While cannabis became legal in Canada in 2018, parts of the country were slow to come around. British Columbia was one of the first provinces to decriminalize marijuana laws and welcome the sales of recreational weed.
In fact, Vancouver police looked the other way when citizens would smoke (not sell) marijuana openly in the New Amsterdam Coffee Shop back in 2004!
Since 2004, British Columbia has come even further in providing a safe space for recreational and medicinal users to get the cannabis they need. Vancouver is at the forefront of these advancements, boasting some of the best weed dispensaries in Canada.
Looking for a Vancouver weed dispensary near you? Stop by one of these spots!
1. The Medical Cannabis Dispensary
Feel Good While Doing Some Good for the Vancouver Community
Marijuana has positively impacted the lives of millions. That’s why The Medical Cannabis Dispensary (TMCD) tries to pay it forward to fellow Canadians.
Since 2008, TMCD has operated as a non-profit organization that introduces high-quality medical cannabis products to patients in need. They also partner and contribute to the Chrysalis Society, Dr. Peter Centre, Sensible BC, and the Positive Living Society.
TMCD has an Education Centre that educates their members about the safe use of cannabis. They also have a Get Your Drugs Tested consultation program where you can actively test substances for drug content by appointment.
This Vancouver dispensary has a variety of products, so it’s an easy one-stop shop for a cannabis connoisseur or someone who just needs an eighth. The prices are a little more than other dispensaries in British Columbia. However, you know the money goes to good causes.
TMCD used to have impeccable customer service. However, their friendliness has seemed to have dropped off since the pandemic.
So, if you need one-on-one service, you might want to consider another spot. If you know what you want and want to support other charities, then this is the place for you!
Pros:
- Centrally Located, Easy to Access
- Second Store With Limited Inventory At 1182 Thurlow Street
- Education Centre and Get Your Drugs Tested Program
- Gives Back to Charities
- Wide Selection of THC and CBD Goods
Cons:
- Pricier Than Other Dispensaries in the Vancouver Area
- Staff Has Gained A Reputation Since 2019
Locations:
- 880 East Hastings Street
- 1182 Thurlow Street
2. City Cannabis
The Jetsons-esque Dispensary You Never Knew You Needed!
The future of cannabis is here, and it’s City Cannabis. This dispensary has really interactive features that really transforms the cannabis customer experience.
This joint comes with a Pre-Roll Station. When you order, the bud you chose gets filled into a pre-roll. It’s then delivered through a pressurized shoot to the register!
Buying buds is just as fun. Each canister at the checkout has a microscope on top.
That way, bud connoisseurs can examine terpenes. Novices can just lavish at the pretty colors.
This dispensary also carries a great line of carefully curated topicals, edibles, and vapes. You can easily filter between types of cannabis products, sizes, and even flavors.
As futuristic and ideal as this all sounds, their shop is rather dated. Some of the thumbnails are different sizes, which also makes seamless browsing a bit challenging.
Of the dispensaries, this is one of the more expensive. However, they’re always running weekly City Deals that run across their four stores. So, be sure to check out the options and stock up!
Pros:
- Really Fun Experience in the Store
- Bud-to-Preroll Ensures A Fresh Product
- Bud Canisters Have Microscopes to Help Make Educated Decisions
Cons:
- Shop Website Is Dated
- One of the More Expensive Dispensaries
- Quantity In Pre-Rolls Don’t Always Appear Uniform
Locations:
3. Village Bloomery
The Mommiest and Papaest Dispensary in BC!
Accessories can be a smoker’s best friend. Whether you need a rolling tray, a vaporizer machine, or cookbooks, Village Bloomery has it all.
Their selection of accessories run the gamut of prices. They have high-end prices for frequent cannabis users who like to indulge. However, they have moderately priced items for budget-conscious smokers or experimental novices.
Located at the Waterfall Building, this Vancouver dispensary is one of the friendliest in the city. Their staff is highly-knowledgeable about cannabis and health. They also run weekly deals on products to help make higher-end items more accessible for the community.
They have an extensive collection of flower that is available in a variety of sizes. So, if you like to stock up on multiple strains, Village Bloomery is a great place to stop. Those who like to grow at home will also find a decent seed collection available.
