|
I again had the opportunity to visit several dispensaries in San Francisco. This time, I covered the Sunset, St. Francis Wood, Haight, Western Addition, Nob Hill, and Civic Center sections of the city. All of the Dispensaries had security who checked my ID and recommendation before ushering me in to the facilities. Pricing for products was competitive at each of the dispensaries. Here’s what I found:
●HopeNet 2239th Street at Tehama(btwn Folsom/Howard) 94103 415.863.4399 Hours: 12pm-7pm M-Sat- carries clones
●The Hemp Center 4811 Geary Boulevard (@12th) 415-221-HEMP Hours: Monday-Friday 11am to 7pm, Saturday 12pm to 5pm Accessibility: ADA accessible, public transportation, close to freeways, ample street parking. Atmosphere: The Hemp Center offers an energetic and friendly atmosphere. While I was there, patients were consuming on-site while surfing the net and chatting. Employees were easy-going and very helpful. There are high ceilings and funky decor. They have been at this location for eight years, but have only been known as “The Hemp Center” for four years. Products: ●Alternative Herbal Health 442 Haight (between Fillmore and Webster) 415-864-1300 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am to 8pm Accessibility: Public transportation, close to freeways, street parking. Atmosphere: This facility is full of energy. Patients were medicating and playing games at the table in the sitting area. There was a big screen TV playing and employees were laughing and interacting with patients. Consumption is allowed on site. Products: ●The Vapor Room 609 A Haight (@Steiner) Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am to 8:30pm; Saturday, Sunday 12pm to 8pm Accessibility: ADA accessible, public transportation, close to freeways, street parking. Atmosphere: When I entered The Vapor Room, I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed. One manager appropriately described the facility as a “Sixties-style living room.” The colors, furniture, and accessories (specifically the fish tank) all lend themselves perfectly to this genre. The employees were all nice, attentive and knowledgeable (they are all CPR certified). In fact, the staff is so informed about their products, they have organized the service counter so that patients can find sativa, indica, and crosses in separate sections. This is extremely helpful for patients who are trying to address specific needs. The Vapor Room is sensitive to the needs of some of their less-fortunate regular patients, so they have enacted a compassion program (ask for information). There is consumption on site and there are plenty of places to sit and medicate. Products: ●Cannamed Care Center 1211 Sutter (lower, @Polk) 415-885-8007 Hours: Monday-Saturday 2 to 9pm, Sunday 2 to 8pm Accessibility: public transportation, close to freeways, street parking. Atmosphere: offers a large array of medicine, in a pleasant and professional environment. Products: ●The Divinity Tree 958 Geary (between Larkin and Polk) Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm Accessibility: will make accommodations for disabled patients. Public transportation, close to freeways, street parking, pay lot (across the street). Atmosphere: The Divinity Tree is a tranquil and relaxing dispensary. Employees and patients are easy-going and mellow. There is a very calming vibe. The employees were very helpful and kind. In addition to selling medicine, the Divinity Tree also sells Oracle DVD’s and informational cannabis books. They also offer free pamphlets and reading material in the front of the facility. There is a sitting area for patients. They are temporarily allowing consumption on site. Products: ●Alternative Relief Co-Op 1944 Ocean Avenue (between Fairfield and Keystone) 415-239-4766 Hours: 12:00pm-7:00pm daily Accessibility: ada accessible, metered street parking, non-metered parking on corner of Fairfield, public transportation (Muni K Line). Atmosphere: This relaxed and mellow dispensary sits on the quieter end of town. It has a very relaxed and pleasant aesthetic. It is clean, quiet and professional and has been around for four years. They offer their walls to local artists, so have a constantly evolving eclectic mix of art (mixed media, painting, photography, etc.) decorating their facility. There are couches for patients to sit and relax. They make a point of only allowing one patient to enter the dispensing area at a time, to honor the privacy of each patient. Their edible products are baked in-house, in the interest of quality and dosage control. They have a special program with local hospitals to deliver medicine for qualified inpatients with special needs. For more information about this facility, please visit www.alternativerelief.org. Products: ●San Francisco Patients Cooperative 350 Divisadero (between Page and Oak) 415-552-8653 Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am to 7:30pm, Saturday-Monday 11am to 5:30pm Accessibility: ADA accessible (restroom as well), limited street parking, public transportation (encouraged). Atmosphere: This cooperative began on August 24, 1999. It is a non-profit organization and its focus is community outreach and activism. They utilize their space by hosting numerous groups (including AA, NA, Men’s and Women’s groups), and offering peer and social service navigation. They also offer various other activities like Open Mic night, harm reduction seminars, Daily Focus at 4:20, and field trips (for a complete schedule and more information please visit www.sfprc.org ). Only dedicated volunteers work at San Francisco Patients Cooperative. They all receive disaster preparedness training. The site itself is artfully decorated, with banners and posters on the wall. While I was there, the room was filled with a writers group. Patients were discussing politics while medicating. Reverend Randy was took time to speak with me about her cooperative. She makes certain that, aside from all of the help she offers to the medical community, she also adheres to a “good neighbor” policy. Products: |
