Walking around San Francisco, you’ll probably smell it before you see it. San Francisco is the birthplace of medical marijuana, and we’re not just saying that. Thanks to LGBTQIA+ activists like Dennis Peron who authored and helped pass Proposition 215 in 1996, thousands across the city and now millions of Americans can access and enjoy Cannabis legally. It’s now an essential business industry, and one the pandemic proved is thriving more than ever. Over the last 25 years the city has maintained its pioneering reputation and influenced how cities and states across the country have legalized cannabis, with plenty of stand-out businesses of its own. With dozens of recreational and medical dispensaries across 49 square miles, it can be daunting to decide on just one (or two or three) to check out. We’ve curated the best businesses to suit your verdant vibes, whether it be your first time ever, or just your first toke of the day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE CANNABIS EQUITY CONSCIOUS Led by activists in Oakland and San Francisco, the Bay Area is the birthplace of cannabis equity programs designed to lower industry barriers and costs to entry for qualified applicants from underserved communities. These businesses are owned and operated by equity program entrepreneurs, and offer a wide selection of equity-owned brands to ensure the cannabis industry can eventually match the diversity of its community.   FIND HOLLYWOOD VIBES — BERNER’S ON HAIGHT San Francisco rapper-turned-cannabis-mogul Berner has left an undeniable legacy in the legal weed world as the force behind cannabis company Cookies. He partnered with Shawn Richard to open Berner’s On Haight [https://app.vibemap.com/details/c41982cf-d5c7-41d2-aa50-3c93973e4cce], one of the first equity-owned dispensaries in the city. They offer a mix of high-end “designer” and celebrity cannabis brands alongside equity brands owned by fellow Bay Area natives. SOPHISTICATED HIPPIE VIBES — CALIFORNIA STREET CANNABIS This Black-owned dispensary opened weeks before the pandemic, but hasn’t let distancing constraints stop them from providing quality products to every kind of consumer, from newbies to seniors to the perpetually-unimpressed. California Street Cannabis [https://app.vibemap.com/details/e74be664-1a7a-4037-ac73-10ec58214bb7] offer a range of discounts and regular promotions, and are adamant about promoting BIPOC-owned brands. NEIGHBORHOOD BOUTIQUE VIBES — BARBARY COAST SUNSET Much like its downtown sister location, Barbary Coast Sunset [https://app.vibemap.com/details/c794c761-1464-4386-9164-4477be384566] was founded by locals, for locals. Their staff and menu reflect the full spectrum of San Francisco’s cannabis professionals, with a focus on local equity and justice-focused brands.  BAD AND BOUJEE VIBES — POSH GREEN BOUTIQUE Reese Benton’s Bayview dispensary is the city’s first to be owned by a Black woman, and the first in the Bayview neighborhood. Posh Green Boutique [https://app.vibemap.com/details/3d75c934-3ed4-4af3-9cd2-a08d44c4a22b] may seem like a quaint storefront, but also contains an upstairs lounge for consultation and, restrictions permitting, consumption.     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE NEW USERS Despite over 20 years of industry evolution and cannabis de-stigmatization, cannabis is still intimidating for some people. There are dozens of dispensaries across the city, each with their own approach and audience. If you’re a total cannabis beginner, or coming back after a long intermission, these shops have years of hands-on experience and the resources you need to make the best decision for yourself.    LUXURY HOTEL VIBES — APOTHECARIUM With a clean atmosphere, experienced staff and multiple locations around the city, Apothecarium [https://app.vibemap.com/details/c290bac0-374e-44ae-97e0-e68192f50b08]is the perfect place to widen your cannabis horizons. They have multiple locations across the city, and host weekly education classes on-site to address every question you could possibly have.  APPLE STORE VIBES — SPARC At any of SPARC’ [https://app.vibemap.com/details/c50689a2-96cb-4a07-8f6c-86bb3abf779b]s Bay Area locations, you’re getting product knowledge backed by hands-on experience. As a vertically integrated company, they’re growing cannabis in addition to selling it, and can help you navigate the dozens of options available in-store and for delivery. OLD SCHOOL COMMUNITY VIBES — BASA BASA [https://app.vibemap.com/details/ab8ca1f2-cc05-4082-ad79-becbbb6fdbd3] has been serving the Alamo Square neighborhood for nearly two decades due to their knowledgeable staff, dedication to product education and cannabis advocacy.  