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Best Rated Dispensaries in Oregon (Updated 2022)

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Blazing through the Beaver State? Here are the top weed shops to add to your itinerary.


A state responsible for a sizeable slice of the West Coast’s natural splendor, it’s safe to say Oregon is an OG when it comes to progressive pot reform.

According to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, as of Feb., 2022, there were a total of 757 active cannabis retailers. That number is sure to grow, with 1,158 pending retailer applications under active consideration with the OLCC.

That’s a lot of weed shops to visit, so we analyzed reviews from real Leafly users, sorted the data, and are sharing our rankings for the best cannabis dispensaries Oregon has to offer. 

Highest-rated recreational dispensaries in Oregon

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Back in 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize cannabis, and it established a legal medical marijuana program in 1998. In 2014, Measure 91 was voted in, legalizing the consumption, personal possession, and homegrowing of cannabis by adults. The following year, regulated sales at recreational dispensaries got underway.

Currently, dispensaries need a recreational license if they wish to sell adult-use cannabis and a separate license for medical use (many businesses offer both).

Featuring a hybrid of medical and recreational options, read on for our roadmap to the best rated cannabis dispensaries shops in the Beaver State, from big cities like Portland and Eugene, to small cities like Medford and Salem, and everywhere in between.


1435 NW 9th St. — Corvallis, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 1,618 dispensary reviews

This medical-focused retailer caters to licensed patients and recreational consumers. Located in central western Oregon, High Quality operates on a credo of measuring their successes “not in dollars earned, but by the number of lives we’ve helped change for the better.”

Reputed for its knowledgeable staff and reasonable pricing, High Quality prides itself on providing friendly, helpful answers to every question. And with a menu currently 294 items strong, High Quality has earned its name and place as the state of Oregon’s top rated dispensary, according to Leafly users.

560 SE 12th Ave. — Ontario, OR

⭐ 5 star rating out of 1,883 dispensary reviews

Located at the eastern edge of Oregon’s state line, Treasure Valley Cannabis Company is a premiere retail dispensary with big plans, as they work toward incorporating a vertically integrated solventless hash lab and a grow space to their operations.

The geographic backdrop of Eastern Oregon’s pristine beauty makes Treasure Valley a stunner in more ways than one. As the biggest dispensary in all of Ontario, Treasure Valley also makes regular efforts to connect with the local community through programs like their arts-focused Adopt Ontario campaign, and one Leafly reviewer commends their “fantastic products and wonderful customer service.”

3424 NE 82nd Ave. — Portland, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 214 dispensary reviews

Conveniently located near the PDX Airport, Doctor’s Orders is a top-notch dispensary serving both recreational and medical customers in northeast Portland. Friendly vibes, great strains, and competitive pricing are all part of the reason this spot was voted best dispensary in Portland by Leafly’s reviewers.

One called Doctor’s Orders their “go-to shop,” adding that “the selection and value, matched with the service, is top tier.” Offering a unique product selection in conjunction with their southern Oregon cultivation partner, Trellis Farms, the warm atmosphere of this popular shop is about as far from a hospital waiting room as it gets.

1295 Oxford St. SE — Salem, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 367 dispensary reviews

It doesn’t get more old school than this dispensary, established in Salem in 2013 under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act. Always game to partner with the best producers and labs the state has to offer, THC Recreation Station earned raves from Leafly reviewers who highlighted the store’s “phenomenal service” and “large selection of edibles,” among other accolades.

Open 365 days a year, this mom-and-pop shop is also no stranger to sweet deals and friendly chats. Gushed another Leafly reviewer: “Always treated right by everyone every time and always have quality (at least in my opinion) buds and the best prices on cartridges.”

700 Row River Rd. — Cottage Grove, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 309 dispensary reviews

Offering a wide selection of Oregon’s finest infused products, Apothecaria in Cottage Grove has earned high marks for its welcoming environment that emphasizing compassion and education.

