Best of 2019 – Winners

Best Budtenders

Kannabis Works

What makes a good budtender? For some, the answer may be as simple as someone being personable. For others, it may be whether you feel as if you can trust their insights and recommendations while selecting which products to spend your precious dollars on. For us, it’s a combination of the two, and Kannabis Works budtenders never let us down. Each budtender there goes through extensive training and is fully knowledgeable of the products they recommend, which lowers the chances you’ll purchase something you’ll be less than satisfied with.

kannabisworks.com
2106 S. Susan St.
Santa Ana – 949.662.3960

Best Cannabis Delivery

Puffy

Here’s a weird thing to think about: Kids who were born in the past year in California have only known a world in which legal cannabis can be easily delivered to your doorstep. They’ll never understand the pain we felt after calling everyone we knew to try to find some Mary Jane, only to discover that apparently everyone was experiencing the same weed drought we were. Now, there’s Puffy, offering same-day delivery to most of Southern California. Its products come with a guarantee that if you aren’t satisfied, or if the item you’ve selected is defective, Puffy will gladly replace your order without you ever having to put on pants. There’s a wide variety of flowers, edibles and vape products to choose from, but the star of the show is Puffy’s ability to beat a lot of its peers on price while also offering unbeatable customer service and speedy delivery times. We’ve tried to figure out how Puffy does it, but we’re better writers than entrepreneurs, so we’ll just let it keep setting the bar for how delivery should be done.

puffydelivery.com

Best Cannabis Lawyer

Chris Glew

With multiple Best Of mentions, Chris Glew is basically the Jack Nicholson of our annual roundup of groovy people, places and things. But Glew’s years of hard work and tireless efforts to help make and keep canna-brands compliant are why he is the king when it comes to lawyers and legalization. When Johnny Law comes knocking, there are very few things you won’t do to avoid penalties or incarceration, but we recommend planning ahead and giving Glew a call before you actually need to.

www.glewkimlaw.com
The Law Offices of Glew & Kim
1851 E. First St., Ste. 840
Santa Ana – 714.648.0004

Best CBD Product

OC Pharm

As concentrates go, OC Pharm’s CBD Isolate is the clearest crumble you can get on the market that doesn’t get you high. This potent product is dabbable and will deliver almost-instant relief from pain, inflammation and other ailments. Containing 1,000 milligrams of relief while not producing the noticeable smell of smokable THC-based products, CBD Isolate can also be dissolved into a food or drink for those not as keen with a dab rig and a torch. It’s definitely your best option to feel calm and relaxed.

ocpharm.com

Best Dispensary in Long Beach

ShowGrow Long Beach

With a quick check-in process and the friendliest budtenders in town, ShowGrow Long Beach provides a clean, comfortable environment with exemplary customer service. Patrons can shop with peace of mind, knowing they’re finding the latest cannabis and CBD products from high-quality vendors. And the outstanding selection of classic and modern strains of concentrates and flower blows the competition out of the water.

showgrow.com
3411 E. Anaheim St.,
Long Beach – 562.494.8437

Best Dispensary in OC

Blüm

There are a lot of places where you can get your hands on some righteous buds, from Santa Ana’s “Green Zone” to multiple delivery services catering to residents in cities that outlaw storefronts. However, when your jar of jazz cabbage is running low, there is no better place to visit than Blüm. The moment you enter the facility, you can feel the difference, from seeing hard-to-find products fly off the shelves to watching budtenders work tirelessly to ensure customers are getting the best possible products. Each experience we’ve had there has been worthy of five stars. Stop by the centrally located Blüm and take a look at its impressive selection of lab-tested concentrates and flowers—but try to avoid drooling on the display case.

