Okay, so here’s the lowdown on my little “bud and breakfast” experiment I tried out in Denver. It was kinda wild, kinda fun, and definitely a learning experience.
First off, gotta be clear: I’m not a lawyer, and this ain’t legal advice. Denver’s got its own rules about cannabis, so do your homework before even thinking about this stuff.
The Idea Sparked:
I was visiting Denver for a music fest, right? And the hotels were insane. Plus, everything felt so corporate. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to stay somewhere with a chill vibe, maybe even…you know…cannabis-friendly?” That’s when the lightbulb went off.
Planning (or Lack Thereof):
I’m not gonna lie, I kinda jumped in headfirst. I had a spare room in my apartment, so I figured, why not? I threw up a quick listing on a couple of websites that cater to alternative accommodations, emphasizing the 420-friendly aspect. I made sure to include photos of the room, highlighting the comfy bed and the killer view. I also mentioned the shared living room space and the fact that I was a pretty laid-back host.
The “Amenities”:
- I stocked up on some basic snacks: chips, granola bars, you know, munchie stuff.
- I made sure there was a clean bong and a grinder available.
- I put out a selection of rolling papers and lighters.
- I even had a little stash of different strains available for “sampling” (more on that later).
The First Guest (Oh Boy):
My first guest was…interesting. Let’s call him “Chad.” Chad was super enthusiastic about the whole thing. Maybe too enthusiastic. He arrived with a suitcase full of cannabis products and proceeded to hotbox the room for the next three days. The apartment reeked, and I had to constantly air it out to avoid complaints from my neighbors.
The Reality Check:
Chad taught me a valuable lesson: I needed to set some ground rules. Like, clear rules. I quickly drafted a little “house rules” sheet covering things like:
- Designated smoking areas (balcony only)
- Noise levels (be respectful of other residents)
- Cleanliness (clean up after yourself)
- Responsible consumption (don’t be a slob)
Refining the Process:
After Chad, I got a little smarter. I started screening guests more carefully, asking them about their cannabis use and their expectations for the stay. I also raised my prices slightly to attract a more mature and responsible clientele. I focused on marketing the experience as a “chill and relaxed” getaway, rather than a “party pad.”
The “Sampling” Issue:
Okay, so the “sampling” thing was a bit of a gray area. I wasn’t selling cannabis, but I was providing it to guests as part of the experience. I realized that could get me into trouble, so I scaled it back. Instead of offering a full-blown stash, I just provided some basic information about local dispensaries and encouraged guests to explore the legal options themselves.
The Unexpected Benefits:
Despite the initial hiccups, the whole “bud and breakfast” thing was actually pretty cool. I met some really interesting people from all over the world. We shared stories, smoked weed, and had some great conversations. It was like hosting a mini cannabis convention in my living room. It also helped me pay my rent for a few months!
Why I Stopped:
Ultimately, I decided to shut it down. The legal risks were just too high, and I didn’t want to risk getting evicted or facing legal consequences. Plus, the constant cleaning and the occasional drama were starting to wear me down.
Lessons Learned:
- Regulations, Regulations, Regulations: Know the local cannabis laws inside and out.
- Set Clear Expectations: Communicate your house rules clearly and enforce them consistently.
- Screen Your Guests: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and turn down bookings that don’t feel right.
- Don’t Be a Dealer: Avoid any activity that could be construed as selling cannabis.
The Takeaway:
Running a “bud and breakfast” can be a fun and potentially profitable venture, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It requires careful planning, a solid understanding of the law, and a willingness to deal with all sorts of personalities. Would I do it again? Probably not. But I definitely don’t regret the experience.
