Skip to main content
When it comes to 24-hour dispensaries near Waterfront Park, the average Oregon Medical Marijuana Program patient might plan to bring pepper spray when showing up after midnight. But Front Avenue Medicinals (823 SW Naito Parkway, 971-279-5544, cascademedicinals.com) has designed its shop to keep patients feeling at ease. The storefront's wide, reflective windows serve as a one-way mirror for clerks to keep an eye on who's coming and going. There's plenty of exterior lighting after dark and an online ordering service to expedite your trip. Once inside, it's a treat to watch the double takes of tourists walking past, the ones nervously shifting the items in their Powell's gift bags to avoid eye contact with the green cross.
Though the five-tiered price range covers a significant range in quality, the top-shelf buds are definitely premium: The Liberty Bell flower was one of the most sparkly, kiefy nugs I've ever had the pleasure to grind up. A wide variety of concentrates and edibles fill cases on the opposite side of the room, not to mention regular candy for sale if you come down with a sweet tooth on a non-edible-friendly day. Also worth mentioning: Front is one of the only places in town with a restroom for patients' use.
The latest whispers from Salem suggest local governments will likely control the hours, place and manner of operations for medicinal and recreational facilities in the months to come. The 24-hour dispensaries may have to adjust their hours after this year, so enjoy this convenience while it lasts. MARY ROMANO.
WWeek 2015