What makes a great restaurant experience? The food, obviously. Service is also paramount. And the space itself can’t be overlooked.

Astoria, Queens, is full of top-notch eateries, from Greek to Vietnamese to Venezuelan. Earlier this year, they added cannabis to the menu with the opening of a handful of legal dispensaries. One of the best is Cannavita Dispensary, located at 30-30 Steinway Street. 

Cannavita general manager Allie Carney and owner Marko Popovic met years ago while working in New York City’s restaurant industry. They learned the ins and outs of how to provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience. Now, they have a fleet of native Queens budtenders working with them to apply the same hospitality principals to shopping for cannabis.

Cannavita is located on a street full of restaurants and stores. For commuters and munchers on the go, they provide quick work during a busy day. Cannavita’s menu offers hundreds of choices for consumers across flower and prerolls, edibles, vaporizers, and concentrates, with brands like Electraleaf, Chef For Higher, KIVA, Aeterna, and Blotter on deck. Their team largely hails from Queens as well, giving a local texture to patrons seeking recommendations.

“Marko and I have known each other for so many years; we come from restaurants, so now to finally have something [where] we can take that customer service and put it into reality—none of this is lost on us.”

Allie Carney, manager at Cannavita

Popovic received his CAURD license along with a silent partner who had a previous cannabis charge. Both he and Carney emphasize that equity and social justice are a huge part of Cananvita’s model. Cannavita collaborates with justice-focused organizations like the Last Prisoner Project and hosts regular social events to elevate locals’ experiences with cannabis.

Beyond Cannavita, Carney and Popovic encourage locals and visitors to indulge in the full Astoria experience when they visit. There’s an endless list of restaurants, riverside parks, and the museums (we love Museum of the Moving Image, an interactive museum that celebrates cinema, television and visual media) nearby.

As Cannavita’s one-year anniversary approaches in spring 2025, Carney says that the dispensary’s ethos is to be the best in the business, and to foster a sense of “peace and community and comfort,” for everyone who walks in the door.

Cannavita’s team delivers on that mission with a rich events schedule including yoga seshes in the morning and art gallery parties at night. Follow Cannavita on Leafly for updates on deals, events, and new product drops. And next time you’re in Astoria, stop by the posh storefront, which looks and feels like a luxurious tropical getaway from the concrete jungle.

What are you smoking, New York? Keep up with New York’s favorite strains, dispensaries, and events on Leafly‘s New York homepage.

We got more good news, Leafly Nation. From the frigid islands of Alaska, to a new drive-thru in Tulsa, cannabs access expands yet again. Learn about all the latest dispensary openings across the U.S.!

Got a new shop? Get it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise. 

Alaska

Bering Sea Buds—Unalaska, AK. Waaaay out on Alaska’s chain of islands is the new Bering Sea Buds. The remotely-located dispensary provides “a nice selection of gummies and cartridges, as well as flower — pre-roll and not” in addition to staples like lighters and pipes. Bering Sea Buds is the first local dispensary to open since the island of Unalaska overturned a city ban on commercial sales in 2016. 749 E Broadway Ave, Unalaska, AK 99685. No website.

California

SPARC—Napa, CA. Opened in April. Bringing “a new, boutique-style cannabis experience to Napa,” SPARC’s fully vertical operation features sun-grown cannabis grown at a nearby farm “just over the hill” in Glen Ellen. Combining products made via sustainable practices with an “elevated shopping vibe,” SPARC’s new Napa location marks an exciting expansion for the reputed NorCal chain. 1726 Tanen St, Napa, CA 94559. https://sparc.co/store/napa/

Stiiizy—Costa Mesa, CA. Opened Oct. 5. Marking Stiiizy’s 36^th retail shop to open in California, the bestselling brand’s latest flagship location in Costa Mesa brings a new twist to the store formally known as STIIIZY South Coast. 675 Paularino Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. 

Pipeline—San Francisco, CA. Opened in October, the ‘Pipeline’ brand of San Francisco stores expands from the Sunset and North Beach to the Portola neighborhood near the southern edge of The City. 2490 San Bruno Ave, San Francisco, CA 94134. 

Colorado

Star Buds—Brighton, CO. Opened Oct. 31. The 22^nd location for leading Colorado cannabis dispensary chain Star Buds marks the first for the city of Brighton, which approved recreational cannabis sales back in February. Promising “exceptional service” and “top-quality products,” the newest store from multi-state operator Star Buds will also “cater to underserved communities in nearby areas.” 570 N. 7^th St, Brighton, CO, 80216.

