With recreational cannabis now legal in Colorado Springs, consumers finally have local options. But many cannabis shoppers are still comparing dispensaries in Colorado Springs with those just down the highway in Pueblo.
Why? For years, Pueblo was one of the closest destinations for Colorado Springs residents looking for a wider cannabis selection, competitive pricing, and experienced cannabis retailers.
Even in 2026, many shoppers still ask the same question: Should you buy cannabis locally in Colorado Springs or make the short drive to Pueblo?
Here’s what to know before choosing where to shop.
Cannabis in Colorado Springs: What’s Changed
Colorado Springs historically allowed only medical cannabis sales, which meant many recreational consumers traveled to nearby cities like Pueblo to make their purchases.
With recreational cannabis now permitted, dispensaries are beginning to open and expand their offerings within the city. This has made cannabis more accessible for residents and visitors alike.
However, because the recreational market is still developing locally, the selection and pricing can vary widely depending on where you shop.
Buying Cannabis in Colorado Springs
For convenience, buying cannabis within Colorado Springs is now easier than ever.
Benefits of shopping locally include:
- Shorter travel time
- Convenient access for residents
- Increasing number of recreational dispensaries
- Familiar local shopping experience
However, because recreational cannabis is newer in the Colorado Springs market, some dispensaries are still building their product selection and supply networks.
That can mean limited strain variety or smaller product inventories compared to more established cannabis markets.
Why Many Colorado Springs Shoppers Still Visit Pueblo
Just about 45 minutes south of Colorado Springs, Pueblo has long been one of Colorado’s most established recreational cannabis markets.
Because the city embraced recreational cannabis earlier, many dispensaries there offer:
Larger cannabis selections
Established grow partnerships
Competitive pricing
Specialty strains and premium genetics
For experienced consumers looking for specific strains, concentrates, or rare terpene profiles, Pueblo dispensaries often provide more variety in one location.
Cannabis Selection: Pueblo vs Colorado Springs
One of the biggest differences shoppers notice is product variety.
Pueblo dispensaries often carry:
- Larger selections of premium flower
- More concentrate varieties
- Specialty edibles
- Rare or limited-release strains
- More in-house grown genetics
This makes Pueblo especially attractive for cannabis enthusiasts who want to explore new strains or find specific terpene profiles.
Colorado Springs dispensaries are expanding quickly, but their menus may still be smaller as the market grows.
Price Differences
Another reason some shoppers still compare markets is pricing.
More established cannabis markets like Pueblo sometimes offer:
- Bulk purchase deals
- daily specials
- larger menu competition between dispensaries
This can create more competitive pricing for consumers who shop around.
That said, many shoppers prefer the convenience of local purchasing, even if they occasionally visit Pueblo for larger selections.
A Popular Pueblo Option for Colorado Springs Shoppers
For Colorado Springs residents who decide to explore Pueblo’s cannabis market, many make the quick drive to visit Strawberry Fields Cannabis, with convenient locations in both North Pueblo and Central Pueblo.
These dispensaries are known for:
- Large cannabis menus
- premium flower selections
- concentrates and edibles
- knowledgeable budtenders
Because of their location along the I-25 corridor, they’re an easy stop for Colorado Springs shoppers heading south.
Is It Worth Driving to Pueblo for Cannabis?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
Choose Colorado Springs dispensaries if you want:
- quick and convenient shopping
- a nearby store for regular purchases
Consider Pueblo dispensaries if you want:
- a larger cannabis selection
- unique strains or genetics
- competitive pricing and deals
For many cannabis consumers, the best approach is simply exploring both markets and seeing which dispensaries fit their preferences.
Final Thoughts
With recreational cannabis now available in Colorado Springs, local options are growing quickly. But Pueblo remains an established cannabis destination just a short drive away.
Whether you prefer the convenience of shopping locally or want to explore the wider selection available in Pueblo, cannabis consumers in the region now have more options than ever before.
And for those looking for a large cannabis selection near Colorado Springs, Pueblo dispensaries like Strawberry Fields continue to be a popular stop for many shoppers.
