The Essential Guide to San Francisco Dispensaries

One of the most beautiful and beloved metropolitan destinations in the world, the enchanting oceanside city of San Francisco, California could truly be considered the birthplace of legal cannabis in the US. The city was the first in the nation to permit medicinal marijuana use, paving the way for future legalization efforts. San Francisco (known to locals as simply “The City”) is now home to over 40 recreational and medical cannabis dispensaries and has retained its reputation as a sanctuary for medical marijuana patients, cannabis enthusiasts, and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting a San Francisco dispensary for the first time – plus how and where to find the best dispensaries in The City by the Bay.

For information beyond the San Francisco Bay Area, our California dispensary guide offers an in-depth look at the current cannabis market, regulations, and the best statewide dispensaries in California. For even more history and interesting cannabis dispensary information, don’t miss our complete guide to dispensaries in the US. And look out for more in-depth California city dispensary guides over the weeks to come.

• The Best Cannabis Dispensaries in California
• The Best Cannabis Dispensaries in Los Angeles

The History of San Francisco’s Dispensaries

Decades before enacting its groundbreaking medical marijuana legislation, San Francisco had already gained notoriety as a cannabis-friendly haven. The city was a cultural hub for both the Beat poets of the 1950s and the hippies of the 1960s, two groups who fully embraced the consciousness-expanding benefits of marijuana – legal or not. To this day, a free 420 celebration is still held every year at the aptly-named “Hippie Hill” in Golden Gate Park.

Through the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, San Francisco’s queer community embraced marijuana for its ability to ease the debilitating symptoms of the disease. After losing his partner to AIDS, Vietnam War veteran and counterculture activist Dennis Peron began campaigning heavily to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana in San Francisco.

In 1991, Peron’s “Proposition P” received 79% voter support, and he went on to found the San Francisco Buyers Club in 1992. This unofficial dispensary, smoking lounge, and activism hub was located on Church Street in the Duboce Triangle neighborhood. The Buyers Club quickly grew to include over eight thousand members, who eventually combined forces to campaign for the passage of Proposition 215, which legalized medical marijuana throughout California in 1996. Twenty years later, in 2016, California voted to also legalize recreational cannabis use.

Decades before enacting its groundbreaking medical marijuana legislation, San Francisco had already gained notoriety as a cannabis-friendly haven.

San Francisco Cannabis Equity Program

Due to the disproportionate damage the failed “War on Drugs” has inflicted upon marginalized communities throughout the US prohibition of cannabis, San Francisco has taken steps to ensure BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people have access of entry to this new market. The San Francisco Cannabis Equity Program aims to reduce the financial and societal barriers traditionally preventing marginalized individuals from entrepreneurship at this level. The program has been highly successful, with The City now home to many thriving minority-owned cannabusinesses, and is considered a leading example for similar restorative justice programs in other US cities.

Where are Most of San Francisco’s Dispensaries?

San Francisco, the third largest city in California, is currently home to over 50 dispensaries, each with its own distinct style, aesthetic, and vibe – from modern minimalist to flower child artsy to ultra-luxe. San Francisco is also served by numerous cannabis delivery services, making it easy to access top-shelf weed no matter where you are in The City.

The highest concentration of San Francisco dispensaries is in its north-central to northeastern neighborhoods, particularly the Outer Mission area and downtown. While it only has a few of its own dispensaries, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, located in the heart of the city, just east of Golden Gate Park, is the San Francisco neighborhood most often associated with cannabis. Haight-Ashbury has a storied history as a hippie haven and was home to the very first “head shop” in the 1960s, earning it the affectionate stoner nickname “Hashbury.” On the other hand, there are pockets of San Francisco without any dispensaries, such as the Sunset District, to the south of Golden Gate Park.

While it only has a few of its own dispensaries, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, located in the heart of the city, just east of Golden Gate Park, is the San Francisco neighborhood most often associated with cannabis.

San Francisco Cannabis Consumption Lounges

One of the things that sets San Francisco apart as a cannabis connoisseur’s dream destination is its marijuana consumption lounges. The City currently hosts 10 of these lounges, each attached to a dispensary, and each with an excellent reputation and a unique atmosphere of its own. Guests must be 21 or older and must make a dispensary purchase to gain admittance to a San Francisco cannabis lounge. Some of these locations allow visitors to use smokeable cannabis while others only allow edibles and concentrates. Alcohol and tobacco use are prohibited by law. Some cannabis lounges regularly host karaoke, comedy shows, live music, or other entertainment, while others maintain a consistently low-key vibe, but each provides a unique venue to legally imbibe and socialize.