Pros:
- More of a Home-Feel Than Other Dispensaries
- Great Selection for Budget-Conscious and Splurgers
- Amazing Selection of Accessories
Cons:
- Shortest Hours for Cannabis Dispensaries in Vancouver
Location:
4. Karuna Health Foundation
Some of the Most Unique Cannabis Products in Vancouver
Karuna Health Foundation offers a carefully curated selection of cannabis products. They have a wide variety when it comes to types of cannabis products, with a few selections in each quality.
You know you are getting high-quality because of the catalog’s exclusivity. They also have nuanced products, such as a THC vaginal suppository or red velvet truffles.
If you’re into hashes and concentrations, this is your Mecca. Karuna Health Foundation has the most in-depth collection of these cannabis options in Vancouver.
We also love that they weigh the weed out in front of you at the counter. You no longer need to buy with faith or double-check the weight when you get home.
Be sure you stock up on what you need. This popular place is prone to running low on favorites.
Pros:
- Unique Offerings from A Carefully Curated Selection
- Awesome Concentration and Hash Catalog
- Weighs Weed Out In Front of You
Cons:
- Known to Run Out Of Some Products
- Pricey Vape Cartridges
Location:
- 4510 Victoria Drive
5. Evergreen Cannabis Store
First In High…And Open All Night!
Ever want to treat your dispensary trip like a buffet, sampling a bit of everything? You can have your weed and smoke it, too, at Evergreen Cannabis Store (ECS).
They have over 50 lab-tested strains available at all times! However, don’t expect to purchase a lot of your favorite strain in weight. They have a limited selection in sizes that differ per strain.
For those who want more than flower, they also have a decent line of edibles and concentrates. Plus, ECS carries top-of-the-line smoking apparatuses, including a large line of vaporizers.
This Kitsilano location offers friendly service with a neighborhood vibe. Their employees have over 20 years of experience in cannabis. So, they are fully equipped to offer helpful service with a warm smile.
ECS was the first store that Vancouver granted a recreational marijuana license! They also have the longest hours of operation for dispensaries in Vancouver.
Pros:
- Highly Knowledgeable Staff with A Rich History In Cannabis Support
- Great Selection of Edibles, Oils, and Concentrates
- Good Prices on Edibles
- 9:00AM to 11:00 PM Most Days
Cons:
- Limits On Strains
- Not the Cheapest for Flower
Location:
6. Muse Cannabis
The Most Strains Under One Roof!
Muse Cannabis is a family-owned venture that has a nice blend of a high-end boutique feel that still has an intimate community vibe. This fast-growing dispensary already has three shops in Vancouver, with two on the way.
The reason for their success is their exceptional customer service. They are very welcoming, well-versed in CBD and THC, and provide top-quality products.
The South Granville location was their first. It has the largest variety of cannabis products compared to its sister dispensaries.
This dispensary shatters the impressive 50+ strains that ECS offers. Muse Cannabis has upwards of 70 strains available on a given day!
Their prices are moderate. Depending on the strain, Muse Cannabis might offer the most competitive price in town.
Also, they get a lot of love for their cart inventory. This BC dispensary has the largest catalog for click and collect.
Pros:
- Most Vape and Bud Options In Vancouver
- Great Customer Service
- Competitive Prices On Some Strains
Cons:
- Seed and Topical Selections Are Advertised But Severely Lacking
- Pre-Rolls Can Be A Bit Skimpy
Locations:
- 3039 Granville Street (at W 15th Ave)
- 460 Granville Street (at W Pender)
- Dollarton Village – 385 North Dollarton Hwy
7. Eggs Canna
Where Science and Transparency Meet to Make High-Quality Bud
Eggs Canna is the new kid on the block in Vancouver cannabis, and they’re trying to make up for lost time. This growing venture has three dispensaries in Vancouver, with two more coming in 2021.
Their growth is not shocking. They offer a high-end, chic experience that will make any cannabis user feel like they’re indulging. Customers are even dubbed “Cannaseurs.”
While Eggs Canna shops are just starting to pop up, their workers have been grinding for 20 years. They’ve mastered the art of cultivating strains to yield specific results.
We also love how they operate with transparency. As you shop, all scientific claims and reasons for a specific strain are included next to the item. That way, you can cross-reference the materials to make a more educated decision.