“Just really good people,” observed one Leafly reviewer. “Treated me as a friend even though we just met.” Licensed for both medical and recreational sales, Apothecaria has also earned praise for its clean, welcoming aesthetics and always affable and knowledgeable staff. “Every time I stop here, I enjoy it! The customer service is always spot on and quick!” noted another Leafly reviewer.

12745 SW Walker Rd. — Beaverton, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 1,272 dispensary reviews

Beaverton’s Green Mart likes to brag that they opened on December 1, 2015, with “no signs or graphics on the building” but still managed to close their first day with a total of $420 in sales. It was a sign of things to come, as Leafly reviewers now regard Green Mart as one of the top pot shops in the state.

One reason is their selection. “Great top shelf and amazing deals on concentrates,” wrote one. Another declared Green Mart to be one of “my favorite dispensaries in the area.” Offering a happiness guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction, Green Mart also provides a large, well-lit parking lot for an even more convenient shopping experience.

103 N. Pacific Hwy — Talent, OR

⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 934 dispensary reviews

Drive north from California’s Emerald Triangle and soon enough you’ll hit Talent, Oregon, and Green Valley Wellness. Shoppers can expect some seriously sweet promotions on all types of cannabis products.

“I absolutely love this dispensary,” begins one review. “You guys rock! Best deals!” Wrote another: “By far my favorite place in the valley to shop. Always an excellent price.”

Serving both med and rec customers, Green Valley Wellness also earns praise for the space’s use of natural light, the chill demeanor of its staff, and for having a giant amethyst crystal featured in their check-in room.

8654 NE Sandy Blvd. — Portland, OR

⭐ 4.6 star rating out of 1,027 dispensary reviews

AmeriCannaRX is, in the words of one Leafly reviewer, an “amazing shop in the middle of nowhere [that’s] always worth the trip.” Technically speaking, “nowhere” is actually NE Portland, where you’ll find AmeriCannaRX just a few minutes from the airport.

Another dual license dispensary, the location features a modest parking lot and also adheres to a policy of picking out the best nugs and weighing them out for customers to see. “While driving here, I may pass five other shops but it’s worth the extra few miles,” shared another Leafly reviewer.

182 E. Lane —Ontario, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 840 dispensary reviews

If you care about glass as much as what’s going into it, the folks at Cannabis and Glass can relate. This Ontario, OR recreational dispensary is part of a constellation of shops on the Idaho border that feature both fire flower and affordable glassware.

The Ontario location now has a drive-thru and continues to offer a free and exclusive loyalty program. “Cannabis and Glass has the best people, knowledge, [and] product, hands down, of any place I’ve been,” proclaimed a Leafly reviewer. “You’re never just a sale there.”

17417 SE McLoughlin Blvd. — Portland, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 1,551 dispensary reviews

Established back in 2011 to serve OMMP patients and caregivers, Portland’s Maritime Cafe now caters to recreational customers as well. Boasting a sizeable menu chock full of top-notch edibles, concentrates, clones, and more, Martime Cafe also puts a premium on compassion by offering discounts to both seniors and veterans.

Recognizable for their signature logo—a pot leaf on an anchor, naturally—Leafly reviewers are all aboard this ship. “I love this place,” wrote one. “The staff is super friendly [and] they always have an epic selection.” Said another reviewer: “They are amazing at this store. So helpful. They treat you like family.”

463 River Ave. — Eugene, OR

⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 596 dispensary reviews

The Herbal Connection has Eugene covered on medical and recreational products of all strengths, for all tastes. Featuring two showrooms, this North Eugene jewel shines, according to one Leafly reviewer, thanks to its “excellent staff, high quality products, [and] big selection.”

Founded on a principle of putting people first, Herbal Connection’s deep menu and knowledgable budtenders were repeatedly praised in Leafly user reviews. “If you had to pick one place to get just about everything you need, that is always stocked up with decent prices and great sales,” reads a recent five-star review, “this is the place.”

