Best Cannabis Dispensaries In Palm Springs Visitor Guide
Don’t call it marijuana anymore, and it’s not pot unless you like being made fun of by teenagers. It’s cannabis, and it’s legal for medicinal and recreational use in Palm Springs.
Here is your ultimate guide on visiting your first dispensary, visitor guide to consuming cannabis in Palm Springs, and our picks for the best dispensaries in the city.
Welcome to Palm Springs, the best place to get high in the low desert.
It’s easy to indulge in some of the world’s most high-quality weed right here in the Coachella Valley. Dispensaries are well-regulated, clean, and safe retail experiences.
We find that many of our guests are excited to try visiting their first legal dispensary and enjoying the safe and legal buzz of a well-regulated cannabis product, but don’t know where to start. If you are already an expert, feel free to skip down to our favorite Palm Springs, CA, dispensary recommendations.
Here are a few tips on how the purchase will go, tips for use, and our favorite dispensaries in Palm Springs. If you’re staying at our Alejo Breeze condo, most of these are just a few blocks away.
Before You Go
Make sure you have your valid ID. Even if you look like you have been over 21 for decades, every single person entering a dispensary must show a valid, non-expired identification.
Prepare cash. Because of interstate commerce laws written in the days of the telegraph, banks are not allowed to process credit cards for cannabis purchases.
Entering The Dispensary
Most dispensaries will have some sort of entry lounge, where you wait to present your ID and be invited into the main sales floor. Similar to establishments that serve alcohol, every person entering the dispensary must present ID. Your ID will be scanned into their computer system. Don’t attempt to walk past the security until you have been invited.
Depending on which dispensary you visit, you may be asked to create a membership or profile. This may or may not be optional, and is a combination of legal requirements for recordkeeping as well as the dispensary’s marketing and loyalty club. First-time customers often receive significant discounts when you join.
Once you are checked in and given access, head in and meet with your budtender. Some dispensaries will assign you to a specific person or counter. Others will suggest you browse the shelves on your own and ask roaming budtenders for advice, then make your way to the counter for your purchase. Just go with the flow, they love to welcome new customers as long as you know not to touch any of the products on the shelves yourself.
What Should I Buy at a Palm Springs Dispensary?
The options can feel very overwhelming when you walk into the dispensary. You aren’t just picking what kind of cannabis, but also the strength, strain, potency, and delivery mechanism. Let’s break down some of your basic options:
Don’t Strain About Cannabis Strains At Palm Springs Dispensaries
So you're ready to dip your toes into the wild world of cannabis here in the Sonoran Desert but don’t want to fall asleep or get paranoid? Well, you have your first decision to make. Which strain do you want? Think of strains as the larger biological classifications of the cannabis plant.
There are two cannabis strains: sativa and indica. Each will help you get the specific experience you want! Neither strain is better or worse. They are just different, with varying physical and intoxicating characteristics. Whatever you choose will be a great choice.
Sativa strains are known for their energetic and uplifting effects, making them perfect for a day out exploring Palm Springs. This is what we will enjoy before a trip to the art museum, a walk around downtown, or a fun brunch with friends.
Indica strains are more relaxing and great for unwinding after a long day of adventures. This is what we choose when we want to relax and enjoy the pool. Indicas are known a “body high” compared to the “head high” of the sativa.
And then there are hybrids blending both sativa and indica, giving you the best of both worlds.
Each person’s unique energy will vibe with one strain in a way that might not be expected, and have fun trying different strains in modersation to see what you like.
Just to make things a bit more complicated, you have one more important choice to make about whether you want your indica, sativa, or hybrid as a mixed-strain or single-strain.
Single-strains, as the name suggests, are made from a single type of cannabis plant, which ensures consistency in the effects and flavor profile. These will have specific names; for example Purple Nurple, Tramway Dreams, Blueberry Haze.
On the other hand, mixed strains are created by blending two or more strains together to achieve a unique combination of effects and flavors. These mixed strains will most often just be called an indica, sativa, or hybrid.
