr. Good Chem and Ingrid, Good Chemistry brings a deep plant catalog to Nevada patients, not just in the form of buds, but their concentrates focus on plant purity too, with Cold Water Hash, Dry-sift, and a much anticipated solvent-less rosin.
Good Chemistry Nurseries is deeply rooted in the medical tradition of cannabis cultivation and allegiance to the plant’s ancient attributes, but clearly, as Nevada’s adult-use market opens, and medical licensees are given first access to the general public, these flowers and simple line of purity-focused concentrates will likely drive the same adult-use success Good Chemistry has seen in Colorado.
To find out more about Good Chemistry Nurseries, I spoke with Founder and CEO Matthew Huron and discovered to no surprise that he and his team are focused on, the plant … listen …
Music credit:
Song: Fried Neck Bones And Some Home Fries
Artist: Willie Bobo
Read the full article here.
Good Chemistry’s executives like to say that all cannabis is not created equal.
They feel the same way about customer service.
The Colorado-based company has discovered that building a successful marijuana retail business in a highly competitive market requires a dynamic and diverse approach to creating bonds with patients and consumers. That, in turn, has helped the company win new customers and strengthen loyalty among existing ones.
Good Chemistry’s strategy includes:
While many marijuana companies in Denver and other markets are trying to expand as fast as possible, gobbling up available retail and warehouse space isn’t a sure-fire route to success, said Stephen Spinosa, vice president of retail operations at Good Chemistry.
The key component is customer service.
“You can outpace your company culture very, very quickly,” said Spinosa, who trains and manages more than 100 employees at the company’s two retail stores in the Denver area, which serve both the recreational and medical markets.
“Then, ultimately, you’re just selling a product. But we provide a customer service experience … When it’s all said and done, customer service is a top priority.”
Indeed, Good Chemistry has won local recognition from Denver’s weekly alternative magazine Westword for its outreach to new consumers, while AdAge said the company is “among the most advanced of its peers when it comes to investment in overall brand strategy.”
Spinosa shared a few ways Good Chemistry has been successful in connecting with customers.
Not every consumer is a cannabis aficionado, and even connoisseurs can learn a thing or two about marijuana strains and related products.
Hence Good Chemistry’s color-coded categories and its new consumer education guide.
The four categories – relax (green), relieve (orange), sleep (blue) and amplify (yellow) – separate strains by their intended effects. This is a simple and effective way to educate new cannabis consumers, as it reintroduces the plant in language a layperson can understand.
“When people come in for the first time, they’re walking out with new knowledge about what cannabis is and what it can do,” Spinosa said. “They have a better impression of the product and less apprehension.”
This strategy also is helpful for educating casual long-time users who don’t know much about the plant and are new to the state-legal realm of marijuana.
Good Chemistry also created its consumer education guide – called S.T.A.T.S. (Sight, Touch, Aroma, Taste, and Sensation) – to share tips for evaluating quality cannabis.
The pocket-sized print guide and its digital copy are light on branding. The last page credits Good Chemistry’s team and the back cover has the company’s logo, but that’s it. The move was intentional: Good Chemistry wants it to be a true guide that other retailers can use and share with their customers as well.
“We’d love to collaborate with others on educating consumers,” Spinosa said. “That is something we should do for the public, for the next states that come on the market, and for new consumers.”
Click here to read the full article.
As Nevada’s ‘yes’ vote for recreational cannabis use has created more industry buzz, another cannabis company has entered the Nevada market.
Good Chemistry Nurseries has an 11,000-square-foot warehouse on the 5th Street corridor near downtown Reno. The facility carries both cultivation and production licenses.
“We have just built phase one,” Matthew Huron, company founder and CEO said in a phone interview with NNBW.
The 4,000-square-foot space that comprises phase one produced the company’s first Nevada harvest.
“We officially launched our first harvest on Oct. 10,” Huron said. Moving forward, they will harvest approximately every 30 days.
They anticipated producing enough products for market and deliberately went smaller with their first phase efforts to be sure they didn’t outpace the market.
“Launching Good Chemistry Nurseries in Nevada was a logical next step for us based on public support and proximity to our operations in Colorado,” Huron said in a press release earlier this month. “Our company is known for product excellence and Nevada Cannabis users and dispensary owners have strongly encouraged us to bring our high quality flower to the state.”
They are happy with their Reno location and phase two will depend on how fast the market grows. Huron explained they plan to adjust as the market grows.