San Francisco’s Best Cannabis Dispensaries

Out of San Francisco’s scores of dispensary options, these are our favorite spots in The City to find top-shelf flower, delectable edibles, potent concentrates, seeds, plants, and everything else you need to enjoy cannabis in San Francisco. For those who prefer to skip the stores, San Francisco is home to several excellent cannabis delivery services – and we’ve rounded up the best of these, too. Also, find our top dispensary picks in the surrounding East Bay and Silicon Valley regions.

Best San Francisco Dispensaries

Harborside

Founded in 2006, Harborside is one of the oldest and most influential cannabis retailers in the industry – with its owner notably selling the very first gram of legal adult-use weed in January 2018. Dedicated to embracing diversity, welcoming newcomers, and educating seniors, vets, and parents about the life-changing properties of cannabis and CBD, Harborside offers a vast selection of flower, edibles, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, concentrates, seeds, and more, from California’s best and most popular brands. Harborside San Francisco is located on Stanyan Street, at the east edge of Golden Gate Park, and has the feel of a cozy yet sophisticated health food supermarket inside. Harborside San Francisco is open every day from 10 am – 9:30 pm, with curbside pickup and delivery options available. Harborside’s other Bay Area locations are in Oakland, San Jose, and San Leandro.

Flore

An enchanting, inviting cannabis boutique with a magical forest vibe – including a real redwood tree offering hugs – Flore Dispensary has become the beloved favorite dispensary of locals and visitors alike. Flore’s warm and welcoming budtenders encourage visitors to explore (and aroma-test) an exceptionally-curated selection of sustainable, sun-grown flower – including their very own top-shelf, Humboldt-grown strains, offerings from other small NorCal farms, and an array of cannabis products from California’s best queer-owned brands. Founded by Terrance Alan, one of California’s pioneering cannabis activists and Emerald Cup Legacy honoree, Flore Dispensary’s mission continues the heartfelt legacy of honoring, supporting, and uplifting San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community while making high-grade medical and recreational cannabis accessible to those who need and enjoy it. Flore Dispensary is located on Noe Street, in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood, and is open daily with a convenient online pickup option available.

Grass Roots

This simultaneously elegant and laid-back dispensary has been a San Francisco mainstay for nearly two decades. With a kind and welcoming staff passionate about and dedicated to furthering access to the medicinal and recreational benefits of cannabis, Grass Roots carries an expertly-curated selection of premium lab-tested cannabis from some of the region’s best companies – including several excellent local equity brands. Grass Roots is located in the heart of the city, just outside of Nob Hill, on Post Street near US-101. To make shopping even more convenient, in-store pickup or home delivery (free within the city limits for orders over $50) are available. Grass Roots opens early – at 8 a.m. daily, staying open until 9:55 p.m. – with delivery hours Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. On top of its already competitive prices, Grass Roots offers frequent BOGOs and other discounts, plus a Rewards program in which each purchase earns points to cash in for future discounts.

Moe Greens

A San Francisco fixture since 2019, Moe Greens is “The Wise Choice” for anyone seeking their ideal cannabis experience. With a unique vibe that is stylish and modern while remaining down-to-earth and friendly, Moe Greens offers an excellent selection of recreational and medical cannabis (including flower, edibles, extracts, pre-rolls, and much more), and its knowledgeable budtenders are always happy to guide curious buyers on their cannabis shopping journey. Additionally, Moe Greens has an on-site smoking lounge (with specialized air conditioning to prevent oppressive smoke and aroma), open to anyone making a purchase in the dispensary, with private VIP Booths and spacious common rooms available. The lounge is open from 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily, and regularly hosts live music, comedy, movie nights, and other events. Here, patrons can even rent the latest smoking devices through the Try & Buy program. Moe Greens is located in the heart of San Francisco, on Market Street close to the Civic Center and US 101.

Joy Reserve

Joy Reserve has the unique distinction of being the nation’s first shopping mall cannabis showroom, offering an inclusive, low-pressure environment to learn more about cannabis – and pick up edibles, pre-rolls, vape carts, CBD products, and more from excellent brands like Mad Labs and Nuvata. Joy Reserve’s warm and inviting showroom doubles as an event space, hosting a free monthly “Cali Sober Hour” event designed to bring San Francisco’s cannabis community together, with canna-tails, local art, live music, and more. The space is also available to rent privately. Joy Reserve is dedicated to inclusivity and elevating marginalized communities, making a point to carry products from excellent women, POC, and LGBTQIA+ -owned brands. Their customer service is always superb, offering both free in-person or video chat consultations and concierge shopping for those overwhelmed by choice. Joy Reserve’s showroom is located on level two of the downtown Westfield San Francisco Centre Mall.

