Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jun 2004 Source: San Francisco Bay Guardian, The (CA) Copyright: 2004 San Francisco Bay Guardian Contact: http://www.sfbg.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/387 Author: Ethan Goldwater Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) CANNABIS CLUB GUIDE A Roster of San Francisco's Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. SAN FRANCISCO HAS a plethora of medical marijuana dispensaries, which can only be utilized by patients with a doctor's written recommendation. We offer this guide both as a reference tool for registered users and a peek behind doors that are closed to the rest of us. Some clubs didn't want their phone number and hours of operation listed. - ---------- LEGEND Allows patients to smoke in facility: S Wheelchair accessible: W Number of strains: n# Price (based on 1/8 ounce of high-grade): $ (low, less than $40), $$ (standard, $40-$55), $$$ (high, more than $55) Vaporizer available: V Internet access for patients: I Americans for Safe Access peer counseling: ASA Kief: K Hash: H Hash oil: HO Edibles: E Tinctures: T Cannabis plant clones for sale: P - ---------- ACT UP Open since 1998, this worker-owned collective also functions as a community activist center and (smoke-free) social club. The dispensary, in the front of the warm and earthy space, requires that patients become members of the club in addition to having a doctor's recommendation before they can purchase medicine (call for the next sign-up date). Decorated with old Black Panther photographs and other relics of San Francisco history, the club offers members access to its library, kitchen, free yoga at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, and a vegan potluck on the first Monday of every month. 1884 Market, S.F. (415) 864-6686, www.actupsf.com. Tues.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. W, n10, $$, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T. Alternative Herbal Health Services "It's not just AHHS; it's ahhhhhhhhsss," owner Jason Beck told the Bay Guardian with a chuckle, widening his grin as he leaned on his display case full of medicine. The aura here is thick and gritty: smoke fills the room, hip-hop blasts from behind the counter, and the walls are covered with a recently painted graffiti mural that features a wall-spanning Buddha holding a cannabis leaf in a cannabis pasture with trippy red mountains in the distance. In addition to its wide (albeit pricey) selection of cannabis, the club carries a selection of THC-infused candy bars sure to spark and cure the munchies at the same time: Smokers (Snickers), Reefers Peanut Butter Cups, Nu(t)g Rageous, Buddhafinger (Butterfinger), and many more. 442 Haight, S.F. (415) 864-1300. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. S, W, n35-45, $$$, K, E, T. Alternative Patient Caregivers APC founder Roy Grimes knows the medicinal power of marijuana. In 1983 he suffered from third-degree burns, which left him with extreme nerve damage and impaired mobility. "I got caught in a vicious cycle after that," he told us. "Painkiller addictions and detox centers, doctors, counselors, drugs nothing could really help me until I started using medicinal marijuana three-and-a-half years ago," Grimes (who recently resigned from APC) explained as he munched on a medicated cookie. APC has been offering a wide variety of resources for patients (food, Internet access, a schedule of support groups, etc.) for about two years. 953 Mission, Ste. 40 (in the Mint Mall), S.F. (415) 618-0680. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n8-12, $$, I, E, T. Alternative Relief Co-op Warm vibraphones, sea wave drums, Buddhist prayer flags, and a wide variety of herbs and teas fill up this two-year-old storefront club by the beach. "Marijuana isn't for everyone, so we offer other herbs for patients too," owner Noah Lundling told us. At the back of the store is a neat, small, and sanitary room with a case full of pharmaceutical bottles. "We offer people who aren't interested in the social aspect of cannabis a quiet, discreet, confidential spot to get their medicine," Lundling said. The club doesn't refer to its medicine by the strain. Instead, it has developed a three-tier rating system. The club specializes in deliveries to inpatients at S.F. hospitals and to homebound patients. 1944 Ocean, S.F. (415) 239-4766. Mon.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. W, $$, K, H, HO, E, T. CannaMed Care Don't be deceived by the abandoned storefront. Down the steps and through the hallway, you'll find one of the largest, most well-established dispensaries in the city. Two large cases house an incredibly large selection of cannabis products, pipes, and bongs. Adjacent to the dispensary, a roomy lounge provides the space for events: group massages, musical jam sessions, and Americans for Safe Access peer counseling, plus groups for men, women, and chronically ill patients meet here. If you're into the caffeine-THC blend, ask about CannaMed's hash-oil espresso specialty, a patient favorite. 1211 Sutter, S.F. (415) 885-8007 www.cannamedcare.com. Mon.