What to Smoke During Your Movie Marathon

Contrary to popular opinion, there are plenty of active ways to celebrate 4/20—a heady run on the Cherry Creek Trail, perhaps. But if you just want to relax this holiday season, a classic coupling might be in order. That’s why we asked local budtenders to recommend strains complementary to six very different flicks; see you on the 21st.

The Big Lebowski

The quintessential stoner movie calls for the godfather of hybrids: OG Kush. Says Dayne Garcia, assistant manager at Pure Marijuana Dispensary’s Bannock Street location: “It helps you settle into the couch but also keeps your head in the game”—allowing you to stay abreast of Walter, Maude, and why the Dude has to stay the hell out of Malibu.

Bridesmaids

If “Help me, I’m poor” is part of your lexicon, you’ve seen this 2011 comedy a few too many times. Add extra slapstick to your fifth—fine, 15th—viewing with the pine-forward Girl Scout Cookies hybrid, says Native Roots Highland store manager Daniel McBeth. “It makes you a bit chattier.” That means quoting along is even more satisfying.

The Shawshank Redemption

“Gorilla Glue can kind of plug you in and amplify emotions that you’re already feeling,” Max Pelli, general manager at Kind Love, says. In other words: Prepare to experience intense despair when Andy Dufresne is sentenced—and giddy elation when Warden Norton reveals what Raquel Welch has been hiding.

Inception

To get in the right head space for Christopher Nolan’s ultimate “bro…whaaaaaat?” film, you may want to try Glue Ball, a favorite of artists. “It’s a nice hybrid, indica-leaning strain that will keep you focused and thinking,” Garcia says. Hopefully this time, you’ll actually understand what in the world is going on.

Planet Earth

The BBC docuseries is a study in pacing—a rabbit hopping through the rustling grass (cute!) is interrupted by a springing cougar (run!). So McBeth suggests smoking Lavender Jones before pressing play. “It’s relaxing and doesn’t make you too sleepy,” McBeth says, “so you can still pay attention when multiple things start happening on the screen.”

Star Wars

Head to a galaxy far, far away with the aptly named Wookies strain. “It’s a hybrid, so you’ll have a cerebral high,” Pelli says. “But it’s got enough mental stimulation to let you appreciate the cinematic grandeur.” Read: You’re high enough to flip out over lightsaber battles but still sharp enough to complain about The Rise of Skywalker.

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the April issue of 5280, which went to press before COVID-19 became the biggest story in recent memory. As such, some events and dates listed may now be out of date. For more on how 5280 is shifting coverage during this time, read Editorial Director Geoff Van Dyke’s editor’s note.