Connecticut

Higher Collective—Bridgeport, CT. Opened Oct. 11. Dedicated to fostering social equity, cannabis retail brand Higher Collective launched its latest store in Bridgeport, CT earlier this month. In addition to providing a “Flower U” educational space, Higher Collective has also partnered with regional nonprofit Black Rock Food Pantry to serve as an ongoing donation hub as a means of supporting local community efforts year-round. 3369 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605. 

Illinois

Bloc Avondale—Chicago, IL. Opened Oct. 18. Chicago’s Northwest Side gained a Latino- and woman-owned dispensary earlier this month when Bloc Avondale opened under the first social equity license issued in the area. Marking the 11^th store for nationwide operator Justice Cannabis Co., the shop also features work by local artists in addition to a full menu of products. 3545 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. 

Maine

Cheech & Chong’s Dispensoria—Portland, ME. Opened Oct. 10. Two stoner legends bring their zany brand of quality cannabis to Maine with the opening of Cheech & Chong’s Dispensoria in Portland. With additional stores expected to open nearby in Bangor and Milo in the near future, customers can look forward to “an array of cannabis products, including gummies, chocolates and pre-rolls” plus plenty of cheeky aesthetic nods to the pair’s long career. 58 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101.

Minnesota

Island Peži—Welch, MN. Opened July 28. Marking the latest cannabis store to open on tribal land in Minnesota, Island Peži is conveniently located about 40 minutes away from St. Paul. Owned and operated by members of the Prairie Island Indian Community, the ethos of Island Peži celebrates “the power of diversity, both in our products and our people.” 6030 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089. https://www.islandpezi.com/

Missouri

CODES Cannabis—Jefferson, MO. Opened Oct. 23. Earlier this month, top Missouri cannabis flower brand CODES celebrated the launch of its 17th dispensary. Located in Jefferson City, the store boasts a “supreme flower collection” among a full selection of premium products. They include handpicked strains and the company’s innovative all-in-one vape, The CODE. 3205 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109. https://codesdispensary.com/location/jefferson-city-mo/

New Jersey

Cannabis Training Academy—Trenton, New Jersey. Opened Oct. 16. Created in partnership with the New Jersey Business Action Center and the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the Cannabis Training Academy will provide “no-cost, online cannabis educational platform aids and [education to] current and aspiring cannabis business owners.” https://www.nj.gov/state/bac/cannabis-training/about/

Oklahoma

Headies—Tulsa, OK. Opened Oct. 20. Rev those motors because medical cannabis dispensary chain Headies has a new drive-through location in Tulsa! Featuring premium products that range “from traditional flower to modern methods,” Headies’ new drive-offers a remarkably quick and convenient way for Tulsa residents to shop for cannabis. 7315 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133.

Did we miss any? Leave a comment with a new one.

Got a new shop? Get it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise. 

Good news, Leafly Nation. Every day brings us closer to more stores in more places serving more tasty dank buds and cool vapes than ever before. There’s so many popping up in legalization states young and old that we’re starting to list them in a “Grand Openings” post at the beginning of the month. Know of a grand opening? Email us at Leafly. Let’s dig in.

Arizona

Story Cannabis Company—Bullhead City, AZ. Opened Aug. 1. Conveniently located off the 95 and Bullhead Pkwy. Staffed by ‘passionate cannabis experts.’ Daily deals on premium brands. 3550 North Ln. #110, Bullhead City, AZ 86422. [Shop on Leafly]

California

The Artist Tree—Hawthorne, CA. Opened Aug. 20. ‘Less than four miles from LAX.’ ‘Hawthorne’s only smoking lounge’ adorned with décor from local artists, including an original exterior mural. ‘Seamless open floor plan.’ 4756 W. Imperial Hwy, Hawthorne, CA 90304.

Muha Meds—Los Angeles, CA. Opened July 6. ‘Immersive retail experience’ complete with ‘dynamic murals’ highlighting Los Angeles culture and ‘holographic features’ alongside ‘fun and innovative promotions, incentive programs and a menu of delights that continues to evolve.’ 2131 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

Private Reserve—Hollywood, CA. Opened June 21. ‘West Hollywood’s newest and most intimate cannabis lounge.’ Offering an ‘unparalleled hospitality experience’ where guests can enjoy ‘individual servings of top tier strains usually only available for retail purchase at a high price point.’ Reservations required. 8448 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Solful—Healdsburg, CA. Opens Oct. 11. ‘The very first dispensary to open and operate in Healdsburg.’ ‘Iconic ‘flower wall,’ featuring 40 cannabis varieties from local farms. 465 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Stiiizy—Encinitas, CA. Opened Aug. 10. Marking Stiiizy’s 35^th retail shop to open in California, the bestselling brand’s new flagship location in Encinitas is now open seven days a week and stocked with all the products and gear you’ve come to know and love. 1030 N Coast Hwy 10, Encinitas, CA 92024. [Shop on Leafly]