-Sat., 2-9 p.m.; Sun., 2-7 p.m. S, W, n60, $$$, V, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T. Golden Triangle This place seems to conjure up the ghosts of Haight-Asbury's past. In front there's a head shop where those 18 and over can peruse the paraphernalia, but it takes a doctor's recommendation to get into the dispensary in back. Get down with the booming hip-hop while you enjoy some all-natural baked goods, or just get your medicine and go roam the Upper Haight. 1334 Haight, S.F. S, W, n5, $$$, K, H, HO, E. Hemp Center As the big red, yellow, and green striped "HEMP CENTER" sign on the front might suggest, this four-year-old Richmond District establishment offers more than hemp products. Through a door in the corner of the storefront (which features a variety of hemp garments) is a packed dispensary, a spacious lounge, and a healthy smattering of Bob Marley memorabilia. In one corner, there's a drum set and some guitar amps, and in the opposite corner, a recently built nursery houses a decent variety of cannabis plant clones. The staff are eager, helpful, and willing to accommodate anyone (except maybe the feds). 4811 Geary, S.F. (415) 221-4367. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n25-30, $$, V, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T, P. Love Shack This little nook off 14th Street may not have much space, but in its year-and-a-half existence, the club has had a big presence in the community. First off, it's family-owned and -operated, so at all times one of the Montana siblings Ryan, Ericka, or Chris is there to offer medical advice and personal, friendly service. Secondly, it's offering the best prices in the city for high-quality medicine. The club is primarily to-go, but patients are allowed to smoke and relax inside, where the atmosphere remains well lit and aired out. And to give back to the community, two Wednesdays a month its "Love-Lunch" program distributes bagged lunches to the needy and homeless in the area. 502 14th St., S.F. (415) 552-5121. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n25, $, ASA, K, H, HO, E. Mason Street Dispensary This recently opened, freshly decorated dispensary occupies the basement of an Internet cafe in the Tenderloin. Although it offers digital cable television, you can't smoke on-site. As the club becomes established, it could easily find a niche with those who are craving a healthy sandwich or a smoothie after they pick up their medicine. 124 Mason, S.F. (415) 433-4420. n10, $$, H, E. Medical Cannabis Center For security reasons, we weren't allowed on the premises. 722 Columbus, S.F. (415) 296-7614. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n8, $$$, K, H, E. MendoHealing Importing medicine directly from its farm in Mendocino County, this to-go club guarantees what it grows is pure and organic. "We offer a consultation to every patient ... to try to match each patient with the strain of medicine that is going to give them their desired effect," club manager Scott Lewis told us. While the club doesn't offer a social atmosphere, it does have vaporizers (which release the active ingredients without burning the plants and producing harmful smoke) available for use and for sale. 96 Lafayette, S.F. (415) 864-4600. Daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. W, n8-12, $, V, I, K, H, E. Mission Street Caregivers This place is big and green. Housing the largest selection of plant clones in the city, as well as a well-stocked case of edibles and extracts, the club maintains a rather laid-back atmosphere, offering a big-screen TV, complimentary sodas, and bongs spread out across the spacious, sterile environment. Socially, the place doesn't seem too happening, but if you're looking for quick service and early hours, it's one of the best. 1760 Mission, S.F. (415) 553-7780. Daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. S, W, n32, $$, V, K, H, HO, E, T, P. San Francisco Patients Cooperative "Welcome to our sanctuary," volunteer social coordinator Clarence greeted us as we entered the dimly lit facility. One wall has a life-size mural of Adam and Eve smoking joints in Golden Gate Park, while a quilt hangs from the ceiling. "That was made for patients who have deceased, probably without proper medication," he said of the quilt. Pretty soon it was bingo time, just one of the many group activities scheduled at the cooperative, giving the club a social feel. 350 Divisadero, S.F. (415) 552-8653. Mon., noon-5:30 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., noon-7:30 p.m.; Fri., noon-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. S, W, n12-15, $$, V, I, K, H, HO, E, T. Vapor Room Hands down, this is the most diverse club in the city. The lively atmosphere middle-aged men gathering around a chess game, a young mother breast-feeding, a staff member teaching a patient how to roll a joint, people reading on the plush orange couches is truly unparalleled. Club operators pride themselves on offering generous portions and personal service. "We are here for the community, the Lower Haight," said Nicole, who started the club six months ago with co-owner Martin. Between the Australian tree frogs, the eclectic decor of the lounge, and the diverse group of patients (and their dogs), it's one of the most unique clubs in the city. 609A Haight, S.F. S, W, n10, $$, V, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake