More than a decade ago, Colorado led the movement to legalize marijuana. But despite that, it has been slow to embrace lounges and other public businesses where smoking weed is legal. (It’s a little known fact that if you’re lighting up at Red Rocks Amphitheatre or in the wilderness, you’re technically breaking the law, even though you’re unlikely to get in trouble.)
In recent years, though, Denver has permitted tour bus companies and other so-called cannabis hospitality establishments to take root, so that tokers can have their pot and smoke it too. And because getting high is an age-old tradition, most of these businesses offer entertainment or events to make it feel like a special occasion.
Here are six local consumption spaces where you don’t need to be a VIP to enter the “green” room.
Cirrus Social Club
Located on East Colfax Avenue, Cirrus Social Club aims to take nightlife to new heights by curating a cannabis experience unlike anything else in Denver. Guests who book a table get to order both marijuana and munchies, which are then served to them similarly to a bar or restaurant. Offerings include flower that can be smoked from bongs or vaporized volcano bags and edibles such as gummies or beverage infusions. Bites range from charcuterie to finger sandwiches to ice cream sundaes. Not sure what to get? Your server — called a “flight attendant” — will help guide you through the menus.
The accoutrements seek to match the elevated aesthetic of the lounge, which features floral decor and swanky touches like chandeliers above the tables. There’s also a self-playing, baby pink piano to entertain guests, though it does host musicians from time to time. Other special events include drag shows, singles nights and networking events.
Entry to Cirrus Social Club is free, unless there’s a special event, and visitors pay for what they consume. A reservation is recommended, though not required.
3200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. 720-882-8999. cirrussocialclub.com.
Tetra Lounge
So you’ve heard of a beer garden, but have you ever experienced a cannabis garden? Tetra Lounge in the River North Arts District is one of Denver’s oldest social consumption spaces, having first opened in 2018. The concept has undergone several iterations since then, but it has remained a hub for the local community through regular events like game nights and joint-rolling classes. Stoner holiday 420 is always a scene with traditions like celebrity “smoke and greets.” Past guests include comedian T.J. Miller and rapper Method Man.
Guests must bring their own weed, since Tetra Lounge does not sell it. However, the space does provide devices to use, from pipes and papers to volcano vaporizers and dab rigs. Spark up on the patio before entering the venue to enjoy an art show, fashion show or educational talk. On days where there isn’t programming, Tetra Lounge has 12 televisions to entertain visitors.
Entry to Tetra Lounge costs $10 for a one-hour pass, $20 for a day pass, $50 for a monthly pass, or $420 for a yearly membership.
3039 Walnut St., Denver. (720) 800-3011. tetralounge.com.
Pure Elevations Canna-Spa
Pure Elevations Canna-Spa is all about R&R – as in reefer and relaxation. The business offers massages, body treatments, nail and hair services all with a side of that sweet, sticky herb. Pure Elevations has a small dispensary counter where patrons purchase pre-rolled joints, edibles, and concentrates to enjoy on the spa’s patio. Additionally, it offers infused cannabis beverages, “terp tea” that is steeped using marijuana flower, and snacks such as s’mores kits that can be roasted over the outdoor fire pits.
The experience here is not only about consumption here. Guests who book a massage have their choice of regular oil or oil infused with THC and CBD, which can help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation. (We still recommend getting a little stoned before you lay down to enjoy your service.)
Anyone who books a service is welcome to enter Pure Elevations for free, though the spa also sells day passes for $20 for folks who just want to chill on the consumption patio.
185 S. Santa Fe Dr., Denver. 720-534-0879. pureelevations.com.
The Coffee Joint
Opened in 2018, The Coffee Joint is the companion consumption space to a dispensary located next door. The venue hosts fun and educational events, such as crafting and game nights, where attendees can smoke vapes, eat edibles and do dabs. (Combustible flower is prohibited.) By the end of 2025, however, weed will no longer be permitted as The Coffee Joint seeks to get a psilocybin healing center license and offer opportunities for microdosing mushrooms. The space already hosts mycology meet ups and plans to expand programming to focus more on psychedelic culture and education.
Entry is typically free to The Coffee Joint, though sometimes it charges a cover for special events. Patrons must bring their own cannabis or purchase it from the 1136 Yuma Way dispensary located next door.
1130 Yuma Ct., Denver. 720-583-4657. thecoffeejointco.com.
The Patterson Inn (coming soon)
The Patterson Inn, a bed and breakfast in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, will soon have a new amenity for guests who book a stay. Since 2021, the business has been working to open a cannabis lounge onsite and this summer, that goal will finally come to fruition. The lounge will be located in the historic hotel’s basement, an intimate space with room for up to 30 people, where people can bring their own marijuana and use devices to smoke it onsite. A proprietary ventilation system will ensure the venue doesn’t get too smoky.
The Patterson Inn’s lounge will also double as a coffee shop serving espresso drinks, mocktails and other alcohol-free beverages. And because The Patterson Inn operates a restaurant onsite, guests will be able to order food to eat. The kitchen will launch brunch service for the first time as it opens the cannabis lounge.
Lucky for Denverites, this lounge will be open to the public, so no need to have a room reservation. Entry will be free.
420 E. 11th Ave., Denver. 303-955-5142. pattersoninn.com.
High Society (reopening soon)
Originally opened in 2022 under the name JAD’s Mile High Smoke, this cannabis lounge in Adams County recently underwent a rebrand and is now in the process of a renovation to upgrade its HVAC system, during which time it will remain closed. As part of the changes, the owners plan to relocate High Society and the area where people can smoke to a smaller unit in the building. It’s expected to maintain a similar vibe and sell the same marijuana products, from flower and concentrates to edibles and beverages. The old space will become a traditional bar that serves alcohol, but guests won’t be permitted to migrate between two businesses. High Society is expected to reopen in September.
7667 Washington St, Denver. instagram.com/highsociety420bar.