1733 SW Court Ave. – Pendleton, OR

⭐ 4.9 star rating out of 481 dispensary reviews

If you find yourself in Pendleton, be sure to visit Kind Leaf. One of Eastern Oregon’s top craft cannabis boutique operations, Kind Leaf goes big when it comes to flower.

At any given time, customers can expect to choose from over 120 different strains — but don’t worry about being overwhelmed. Kind Leaf’s staff is happy to help ensure you leave with the perfect choice. “Heard awesome things about Kind Leaf,” said a five-star Leafly review. “Everything I heard was true. The staff is super nice and easy to talk to, the weed is good, and there is a lot to choose from.”

10735 NE Halsey St. — Portland, OR

⭐ 4.9 star rating out of 508 dispensary reviews

Did you know paradise had a drive-thru? It’s true! At Portland’s Paradise Found, you don’t even have to leave your car to make the most of this neighborhood dispensary with both medical and recreational offerings. Even better—they’re pet-friendly too!

One enthused Leafly reviewer said: “Beautiful shop, easy to navigate lay-out between product lines, and incredible prices and deals.” Featuring on-site parking and staffed by friendly and experienced budtenders, another five-star Leafly review proclaimed Paradise Found as the best dispensary in Portland. “Love the staff [and] the selection,” they added. “They’re always willing to help and answer questions. Awesome deals too”

4160 SW 109th Ave. — Beaverton, OR

⭐ 4.9 star rating out of 2,021 dispensary reviews

Growing ReLeaf doesn’t see itself as just another average pot shop. Instead, they celebrate their legacy as Beaverton’s first medical dispensary, now licensed to offer both medical and recreational sales.

The feeling appears mutual, as Leafly reviewers credit Growing ReLeaf as “hands down the best of the best” and for “actually [caring] about good bud and [keeping] their stock fire!” There is also lots of love for Miles, a budtender name-checked in the best way in multiple Leafly five-star reviews. “The wellness knowledge from the folks here, specifically Miles,” reads one, “is absolutely astounding.”

15915 NW Schendel Ave. — Beaverton, OR

⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 1,218 dispensary reviews

Licensed to serve patients and adult-use consumers, Cannabis Nation is a Beaverton dispensary boasting a unique layout, in-house flower and concentrates, and a robust array of topicals, tinctures, and other products.

Offering discounts to local merchants as well as to veterans and seniors, Cannabis Nation first began as a farm before blossoming into a full production indoor cultivation operation that now oversees five dispensaries across Oregon.

“Selection is always excellent and the budtenders are always courteous and knowledgeable,” shared one Leafly user in a five-star review of the Beaverton shop. Another equally enthusiastic review noted that “staff members were striving to provide friendly, prompt and knowledgeable assistance within a cozy, yet invigorating atmosphere.”

1937 NE Pacific St. — Portland, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 109 dispensary reviews

Tucked away on a busy side street in Northeast Portland, Home Grown Apothecary is sure to catch your eye thanks to its gorgeous floral mural and bright, colorful garden. Enter into this welcoming atmosphere and you’ll find that this woman-owned and -operated gem means business when it comes to cannabis.

A great spot to find high CBD strains and proudly organic pot products, Leafly reviewers praised the staff as “super knowledgeable, patient and kind — always smiling” and as “good folks, good energy, extremely personable, fair prices, lots of deals, and really, really good bud.”

3609 SE Division St. — Portland, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 1,105 dispensary reviews

Established in April 2010, Brothers Cannabis is a locally owned, former back-to-back winner of Willamette Weekly’s “Best Dispensary in Portland.” Credited as Oregon’s oldest OMMP dispensary, the SE location of Brothers Cannabis—they have three total—now sells to both recreational customers and medical patients.

And they’ve managed to keep their welcoming old school spirit alive too! As one Leafly reviewer put it: “Still the best in town. It feels like you’re going over to your friend’s house.” Admitted another: “I’d come here every day if I could.”