Pros:
- Science and Studies Shared Next to Products for Educated Purchases
- Tailored Strains That Offer Maximum Support to Cannabis Patients
- Friendly and Highly-Educated Staff
- Some of the Best Prices for Flower
Cons:
- Excessive Packaging on Products
- Only Sells Grams
- Small Pre-Rolls
Locations:
8. UEM Cannabis
The Best Cannabis Seed Dispensary in Vancouver
UEM Cannabis is a family-owned business that was established in 2012. They have a very large selection of cannabis products and smoking accessories.
This dispensary has one of the largest selections of edibles in Vancouver. However, the page is very disorganized. Good luck shuffling between sodas, gummies, and softgels.
If you grow your own marijuana from seed, UEM has the best seed bank. They have the widest variety, offering sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, and hybrids. Other dispensaries have one or two offerings, if any.
This dispensary also has more topical options than others. However, their prices on identical prices are a bit higher.
So, if you’re purchasing other items and appreciate the convenience, consider getting your topicals here. If you are strictly in the market for topicals, consider shopping elsewhere.
Pros:
- Excellent Selection for Seeds
- Most Options for Topicals
- Moderately Priced Flower
Cons:
- Hard-to-Shop Website
- More Expensive Than Competitors On Certain Products
Location:
9. KushKlub
KushKlub feels like an exclusive club to belong to. While they operate from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM most days, you have to go there to place your order.
They don’t have an online catalog. You can also call them to place the order, if you so choose. However, it’s 2021. Who calls people?
Their catalog does cover all of the essentials. They have an extensive line of oils, sprays, flowers, and concentrates. However, you must join their mailing list to see their options.
Pros:
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff
- Competitive Prices, Carries Everything You Will Need
- Long Store Hours Makes It Easy to Drop In Whenever
Cons:
- No Inventory Online
- There Is No About Us or Explanation As to How to Shop
Location:
10. Dutch Love
Happy Hour Deals That Will Brighten Your Day!
If you love to pass a dutch full of cannabis, then look no further than Dutch Love. This conveniently-placed dispensary is right in the heart of the shopping district.
However, there are three other Dutch Love dispensaries in Vancouver, including by the airport. So, there’s always an opportunity to get your Dutch Love on in BC!
We love that they have a daily Happy Hour that runs until noon. Every day is a different deal, including discounts on pre-rolls or vapes.
To get the latest deals first, you must join their Breakfast Club. Breakfast Club members get early morning emails and unique discounts that other Happy Hour members don’t get!
Pros:
- Best Loyalty Program with Breakfast Club and Happy Hour
- Great Accessibility
- Extensive Collection of Herbs and Vapes
Cons:
- No Delivery In Vancouver
- Order Online Options Not Available
- No Click and Collect
Locations:
Understanding Cannabis Dispensaries
Cannabis dispensaries are more than just shops where one can procure cannabis; they serve as crucial touchpoints in the wider landscape of cannabis culture and consumption. To fully appreciate what they bring to the table, it’s necessary to delve into their core functions, the variety of products they offer, and the unique services they provide.
The Role of Cannabis Dispensaries
At their most fundamental level, cannabis dispensaries act as legal, regulated outlets for cannabis. They are the conduits through which consumers can access cannabis products in a safe and responsible manner. Yet, their role extends beyond mere distribution.
In many ways, dispensaries are also educators. They provide critical information about the wide range of products available, helping customers make informed decisions about what to purchase based on their individual needs and preferences. This could involve explaining the difference between various strains of cannabis, the effects of different types of products (such as edibles versus smokable cannabis), and offering insights into the latest cannabis research and trends.
A Wide Range of Cannabis Products
Walking into a dispensary, one might be surprised by the sheer variety of cannabis products on display. It’s not just about dried cannabis flowers anymore – though you’ll certainly find those, and in a multitude of strains each with their unique properties.
Dispensaries commonly stock a wide array of products, including edibles (like cookies, candies, and chocolates infused with cannabis), tinctures, topicals, oils, capsules, and concentrates like hash and shatter. Each product category offers a different experience and caters to a different set of needs and preferences. For instance, someone seeking relief from physical discomfort might opt for a topical cream or an edible, while a person looking for a quicker onset of effects might prefer a smokable product or a tincture.