Massachusetts

City Farm by Silver Therapeutics—Roslindale, MA. Opened Sept. 6. ‘Beautiful facility’ with ‘top shelf products’ and ‘educated budtenders eager to serve with a smile.’ Conveniently located ‘just eight miles from the heart of Boston.’ 721 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131. [Shop on Leafly]

Mississippi

Southern Sky Wellness—Vicksburg, MS. Opened Sept. 2. ‘Modern, welcoming environment’ with educational menus and ‘state-of-the-art facilities’ featuring ‘an expanded selection of premium products.’ 2080 S. Frontage Rd, Suite 106, Vicksburg, MS 39180. [Shop on Leafly]

Southern Sky Wellness—Bay St. Louis, MS. Opened Sept. 6. ‘Modern, welcoming environment’ with educational menus and ‘state-of-the-art facilities’ featuring ‘an expanded selection of premium products.’ 10209 Highway 603, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.

Missouri

Greenlight—Rock Port, MO. Opened July 23. ‘Strategically located thirty minutes from Nebraska City and one hour from Lincoln and Omaha.’ Features ‘over 300 branded cannabis products’ and a convenient drive-thru option. 105 Speedy’s Dr, Rock Port, MO 64482. [Shop on Leafly]

New York

Silver Therapeutics—Saratoga Springs, NY. Opened July 26. Partnership with woman-owned Spa City Cannabis, LLC and Saratoga Springs’ first cannabis dispensary. ‘Close to the highway with over 25 parking spots.’  75 Weibel Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. [Shop on Leafly]

Verona Collective at Verona Crossroads—Verona, NY. Opened Aug. 8. New flagship location for the Oneida Indian Nation’s seed-to-sale cannabis enterprise with ‘expansive inventory of more than 160 high-quality products across four brands.’ 5528 NY-31 Verona, NY 13478.

Ohio

On August 6, 2024, the state of Ohio officially went legal with adult-use sales. While there aren’t any grand openings to list, here is a list of the dispensaries that now offer recreational sales in Ohio.

Sunnyside Recreational & Medical—Cincinnati, OH. 5149 Kennedy Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213. [Shop on Leafly]

Sunnyside Recreational & Medical—Marion, OH. 326 James Way, Marion, OH 43302. [Shop on Leafly]

Sunnyside Recreational & Medical—Newark, OH. 1546 W Church St, Newark, OH 43055. [Shop on Leafly]

Sunnyside Recreational & Medical— Chillicothe, OH. 1641 N Bridge St, Chillicothe, OH 45601. [Shop on Leafly]

Sunnyside Recreational & Medical— Wintersville, OH. 180 Main St, Wintersville, OH 43952. [Shop on Leafly]

Verilife (Non-Medical)—Hillsboro, OH. 1088 N High St, Hillsboro, OH 45133. [Shop on Leafly]

Verilife (Non-Medical)—Wapakoneta, OH. 502 Dixie Hwy, Wapakoneta, OH 45895. [Shop on Leafly]

Verilife (Non-Medical)—Cincinnati, OH. 5431 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213. [Shop on Leafly]

Nirvana (Med/Non-Med)—Elyria, OH. 914 Cleveland St, Elyria, OH 44035. [Shop on Leafly]

The Citizen By Klutch(Med/Non-Med)—Lorain, OH. 5152 Grove Ave, Lorain, OH 44055. [Shop on Leafly]

The Citizen By Klutch(Med/Non-Med)—Canton, OH. 401 Cherry Ave NE, Canton, OH 44702. [Shop on Leafly]

Washington, D.C.

Miel Wellness—Washington, D.C. Opened Sept. 14. ‘Curated selection, where convenience meets luxury.’ Staffed by a ‘passionate team dedicated to elevating your understanding of cannabis culture’ by being ‘at the forefront of the latest trends and insights.’ 727 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003. [Shop on Leafly]

International

S.W.E.D.—Amsterdam, NL. Opened Aug. 1. Second ‘Smoke Weed Every Day’ location from rap superstar Snoop Dogg. Hybrid coffee shop and dispensary with a ‘unique blend of high-quality products, exclusive strains, artisanal edibles, and top-tier cannabis accessories, all handpicked by Snoop.’ Marnixstraat 333, 1016 TC Amsterdam.