2045 Franklin Blvd. — Eugene, OR

⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 947 dispensary reviews

Representing for their hometown, Eugene OG is a hybrid rec and med dispensary in—you guessed it—Eugene. Operating since 2014, Eugene OG focuses on the twin pillars of cannabis and community.

Small-batch artisan flower from their Pud’s Buds grow facility and an ongoing Cannabis Cares program both reflect Eugene OG’s commitment to keeping it local. “I always leave with a big smile on my face,” reads a five-star Leafly user review. “This is a true OG,” said another. “Been coming here for years and they are still just as good as the day I first stepped in.”

10645 SE Henry St. — Portland, OR

⭐ 4.5 star rating out of 151 dispensary reviews

Portland’s Archive takes their name seriously. With a stated mission to provide heritage-quality cannabis varieties, flower, seeds, and extracts, the cultivators and producers aligned with Archive have leveraged over 35 years of experience to create a premiere Portland dispensary that offers both medical and recreational sales.

Known as a spot to hit for those in need of authentic clones for growing your own, Archive also has major credentials in the form of multiple High Times Cannabis Cup wins. In a five-star review, one Leafly user celebrated Archive’s menu as “always loaded with new drops from various growers.”

1385 Industrial Ave. — Woodburn, OR

⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 132 dispensary reviews

Proud to be first (and only) dispensary operating in Woodburn, Treestar welcomes medical and recreational customers to enjoy a shopping experience infused with an extra emphasis on botanical ingredients and small-batch cannabis.

“Treestar is like my second home,” wrote a Leafly reviewer. “Amazing people, awesome selection, great advice.” In another enthusiastic post, a different reviewer credited Treestar for always being “clean and in order.” Furthermore, they wrote, “If there is a line, it’s fast [and] the employees are all nice, positive, and [helpful] with my questions. Great place.”


Selection criteria for Leafly Lists in Oregon

To calculate the highest rated dispensaries in Oregon, our Leafly Lists team uses a methodology based on quantitative and qualitative review data of dispensaries listed on Leafly in Oregon. This list also uses quality indicators, like customer reorder rates and deals availability (in markets where discounts are legal). Our teams are dedicated to showcasing a wide variety of highly rated medical and recreational dispensaries.

If you don’t see your favorite dispensary on the list, make sure you follow, rate, and review your favorite cannabis locations to let the world know where you find your favorite cannabis.



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Vladimir Bautista is leading Happy Munkey’s legacy-to-legal takeover

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For cannabis entrepreneur and New York City native, Vladimir Bautista, it all begins and ends with his neighborhood. You can call him the Mr. Rodgers of Harlem. His long, enviable career in the cannabis legacy space has given way to legal success, with two dispensaries opened last year in Manhattan and Brooklyn under his Happy Munkey brand. 

“I believe that things are going to go the way they’re supposed to go,” he says. “You ever heard that saying, ‘Man makes plans and God laughs?’”


151 Dykman St., New York, NY — recreational


Bautista grew up in Sugar Hill in a Dominican family, back when the community was mired in the crack epidemic of the 1990s—a far cry from its Columbia University affiliations now. He discovered cannabis as a consumer at a young age, taking those first puffs with his middle school friends.

“There was a lot of doom and gloom around,” he says. “It was helping me mentally compared to all the other substances. It just created good vibes and energy around me and my friends.”

Happy Munkey owners Vladimir Bautista, and Ramon Reyes
Happy Munkey co-founders Vladimir Bautista (left) and Ramon Reyes (right) (courtesy of Happy Munkey)

Despite cannabis being much safer than other drugs on the market—heroin, crack, cocaine—it was harder to find. By 16, Bautistia realized there was a market gap, and figured he could be the one to fill it. 

“I remember having that ‘aha’, entrepreneur light bulb moment,” he says. “I’m gonna buy an ounce, and if it doesn’t sell, I’ll smoke it. I have everything to gain, nothing to lose, but this could be my lane.” His instincts proved correct. “After I purchased that ounce, I never had a job again.”

