Like all great success stories, Altitude Organic Medicine started with a dream, three men, and a craigslist ad. The story began with Luther Bonow, a Texan native who moved to Colorado with big dreams of green things. Already occupying the first store front on West Colorado Ave and franchised name Altitude Organic Medicine, he found himself short on product that would respectfully cater the most important part of the name; “Organic Medicine.” With limited options, Luther did what anyone in the 21st century would do, post a wanted ad on Craigslist for quality growers. The ad was answered by Colorado natives Aaron Bluse and William Martin. Two men with the grow knowledge, experience, and eagerness to partner with Luther, thus establishing the perfect balance of retail sales, marketing, and ability to grow the quality of marijuana that was hard to find among commercial grows.
The store was small, but we made it work. The grow was on site, we would trim, cure, and do business all in one business. The security? Each owner would take turns sleeping in the office on a small cot to monitor the plants and merchandise. This continued for about three years, until May of 2012 when the U.S. Attorney’s Office deemed Altitude Organic Medicine too close to Buena Vista Elementary School, giving the owners 45 day to pack up and move.
The location at 523 S Tejon street proved to be a blessing in disguise as it is on the pulse of downtown Colorado Springs. It was a rocky roller coaster start, as 30% of the original patient base had no idea where they moved to and the selection of strains was very slim averaging about five choices after harvest. “Quality over Quantity” a very farmilar saying even nowadays when the shelves display 15 strains at a time. It means that even though you do not have a variety at all times the owners would assure that the marijuana would be at the highest quality possible.
The newest location, in Dillon Colorado, know locally as Altitude Organic Cannabis, has quickly become Summit County’s favorite recreational dispensary. The expansion to this beautiful location offers Mountain locals and tourists alike just what their heart desires, while always endeavoring to supply the greatest quality product and a true, Rocky Mountain High.