WHOLE FOOD VIBES — URBANA Formerly known as Harvest, Urbana [https://app.vibemap.com/details/948bf9cc-5669-4f61-a75d-a34b2d7b7a99]’s unique approach to cannabis retail allows patrons to shop independently through the shelves to find whatever tickles your fancy, with staff standing by to answer any questions or concerns. Their Mission location also features an exclusive consumption lounge.     AMSTERDAM VIBES — DUTCHMAN’S FLAT Taking a cue from the European cannabis coffee shops, this Dogpatch dispensary is designed to feel like a welcoming cafe, rather than an Apple store or a product-heavy display. Dutchman’s Flat’s [https://app.vibemap.com/details/653f41ed-a5cb-4790-b278-696d7e6cfbaa] menu specializes in moderately-priced, consistently stocked flowers, vapes and edibles.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE CONNOISSEURS San Franciscans have notoriously high standards for bars, restaurants and performance art, so  cannabis connoisseurs come as no surprise. Whether you’re looking for elusive, “exotic” flowers, artisanal infused marshmallows, or a vaporizer fit for NASA, these dispensaries are at the forefront of cannabis tastemaking. SOPRANOS VIBES — MOE GREENS Named in homage of a beloved Godfather character, this is in the running for the swankiest club in town. With a bar lit in neon and three, yes three different consumption options, it’s only fitting the product live up to the décor. In addition to a medley of flower and concentrate options, Moe Greens [https://app.vibemap.com/details/e5f532f2-7e65-4f87-a515-fd5d400e9483] also carries a wide variety of smoking, vaping and dabbing tools and tech to elevate your experience, no matter the method. RETRO MEETS TECH VIBES — MISSION CANNABIS CLUB A decade ago, this two-story cannabis oasis was a modest, two-room medical dispensary with decent prices and a wheel of prizes. Mission Cannabis Club [https://app.vibemap.com/details/8da0b2ae-7396-446e-95ff-ff7b6b8ca43f] is now a high-class shopping experience, with a swanky consumption lounge upstairs, to try right after you buy.   EXCLUSIVE SPEAKEASY VIBES — BARBARY COAST MISSION Named after the salacious Barbary Coast District of the Gold Rush, this dispensary located just around the corner from downtown’s main artery is your weekend one-stop shop. Barbary Coast Mission’s [https://app.vibemap.com/details/dc54c8e4-d573-4ba1-a47f-4a741d889fe4] enviable menu is built on quality, not hype, and  any purchases can be enjoyed in the neighboring consumption lounge by vaccinated guests.   RAPPER’S PARADISE VIBES — DR. GREENTHUMB’S Cypress Hill’s B-Real is at the helm of this new dispensary, with locations all over California. Dr. Greenthumb’s [https://app.vibemap.com/details/491808e6-6615-4206-a119-a964ca8d45aa] curation of infused prerolls, high-impact dabbables and designer flower brands isn’t for the faint of heart, but then again, neither is rap life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR THE BEST DEALS As with most things in San Francisco, cannabis can get pricey, but the sativa of your dreams should never cost an arm or a leg. These shops have all stood the test of time and industry transitions by honing in on what consumers want most, and making a deal you likely can’t refuse. NEIGHBORHOOD HUSTLER VIBES — PURPLE STAR MD This Mission District store manages to pack major fire into a small space, and for a great price. With a range of luxury and frugal brands to choose from, Purple Star MD [https://app.vibemap.com/details/cd8ec6ce-f212-482b-9f4f-5c87dba8f63a] runs a weekly rotation of in-store and delivery deals. Residents of the 94110 area code also receive a 20% discount! HOLISTIC AND COMPASSIONATE VIBES — THE GREEN CROSS Serving the Excelsior community for the better part of a decade, The Green Cross [https://app.vibemap.com/details/4fcd0e0b-a622-4d46-a886-52ac006873e0] combines community outreach, education, and advocacy for a holistic shopping experience that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.  NO FRILLS VIBES — ELEVATED SF In addition to a loyalty program, discounts for zip code locals, seniors, medical patients, veterans and healthcare workers, Elevated SF [https://app.vibemap.com/details/d05d1654-9a5f-4f4b-a22c-2d84ba460da0], a “patient-driven” dispensary, has brand deals, BOGOs and discounts galore. INDUSTRIAL VIBES — BLOOM ROOM One of the oldest dispensaries in the city has always had its finger in the pulse of affordable and accessible cannabis. Bloom Room [https://app.vibemap.com/details/e5080039-dd88-4b6b-8d19-661423253f24] rotates through specials every day of the week, from flower bulk deals on Mondays to “Super Saturdays” for discounts on vapes, edibles and joints.