While single-strains are perfect for a specific and consistent experience, mixed strains can be an exciting way to experiment and discover new flavors and effects. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what you hope to achieve from your cannabis experience.
Finally, talk to your budtender about infusions and potency. Cannabis today is usually anywhere from 3x to 20x stronger than the street-weed of the past, and infusions are where they use a flavored cannabanoid oil to increase potency. In our opinion, it’s too much, and we usually ask for a low-to-medium percentage of THC without any infusion.
Overall, choosing a cannabis strain is a bit more of an art than a science, and many people feel each type has a different effect than expected. Some people enjoy always choosing the same strain, some like to mix it up. So, you really can’t go wrong with any choice.
When in doubt, we recommend a single-strain lower-potency non-infused sativa.
Pick Your Product
It can be incredibly overwhelming to keep having to make choices, but we are almost through. By the time you finish reading this, you might know exactly what to ask for, or at the very least you will know what questions to ask your budtender.
Back in the day, you probably got your weed in a plastic bag. But now, everything is in upscale retail packaging — some cannabis dispensaries in Palm Springs can feel like walking into a futuristic technology boutique. You get to choose how you want to consume your cannabis, and the options are vast.
Flower
This is what you probably remember buying from your sibling’s best friend’s cousin’s friend’s cool uncle back in the day. It is the dried and cured buds of the cannabis plant, and a great starting point for beginnings and always a favorite of the experienced.
You can choose to smoke it in a joint (see below about pre-rolls) or a pipe, and it’s easy to control your dosage. It is fast-acting, making it easier to time the experience of your high. Don’t forget to ask your budtender to purchase a lighter and small pipe.
Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolled joints are a convenient way to consume cannabis flower with minimum preparation needed. They are professionally packed, so you don’t have to worry about papers and the rolling process. They usually have a small cardboard filter at the narrow end, so your lips don’t ever have to touch the flower.
Multi-packs of pre-rolls are a great way to stock up on cannabis for your entire visit to Palm Springs, and single rolls are quick to pick up on your way to an event or so you can sample multiple varieties. We recommend pre-rolls if you want to consume your cannabis flower by smoking with minimal hassle. Don’t forget to ask your budtender to purchase a lighter.
Edibles
Edibles are a tasty and discreet way to consume cannabis and avoid the hassle and effects of smoke. Edibles are made by infusing cannabis into food products such as gummies, chocolate, cookies, or beverages.
The effects of edibles take longer to kick in, between 30 minutes and 2 hours officially, however we find it can take up to 3 hours to truly feel it. It is important to start with a low dosage and be patient. And continue to be patient rather than take more if you don’t feel it. Edibles also last much longer than smoking, sometimes up to 8 hours. Talk with your budtender in depth about their recommended dose, and store them in a way that no one can accidentally ingest it.
Our recommendation is gummies, which we find to be the easiest to store, handle, and eat. The only issue is that they are small, and sometimes the taste of one piece of candy makes you want more. Don’t be tempted to take a second infused gummy!
Go Slow
If this is your first time indulging recreationally, we highly recommend staying away from the oils, vapes, dabs, waxes, and other high-concentration potent options.
Tell your budtender your true experience and take their advice. Don’t try to be a champ.
How To Pay
Once you select your products with the help of your budtender, you will be given a total out-the-door total amount that includes the various taxes. Many dispensaries round this number to the nearest dollar.
As we mentioned above, cash is king when it comes to purchasing cannabis at Palm Springs dispensaries. If you have cash on you, just pay and tip and be on your way.
If you forgot your cash, dispensaries have developed interesting ways to allow you to use your ATM/PIN debit card to purchase.
Some may have an ATM inside. Some might run your card at the register as an ATM transaction, and give you change in cash. You can expect a processing fee along with a out-of-network fee from your bank with either of these options. Other dispensaries offer online payment methods, where you can use an app or receive a text to securely enter your payment details. Your budtender will be happy to explain the details to you.