For years, Bautista serviced the city’s legacy market, scaling up his business and reputation. And, of course, fielding multiple arrests by the NYPD. The name Happy Munkey comes from his business partner, Ramon Reyes, whose spirit animal is a monkey. There’s also a story of the Hindu deity Hanuman, a monkey god, who ascended a mountain in search of healing herbs for the god Rama. Plus, it’s playful. In a city of gangsters, the idea of a happy, cheeky monkey feels welcoming. 

“I remember having that ‘aha’, entrepreneur light bulb moment. I’m gonna buy an ounce, and if it doesn’t sell, I’ll smoke it. I have everything to gain, nothing to lose, but this could be my lane…After I purchased that ounce, I never had a job again.”

Vlad Bautista

Legalization out west changed everything. As states like Colorado, Washington, and California launched adult-use markets, Bautista knew that Happy Munkey needed to switch gears. Reyes had traveled to Amsterdam and recognized the potential in safe, private spaces to light up and meet like-minded people.  He tapped a contact many other cannabis entrepreneurs in the city have met on their way to the legal market, International P. Through their network of contacts, they established an underground space for consumption events in 2017, and within two years Forbes dubbed the “Studio 54 of cannabis.”

Still, there was more growing to do. Before the COVID-19 pandemic would shutter their events arm, Bautista began attending cannabis conferences and festivals across the country, meeting industry legends like Steve DeAngelo and learning about the economics of the emerging business, like stocks.

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“That was the moment of ‘there’s something here, this is coming to the East Coast,’” says Bautista, “when we [began] pursuing the legal cannabis market as a business. We understood that we were advocates, because we had a platform, we had influence.”

Bautista, Reyes, and Happy Munkey were instrumental in pushing for the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) and insisting on the bill’s social equity components. They mobilized their podcast, magazine, and merchandise while the city was under quarantine, and hosted an event at Wall Street’s Bobby Van Steakhouse for the first 4/20 post-legalization, in 2021.

As they waited for license approval, they continued hosting events that drew on the vast spectrum of the cannabis community, including an afterparty of the Van Gogh Immersive Experience and their 2022 symposium at Columbia University that featured scientists, entrepreneurs, and government officials. 

“We brought out a lot of big people from the industry—politicians, doctors, lawyers. We attracted a really eclectic crowd; I think we were the first ones in New York to bring Main Street to Wall Street, with the rapper sitting next to the politician, the billionaire sitting next to the gangster.”

They hope the same can manifest in their two legal stores, serving two major hubs of people in two boroughs. They emphasize customer service, situating customers within their neighborhoods, and a wide selection of brands like Kiva Confections, Rolling Green, To The Moon, and Lobo.

“I think we were the first ones in New York to bring Main Street to Wall Street, with the rapper sitting next to the politician, the billionaire sitting next to the gangster.”

Vlad Bautista

While they can’t open an adult-use version of their beloved lounge just yet, they see 2025 as an opportunity. And it’s an opportunity that, Bautista says, was fated to them.

“The irony is that I bought that ounce on Sherman Avenue in 1998. And now, 27 years later, we just opened our first licensed store around the corner from where I bought that first ounce.”



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New weed shops of America: Miami’s first MMJ shop opens

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Who needs new weed shops? We do. Miami gets its first medical dispensary, New Mexico welcomes a massive cannabis superstore, and a Detroit rapper brings legal weed to 8 Mile. Here are the new dispensary openings across America this month.

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

New weed shops and returning stores on Leafly

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Arizona

new weed shops near me
(Courtesy Ponderosa)

Ponderosa Dispensary— Tucson, AZ. Opened Jan. 18. Firstly, let’s start with the desert. Tuscon just got a little greener thanks to the arrival of Ponderosa Dispensary. Stocking over 20 premiere cannabis brands, Ponderosa aka the Pondy also scores bragging rights for having the largest selection of in-house brands Canamo Concentrates and Sonoran Roots available anywhere in Tucson. Other highlights include friendly, informed budtenders and a “full-sensory” shopping experience. 3008 N. Stone Ave, Tucson. 

