Friday Five
Prior to the legalization of recreational weed, our options for dispensaries included Amoeba Music on Haight Street, a popular stop for many in search of that magic medical marijuana card, where Dr. Samuel Dismond would dole them out. Sadly, according to Yelp, his business is now closed. Many others like his have shut their doors as more bougie legal recreational ones have taken their place.
While we mourn the loss of some of the weed shops of yesteryear, we can’t help but be into the new versions cropping up (shrug.) So, here are our top five favorite dispensaries in the city. Have another favorite? Post in the comments below.
1. Harvest
Thrillist once described this joint as the “Whole Foods of weed shopping.” We couldn’t agree more. Indeed, this dispensary is all about organic, farm-to-table bud that has been handled only with natural chemicals. With such strict regulations around dispensary operations since legalization, it’s impressive they’ve managed to maintain such a sense of independence in a market that is becoming more commercialized. Organic edibles, tinctures, ointments, lotions: you name it; they’ve got it. Harvest has two locations: one in the Mission and one in the Inner Richmond. The latter is our preferred spot thanks to its gorgeous decorations (e.g., the chandeliers) and educated budtenders. They also have a farmers’ market on Saturdays where you can sample the goods.
TBI tip: Join the collective, and you’ll get free access to the lounge, where you can smoke and mingle with fellow collective members.
www.harvestshop.com | 4811 Geary Boulevard (Inner Richmond)
2. Barbary Coast Collective
Barbary Coast Collective is San Francisco’s attempt to model the infamous Amsterdam coffee shop. In other words, it’s not just a dispensary where a transaction is made; instead, it’s a lounge where you can indulge in your weed of choice within the venue too. There are some reported caveats, of course (because this isn’t Amsterdam, duh). First, you reportedly receive a pager that will buzz you when your time at the lounge is over. This can be a bit of a buzzkill. Yelpers also comment on how smoky it can get inside. But aside from these minor quirks, its ambience and the overall experience leave most feeling quite relaxed after a visit.
TBI tip: If it’s available, grab the front couch space by the window when hanging at the lounge.
www.barbarycoastsf.org | 952 Mission Street (SOMA)
3. The Apothecarium
Located in the heart of the Castro District, the Apothecarium has managed to stand the test of time that is marijuana legalization. Since 2011, the Apothecarium in the Castro has remained an upscale medical-cannabis dispensary. Since the legalization of weed, it has transitioned successfully to a full-service dispensary, and two additional locations in the city (the Marina and SOMA) have popped up during its tenure. With a keen focus on community, the Apothecarium has donated over $350,000 to local nonprofits too. Finally, the Castro location won Architectural Digest’s award for best cannabis space in the country—can’t beat that.
TBI tip: Attend one of the Apothecarium’s health events, such as Cannabis and Cancer.
www.apothecarium.com | 2029 Market Street (Castro)
4. The Green Cross
The Green Cross has always been at the forefront of innovation in San Francisco’s cannabis scene. Since it opened its doors in 2004, it has paved the way for cannabis delivery services (it was one of the first!) and has long set a professional tone when it comes to selling cannabis. At the Green Cross, it’s not the ambience that attracts new customers but rather the establishment’s history and reputation. Kevin Reed, the president of the Green Cross, is also known as an outspoken cannabis activist and raises awareness about patient rights nationwide.
TBI tip: The staff is known to be really helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help to get the best product for your needs.
www.thegreencross.org | 4218 Mission Street (Excelsior District)
5. Grass Roots
This dispensary has been offering San Franciscans medical marijuana for over a decade, too, and is known for its extensive product line and informative staff. Over the last year, there have been reports of long lines since its transitioned from selling medical marijuana to selling recreational weed legally, but it’s open late (10:00 p.m.), which is good for midnight tokers. Similar to the Green Cross, Grass Roots has a history of activism and advocating for the health benefits of marijuana around the state of California. As the company explains on its website, “Since 1999, Grass Roots has rigorously contributed to a constructive change in perception, both for our customers and the local region.”
TBI tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll get a free edible with your purchase.
www.grassrootssf.com | 1077 Post Street (Nob Hill)
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Aarti Shahani, technology reporter at NPR. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
