5 Things You Didn’t Know About One of San Diego’s Coolest Dispensaries
Written By: Kandace Cornell
Photography Provided By: Urbn Leaf Urbn Leaf Dispensary in San Diego
Since the official legalization of marijuana for adult recreational use in the state of California back in 2016—an announcement which elicited a cloudy puff of relief among Mary Jane enthusiasts statewide—the cannabis industry has been growing across Southern California like, well, a weed. Full-service neighborhood dispensaries offering a wide range of products (from traditional flower to edibles and CBD vape pens) have cropped up seemingly everywhere, and Urbn Leaf, one of San Diego’s top cannabis destinations, is leading the pack. For those less familiar with the whole experience (myself included!) we chatted with Director of Marketing, Savanna Rakofsky, about this booming business and why it’s so dope.
Urbn Leaf Dispensary in San Diego
#1 | Location, Location
Since the brand’s inception in 2017, the brainchild of entrepreneur Will Senn, Urbn Leaf has opened two San Diego locations (one in Bay Park and another by the San Ysidro border) and employs more than 250 knowledgable staff members and budtenders to walk you through the shopping process. Like selecting a vintage of wine, the types of products and flavors are all geared towards personal preference. “Urbn Leaf is working to change the perceptions of modern cannabis culture,” says Rakofsky. “Our staff attends multiple training sessions with our vendors, so they know how each product is formulated, the processes used, and the effects they provide. From the thoughtfully curated collection of products to the modern, strategic layouts of each location, every detail is designed with the customer experience in mind.”
#2 | Getting Buzzed
With the arrival of sophisticated products like sleek CBD vape pens, candy-flavored edibles and liquids, soothing topical creams and even pet products, the industry has made major strides in educating consumers to the benefits of cannabis. For first timers (or those who haven’t indulged since their college dorm days), Rakofsky and her team recommend products that are slightly lower in THC [Tetrahydrocannabinol] for a lighter buzz. Other popular products on the menu include Raw Garden extracts for their quality concentrates and affordable price tag, Kushy Punch edibles for an introductory experience, Papa and Barkley which is a favorite among the senior community and Paleo Paw pet treats for our ailing furry friends.
#3 | Pain Pain, Go Away
In its original form, cannabis was primarily used to alleviate pain. In addition to meeting state compliance requirements, Rakofsky tells us to rest assured that all of today’s incarnations are safely regulated and designed to potentially relieve ailments ranging from minor inflammation to insomnia and seizures, among others. “Certain products contain specific terpene profiles or isolated cannabinoids,” says Rakofsky. “If a guest comes in looking for a product to help them sleep, we might recommend a strain containing myrcene, like Granddaddy Purple, an indica-dominant edible, or a CBN tincture.”
#4 | Wake and Bake
For those who celebrate 4-20—the unofficial April holiday dedicated to marijuana—Urbn Leaf is holding its second annual BAYKED festival in San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park North for consumers to learn about new cannabis products, snack on munchies from food trucks, participate in yoga classes and more. Guests can watch the sunset on the San Diego Bay as they dance to artists like Brasstracks, Gramatik and Rick Ross.
#5 | Hot Wheels
Introducing: The CannaCruiser. Like a 4-20-friendly Uber, the brand’s premiere tour bus dispatches daily from Urbn Leaf to Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach. Hop on the next time you’re in the area for a hosted experience that’s fully stocked with all the necessary accoutrements. Planning an event? You and your crew can rent one of the buses for private parties. Also stay tuned for store expansion plans, including new locations in Seaside, Grover Beach, Stockton and La Mesa coming later this year.
