Need weekend plans?
The best things to do around the city, delivered to your inbox.
More than 1,300 voted: Here are the best dispensaries in Massachusetts
Readers voted for more than 150 dispensaries across the state.
The Massachusetts cannabis industry has experienced its fair share of ups and downs since the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2016. With an abundance of new retailers conforming to the latest laws and regulations, navigating the industry can be difficult for both buyer and seller.
Despite the cannabis industry continuing to face challenges, there’s no better time to support your local pot shop.
We asked readers to help us update our previous guide by sharing their favorite dispensary in Massachusetts, what they like about it, and their go-to products. We received over 1,300 responses, highlighting long-time reader favorite businesses and some new recommendations.
Bud’s Goods & Provisions remained a reader favorite amongst the more than 150 recommended businesses. Founded in 2016, Bud’s has three locations in Worcester, Abington, and Watertown, each with its own unique aesthetic, drawing inspiration from a vintage diner, a movie theater, and a house. Readers say Bud’s has great products, low prices, and an excellent staff.
Advertisement:
Bud’s chief of staff Jennifer Ngo agrees that their staff is what sets Bud’s apart from other dispensaries. From leadership to their retail staff, what they call “budtenders,” she says that everyone is committed to one another and the company as a whole.
“Our team genuinely cares about what they do and what they’re putting out into the world, not just product and customer service-wise, but energy too,” Ngo told Boston.com. “They genuinely care about the people coming into shop.”
Ngo emphasized their gratitude for customer support, especially during what she calls a “very scary” time in the industry. Cannabis prices have been falling over the past couple years, and some retailers have been forced to close their doors.
Advertisement:
“It’s definitely a consumer’s market,” said Ngo. “We anticipated this dip in the market, but I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted it would be as bad as it is from a legal and regulatory standpoint.”
But Ngo says she feels fortunate that her team is weathering the storm and has been able to sustain themselves in an uncertain market.
Bud’s was built on the idea of creating a welcoming space, and creating a community is what’s allowed it to succeed.
“We really love our customers,” said Ngo. “From Budtenders to leadership, we love our communities that each retailer is in. We set out to be good buds and just good people in general.”
Below, find an updated map and list with reader recommendations about where to go for the best dispensaries in Massachusetts.
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com