California

Urbana Oakland— Oakland, CA. Opened Jan. 17. You’ll have to get your order of fries somewhere else as former burger joint Luke’s Taproom has now officially reopened as the latest outpost of Urbana’s chain of NorCal dispensaries. Specifically, the updated digs “preserve the industrial charm of the property while adding modern, welcoming touches” that include consumption lounges and a “vibrant calendar of events that celebrates local art, culture, and education.” 415 W Grand, Oakland.

Florida

Ayr Wellness—Miami, FL. Opened Jan. 10. It took long enough, but Miami’s first medical cannabis dispensary is now finally open. In the works with the City of Miami since 2016, Ayr Wellness has at last opened the chain’s 67th location in the state. Offering a full menu of flower, vape carts, edibles, and more, representatives for Ayr shared their hope to cater to “underserved medical marijuana patients” at their Midtown store, which is located within a shopping district that draws heavy foot traffic. 3160 N. Miami Ave, Miami.

Maryland

The Forest—Baltimore, MD. Opened Jan. 18. Don’t mistake the trees for The Forest because both are welcome additions to the scene in Baltimore. Marking Maryland’s first vertically integrated social equity license to open shop, The Forest is African American and Latina majority-owned and plans to situate their business as a “holistic wellness experience with access to high-quality cannabis products” including concentrates, pre-rolls, and topicals. 3301 Boston St, Baltimore. 

Michigan

Fly Shifter Cannabis—Detroit, MI. Opened Jan. 11. Don’t tell Poppa Doc but Detroit’s 8 Mile has a new heavyweight in the form of Fly Shifter Cannabis from homegrown rapper and entrepreneur Lou “Big Shifter” Gram. Perks include a plethora of premium cannabis products, a Shifter’s Only Club providing loyalty rewards, and an ongoing commitment to supporting Detroit’s “local economy and cultural landscape.” 6220 8 Mile Rd, Detroit. 

Missouri

CODES—Kansas City, MO. Opened Jan. 18. Comedian and cannabis enthusiast/entrepreneur Jim Belushi was on hand to welcome Kansas City’s newest dispensary to the party. Billed as “one of the fastest-growing brands in Missouri’s cannabis industry,” CODES prides itself on offering premium cannabis products, including exclusive cultivars, edibles, and concentrates, designed to cater to a “broad spectrum of Kansas City’s diverse clientele.” 668 E Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City. 

New Jersey

new weed shops near me
(Courtesy Budzooka)

Budzooka—Elizabeth, NJ. Opened Jan. 29. The proudly Hispanic-owned Budzooka Dispensary has officially opened in the home of a former bank in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Featuring a clean interior flecked with splashes of bright color, Budzooka also offers a “bud bar” where customers can see and smell the various types of cannabis flower available for sale. The shop’s menu also includes an extensive list of vapes, concentrates, edibles, and even a few MSO (multi-state operator) brands like Loud Labs and Nova Farms. 142 Broad St, Elizabeth.

New Mexico

Mango Cannabis—Sunland Park, NM. Opened Jan. 22. If there’s one thing New Mexico was missing, it’s a 9,000-square-foot cannabis superstore. Thankfully, Mango Cannabis has fixed the issue by opening the state’s largest dispensary (to date) last month. Capable of processing 2,000 to 3,0000 order per day, the Sunland Park location is set to carry over 3,000 SKUS (products) that include “the top [hundred] most popular brands in the state.” 1051 McNutt Road, Sunland Park. 

New York

Kaya Bliss— Brooklyn, NY. Opened Jan. 9. The new weed shops of New York keep coming. Once a hair salon, the confines of Brooklyn’s Kaya Bliss have a decidedly different vibe these days. Customers visiting Bay Ridge’s first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary can look forward to walls decorated with murals, comprehensively trained budtenders, and over 400 products from more than 30 brands to choose from. Purchases can be made either at the registers or at conveniently located in-store kiosks. 8412 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn. 