www.letsblum.com
2911 Tech Center Dr.
Santa Ana – 949.238.4203

Best Edible Product

Kiva Confections

For all-day tripping, there is nothing better than riding the berry that is Kiva Confections’ Terra Bites chocolate-covered blueberries, which come in an adorable round tin. But this year, we bestow the crown on the purveyor’s Petra Mints. True, Kiva’s the queen of microdosing, with 2.5 milligrams of THC per diamond-shaped morsel. But these vegan and sugar-free treats (warning: they contain xylitol) now come in a slew of new flavors—so all you mint-averse stoners rejoice! They are named for the ancient town of Petra in southern Jordan, which may have been settled as long ago as 9,000 BC and sits along the world’s original trade routes for a front-row seat to all kinds of exotic spices and fruits. And the new flavors reflect that aromatic history: Saigon cinnamon, tart cherry, pineapple and a citrus that’s CBD-only. Whether you prefer the original eucalyptus or Moroccan mint or you want to let your taste buds travel, place one under your tongue to speed up the delightful effects!

kivaconfections.com

Best Glassworks

One Stop Smoke Shop

The One Stop Smoke Shop in Huntington Beach is exactly what it says it is: Your one and only needed stop. Whether you’re purchasing online or in store, this head shop has a major selection of premium products. But the glassware is truly top-of-the-line, coming from such quality makers as Noble Glass, HVY Glass, Boro Syndicate and Hitman. The shop’s website not only provides information on the companies that make glass bongs, pipes, bubblers and more, but also names the specific artists who designed and crafted each one. You’ll know you are buying something you’re going to love to smoke out of—and be proud to display to your friends.

onestopsmokeshophb.com
18582 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach – 714.964.3400

Best Hybrid Strain

Alien Labs

With its nice, light-green color, you might imagine you are wrapping an actual alien. But the color of Alien Labs’ Area 41 is not cosmic; it was given to it by the two strains that are crossed to make it: Chemdawg and Lemon OG Kush. Both have the same physical textures, but offer contrasting effects. The hybrid Chemdawg is a very light-green, sometimes-fluffy flower with light orange hairs surrounding it underneath all of the THC that covers the surface. The indica-dominant hybrid Lemon OG is also light in color, but it has darker orange hairs and THC surrounding it. Area 41 gives a moderately heavy head high that’s accompanied by a moderate body high. Not only is this a sexy strain, but it also does the job, whether you are looking to wind down, treat pain, elevate your mental abilities for whatever duty or just relax.

alienlabs.org

Best Hydroponics Shop

55 Hydroponics

55 Hydroponics caters to all the needs of individual and commercial growing operations across Orange County. The extremely knowledgeable, friendly staff offers advice from first-hand experience—there’s nothing they can’t answer. And the store carries a massive selection of premier products to help you keep an indoor pot (or tomato) plant happy and healthy.

55hydro.com
1727 Boyd St.
Santa Ana – 714.259.7755

Best Indica Strain

The Village

With a 32.6 percent THC level, the Village’s Wedding Cake holds a significantly higher margin than some of the top kushes on the market. Some might label this a hybrid, but it is a heavy indica-dominant hybrid that smokes like an indica. Apparently a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie, each small nugget is completely covered in white THC crystals. It has a light complexion with dark purple and orange hairs and leaves in several spots, and Wedding Cake produces a strong head high that travels down your legs. Instead of putting you to sleep, this strain adds a kick throughout your whole body.

thevillagegrows.com

Best Lab Testing

Cannalysis Labs

Located in the heart of Santa Ana, Cannalysis has been providing the state’s cannabis industry with accurate data and lab testing since opening its doors in March 2016. The Cannalysis facility sets the standard for compliance, using state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your edibles, flowers and concentrates contain no traces of harsh metals, microbial bacteria or mycotoxins that can prove fatal. With easy-to-understand results as well as a fully integrated system that allows companies to upload QR codes linking to tests, Cannalysis obviously takes home the gold when it comes to lab testing.

cannalysislabs.com
1801 Carnegie Ave.
Santa Ana – 949.329.8378

Best Live Resin

Moxie

Rising above the rest, with fat clouds and tangy terps, Moxie Live Resin Sauce is an easy favorite. Each sticky, crystal-coated, high-quality sauce comes beautifully packaged in a small, airtight glass jar. Although a heavy hitter, Chernobyl won’t have dabbers coughing up a lung. This tasty, smooth hybrid is highly potent, with uplifting and euphoric effects.

