The Beautiful Buds of Botanico

by Elizabeth Barron

Like many other pot shops in town, Botanico doesn’t have screaming signage that broadcasts the biz with tacky decorum. In blink-and-you-miss-it style, the little brick building on the sleepy end of Larimer is one you might not notice without provocation. Inside, Botanico is that really cool exposed-brick apartment your buddy back in college kept full of swirling nag champa smoke except, instead of incense, the place smells beautifully of bud. The ample off-street parking, chill staff, and user-friendly menu create the kind of atmosphere you feel absolutely welcome to take your time in. Let’s sample some of their big sellers and see what’s shaking.

If you enjoyed Fruity Pebbles, Trix, or Fruit Loops as a kid (no gay puns intended), or if you’re a Midori- and DeKuyper-loving adult, Botanico has some strains you should try. These citrusy flavors may induce the urge to grab your favorite childhood cereal, but they themselves provide some extra-sweet effects.

Golden Goat (sativa)

Golden Goat has a floral citrus scent (think lemon blossom) and a flavor to match. The buds are light green with orange-pinkish hues that give away its Hawaiian ancestry. When smoked, Golden Goat leaves a sweetness behind and provides an instant headchange and energy boost. The Goat is a sativa-dominant hybrid, so while you may notice some of its subdued indica influence, like that all-over euphoric feeling, the sativa dominance lends itself to Golden Goat’s energy-inducing reputation. Noobs, give this strain time for the full effect to kick in before channeling that energy. You may even find yourself more comfortable sitting or lying down (thanks, indica ancestor!) at first. For longtime friends of the Goat, this strain will likely make you want to go out and do something fun, so pack a bowl of something else on Redbox night. But if you’re hitting the city, Golden Goat is good company. With its ability to motivate full-body vigor, Golden Goat will make you feel, well … elevated.

Larry OG Kush (indica)

Larry OG smells like citrus as well, but with more of that earthy indica heft behind it. Larry has more of a piney profile, and the buds are darker and a little looser than Golden Goat. The origins of Larry OG can be traced back Orange County, California, which explains the OG in the strain’s name. (Larry is not an original gangster — he’s Ocean Grown. Duuuuuuude.) Good ol’ Larry is great for relaxation and productivity. Indicas are usually aligned with a sleepiness effect, which you may experience with Larry because effects vary per individual, but this strain tends to produce the euphoric body high of an indica without the strong sedating effect. So this strain is helpful in stressful situations when things just need to get done. Larry is the guy you want around for your massive spring cleaning project or Black Friday shopping. With Larry, you’ll be calm, happy, and focused. So OG, right?

3054 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205 • (303) 297-2273 • botanicommj.com