The Herb Cave—Plattsburgh, NY. Opened Dec. 27. Northern New York scored a big win with the opening of the first woman-owned, licensed cannabis dispensary in the Plattsburgh region last month. With a menu featuring “a variety of craft cannabis products sourced from smaller farms and micro-businesses throughout New York State,” The Herb Cave prides itself as a “experienced, reliable, established” legacy business here to solve your cannabis needs. 19 State Rte 3, Plattsburgh. 

Pennsylvania

Terrapin Care Station—Bellefonte, PA. Opened Jan. 9. One year after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill ushering in a new era of legal medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, independent medical cannabis grower and processor Terrapin has launched a store in Bellefonte. The site marks the first of three planned locations for Terrapin, including forthcoming stores in Lewisburg (Kelly Township) and Lock Haven (Woodward Township). Dates for the latter two stores remain yet to be announced but are expected soon. 205 Park Place, Bellefonte. 

In conclusion—it’s a tremendous time for medical and adult-use cannabis access. Just look at all these new weed shops near you. Did we miss any? Leave a comment with a new one.

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Alto Dispensary is a family affair in Tribeca

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Smoking a joint with your siblings is a sacred teenage tradition, something that bonds you across clouds of smoke—a furtive secret you all keep from your parents. For the five Savocchi siblings, it seemed an innocent enough past time during their childhood in Queens. But it was also prequel to their eventual entry into New York’ adult-use cannabis industry. 

Now, on the streets of Tribeca, locals, tourists, and medical patients alike can stop and smell both the literal and cannabis flowers of Alto dispensary. It’s quite literally a family affair—siblings André, Stephanie, Nicole, Daniela, and Sarah, and parents Guido and Sandra man the ship and tend the bar, even as most of them juggle day jobs (for now).

“It’s been a wild ride to get here.”

Nicole Savocchi

The five siblings smoked together, but their parents were hip too—it was Guido’s cannabis arrest in the ‘90s that qualified them for the license, though the interest had been there for years. Sandra was the first to alert the family after hearing about the passing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in 2021. 

“I heard it on the radio going to work,” she says. “When I heard that this program was available, I’m like, ‘this is for us.’ Right away, I phoned André, and I said, ‘I just heard this, this and this. It’s going to be a difficult process I hear, but we have to do it.’ And he ran with it.”

André is the baby of the family, but he’s the driving force behind Alto. He’d delved the deepest into the cannabis world, including research in other states, and is the only sibling full-time at the store. During its intense renovation, he donned a white hazmat suit and got his hands dirty.

“At times, it definitely kind of feels like we’re building a plane as we’re flying it, just trying to navigate this new landscape. To now be open, we’re all just definitely happy to be here and be a part of the Tribeca community. There’s definitely a unique synergy and chemistry in our work.”

André Savocchi

He also curates the store’s menu, which includes multi-state brands like Wyld Gummies, Kiva Confections, and Select vapes as well as local hits like MFNY concentrates and Umami flower. The menu has to reflect all the multitudes of New York, just like the shop’s environment.

Customers waltzing through Tribeca’s artsy alleys won’t find anyone not named Savocchi on the floor by design. It should feel like coming to your cool family friend’s house, whether you want something to liven up your evening or have a need for something medicinal.

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If you don’t partake, you can still buy the other kind of flowers in the front of the store. Alto’s Tribeca shop also has a second-floor space that will one day (Office of Cannabis Management permitting) become an events and consumption lounge.

Until then, if you’re in Tribeca, why not stop in and smell the flowers?

“I think when we’re all together, we’re not workers. We all have that level of dedication. People walk in, they’re like, ‘Oh, this feels so nice here. This definitely feels like a family vibe,’ even before they even know we’re family. They can actually feel that energy.”

Stephanie Savocchi

Savocchi family stands proudly in front of their dispensary.
(Courtesy Andre Savocchi)



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