Denver 420 Tours: The Complete Cannabis-Friendly Party Bus Guide (2026)

Colorado made history as the first state to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, and Denver has become the capital of legal cannabis culture in America. Visitors and locals alike want to explore this unique aspect of Denver culture.

You want to experience Denver's cannabis scene responsibly and legally. But the rules around cannabis consumption, transportation, and public use can be confusing, and the last thing you want is to run afoul of regulations. Therefore, we've created this complete guide to help you navigate Denver's 420 scene safely and legally — covering dispensary districts, consumption lounges, 420-friendly hotels, cannabis events, edible tours, and the history that made it all possible.

The History of Legal Cannabis in Colorado

Colorado's relationship with cannabis legalization is a story of firsts. In 2000, Amendment 20 legalized medical marijuana, making Colorado one of the earliest states to do so. Then in 2012, Amendment 64 made Colorado (alongside Washington state) the first place in the world to legalize recreational cannabis through a popular vote. The first retail dispensaries opened their doors on January 1, 2014, and the lines stretched around the block.

Denver quickly became the epicenter of this cultural shift. The city embraced cannabis as a legitimate industry, and today Colorado's cannabis market generates over $1.5 billion in annual sales. Denver alone has more dispensaries than Starbucks locations, and the city has pioneered regulations around social consumption that other states are now copying.

The impact goes beyond economics. Colorado's legalization sparked a nationwide movement, and Denver's cannabis tourism industry draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who want to experience what legal, regulated cannabis culture looks like.

Important Legal Notes

Cannabis is legal for adults 21+ in Colorado. However, there are strict rules:

- No public consumption — You cannot consume cannabis in public, including sidewalks, parks, and most businesses - No driving under the influence — DUI laws apply to cannabis, just like alcohol. Colorado's legal limit is 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood - No consumption on federal land — National parks, forests, and federal buildings are off-limits - No taking it across state lines — Cannabis cannot leave Colorado, period. This includes driving to neighboring states even where cannabis is also legal - Purchase limits — Adults 21+ can purchase up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of flower, 8 grams of concentrate, or 800mg of edibles per transaction - Party bus policy — Cannabis consumption is NOT permitted on Denver Party Ride vehicles

Denver Dispensary Districts

Denver has over 200 licensed dispensaries, concentrated in several key areas:

The Broadway "Green Mile"

The stretch along South Broadway between Alameda and Evans is Denver's most famous dispensary corridor. Within a 15-block stretch, you'll find dispensaries ranging from budget-friendly to luxury boutique. Diego Pellicer stands out for its upscale retail experience, while Native Roots (multiple Broadway locations) offers consistency and a wide selection. The Green Solution is popular with tourists for its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable budtenders. Walking distance between shops makes this the ideal district for comparison shopping and finding the best deals.

Colfax Avenue

East Colfax has a high concentration of dispensaries with competitive pricing. LivWell on Colfax is one of Denver's largest dispensaries by square footage, with an enormous selection. The Herbal Cure on East Colfax is a favorite among locals for its quality flower and friendly staff. This corridor tends to have the best daily deals and first-time customer discounts.

RiNo / Five Points

The River North district has several boutique dispensaries with curated product selections. Simply Pure in Five Points made history as one of Denver's first Black woman-owned dispensaries. The RiNo area dispensaries tend to focus on craft cannabis — small-batch, artisanal products with detailed strain information and terpene profiles.

Federal Boulevard

Good options along Federal with competitive pricing. This district is popular with locals and tends to have less tourist traffic, which means shorter wait times and staff who have more time to chat and make recommendations.

Cannabis Consumption Lounges

Denver made history again in 2020 by becoming one of the first cities to license social consumption lounges. These are legal, regulated spaces where adults 21+ can consume cannabis indoors:

The Coffee Joint — Denver's first licensed cannabis consumption cafe, located on South Broadway. They serve coffee, tea, and snacks alongside a BYO cannabis policy. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, perfect for meeting fellow cannabis enthusiasts. They offer vaporizer rentals if you don't have your own consumption method.

Tetra Lounge — A BYO cannabis lounge with a focus on events and entertainment. They host trivia nights, live music, art shows, and comedy nights, all in a cannabis-friendly environment. Membership options and day passes are available.

The Studio Loft — A newer addition to Denver's lounge scene, offering a creative space where artists and cannabis enthusiasts can paint, draw, or craft while consuming. "Puff and Paint" classes are their most popular offering.

What to Expect at a Consumption Lounge

Most lounges are BYO (bring your own) cannabis — they don't sell it on-site. You'll need to purchase from a dispensary first. Lounges provide the legal space, comfortable seating, ventilation systems, and often consumption accessories like dab rigs or vaporizers. Expect to pay a small entry fee or membership cost. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are typically available, but alcohol is not served at cannabis lounges.

420-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations

Finding a place to legally consume cannabis can be tricky for tourists. These Denver accommodations welcome cannabis use:

Bud+Breakfast — Denver's original cannabis-friendly bed and breakfast chain. They offer designated consumption areas, complimentary vaporizers, and even "wake and bake" breakfast packages.

The Adagio Bed & Breakfast — A Victorian-era B&B in Capitol Hill that allows cannabis consumption in designated outdoor areas.

420-Friendly Airbnb/VRBO rentals — Many private rental hosts in Denver specifically market their properties as 420-friendly. Search for "420 friendly" in the listing description. Always confirm the policy with the host before booking.

