California is on track to rake in approximately $1 billion a year in tax revenue from the medical marijuana market, so it’s not surprising that there are thousands of marijuana dispensaries active in the state. So how do you even go about finding the right one? Once you have your cannabis card, here are some of the absolute best marijuana dispensaries to buy your medical marijuana in California.
Elemental Wellness, San Jose
Almost like a spa for medical marijuana, Elemental Wellness has everything from yoga and sound-healing classes to massage and cannabis-cooking seminars. It truly combines the physical and mental well-being aspects of MMJ. The selection of things available is dizzying. There are some interesting seeds in the nursery, and its MMJ-infused skin care products are wonderful. But the star is its exclusive strain, The True OG, which is a seven-time Cannabis Cup winner.
Harvest, San Francisco
Harvest is more farmers market than marijuana dispensary.
Harvest doesn’t look like other marijuana dispensaries. It’s basically an average store — with shopping baskets and all. Their motto — “From Farm to Feeling” — gives the place a farmers market/health store feel, which is exactly what it’s trying to emulate. You’re able to freely browse all the products, adding to the relaxed ambiance. It has a private lounge where members can use the MMJ they purchase, and with cannabis lockers, a 5 percent discount, and early access to rare and limited products, it’s worth becoming a member. With two San Francisco locations, think of it as the Whole Foods of marijuana dispensaries.
Caliva, San Jose
According to Business Insider, Caliva is the No. 1 dispensary in the country. These guys are incredible. Caliva has its garden on-site, so the menu changes frequently. Its concentrates and edible menus are diverse, featuring everything from chocolate-covered espresso beans to MMJ-infused bath salts. Also notable is that it has six exceptionally knowledgeable budtenders who all specialize in different areas and are deeply interested in all things cannabis. Also worth knowing: Caliva gives away free tacos on Taco Tuesday to anyone who spends more than $45.
Airfield Supply Co., San Jose
Some medical marijuana dispensaries offer more than MMJ. Airfield Supply Co. also offers chiropractic and acupuncture services.
The aviation-themed dispensary Airfield Supply Co. cultivates its MMJ on-site. The staff is extensively trained, so you’ll always be in good hands. It offers cannabis cultivation classes, which useful for anyone who wants to grow their favorite medical marijuana strains at home. Founded by a group of health and fitness fanatics, Airfield Supply Co also offers chiropractic and acupuncture services so members can develop their physical, mental and emotional fitness. This marijuana dispensary strives to provide a complete healing solution, excelling in compassion and professionalism.
Purple Star MD, San Francisco
Name Leafly’s No. 1 dispensary in Northern California and consistently ranking on top of dispensary lists across the internet, Purple Star MD has more than 40 strains of indica flowers alone. Its menu seems to go on for days, but its standout feature is the deep roots the dispensary have within the community. It shares its profits with four local nonprofit organizations.
California Herbal Remedies, Los Angeles
California Herbal Remedies is one of the best for many reasons. First, there is a Mexican restaurant next door. I mean, you can’t really beat that, right? If you want more solid medical reasons to check it out, the fact that it carries more than 70 medical marijuana strains should be enough. There’s literally something for everyone regarding budget and medical need, and the growers always maintain top quality. Check out the specialty strains, which are highly psychoactive.
Coast to Coast Collective, Canoga Park
This place is different: Coast to Coast Collective is in its own building with security, and it comes with parking, so you feel comfortable and in professional hands straight off the bat. Then comes the fact that the dispensary takes the utmost pride in its product. It grows everything on-site, so it is rarely out of stock. The staff is highly intelligent and educated about the medical marijuana they grow. The dispensary has a friendly vibe and provides a sense of wholesome healing.
Humboldt Patient Resource Center, Arcata
One of the first marijuana dispensaries in California, Humboldt Patient Resource Center holds a Clean Green certification.
Humboldt Patient Resource Center has been around for more 16 years, so it was one of the first marijuana dispensaries in California and rightfully has many awards to its name. It has a great selection of clones available for you to start your medical garden at home, and it holds a Clean Green certification, which ensures it abides by the best practices in the industry when it comes to all things fertilizers, pesticides, waste management and patient information.
RAW Medical Marijuana Collective, San Diego
This dispensary is the bomb. Not only does RAW Medical Marijuana Collective offer a classic range of MMJ strains, including old favorites such as Sour Diesel and Green Crack, but it also has its own brand of medical marijuana tinctures, edibles and oils called Dr. RAW Organics. It is all about delivery, and it’s shockingly speedy — within 20 minutes — so good when you’re in a squeeze. With budtenders who are truly passionate and knowledgeable and will respond to your every query, this dispensary is a laid-back place to get your MMJ.
Captain Jack’s Medical Marijuana Dispensary, Upland
Captain Jack’s is not only an awesome dispensary that has a good range of MMJ, but it also has some unique glassware. Don’t miss the famed dabs bar. This dispensary is less like a healing center and more like something out of Dude, Where’s My Car?
Now that you know what marijuana dispensaries to go to, make sure you get your get medical marijuana card online so you can enjoy all the benefits of MMJ.