Providing Personalized Guidance
Perhaps one of the most invaluable services dispensaries offer is personalized guidance. Given the diverse range of products and the nuances of cannabis effects, it can be challenging for consumers, especially those new to cannabis, to determine what would suit them best.
That’s where dispensary staff, often known as budtenders, come in. Budtenders are knowledgeable about the various strains and products available at their dispensary. They can provide personalized recommendations based on a customer’s specific needs, preferences, and level of experience with cannabis. This can be particularly useful for medical cannabis patients, who might be seeking specific strains or types of products to manage certain health conditions.
What to Expect at Vancouver Dispensaries
When it comes to visiting a cannabis dispensary in Vancouver, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned patron, there are a few things you can typically expect. From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll find an atmosphere that is professional yet welcoming, a wide selection of products, and knowledgeable staff ready to assist you.
A Professional and Welcoming Atmosphere
One of the first things you’ll likely notice upon entering a Vancouver dispensary is the atmosphere. Many dispensaries strive to create an environment that feels both professional and welcoming. The overall layout and design can often feel like a blend of a retail store and a health clinic, maintaining a balance between recreational and medicinal vibes.
Cleanliness and organization are typically top priorities. Products are often neatly displayed in glass cases or on shelves, with clear signage indicating different categories of products like flowers, edibles, concentrates, and more.
An Extensive Selection of Cannabis Products
Once inside, you’ll be met with a diverse array of cannabis products. As mentioned earlier, this isn’t limited to just dried cannabis flowers. You’ll find a wide variety of edibles, from sweet treats like cookies and gummies to savoury snacks. There might also be an assortment of tinctures, oils, and capsules, as well as topical products like creams and balms.
You can also expect to find a range of cannabis concentrates, such as shatter, wax, and hash. These types of products are typically more potent than traditional cannabis flowers, so they may not be suitable for beginners. However, the dispensary staff will be there to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff
The staff, often referred to as budtenders, are usually one of the greatest assets of a Vancouver dispensary. They are typically well-versed in the world of cannabis and are there to guide you through your dispensary experience.
Budtenders can explain the differences between various strains and types of cannabis, help you understand how different products will affect you, and provide recommendations based on your specific needs or desires. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis consumer or a curious newcomer, you can expect to learn something new from the staff at a Vancouver dispensary.
Security Measures
As cannabis dispensaries are dealing with a regulated substance, you can also expect to see certain security measures in place. This could include ID checks at the entrance to ensure all customers are of legal age, as well as possible security personnel on site. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and legality of all transactions.
How to Choose a Dispensary in Vancouver
When you’re in a city like Vancouver, known for its vibrant cannabis culture, selecting the right dispensary can be a bit overwhelming. However, there are several key factors to consider that can help guide your decision. It’s all about finding a dispensary that offers the quality, variety, and service you’re looking for.
Quality of Products
One of the most crucial factors when choosing a dispensary is the quality of cannabis products they offer. You want to ensure that the cannabis is sourced from reputable growers and that the dispensary is transparent about the origins and contents of their products. Look for dispensaries that offer lab-tested products, as this can give you confidence in the purity and potency of the cannabis you’re buying.
Variety of Selection
While all dispensaries will carry a range of products, the breadth and diversity of that selection can vary. Depending on your preferences and needs, you might be looking for a dispensary that offers a wide range of strains, a robust selection of edibles, or a variety of concentrates. Consider what types of cannabis products you’re most interested in and look for dispensaries that offer a good selection in those categories.
Knowledge and Friendliness of Staff
The quality of service you receive at a dispensary can significantly impact your overall experience. Look for dispensaries where the staff, often known as budtenders, are knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. They should be able to answer your questions, offer helpful suggestions, and make you feel comfortable and welcome. This is particularly important if you’re new to cannabis and need guidance on selecting the right products.
Location and Accessibility
The convenience of the dispensary’s location is another factor worth considering. You might want to find a dispensary that’s close to home, or perhaps one that’s near places you regularly visit. Additionally, consider the dispensary’s hours of operation and whether they fit well with your schedule. Some dispensaries may also offer online ordering and pick-up options, adding to their accessibility.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Lastly, customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights when choosing a dispensary. Online platforms can offer a wealth of information about other customers’ experiences. Look for dispensaries with high ratings and positive reviews, paying particular attention to comments about product quality, staff knowledge and friendliness, and the overall shopping experience.
