If you've ever been to Los Angeles, you know that there's no shortage of places to buy legal cannabis products. The neighborhood that has the most dispensaries per capita is West Hollywood, or WeHo. However if you're looking for a place to consume your dispensary haul, that can be a bit harder to find. Keep reading to discover the best spots in West Hollywood to get your puff on!
WeHo cannabis tourism is still in the early stages, but it's poised to become an international destination for cannabis consumers. Touting the only cannabis consumption lounges in LA county and more dispensaries per square mile than any other city, West Hollywood has been dubbed the Emerald Village.
Not only is West Hollywood a destination for cannabis consumers, it's also a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community. With plenty of bars and restaurants all within walking distance, you'll have no trouble finding something to do after you puff, puff, pass at one of the lounges. Just follow the rainbow crosswalk to the Emerald Village and immerse yourself in a cannabis lovers paradise!
The Woods
Our first stop was The Woods, the second cannabis consumption lounge in LA county. Owned by Woody Harrelson, The Woods is part dispensary and part jungle oasis. The dispensary features a stunning array of cannabis products. From flower to suppositories, this place has everything a medical OR recreational consumer could want. The decor is simple yet modern, with a heavy emphasis on greenery. The service can be hit or miss depending on how busy it is. The few times I've gone when there's a crowd have been a struggle as the process to find a bud tender is similar to getting a bartenders attention at a crowded bar. If you're not the type to elbow in and speak up, you may be waiting awhile to get noticed. Once you do get helped, the staff is knowledgeable and can help you get exactly what you need. If you're hoping to visit the consumption lounge, you'll need to make a purchase of at least $20, and keep in mind that they don't allow outside product, so you can't bring your own cannabis.
Once you head outside to their Ganja Giggle Garden you'll be transported to a jungle oasis, complete with tropical birds!There's also a koi pond and enough lush greenery to make you think you'r win a Costa Rican rainforest. The bar is also outside and it features a wonderful array of infused drinks. I'm a big fan of the cannabis infused beverages because it's a great alternative to alcohol. They do tend to have a lot of sugar to help mask the "weedy" taste they can sometimes have, however there are plenty of brands that use minimal sugar and still have a great taste...but mama's got a sweet tooth, so bring on the sugar ;) The outside also features several glass pods furnished with couches, tables and TV, that can be rented out for private use.
The Woods absolutely feels like the perfect spot for a cannabis tourist. There's a product for every type of consumer and the environment is so immersive that you can't help but feel like it's a special experience being there.
The Artist Tree
Originally operating solely as a dispensary, The Artist Tree Lounge opened in 2022. Located on the second floor of the dispensary, the lounge has both indoor and outdoor seating options. The outdoor space has a limited number of tables, so be sure to reserve a spot if you want to sit outside. While the entrance to the lounge is welcoming, there isn't as much artwork as one would expect from a place named the "artist" tree. They do feature a rotating gallery of featured artists whose works line the stairway and dispensary walls. Decor aside, they do create a nice environment for enjoying your chosen consumption method.
If you happen to be heading to the lounge with a group, you'll be happy to know that they offer rentals of some popular smoking devices. I was able to try the Stündenglass gravity bong which is a fun social way to smoke germ-free. They also host community events and brand activations regularly. I had the chance to test out a new device called the Ooka that's a hookah style way to vaporize your flower. They also have amber where you can sit and sip your infused beverages. The Artist Tree also hosts regular comedy shows, yoga sessions and puff & paints. The third floor of the building is a dedicated event space that can be rented out for all sorts of occasions.
There's over a dozen permits that are in various stages of approval with the city of West Hollywood, which means that soon the Emerald Village will have even more options for you to explore.
WeHo Hotspots
In addition to cannabis tourism, the West Hollywood neighborhood has so much to offer outside of the Emerald Village. Whether you're looking for great food or great nightlife, you'll find plenty of both in WeHo. Some fun things to do are:
*Drag Queen bingo @ Hamburger Mary's
*Live Stand-up Comedy @ The Comedy Store
*Enjoy art @ ONE Gallery
*Live Music @ Whiskey A GoGo
*Drag Race viewing parties @ Micky's
*Experience bibliophile bliss @ Book Soup
Even if you're not part of the LGBTQ+ community West Hollywood is worth a visit, especially if you're looking for a legal place to enjoy your dispensary haul!
Happy Travels!
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