“We are looking across state as far as medical is concerned,” Huron said.
Nevada was a natural second location for Good Chemistry Nurseries as the looked at the tight regulation structure in Nevada that is similar to Colorado.
“We took a look at regulation, “Huron said. “We like the regulatory aspect.”
Read the full article here.
Get silly for a serious cause: Homelessness
Enjoy a few laughs for a good cause. Please join us on Wednesday, May 17 at The Oriental Theater for “No Laughing Matter.” The comedy show for a cause brings together a stellar lineup of Denver favorites including: Nathan Lund, Rachel Weeks, Corey Rhoads, Cody Spyker, Adrian Mesa, Miriam Moreno and Georgia Rae.
Proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness, which provides assistance in research, policy analysis, and program evaluation and improvement. Through the work of the Institute, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are empowered to live full lives of their choosing. Good Chemistry’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Meg Collins, serves on the Burnes Center Board of Directors and hopes members of the Good Chemistry Community will support this important cause.
“For a donation of $10 you can enjoy an evening of laughs and support this important Center which helps practitioners, community leaders, service providers and others make an impact in their communities and transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness,” says Collins. “Please join us in this meaningful evening.”
Doors open at 7pm and the show will begin at 8pm.
Tickets to the event can be purchased online or at the door.
To learn more The Burnes Center and their mission, click here.
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.
Concentrates are becoming increasingly popular in Colorado dispensaries, and we can see why Green Dot Labs’ Sap, Shatter and Sugar are among the most coveted. Green Dot grown BHO extracted concentrate is chock full of delicious terpenes.
From seed to sap, Green Dot Labs takes every measure to ensure strains are pure, plants are vigorous and healthy, and their extracts are clean. Green Dot Labs is the only Cannabis extract company that can guarantee hash oils free of residual solvents, safely and responsibly processed. Every single gram of Green Dot Labs extracts are made with full plants, not trim, meaning more flavor and more medicinal benefit for the consumer.
Green Dot Labs’ sap is an extracted and bonded cannabis oil that does not retain the harsh qualities of plant materials and waxes. However, not all plants will not create a sap-like consistency. Green Dot Labs products that aren’t perfect for Sap are still purged of any residual solvents and then are cured to create a more sugar-like hash oil product, another Good Chemistry customer favorite!
Good Chemistry Nurseries is excited to provide Solvent-less Hash Oil (Rosin) for our customers and patients. Rosin is a highly concentrated form of THC and is produced by separating a honey-like resin from marijuana plant material, by using just heat and pressure.
No Butane, Propane or CO2 were used to make this product!
Rosin can be consumed a few different ways, the most popular is dabbing. If you are unfamiliar with dabbing please ask your budtender for advice on “how to”, and any supporting items you may need to fully enjoy your Rosin.
Rosin stability is based on temperature. The warmer it gets, the more unstable and messy it can get. Store Rosin in a cool area. Your car or pockets are not the best places.
In past blog posts, we have explored the meaning behind the Sight, Touch and Aroma steps of assessing the quality of Cannabis through Good Chemistry Nurseries’ S.T.A.T.S. program.
Next up, Taste. Taste is an important aspect of quality when it comes to Cannabis. Different flower strains will have unique flavor profiles. Similar to wine tasting, experience is necessary to distinguish between different flavors among the flower strains. Some flavors line up with the strain’s aromas and others might suggest a different profile. Some strains such as Strawberry Cough offer a bolder taste; some such as Blue Dream are smoother.
When tasting Cannabis, consider this:
Much like with any other consumable product, aroma may set up the flavor. In most cases, the smell of your Cannabis product will be directly reflected in its taste.
The taste should be pleasant and enjoyable, never harsh. Poor quality flower will leave a severe, harsh taste in the back of your throat and mouth. The seeds will taste like burnt popcorn.
Some, but by no means all, tastes you should expect from quality cannabis are:
If something does not taste right with your Cannabis, we encourage you to try other strains that may suit your tastebuds more appropriately. Our bodies know quality.
Learn more at STATSGUIDE.ORG
Thank you for all of you who voted for Good Chemistry Nurseries for Westword’s Reader’s Choice – Best Dispensary Cultivation. We strive to cultivate and produce the finest, most consistent Cannabis in Colorado, and we’re grateful for your continued support!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GoodChem
We appreciate your feedback! Leave us a review on Yelp, Weedmaps, or Leafly
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.
