Collective Awakenings

2823 NE Sandy Blvd., 206-7090, collectiveawakenings.com.

One of portland's first dispensaries, Collective Awakenings' yellow and green sunrise has become a bit of a landmark on the dispensary-heavy stretch of Northeast Sandy—called "The Green Mile." Whether or not you have an OMMP card, the lobby is well worth a visit. Last year's renovation included a tree made of reclaimed wood that stretches to the roof and spreads its branches across the ceiling. A custom-built bench holds a five-star terrarium for the dispensary's pet, an Australian bearded dragon named Gary. Every inch of the place, from the carved wooden benches to the wrought iron entry, was made by local artists out of sustainable materials. Particularly proud of its accessibility for the disabled, Collective Awakenings has made sure to install point-of-sale areas designed for wheelchair use. Partitions between each point of sale offer the same level of privacy you'd get at a bank or pharmacy. The owners and budtenders are warm and knowledgeable. About 20 strains are available on any given day, priced $6 to $12. There's a wide range of products, including dependable brands like Elbe's Edibles and Empower Oil.

Willamette Week

Lauren Yoshiko

Lauren has contributed to the Willamette Week's weed column since 2013, initially going by "Mary Romano" until marijuana became legal in Oregon. She also writes about movies, plays and restaurants for the Art and Culture section.

Willamette Week’s reporting has real-life impact that changes laws, forces action by civic leaders, and drives compromised politicians from public office.

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