Depending on the state you live in, you may have cannabis stores around the block from your home or hundreds of miles away. Today’s cannabis businesses can take many forms, and you may not know what to expect if your state only recently legalized medical or recreational marijuana. Learning about the types of cannabis stores you can find will prepare you for your first visit. We also recommend starting with one of the top five cannabis stores in the county, whether you’re shopping online or in person.
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What Are the Main Types of Cannabis Stores?
With 25 states allowing legal marijuana as of 2024, you’ll likely run into one of the following cannabis stores soon. Let’s dive in!
Dispensaries
Dispensaries are some of the most common types of cannabis stores you’ll run into across the country. These stores primarily sell products for you to take home and consume. Each store will have a unique selection of products, but most will carry a wide range of THC formats like marijuana flower, concentrates, edibles, drinks, and the equipment for enjoying them.
Cannabis Cafes
If you’ve ever wanted to relax and listen to music while enjoying your favorite strain, you’ll need to look for a cannabis cafe or bar. These businesses are designed for you to consume the products on the premises. They’re less common than dispensaries and clubs, but it’s worth checking out where they are available.
Cannabis Clubs
These clubs are some of the oldest cannabis stores still operating today. They’re largely a relic of the period when only medical marijuana was available. These clubs distribute marijuana to their members only and often provide discounts or low prices thanks to cooperative ownership. Most are still only for medical marijuana, but some specialize in recreational marijuana.
Online Stores
For convenient access to these products, no matter where you’re located, you can turn to a wide range of online stores and delivery services. Some provide hemp-based THC products that are legal in all 50 states, while others only deliver to local addresses within the same state. Check out the shipping restrictions from each online cannabis store before assuming you can receive their products in your location.
The Top 5 Cannabis Stores
You’ll get a great experience and access a wide range of products by choosing any of these top 5 cannabis stores that can be found across the country.
1. Rise Dispensary
With stores primarily located in the Northeast, Rise has spread rapidly to include locations in California, Florida, Minnesota, and Virginia. They have over 50 locations and continue to open more thanks to the guidance of Green Thumb Industries. Not only will you find a wide assortment of recreational products available at these dispensaries, but you can also sign up for rewards and earn free gifts when you make repeat purchases.
2. Cookies
Cookies is one of the most well-known brands in the cannabis industry, and their flagship store in Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for true fans. They also have physical stores in 8 other states, including Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Colorado. If you can’t visit a Cookies brand store in person, you can also order many of their products online or find them sold by other retailers.
3. Find Wunder
As a convenient source for relaxing THC drinks that you can enjoy regardless of where you live, turn to Find Wunder. This online store ships carbonated alcohol-free drinks directly to your door. The products are all hemp-based, allowing you to enjoy the calming effects of a balanced blend of THC and CBD in all 50 states.
4. SPARC
When it comes to patient-owned collective cannabis clubs that also offer cafe access, no other store beats SPARC. The only downside is that there’s only a single location in San Francisco. This five-story tall dispensary will pair you up with the perfect strain and then offer you free members-only access to high-end Volcano Vaporizer equipment. You’re welcome to sit and socialize as you enjoy your new favorite strain.
5. Truelieve
With over 100 dispensary locations open or about to open across the country, Truelieve is one of the largest chains in the growing cannabis industry. The stores are airy and welcoming, encouraging newcomers to ask any questions they might have without feeling intimidated. They have a wide range of branded products they provide great deals on, along with the top cannabis brands they sell.
You should feel a little better prepared to visit some of these great cannabis stores in person now that you’re familiar with the brands and retailer types. Whether you’re committed enough to become a club member or just want to drop by a dispensary, you can find plenty of options nearby with our interactive map of cannabis stores.