Feel Tipsy! (The other kind of tipsy…)
Always tip your budtender! We consider this required/non-optional and suggest anywhere between $2-$5 for a small purchase through a full 20% of larger purchases, or more if your budtender offered you exemplary service.
Rules and Laws About Smoking and Consuming Cannabis in Palm Springs
There are many rules and laws about cannabis in Palm Springs. While they are different than alcohol laws, we don’t really think any are more onerous.
It is not permitted to consume cannabis in any form anywhere or on the property of the dispensary, on public streets, and at most restaurants and bars/clubs.
Your cannabis should be sealed in a bag before you depart the dispensary, which should not be unsealed until you are completely off of the dispensary property. Palm Springs is known to enforce this rule, and unsealing or consuming cannabis on dispensary property can results in fines for you and puts the dispensary license in jeopardy.
Driving under the influence of cannabis is a crime and you can end up with a DUI. Fortunately, you are downtown and can walk anywhere you want to go.
While in California cannabis has less of a social stigma than alcohol, some nearby states and the entire federal government still inexplicably consider it a controlled substance. We recommend not even considering leaving the state with cannabis. Do not attempt to fly, even within the state, with cannabis. Do not attempt to cross the border into Canada or Mexico with cannabis. Basically, buy your cannabis in Palm Springs, consume and enjoy it in Palm Springs, and leave it in Palm Springs.
A note for our guests in the Alejo Breeze Palm Springs Downtown Vacation Condo about cannabis.
You are welcome to safely consume non-combustible cannabis products such as edibles and drinks, at your own risk, within the Alejo Breeze condo. Please use moderation and respect your neighbors and the property.
It is forbidden to smoke or vape anything in the Alejo Breeze condo, on the patio, in the courtyard, or anywhere else in, on, or around the Villa Alejo building, grounds, and parking lots. We have a zero tolerance policy for smoke of any type and you will be required to immediately depart with no refund, and will be charged fines and cleaning fees that start at $750 per room and can escalate much higher depending on how much we need to clean, if any future guest stays are affected, and if we are fined/disciplined by the community association. The neighbors will report you, even if they tell you otherwise. Please don’t test us on this.
If you need to discard extra cannabis or smoking tools after staying at our Alejo Breeze Palm Springs Vacation Condo, please leave it in the bottom credenza drawer and notify us. We will make sure it is safely available as a gift to our next guests.
Our Top Cannabis Dispensaries In Palm Springs, CA
So now you know how to pick a strain, an idea of which product you might like, and understand the rules and regulations about cannabis in Palm Springs. Now it’s time to head over to the dispensary to begin the fun!
Pro tip: at the end of the day, the dispensary you select is mostly a choice of personal shopping preference and vibe. Most dispensaries will carry most products of most strains at many potencies. So pick based on vibe, storefront, location, or any other factor that makes the experience more enjoyable for you!
Nearest Dispensary to the Downtown Alejo Breeze Condo
Lighthouse Dispensary
6 minute walk
What sets Lighthouse dispensary apart is its commitment to sustainability, which is evident in their use of eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient lighting. Lighthouse Dispensary also partners with local farmers and suppliers to source their products, supporting the local economy and reducing transportation emissions.
In addition to their focus on sustainability, Lighthouse Dispensary also offers a unique and stylish shopping experience. The dispensary has a modern and sleek interior design, with plenty of natural light and a welcoming atmosphere in a unique Midcentury building. Their knowledgeable and friendly budtenders are always available to answer any questions and help guide you through the purchasing process.
Lighthouse
395 North Palm Canyon Drive
Walk toward the mountains, cross Palm Canyon, and turn left. You’ll see Lighthouse about half a block up, on the right.
Best Dispensary To Spot A Celeb
Cookies in Palm Springs
9 minute walk
What sets this dispensary apart is its association with the legendary Cookies brand, which has become synonymous with high-quality and innovative cannabis products. Their selection is more limited than other dispensaries, featuring their luxurious and upscale Cookies brand products.