CannaBnB listings — Specialty booking platforms connect cannabis-friendly travelers with hosts who welcome consumption on their properties.

Cannabis Events in Denver

Annual Events

4/20 Rally at Civic Center Park — Denver's massive annual cannabis celebration draws tens of thousands of people every April 20th. Live music, vendors, speakers, and a community atmosphere make it one of Denver's biggest annual events. The rally is free to attend and runs from roughly 10 AM to 6 PM.

Cannabis Cup Events — High Times and other organizations host cannabis competitions and expos in Denver throughout the year. These industry events feature product showcases, educational seminars, celebrity appearances, and live entertainment. Tickets typically range from $40 to $200+.

Denver 420 Festival — A multi-day celebration around April 20th with concerts, vendor markets, and community events.

Harvest Festival — Fall cannabis harvest celebrations with outdoor markets and live entertainment.

Ongoing Experiences

Denver Cannabis Tours — Guided dispensary and grow facility tours that take you behind the scenes of Denver's cannabis industry. Tours typically visit 2-3 dispensaries, a cultivation facility, and a consumption lounge. Prices range from $50-$150 per person.

Cannabis Cooking Classes — Several Denver businesses offer cannabis-infused cooking classes where you learn to make edibles from scratch. My 420 Tours and Colorado Cannabis Tours both offer popular cooking experiences.

Cannabis and Art — "Puff and paint" classes, pottery workshops, and other creative experiences where cannabis consumption is welcome.

Edible Tours and Cannabis Cuisine

Denver's cannabis edible scene has evolved far beyond basic brownies. The city is home to sophisticated cannabis cuisine that rivals any foodie destination:

Dispensary Edible Shopping — Denver dispensaries carry an enormous range of edibles including artisan chocolates, gourmet gummies, infused beverages, THC-infused honey, cannabis-infused olive oils, and even THC-infused ice cream. Brands like Wana, incredibles, and Coda Signature are Colorado-born companies known for quality and consistency.

Cannabis Dining Experiences — Private cannabis-infused dinner events pair multi-course meals with specific strains and consumption methods. These pop-up dinners are hosted by cannabis-trained chefs and typically cost $100-$250 per person.

DIY Edible Tours — Purchase edibles from 3-4 different dispensaries and compare products, potencies, and flavors. A party bus makes this easy — your group visits multiple dispensaries, purchases edibles at each stop, and enjoys them later at a private, legal location.

420 Tour Party Bus Routes

While cannabis consumption is NOT permitted on our vehicles, a party bus is the safest and most fun way to explore Denver's cannabis districts. Here are our most popular 420 tour routes:

The Green Mile Route (3-4 hours) **Stop 1:** Start on South Broadway — visit 2-3 dispensaries along the Green Mile **Stop 2:** Head to a cannabis consumption lounge for a legal session **Stop 3:** Lunch at a cannabis-friendly restaurant **Stop 4:** Visit a RiNo boutique dispensary for craft cannabis

The Full Denver Cannabis Experience (5-6 hours) **Stop 1:** Broadway dispensary district for shopping **Stop 2:** Cannabis cooking class or puff-and-paint experience **Stop 3:** Lunch break at a restaurant near the lounge **Stop 4:** Consumption lounge session **Stop 5:** Five Points / RiNo dispensary exploration **Stop 6:** Return to your hotel or rental

April 20th Special Route **Stop 1:** Morning dispensary shopping for 420 deals (many shops run massive sales) **Stop 2:** Civic Center Park for the 420 Rally **Stop 3:** Lunch break **Stop 4:** Afternoon consumption lounge or 420-friendly hotel **Stop 5:** Evening 420 concert or event

How Transportation Fits In

While cannabis consumption is NOT permitted on our vehicles, many Denver visitors use party bus service to visit dispensary districts safely. A party bus can:

- Transport your group between dispensary districts without anyone driving impaired - Serve as your safe, sober ride throughout the day - Get you to 420-friendly events like the 420 Rally without dealing with parking - Carry your purchases safely between stops - Provide a knowledgeable driver who knows the dispensary districts

Safety first, always. Whether you're exploring Denver's cannabis scene or any other aspect of Denver nightlife, having a professional driver is the smartest choice. Denver's DUI laws are strictly enforced, and cannabis impairment can be harder to self-assess than alcohol.

Responsible Cannabis Tourism Tips

1. Start low, go slow — Colorado cannabis is potent. Start with 2.5-5mg edibles and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. Flower and concentrates are significantly stronger than what you may be used to from other states or the black market 2. Know your limits — Denver's altitude of 5,280 feet amplifies the effects of cannabis. Dehydration and altitude sickness can compound with cannabis consumption, so drink plenty of water 3. Don't drive — Use a party bus, rideshare, or public transit. Colorado's legal THC driving limit is 5 nanograms, but impairment can occur well below that level 4. Respect others — Not everyone is comfortable with cannabis. Be discreet and never consume in public spaces, near schools, or in areas where others are present who haven't consented 5. Follow the law — Public consumption is illegal and results in fines of $100-$999. Stick to private residences, licensed lounges, and 420-friendly accommodations 6. Store properly — Keep cannabis products in their original dispensary packaging. If traveling with edibles, keep them away from children and clearly labeled 7. Ask budtenders — Dispensary staff are knowledgeable and helpful. Tell them your experience level and desired effects, and they'll guide you to the right products

Book safe transportation for your Denver adventures — whether you're exploring dispensaries, hitting bars, or enjoying any aspect of Denver's incredible culture.