California has always been ahead of the game regarding marijuana legalization. It was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 and started the ball rolling to get cannabis where it stands today. 28 states plus Washington, D.C. have legalized medical marijuana with 9 of those and D.C. legalizing recreational as well.
California legalized recreational cannabis use in January 2018. In-state and out-of-state cannabis smokers heading to Los Angeles dispensaries should check out our helpful guide before their trip.
The Top Five Los Angeles Dispensaries
When searching for medical marijuana in Los Angeles, check out one of these awesome dispensaries.
1. Buds and Roses
13047 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, California 91604
A popular Los Angeles dispensary with a very modern design, the lobby of Buds and Roses welcomes visitors with its neat displays and brushed wood floors. First-time buyers receive 15% off their total purchase. That may end up being a lot with all the strains and products available.
Buds and Roses sells Terp Preservation Society resin as well as many different flowers and concentrates. You can even buy clone starters and some cool swag. Do not fret about finding street parking as they also provide complimentary valet parking.
2. City Compassionate Caregivers
2235 E 7th Street, Los Angeles, California 90023
Open since 2006, visitors to L.A.’s downtown area cannot miss City Compassionate Caregivers’ large logo on a massive building in the Arts District. The large dispensary offers a huge selection of concentrates, edibles, CBD-only items, flowers, and more. The very clean and minimalist design also applies to their neatly displayed products.
City Compassionate Caregivers actually grow their own bud upstairs under the name The Cure Company. You can purchase cannabis seeds to grow at home as well. California adults may legally grow up to 6 marijuana plants per household. CCC will also pay the state taxes on your first purchase.
3. Green Goddess Collective
1716 Main Street, Venice, California 90291
Located behind a gorgeous earth goddess mural painted by Venice’s own Hans Walor, Green Goddess Collective is a cozy dispensary located only a short distance from Venice beach. The ambient light, classic rock music, and natural wood floors give it a friendly atmosphere.
Expect to wait a few minutes before you can get help from the upstairs dispensary. Once you get to the front of the line, choose from a multitude of balms, tinctures, wax, vapes, hash, oil, and kief. Every day from 1pm-2pm is “Goddess Hour” with 15% off eights for certain strains.
4. Med Men
Multiple locations throughout L.A. including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Downtown
Med Men is a well-known, high-tech dispensary with a brightly lit, slick-looking store design. Self-dubbed the “Apple store” of marijuana, they certainly give off that vibe. Med Men offers newcomers a relaxed and friendly environment that will quell any and all apprehensions.
The stores contain several display islands with sales associates in red shirts walking around to answer your questions. They even have tablets listing the different color-coded strains and their effects. Med Men offers a massive selection of vapes, edibles, infused bath products, and products for pets.
5. Western Caregivers Alliance
654 North Manhattan Place, Los Angeles, California 90004
Central Los Angeles does not have nearly as many marijuana dispensaries as West Hollywood. You need to know where to go before venturing to that part of L.A. Western Caregivers Alliance has everything you need to satisfy your cannabis cravings, including lots of free parking.
Check out their extensive Cannabis Periodic Table of Elements in the lobby and listen to some great music while you decide on a strain. They offer more than 40 strains as well as other cannabis products. First-timers score 4 grams in an eighth instead of the standard 3.5 grams.
How to Prepare When Visiting California Dispensaries for the First Time
Interested in smoking recreational marijuana in Los Angeles? Read on to learn how to properly prepare for your first visit.
Research Strains and Dispensaries
Do some research into your options before you visit a Los Angeles marijuana dispensary. There are hundreds of strains to decide between. Consider your symptoms, mood, or other conditions and what you hope to gain from your purchase. You can find tons of strain reviews online that detail a strain’s taste, effects, and history.
Every shop offers something a little bit different from the atmosphere to the actual strains. Read reviews online and check out our helpful guide to the top five L.A. dispensaries below. In any case, be sure you consume responsibly.
Bring Your ID
Just like buying alcohol, you need to bring an ID card on your trip to any of the California marijuana dispensaries. This applies both to medical marijuana patients and adult recreational consumers.
Expect to be carded no matter how old you look, so always have your ID with you. If you have a recommendation slip, hand it over at the same time you present your ID.
Understand the Different Methods of Consumption
If you have only purchased cannabis flowers or buds, you may feel overwhelmed by the other methods of consumption. Take the time to learn about waxes, oils, and edibles before you buy. They tend to be much stronger than plain buds or joints mixed with tobacco.
If visiting from out-of-state, you should not be traveling with any smoking tools so you need to keep this in mind when making a purchase. Waxes and oils require more specialized tools than straight buds, but you may be able to rent a vaporizer if you stay at a cannabis-friendly hotel.
Always start slow with edibles, even if you have eaten them in the past. You do not know how potent the edible may be or how it will affect your body. So take a little bite then wait an hour to start feeling any effects. Remember they can last up to 6 hours.
Keep Enough Cash On Hand
Buying recreational marijuana in Los Angeles will not be cheap and most dispensaries only accept cash. Always bring more cash than you think you may need. Some dispensaries have ATMs nearby, but not many. Expect to pay about $40 for an eighth of flowers or around $10 for a pre-rolled pure joint. Buying in bulk will get your cheaper prices.
Be Cool and Ask Questions
Do not feel pressure to buy if you cannot find a strain that satisfies your tastes. Buying marijuana for medical or recreational purposes should be a fun and exciting event that leaves you feeling relaxed. Be sure to ask questions about your strain options or anything else. The budtenders are there to help you get the most out of your experience.
Learn More About Legal Highs
Excited for your next trip to California to visit the finest Los Angeles dispensaries? You must be now that you know what to do and the best places to go.
Interested to learn more about cannabis? What about other legal highs?
Check out our comprehensive guides to legal highs throughout the United States.