Fig & Thistle Apothecary

Fig & Thistle Apothecary is one of San Francisco’s loveliest boutique dispensaries, catering closely to the tastes of its customers with a carefully-curated rotating selection of the freshest offerings from California’s best craft and gold-standard cannabis brands, including top-shelf flower, edibles, tinctures, CBD products, and more. Check out the Fig & Thistle Dispensary Menu to view their excellent product selection. Over the last decade and beyond, The Fig & Thistle name has become synonymous with its Hayes Valley neighborhood, as it was also home to the original Fig & Thistle natural wine bar. Today, this Black-owned, Asian-owned, women-owned, family-run recreational dispensary brings a warm and welcoming touch to helping both cannabis newcomers and connoisseurs explore and define their cannabis needs. Community and friendship have been at the heart of Fig & Thistle every step of the way, from its founding years ago over wine and tennis, to the next-level customer care and down-to-earth atmosphere that have earned a dedicated local following. Fig & Thistle Apothecary offers in-store shopping as well as fast pre-order pickup at its centrally-located Hayes Valley store. Check out the Fig & Thistle Dispensary Menu to view their excellent product selection.

Vapor Room

One of the Bay Area’s standout independent cannabis retailers, Vapor Room has been a local favorite since 2004 – and has the distinction of being San Francisco’s longest continually-running dispensary, and home to the city’s oldest dispensary smoking lounge, where customers are invited to relax and enjoy their purchases. Vapor Room stocks a huge selection of pre-rolls, and the lounge also has all the supplies you need to roll your own.  Vapor Room’s dispensary storefront is bright and spacious, simultaneously modern and warm, featuring an impressively curated inventory that includes a rotating selection of sun-grown flower and biodynamic cannabis products, as well as offerings from California’s best women-, BIPOC-, and LGBTQ+ and ally-owned cannabis brands, with a preference for those utilizing regenerative farming methods. To help buyers save on its already competitive prices, Vapor Room consistently runs specials and offers a generous 3%-back loyalty rewards program, as well as free delivery (with purchase minimum) within the city limits. Vapor Room is located near the Civic Center, at the corner of 9th and Mission Streets, easily accessible from I-80, with the dispensary open daily from noon to 8 p.m. and the lounge from noon to 7 p.m.

Best San Francisco CBD Shops

The Sun Spot

The Sun Spot is a cannabinoid specialty shop dedicated to quality at every turn, from a consciously-curated product selection to superb customer service and free, no-obligation cannabinoid consumer education – in person or over the phone. The Sun Spot offers an impressive selection of high-grade hemp-based smokeables, edibles, topicals, sublinguals, and more. With CBD, CBG, CBN, THCV, Delta-8, HHC, and other cannabinoid products ranging from pain relievers and daily vitamins to personal pampering and even pet care, The Sun Spot has earned its nickname, “the GNC of CBD.” Originally founded with the goal of helping people relieve stress during the unprecedentedly challenging COVID-19 pandemic, The Sun Spot continues empowering people to live their best lives with CBD and other cannabinoids. The Sun Spot’s Mission District storefront offers an informed, low-pressure shopping experience in an upscale, art-filled environment. Customers from all over the US can also shop The Sun Spot online.

Best San Francisco Cannabis Delivery Services

Eaze

One of the industry’s top cannabis delivery services, Eaze services the entire San Francisco Bay Area, making it easy to access flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, and more wherever you happen to be – even at hotels or resorts. Customers can choose from a curated selection of nearly 1,000 products from over 90 top-rated brands – intentionally including women- and BIPOC-owned brands. Eaze’s San Francisco marijuana delivery service is available 365 days a year in San Francisco, between the hours of 9 am and 10 pm.

Sava

The Bay Area’s leading e-commerce cannabis retailer, Sava delivers a carefully curated selection of only the best cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, pre-rolls, vapes, and more, right to your door. Sava is a woman-, queer-, and Latinx-founded company, committed to carrying only products which meet stringent quality requirements and operate from people-, planet-, and quality-driven values. Sava’s menu intentionally includes at least 50% women-owned and at least 25% BIPOC-owned brands – a mix of small-scale artisans alongside legacy brands. Sava was inspired following founder Andrea Brooks’s life-changing experience treating a debilitating injury with cannabis, and her desire to make cannabis education and high-grade products widely available to all who could benefit as she did. Sava offers fast daily delivery throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco and the East Bay, South Bay, Tri-Valley, Marin, Contra Costa, and Napa- West Solano areas, with no delivery fee on orders over $100 and multiple payment options, including local check or bank transfer.

