A medical marijuana dispensary in Denver has decided to get creative and make the business into a full-service restaurant that caters to those who need to use medicinal marijuana to ease physical ailments. The owner of Ganja Gourmet located at 1810 South Broadway Avenue said the restaurant will "aim to help distribute medicinal marijuana to those licensed to have it and provide an atmosphere where patients can visit with one another in a safe environment." Ganja Gourmet plans to offer lasagna, gourmet pizza, jambalaya, paella, chocolate mousse and flavored cheesecakes, among other gourmet dishes. "It's a different buzz too. It's a more alert, more awake buzz," Medical Marijuana Chef Evan "Budman" said. Budman believes it will put South Broadway on the state's budding medical marijuana map. "It will bring people from all over Colorado here," he said. The restaurant will be decorated in a 1960s retro feel, including tie-dye attire for the employees. Steve Horowitz, an owner of Ganja Gourmet, says the restaurant will not promote a party-like atmosphere. "With the new laws in Colorado, medicinal marijuana is a business like any other. Dozens of legal dispensaries are everywhere. We have to set ourselves apart as a business in order to survive," Horowitz said in a prepared statement. "Just like any other restaurant, we have to work on the quality of our food and our atmosphere to make sure our customers have an enjoyable experience that makes them want to come back." Horowitz said the restaurant will offer courtesy rides home for customers who feel they can't drive. "I hope the launch of Ganja Gourmet will set the standard for other Colorado distributers and distributers around the nation so that those suffering from illness get the best service possible," Horowitz said. The marijuana-laced menu is actually prepared off-premises. Building inspectors won't allow an on-site kitchen because of a fire hazard. Some neighboring businesses it's just the latest proof several blocks of South Broadway are going to pot. "I don't think it's good for the neighborhood," an area business owner said. "I think it's a joke that they're using the guise that it's medicinal. It just shows it's not medicinal." Former State Rep. Don Armstrong, injured in Vietnam, says the ganja gourmet is just what he needs instead of powerful painkillers. "This is an alternative for me. It's a great alternative, when I do this," Armstrong said. "I can function with life in me and be able to live a normal life … I'm learning on the eating part. I'm just trying this out now." Ganja Gourmet opened on Wednesday.
I don't like this one fucking bit, while I am all for medical mj and even more for a conftorble enviroment for the patiens, but...60's theme? And fucking tie dye shirts for emploees are you fucking serious. This isn't going to help the cause. If mj was fully legal then for sure I'd be fine with this but I think this is just a shit in the face to dea and medical mj fighters. Idk though maybe I'm wrong but this seems to soon
this is the coolest thing i've ever heard of. as soon as i get paid i'm heading over there! and it's right on the green mile part of broadway too.
I agree with you pretty much. By using a 60s theme with tie dye and whatnot they are perpetuating the negative stigmas and associations with cannabis. It's kind of the opposite of what we're trying to achieve as a movement. From a business perspective though, it seems like a gimmick.
It is a gimmick, but IMO they should have gone the gourmet route (REALLY upscale - tux's, jacket and tie attire only) But I agree - its a stereotype that I feel many of us would rather shed
Yea i agree, waiters in tuxes and what not, much better for the mmj movement. We're not f*cking hippies, we are medical patients
Well, if you don't like their theme, but you like to eat creative laced up dishes, why not start your own and make your own theme and own laced up dishes. Variety makes life interesting. But I see your point about the hippie image, for legalizations sake.
IF it where only that easy I say power to them, unless its a step backwards, its a step in the right direction i always say.
its a bit of a push, but its a good test to see where we are headed. If it holds up and catches on, then that just goes to show that we are in fact another step closer to legalization.
The endorsement by the former state rep. is a nice touch. It's hard not to envy Coloradoans sometimes!
this sounds great to me! the endorsment from the state rep is awesome and the fact that's it supposed to feel like a restaurant makes it seem like mj is a normal part of life.
I love living in Denver and being legit. Never thought I'd see the day when Colorado stopped giving a shit about MMJ. Me and my mom desperately needed our cards, and we have tons of friends that are also card holders. Makes sharing a weed pizza that much better Californians should roll through during the summer and join us for a 420 rally sometime. Good ole Colorful Colorado!
we'll i luv it...i was working on that very idea as we speak....investors in the mmj movement should look at this as a step forward toward total legalization....my girl was a vegetarian tell she met me and she will eat anything i cook now,especially wit the chronic butter. i would have never discovered canna butter and oil if it wasnt for gc. thats why i came back and became a member
"'I don't think it's good for the neighborhood," an area business owner said. "I think it's a joke that they're using the guise that it's medicinal. It just shows it's not medicinal.'" What a fucking idiot
Yea man, Hippies are done with. Just because you smoke weed doesn't mean you're a hippie..they should've just made this look like a gourmet shop with a modern feel, or homey, not retro-60's.