Cookies Dispensary has become a popular destination for celebrities in Palm Springs and beyond with flagship locations on Melrose in LA, on the Strip in Las Vegas, on Haight in San Francisco, and on Hayarkon in Tel Aviv. Cookies has hosted a number of high-profile guests, including Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa, who have all been known to frequent Cookies locations across the world.
Cookies
777 North Palm Canyon Drive
Walk toward the mountains, cross Palm Canyon, and turn right. You’ll pass Just Fabulous and Koffi, then keep walking until you pass Shag Store.
Support Social Equity In The Center Of Downtown Palm Springs
Holland Pharms
11 minute walk
Known for friendly customer service and carrying top-quality products, Holland Pharms is the first black-owned dispensary in Palm Springs. The owner of Holland Pharms was born and raised in Palm Springs and is now a participant in the Social Equity Program.
The Mission of the Social Equity Program is “to promote equitable ownership and employment opportunities in the cannabis industry in order to decrease disparities in life outcomes for marginalized communities, and to address the disproportionate impacts of the War on Drugs in those communities.”
Holland Pharms is our favorite quick stop when we are in the middle of downtown. Whether we are heading to the art museum, hanging out in the park, or just passing through while shopping and dining, Holland Pharms is in the perfect central location. The dispensary is clean, no-frills, always friendly, with a super helpful staff.
Holland Pharms
150 North Palm Canyon Drive
Walk toward the mountains, and turn left on Palm Canyon. Walk past the Modernism Museum, cross Amado and Andreas, and it is on the left after Destination PSP.
Best Dispensary with Coffee and Rock N’ Roll
Hits Studio
13 minute walk
If you love music, Hits loves you. Flower remastered. These are the kind of epic statements you can expect from the most unique dispensary in Palm Springs. Hits focuses on the connection between cannabis and music at this flagship cannabis boutique for their upscale brand. You’ll often find a delightful acoustic guitar atmosphere performed by a live musician.
But Hits isn’t just about the music and caffeine buzz. Their products have emerged as a leading lifestyle brand and have garnered a cult-like following since their launch. Hits also believes you should know where your cannabis comes from, and have their very specific grow house and cultivation process. And they always have a pot of coffee on brew.
Hits Cannabis Studio
155 South Palm Canyon Drive
Walk toward the mountains, cross Palm Canyon, and turn left. Continue along the Walk of the Stars past Amado, Andreas, and Tahquitz Canyon. It is on the right before Arenas.
Brendon’s Favorite Palm Springs Cannabis Dispensary
Green Dragon
19 minute walk or 5 minute bike ride
We discovered Green Dragon when we were staying at Happy Traveler RV Park our first year of being digital nomads, and it has been one of our go-to dispensaries ever since even though it is now on the far side of downtown. The location across from Bargain Outlet Groceries means we stop by when we walk to do grocery shopping.
Brendon’s favorite edibles are available here. They have a very low THC ratio to CBD, which provides a lot of the mellow feeling without the actual high of traditional cannabis. There is an oversized cooler along the wall, displaying all of the gummies and other edibles as if they are precious jewelry to be enjoyed and savored.
Green Dragon is also a pioneer in accepting digital payments. They have a unique system that texts you a link to perform a secure card transaction from your phone.
Coachella Valley Green Dragon
353 South Palm Canyon Drive
Walk toward the mountains, cross Palm Canyon, and turn left. Continue along the Walk of the Stars past Amado, Andreas, Tahquitz Canyon, Arenas, and Baristo. It is on the right about half way down the block. Stop in here on Thursdays at the far end of VillageFest.
Best Bodega-Style Dispensary in Palm Springs
Off The Charts
45 minute walk, 13 minute bike ride, or 8 minute drive
As New Yorkers, there are some differences we continue to notice about Palm Springs compared to back in NYC. One of the things we miss the most are corner stores or delis called bodegas. Bodegas are usually small and tight, family owned, and have a very specific vibe (which sometimes includes cats.)