Buzz Delivery

With a top-notch selection of flower, pre-roll, edibles, tinctures, capsules, concentrates, topicals, and more from a wide range of California’s best and most trusted brands, Buzz Delivery stands out as one of the Bay Area’s best cannabis delivery providers. Their impressive delivery range includes San Francisco, much of the lower peninsula, and the East Bay region, from San Jose up to Martinez. Same-day express delivery is available (averaging 30-90 minutes), or you can schedule next-day delivery at your own convenience. Buzz Delivery is open every day from noon to 8 p.m., with phone support available for those who may need shopping assistance. Buzz Delivery is dedicated to making quality cannabis as affordable as possible, with a rotating array of great deals and specials on its website, and a nominal $2 delivery fee. Buyers have the option to pay with a debit card and may accept delivery at private residences as well as at hotels.

Best East Bay Cannabis Dispensaries

Excellent cannabis shopping can also be found outside of the San Francisco city limits! These are our favorite dispensaries in Oakland, Berkeley, and the rest of the East Bay region.

Best Oakland Dispensaries

Root’d in the 510

This equity-founded dispensary in the heart of north Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood offers a delightfully upscale yet laid-back and welcoming cannabis shopping experience. Visitors can comfortably browse the gorgeous product displays and terrariums that fill the spacious, stylish showfloor, while Root’d’s friendly, knowledgable cannabis consultants provide full-service assistance to newcomers and aficionados alike. Root’d’s consciously curated and reasonably-priced menu includes its own line of premium flower, alongside offerings from other excellent local NorCal cultivators and many of the state’s best edible, concentrate, topical, and pre-roll brands. Visitors are invited to stay and enjoy their purchases inside Root’d’s expansive consumption lounge (and separate combustion lounge), a community gathering place and event space with entertainment, refreshments, and comfortable seating for small groups. Root’d in the 510 is conveniently located on Telegraph Avenue, close to the Grove Shafter Freeway, and has its own secure parking lot. The dispensary is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9:55 p.m., with online pre-order pickup and delivery via Eaze also available.

Blunts and Moore

With an impressive retail selection and a laid-back, warm, and welcoming atmosphere, Blunts and Moore truly lives up to its nickname: “The Happy Store.” When Blunts and Moore opened in 2018, it was the world’s first social equity dispensary, and today, this Black-owned cannabis retailer continues to stand out, serving medical and recreational cannabis shoppers with an impressive selection of flower, extracts, edibles, vapes, pre-rolls, gear, and much more. A staff of friendly, knowledgeable budtenders can help you narrow down the best products for your desired effects, and veterans and senior citizens qualify for extra discounts. Blunts and Moore is also home to Oakland’s first outdoor smoking lounge, aptly named “The Happy Lounge” – the perfect spot to relax with a smoke before heading across the street to a show or sporting event at Oakland Arena. Blunts and Moore’s operating hours start earlier than most Bay Area dispensaries, at 8:30 a.m., staying open until 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). The dispensary is conveniently located right off of I-880 at Exit 37.

Best Richmond Dispensaries

7 Stars Holistic Healing Center

An East Bay institution since 2009, 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center offers a truly personalized dispensary experience, embodying a deep respect for the intentional use of cannabis and a welcoming sense of community. Shoppers are welcome to browse independently, utilize quick and convenient curbside pickup service, or work one-on-one with a Cannabis Consultant to find their personal ideal products and strains. 7 Stars stocks a superbly curated selection of high-grade flower, edibles, pre-rolls, tinctures, vape cartridges, and more – with excellent weekly deals. 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center’s spacious, stylish retail dispensary location is conveniently located right off of I-80 in Richmond, with ample, secure car and bicycle parking on-site. Additionally, 7 Stars regularly hosts events and classes (including Ganja Yoga) onsite.

Best Oakland Cannabis Delivery Services

Euphorium

Euphorium is a Black woman-owned, family-operated business, founded by a former Pharmaceutical Biotech professional who felt called to switch gears and dedicate herself to helping others through natural and holistic modalities instead. So she created Euphorium, a boutique cannabis delivery service offering same-day delivery of an expertly-curated selection of artisanal edibles, smokables, tinctures, topicals, and concentrates – including its own high-grade house brand. Every step of the Euphorium ordering and delivery process is thoughtfully designed – an attractive, user-friendly online ordering platform, real-person concierge customer service available to answer questions, give recommendations, and personalize your experience, delivery throughout Oakland in 90 minutes or less, and one of the best rewards programs in the industry (10% loyalty cash back on all purchases!). Euphorium also gives back to Oakland’s Black communities through its partnership with local 501(c)(3) nonprofit The Black Neighborhood.

