There are over 7000 cannabis dispensaries in the US. Add those to the 2500 or so in Canada, and North America accounts for 96.8% of the world cannabis market (statista.com). Consumers here are becoming more informed and educated about cannabis and the myriad of products available as they gain better access to retail establishments. Whatever kind of experience you are looking for, sophisticated or fun, boutique or bodega, the right dispensary (or delivery service) is out there. We weeded through the best in the country to find our top 10.

The first US head shop might have opened in 1964 - or maybe it was 1966. The interwebs disagree on the date, but the place was definitely Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco. The city has a long and storied history with the reefer madness. And while cannabis dispensaries have existed legally in San Francisco since 1996, the recreational consumption aspect has definitely changed the game. Today’s cannabis consumer - no longer confined to a shady deal in an alley or wondering if their plug got too high to deliver - is looking for not only the tried-and-true items but the next, new thing. Enter the modern cannabis dispensary.

With ever-growing choices, it can be hard to find the right dispensary for you: Does it have the products you want most? Is your favorite budtender there? Does it support the community and give back? We weeded through California’s offerings to find the best recommendations.

This new South Central dispensary opened May 15 with AAA Lucha Libre wrestling, free tacos, and dank-ass vibes. We sat down for a Q & A about the business, their people and some of their favorite products.

SPRING & SUMMER 2022: BEST USA DISPENSARIES