While most of the other dispensaries on this list have a high-end retail vibe, Off The Charts has an epic bodega vibe that made us a bit homesick.
We discovered Green Dragon when we were staying in our RV at the Happy Traveler RV Park. If you are on the South end of downtown, perhaps heading to hike the Tahquitz Canyon or South Lykken Trail.
Off The Charts is a no-frills dispensary with a fantastic high-quality selection. They always have some sort of great sale going on, and first-time customers receive a free eighth of flower.
Off The Charts
1508 South Palm Canyon Drive
Walk out the front lobby door, turn left, and turn Left again on Indian Canyon or Palm Canyon. Walk all the way through downtown Palm Springs, cross the Tahquitz Wash, and continue walking until you see Off The Charts on the left.
Best LGBT-owned Palm Springs Cannabis Dispensary
Atomic Budz
15 minute drive or 35 minute bike ride
If you listen to KGAY Radio 106.5 while you are visiting Palm Springs, you’ll hear all about Atomic Budz and their history as the Coachella Valley’s only LGBT-owned cannabis dispensary.
Atomic Budz isn’t in Palm Springs, it is nearby in Cathedral City - so give them a visit when you are having a day-pass pool day at CCBC. Plan a few extra minutes to check out the 26 varieties on display at the bud bar!
Atomic Budz
36063 Cathedral Canyon Dr, Cathedral City, 92234
Hop in your vehicle and head to Cathedral City. For a great price on rental vehicles, check out the locally-owned Aztec Car Rental. Mention Happy Traveler RV Park for a special discount.
Best Event Experiences at a Palm Springs Dispensary
Four Twenty Bank
15 minute walk
Have you ever wanted to go to a wine Sip n’ Paint party, but instead of wine, get blazed on cannabis? Well Four Twenty Bank is the place to do it!
There is a monthly Puff N’ Paint event, regular open-mic nights, and a consumption lounge that is about the closest thing we have in the US that is similar to the Amsterdam coffee shops.
Compared to most of the other dispensaries in Palm Springs, Four Twenty Bank is a bit more of a party vibe. Check it out if you want to kick off a high-energy night on the town with a great selection of quality cannabis products.
Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge
296 South Palm Canyon Dr
Turn left on Palm Canyon and walk to the far end of downtown. You’ll see the building on the left, which looks like a big former bank.
I have my cannabis. Now what?
Once you've indulged in the delightful world of cannabis dispensaries, it's time to embark on some safe and sensational fun!
The Munchies
Before you dive into a sea of snacks, heed our advice: exercise a touch of self-control and wait until the perfect moment to unleash your munchies. Trust us, once you start, the snacking may become an unstoppable force!
Explore
Now that you've got your cravings under control, it's time to explore the wonders that Palm Springs has to offer. Take a trip to the art museum and immerse yourself in a world of creativity or venture out for a refreshing hike on one of the scenic trails. If the weather permits, find solace in the nearby park and bask in the beauty of nature.
Get Dancing
Feeling the groove and ready to unleash your inner rockstar? Say the magic words, "OK Google, play K-G-A-Y on I Heart Radio," and let the music from KGAY electrify your senses. Let loose, dance like nobody's watching, and have an absolute blast!
Window Shop
As you stroll along Palm Canyon, don't forget to explore the captivating art galleries and charming home furnishing stores. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, unique designs, and captivating pieces that showcase the artistic soul of this remarkable city.
In Conclusion
So, new cannabis enthusiasts, remember to savor each moment, embrace the adventures, and let Palm Springs be your playground of delight. Whether you're appreciating art, relishing nature, or grooving to the beats at the Alejo Breeze Palm Springs Vacation Condo Rental, your journey awaits. Let the spirit of Palm Springs guide you as you create unforgettable memories.
Enjoy responsibly, have a fantastic time, and make this experience one for the books!