C.R.A.F.T. 

CRAFT (Citizens Research Alliance for Therapeutics) is a boutique collective mobile dispensary offering its members an award-winning, carefully curated selection of some of California’s highest-grade artisanal cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals, including high-CBD medical options. CRAFT’s dedication to quality and integrity is especially evident in its own Keepers Cannabis line, a collaboration between its Keepers of the Craft Gardens and local artisans. Keepers is Green Clean Certified (the highest recognized quality standard in the industry), employing sustainable, energy-efficient, and organic growing practices. In addition to its impressive menu, CRAFT offers competitive prices, frequent sales and specials, and exceptional concierge customer service. CRAFT is based in Oakland and delivers daily to members throughout the entire greater Bay Area (purchase minimums apply based on distance), with cashless payment options available.

Best Silicon Valley Cannabis Dispensaries

South of San Francisco, the Silicon Valley region is also home to some of California’s best dispensaries. Here are our favorite dispensaries in San Jose and beyond.

Best San Jose Dispensaries

Canna Culture

For over a decade, Canna Culture has been one of the Bay Area’s best-loved dispensaries, known for its mission to make every visit a memorable and lifestyle-enhancing experience. In addition to an impressive menu that features many of California’s best cannabis brands – including its own flower and extracts, grown in-house – Canna Culture’s warmly compassionate, helpful, and highly knowledgeable budtenders truly make this dispensary stand out. Canna Culture offers excellent weekly specials and a VIP Rewards program to help buyers save on flower, edibles, tinctures, topicals, extracts, and more. Canna Culture is located just south of Communication Hill in San Jose, easily accessible from the Capitol Expressway or from SR 87 – still occupying the original storefront it has called home since 2011. Canna Culture also offers free same-day home or office delivery throughout the San Jose area, and is one of the few Bay Area dispensaries accepting debit and credit card payments – run through a legal cannabis banking institution.

CA Collective

CA Collective is a vertically-integrated medical and recreational cannabis company and dispensary built upon decades of passion and expertise. From award-winning genetics and masterful cultivation to connecting each customer with their personal perfect strain, CA’s dedication to creating an ideal cannabis experience shines through at every turn. There is something for everyone on the CA San Jose dispensary menu, from their own award-winning strains to pre-rolls, flower, edibles, concentrates, and more from many of California’s best cannabis brands. The budtenders at CA Collective’s comfortable, welcoming retail shop provide each visitor with personalized one-on-one service and can help newcomers figure out which products to try. The dispensary is located on Phelan Street, easily accessible from either I-280, California 87, or US-101. CA is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with online pre-ordering available for faster service.

What to Know Before Visiting a San Francisco Dispensary

Review these “know before you go” facts if this is your first time visiting one of San Francisco’s dispensaries.

• • • • • Age Limits and ID –All San Francisco dispensary visitors must be 21 or older (18+ with a valid MMJ card). A valid government-issued photo ID or passport must be provided before you are allowed to enter. Babies and other minors are not permitted to accompany dispensary patrons.
        • Hours of Operation –Dispensaries in San Francisco operate between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. It’s worth noting that most San Francisco dispensaries do not open as early as 8 – with a few waiting until noon to start the day – but nearly all are open until at least 9 p.m. In accordance with California law, all retail cannabis transactions must be completed before 10 p.m. (including home deliveries), which means some dispensaries stop taking new customers fifteen minutes to a half-hour before closing.
        • Daily Purchase Limits – California law limits how much cannabis any one person may purchase in one day. San Francisco recreational dispensary shoppers are allowed to purchase up to 28.5 grams of non-concentrated cannabis or 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. Medical marijuana patients are permitted up to 8 ounces per day.
      

      San Francisco recreational dispensary shoppers are allowed to purchase up to 28.5 grams of non-concentrated cannabis or 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. Medical marijuana patients are permitted up to 8 ounces per day.

      • Seeds and Clones – Since growing your own weed is legal in California, a few San Francisco dispensaries also stock cannabis seeds and immature marijuana plants. While there is no defined legal limit on seeds, plants are limited to 6 per person.
      • Pick-Up and Delivery – Most dispensaries in San Francisco offer the option to order cannabis online and come in to pick it up later that day without a lengthy wait for budtender assistance. For even greater convenience, San Francisco cannabis delivery services will bring your dispensary order directly to your door, anywhere in the Bay Area.

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Author: Ariel

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