In just a few short years the Cannabis industry has become one of the fastest growing legal industries in the world. We have seen industry leaders rise and politicians acknowledge Cannabis as an economic engine. As the industry emerges from the shadows, the public has quickly become aware of the strength and benefits of Cannabis flower. But what brought us to this point?
Cannabis and hemp have been cultivated, both legally and illegally, worldwide for thousands of years. The first known reference to the flower is in Central and Southern Asia as far back as 4500 BC. Cannabis grew openly in the wild throughout the region, which was known more for its opium at the time. Fast forward a few thousand years and some civilizations slowly began to recognize marijuana’s medical applications. In the beginning, the flower would be utilized as a remedy for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and many more disorders. Throughout time, hemp and, by association, Cannabis were transported around the world in varying vehicles, and because of the strength of the plant’s fibers, its production was even encouraged to be used to make sails, rope and more. Even more mind blowing, its medical value was realized in pharmacies across the world as well, and was even sold openly.
In the the 1900s, Cannabis was villainized through government propaganda and in reports claiming Cannabis was a contributor to violence, insanity and sex crimes. When the “War on Drugs” was launched in the early 1970s, suddenly Cannabis was no longer seen as a medicine or way to improve life. In 1996, while many political movements continued to pursue harsher punishments for Cannabis use, a series of reports concluded marijuana should be decriminalized, leading California to become the first state to officially recognize the plant’s medicinal value by legalizing medical marijuana.
Shortly after its legalization, Good Chemistry Nurseries Founder & CEO Matthew Huron saw firsthand the symptomatic relief patients experienced from this alternative medical treatment. In 2000, he began growing medical marijuana for AIDS patients throughout the state, founding and operating a nonprofit medical marijuana co-op that became one of the most respected and well-known facilities in San Francisco.
Today, Cannabis is medically legal in 25 states and recreational use has been legalized in 4 states and Washington D.C. Overwhelming evidence has emerged regarding its medical applications, and advocates continue to fight for nationwide descheduling. At Good Chemistry, we are proud to be among the first Cannabis businesses to make its brand known to a legalized market, and we look forward to improving lives everywhere in the years to come.
You’ve heard us say it, but what does it actually mean? At Good Chemistry Nurseries, we strongly believe that not all Cannabis is created equal. Genetics may be stocked on shelves across the state, but their full benefits are only realized when they grown with the care and admiration we prioritize at the Good Chemistry Nurseries. If you want to grow exceptional cannabis — of the kind that can truly and consistently meet the hopes and expectations of a wide variety of people to achieve the range of experiences and effects they’re looking and hoping for, you can’t just plant it, give it water, nutrients and light, and expect exceptional results.
Despite what some may believe, Cannabis is not your typical crop. It’s so much more than a simple root, stem and bud. Cannabis is a myriad of components – a mosaic and a pharmacopeia unto itself. The hairs turn to flower, the bud is a collection of thousands of flowers and those collections become their own form. Each bud on a plant has a particular shape that’s unique to its strain and unique to the plant kingdom.
When we claim the power is in the flower, it is simply us recognizing the potential of Cannabis and owning the responsibility to make craft Cannabis a priority and brand norm. The desire to unlock the power within a Cannabis plant has driven Good Chemistry Nurseries to cultivate the highest quality Cannabis in the world. Our master growers have been perfecting the art of growing craft Cannabis for over 20 years. They combine skill, fascination and a thirst for continual learning and improvement to push Good Chemistry into the future of cultivation.
On Sunday, July 8 Good Chemistry Nurseries joined local veterans, Endorphin and other organizations to create a new community garden on Colfax Avenue.
The project led to the creation of three beautiful new gardens off of East Colfax Avenue. Participants learned how to properly care for raised beds, how to properly space the plants, as well as when and what to feed the plants.
Founded on the principle of “Making Life Better,” Good Chemistry Nurseries believes that advocacy can lead to change, and we believe it is our responsibility to continue to fight for underserved communities. Good Chemistry would not exist without the support and sacrifice of others, and we’re glad to have the ability to give back.
“We’re grateful for the sacrifice and service of our Veterans for our country and our community, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to support them in their efforts,” says Good Chemistry Nurseries CEO and Founder Matthew Huron. “Thanks to all of the organizations who helped make this event a success.”
Learn more about other community organizations Good Chemistry supports here.