Police & Thieves is on a mission that will make cannabis users, RMR included, very proud. They are on the journey of challenging the stereotypes associated with the use of cannabis and work to emphasize its historical and cultural significance.
Police & Thieves is a dispensary in Denver, Colorado run by David Martinez and Kelsy Yates. Aside from them being business partners, they are also life partners who share a common goal. They aren’t a dispensary whose sole focus is to sell cannabis, they are a cultural hub. Police & Thieves aims to support artistic achievement, confront social inequalities, and help to empower marginalized groups. Their goal is to redefine the cannabis industry by combining cultural awareness, social responsibility, and a strong commitment to artistic expression.
Where Did ‘Police & Thieves’ Name Come From?
When David tossed out “Police & Thieves” to Kelsy she was on board. But being Kelsy, she hit him with her signature line of questions. “What’s the story? Why does it matter to you, and why should it matter to others?” David, relying on his usual “it sounds cool” response, then spilled the real backstory.
Imagine Slim Jim (aka David) back in the early ’90s cruising to the beach in a packed Datsun 210 with his crew of 16-year-old friends. Nights were filled with unpredictability, potential 7-11 runs, or beach escapades with sandy underwear. Fueled by malt liquor and weed, these rides were rare moments of camaraderie in a tumultuous world. The playlist? Strictly roots reggae, enforced by the ride’s DJ, 8-Ball. Even when the newbies pushed for different tunes, 8-Ball shut it down every time. Those rides made David appreciate roots reggae, forever linking Eek-a-Mouse, Gregory Isaacs, and Junior Murvin in his mind.
“Police and Thieves,” Junior Murvin’s ’70s tune, became the theme. The lyrics tell a story of armed police and thieves as two sides of the same coin, capturing the raw vibes of Jamaica. This song isn’t just a tune; it’s the heartbeat of the company. It’s about breaking stereotypes, navigating life’s twists, and doing it all with a laid-back vibe. It was a perfect fit for the new direction of the company.
Empowering Marijuana, Breaking Stereotypes
David and Kelsey explain that marijuana use is an ancient ritual that has been a part of various cultures around the globe for centuries. Recognizing the realities of today’s life, some people still frown upon a joint being passed around in a circle of friends. They want those nonbelievers to understand what a dispensary can mean to a community. Police & Thieves is owned by highly educated people who value aesthetics and bringing life to a community. They will teach you that marijuana is a way to motivate the mind, inspire creativity, and help build a community.
The 100% women and minority-owned dispensary means it when they say they want marijuana to be destigmatized. To show you just how serious they are, they’ve partnered up with the called Last Prisoner Project organization. Focusing on freeing those who are incarcerated for marijuana-related crimes is LPP’s primary objective. They work to not only expunge their record but also change the sentencing and drug laws. Police & Thieves has made it clear that this is the type of work they want to be a part of and are always open to working with those who share a similar message. No one should face incarceration for anything marijuana related.
Defending The Cannabis Voice
In 2023, it amazes me that this is still a fight that has to be had. Companies like Police & Thieves should give marijuana users everywhere a reason to smile. The company dedicates itself to promoting artistic achievements while simultaneously confronting injustices faced by marginalized communities, believing in the power of creativity.
Police & Thieves is like the ultimate safe haven for marijuana users. It’s a space where cannabis users recognize that weed not only assists in deeper thinking and sparking creativity but can also help you bond with those who share the same understanding and form a beautiful community. Police & Thieves also offer pushback against those who hold negative perceptions about marijuana. Weed is bigger than just some substance that is supposedly only good for making you lazy and hungry. However, that’s what the naysayers want you to think. I’m so grateful that this shop is doing all that they can to break the cannabis industry free of those stereotypes. They are standing up for cannabis users, providing a powerful voice to educate others on the true benefits of marijuana and how significant of a tool it is for people’s lives.
