These 5 Toronto Dispensaries are Worth the Hype
So, it’s kind of a running joke how many cannabis dispensaries have popped up around the city of Toronto. In fact, there are so many that there may be more of them than Starbucks locations, and there are a ton of those too. The quantity is great for convenience, sure, but who can decide which dispensary to head into when there are 5 within a single block radius? Well, I’ve done some research (frequent and thorough research..) and I’ve narrowed it down to a handful of locations that are worth the trek if they aren’t in your immediate area. They are all single-location businesses, with the exception of Edition X, meaning you are supporting local businesses by shopping with them.
Photos C/O @adrianstilesphoto
Easily one of my favourite dispensaries in the city, and it’s by no means close to home but is more than worth the trip, Two Cats Cannabis Co. transports you back to the 1920’s Prohibition Era the second you walk in the door. The entire place is meticulously designed and curated, right down to the giant call bell on the back counter (but the size was actually a hilarious mistake). We even got the chance to speak to the owners (Hi Michael and Victoria!) who told us all about how their intention was to make cannabis products more accessible and approachable for everyone. Customers are able to see the product, available at a wide range of prices, and ask questions to the very knowledgable ‘budtenders’ to better understand what they are purchasing. The cherry on top would have to be what I’d like to dub The Great Wall of Terpenes. If you want to know more, you’ll have to go check it out at 1014 Gerrard St E!
Another great option and frequent pickup point for us is Bodega at 198 Ossington Ave. Just like stepping into a beachy New York bodega (sounds strange but I promise you’ll love it), this spot is the perfect mini escape from Toronto’s dropping temperatures. The good vibes are carried out from the tropical plants to the ‘Daily Specials’ shelving displays, right down to the branded merch and accessories. Products are chosen based on what’s most popular, so you’ll always find something you’ll like. Not to mention, Bodega is Toronto’s first black-owned dispensary, from the same owners as the well-renowned Caribbean restaurant, Roywoods. This place is definitely a cut above.
Photos C/O doublespace Photography
If you’re looking for an extra luxurious cannabis experience, look no further than Edition X. They’ve got two locations in midtown Toronto (270 Dupont St and 764 St. Clair Ave W), stocking cannabis and cannabis products that you’ll be proud to display on your coffee table. With an online personal ‘budtender’ that can make recommendations based on your preferences and super knowledgable ‘budtenders’ in-store, you are bound to get the quintessential high-end dispensary experience.
Stumbling upon Bonnefire at 244 Queen St W was very much a happy accident. Right at the beginning of the pandemic, just a few weeks before lockdown in Toronto, we were taking a walk in the neighbourhood. The dispensary had just opened and we wanted to know what the place was all about. It was barely furnished and still brand-spanking-new, but they were still more than happy to get us what we needed. Now, in 2021, it’s a super cozy, Canadiana campfire-themed dispensary that prides itself on being welcoming and educational for people from all walks of life.
With the goal of supporting and lifting people up, Levicann on Eglinton Ave E is an excellent choice for the Davisville and Sherwood Park neighbourhoods. The community-centric dispensary is beautifully designed and is sure to provide a noteworthy experience for both newcomers and cannabis experts alike. They’re even developing their own cannabis education seminars, community outreach programs, and local business and local artists features to help better the community that they operate in. Stay tuned to their website and social media for more information on all of those programs!
What are your favourite spots in the city? Where do you go for all of your cannabis products? I’m sure it’s clear now that I love dispensaries with fabulous interiors, so feel free to share your regular haunts with me in the comments. And be sure to consume responsibly!
