Cannabis culture is thriving in Colorado, and Longmont has become a popular destination for enthusiasts. Whether you're a longtime consumer or just starting to explore, the dispensaries in Longmont offer a wide variety of quality products, friendly service, and unique experiences that cater to all tastes. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the top cannabis shops in Longmont and what makes each one special. But first, a little history.
A Decade of Legal Cannabis in Colorado
Cannabis has been legal in Colorado for a decade. The 64th Amendment legalizing recreational marijuana was passed in 2012 and went into effect in January 2014. The state allowed local governments and their voters to decide whether or not to opt into local sales, cultivation and manufacturing. Longmont City Council approved an ordinance on Oct.17, 2017, three years after the state legalized the industry.
Longmont’s Dispensary Scene
Although Longmont was ready to allow cannabis sales, it was only willing to let four stores within its city limits. Those stores could only hold recreational or dual recreational/medical licenses. Stores that only sell medical marijuana are not permitted in Longmont.
Terrapin Care Dispensary: Community and Quality
Terrapin Care Dispensary, located at 650 20th Ave., was the first to open its doors in Longmont on Nov. 19, 2018. The stand-alone building was unique for the brand, with locations in Boulder, Aurora and Denver. The extra space allowed for ample open space and rich lighting. Shortly after opening, the dispensary began working in the community by pledging $100,000 to five local nonprofit organizations. The company identified organizations that have a nexus to cannabis legalization including restorative justice, the arts, homeless outreach and advancing social issues.
Terrapin Care opened its doors with a friendly smile, a custom they honor today. The dispensary prides itself on its customer service. Budtenders take extra time with customers with the intent to educate them on their choices. The shop serves customers from age 21 to over 80. For some, it may be their first time to enter the shop and Terrapin Care wants them to feel comfortable asking questions so they find the perfect product for them. In addition to customer care, Terrapin also prides itself on having the highest quality products at affordable prices.
Twin Peaks by Yuma Way: A Hub for Learning and Enjoyment
Twin Peaks by Yuma Way, located at 900 S. Hover Rd. Unit A, was also one of the first four cannabis licenses awarded by the city. The store offers both recreational and medical purchases and has a wide variety of products for all tastes.
Its parent company, Yuma Way, grows its own cannabis at two indoor metro-Denver locations and sports its own research room for customers to gain more knowledge about cannabis through books and informational videos.
The unique thing about Twin Peaks is that if you purchase a product from the store you can take to the company’s consumption lounge at The Coffee Joint at 1130 Yuma Court in Denver. The consumption lounge hosts events on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to include movie nights and art.
Space Station Dispensary: A Galactic Experience
One of the most out-of-this-world dispensaries in Longmont is Space Station, located at 206 S. Main St. The shop obtained a city license and prides itself on customer service. Customers are paired with a personal “bud commander” who is “knowledgable of our universe of medical and recreational marijuana products,” according to its website.
Locals in the area tend to agree. Many have mentioned the special rates for veterans as a reason to return. The outer space theme also draws customers in who want a bit of whimsy as they make a selection.
Longmont is a unique place and the number of licenses issued in the city do not match the number of shops. That is because there are pockets within the city limits that are actually unincorporated Boulder County, which governs its own cannabis licenses.
JARS Cannabis: Tradition Meets Innovation
JARS Cannabis began in Detroit, Michigan and expanded to Arizona and Colorado. When it opened in 2020, its primary goal was to make high-quality cannabis products accessible to everyone. The Longmont location at 250 S. Main St. began as Euflora in 2018 and was acquired by JARS in 2022. “We’re proud to continue the tradition of serving Longmont residents, now with the added benefits that come with being a JARS Cannabis location, such as competitive deals and expanded product options,” said Ally Galanty, JARS communications manager.
Over the years, the dispensary has been successful in offering a selection of products that fits every budget and experience level. The staff go the extra mile to make sure everyone feels at home and supported from the moment they walk through the doors. “By taking the time to understand each customer’s needs, we aim to create an atmosphere that’s unique in the local cannabis community,” Galanty said. “We’re not just here to sell products; we’re here to be a part of the community and create positive experiences for everyone who walks through our doors.”
Native Roots: Where Science Meets Wellness
Native Roots, located at 19 S. Sunset St., began with a vision. Opening in 2014, the owners wanted to create a safe and welcoming environment by becoming a trusted leader in the cannabis industry. They achieve this everyday by focusing on sustainability, innovative retail design and exceoptional customer service. “Over the years, we've grown to become one of Colorado’s most successful vertically integrated medical and adult-use cannabis operators, serving thousands of consumers across 21 locations (and growing) daily,” said Buck Dutton, VP of marketing.
Native Roots is more than a dispensary. It prides itself on being a community hub for cannabis education and wellness. The shop offers customers a unique experience that provides personalized consultations. In these consultations, staff work with customers to find the best products for their needs by navigating its extensive strain catalog to find a product that will help customers achieve their desired mood or effect. “Whether you're looking for something uplifting, relaxing, or to help you sleep, we've got you covered,” Dutton said.
To find your desired mood or effect, Native Roots utilizes a Mood State Matrix. It utilizes scientific engineer-led research that helps customers find a product based on the effects they seek rather than simply classifying strains by name. The matrix was designed using cannabis effect descriptions, group testing and mathematical modeling to ensure consistency and accuracy. The matrix has identified five effect descriptors that many wish to achieve. They include uplifted, energetic, sleepy, relaxed and focused. While these effects have been extensively tested, not everyone’s endocannabinoid system is the same so effects could vary.
Star Buds: A Relaxed Shopping Experience
Star Buds is a recreational marijuana dispensary located at 7521 Ute Hwy. Focusing on customer service, the store aims to “make your dispensary visit a happy and insightful experience,” according to its website. To do this, the knowledgable budtenders strive to make your journey fun. The store is set up to promote the a relaxing and pleasant experience as customers peruse products from some of the top cannabis industry brands. “Marijuana is supposed to be a pleasurable experience rather than a stressful one. We always recommend you take your time, look at everything we have to offer, and talk with a budtender about all the trichomes available to you,” the site states.
Elevated Longmont: A Local Favorite
Elevated Longmont is a locally owned dispensary located at 9800 N. 119th St. The shop is just east of Costco and sits just outside of the Longmont city tax on marijuana which is 3%. The staff sample the products before stocking them on the shelves. This provides staff with firsthand knowledge of the products allowing them to guide customers to the right choice for them. Staff at Elevated are dedicated to the details from creating a welcoming space to making sure each customer feels safe and comfortable. “The staff is always super helpful and knowledgeable about what I might like based on past purchases,” stated Ben R., a returning customer.
If you are still exploring the world of cannabis or just like to soak in additional knowledge, Elevated’s website offers an array of blog posts. Here you can learn more about the endocannabinoid system, cannabis resin, and the science behind cannabis measurement.
Trees Dispensary: A Personalized Shopping Experience
Trees Dispensary is located at 12626 N. 107th Ave. and serves medical and recreational marijuana. This local dispensary offers a range of products and a loyalty program. The program offers customers a point for every $1 spent. When customers reach 100 points they receive $5, when they reach 1,000 points they earn $100 off. Customers can also sign up for text alerts to specials and deals not listed elsewhere.
Trees offers a unique experience in the shop. Customers can experience a deli-style budtending experience in which staff give product recommendations and provide a customized experience. Staff also weigh the marijuana in front of the customers allowing customers to see the process live.
Find Your Perfect Product in Longmont
No matter how you like to consume marijuana, there is a place in Longmont that will meet your needs. So shop around and find the perfect product that enhance your mood.