moxie710.com

Best Medicated Beverage

Dixie Elixirs

Ease your stresses away with Dixie Elixirs. Available in a variety of flavors—including cherry limeade, fruit punch and berry lemonade—these medicated beverages offer 100 milligrams of finely extracted THC and bliss. For only $20, you can experience something that tastes good, is refreshing and will leave you stoned off your ass—although the potency may have you raiding your fridge.

dixieelixirs.com

Best Moon Rock Product

Caviar Gold

The Misty OG Kush offered by Caviar Gold will leave inexperienced smokers feeling as if they’re on the moon. The flower is dipped in 95 percent THC-potent wax concentrate and covered in kief, resulting in a leaf that’s evolved from 28 percent THC to nearly 50 percent. The high is a dominant indica, which means you’re going to feel it all in your head. Though you might believe you’re now part of the chair you’re sitting on, you’re also going to want to kick back and listen to music or have a good conversation with a friend. And while your deep thoughts could be filled with dabble and nonsense, this moon rock will ensure you won’t care.

caviargold.com

Best Munchies Spot

Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store

It’s a classic scenario: You are stoned to the bone, and everything is going good—until that familiar pang forms in the pit of your stomach, telling you it’s time to refuel. The munchies is a side effect that most of us could do without, but to combat it, one spot rules them all with an iron fist. Sgt. Pepperoni’s has been dishing out delicious pies since the mid-1970s, and if we have it our way, it’ll be around long after our doctors put us on a strict diet (noooooooo!). From its ever-popular garlic knots to its signature New York-style slices, Sgt. Pepp’s has something on the menu for even the pickiest of eaters. And make sure you bring along some quarters because you’ll definitely spend a few extra minutes trying to beat the high score on the impossibly difficult Beatles-themed pinball machine.

sgtpepps.com
2300 SE Bristol St., Ste. F
Newport Beach – 949.852.9500

Best Patient Appreciation Day

OC3 Dispensary

With daily deals and special-event steals, OC3 Dispensary regularly shows how much it loves its customers! Don’t miss out on opportunities to earn redeemable points and generous free samples.

420central.org
3122 Halladay St., Ste. A
Santa Ana – 714.754.1348

Best Pet CBD Products

Top Dog Barkery

Setting itself apart from the local pet stores, Top Dog Barkery stocks incredible treats and goodies for your four-legged best friend, from the delicious (pet pastries baked in-house) to the holistic (essential oils for dogs). So, it’s no wonder this place also provides its own blend of cannabinoid snacks for pooches. Each of its beef-flavored soft chews is made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients and infused with 2 milligrams of CBD oil (and zero THC, the active hallucinogen commonly found in weed)—perfect for the occasional stress relief or as a regular dose to soothe persistent anxiety. Still unsure whether pet CBD is right for your pup? The crew at Top Dog are ready to field all your questions and provide the best advice.

topdogbarkery.net
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. A-160
Huntington Beach – 714.960.3647

Best Place to Get Lit

Everywhere

For years, we’ve chuckled at the idea of blazing a joint the size of Mickey’s weird thumb while exploring the Disneyland Resort theme parks on a warm afternoon, but with legalization in full swing, it’s time for us to recognize that even non-smoking soccer moms are now using CBD in their daily beauty and health regimens. In the past two years, we’ve found hemp water available in airports and dispensaries offering ride services to elderly clients. Cannabis is hardly the provocative symbol of counterculture it used to be. So go ahead: Light up that joint just before the board meeting or take a dab outside your child’s recital because everyone is doing it—and sometimes it’s the only way to get through a terrible school play. And when the areas we lovingly refer to as “flyover states” complain about how mellow we are in California, we’ll be too stoned to care.

Best Preroll Product

goodbrands

After spending hours cooped up in your office, battling traffic and being forced to attend another mandatory meeting with your lame coworkers, the last thing you want to do when you clock out is more work. For us, the only way to properly manage the daily stress of life and all of our nonstop deadlines is to relax the green way with some of nature’s finest flowers. We’re too busy doing “work” to bother rolling our own joints—and to be honest, our finished product just doesn’t cut the mustard seed, especially when there are expertly rolled jays readily available at every dispensary in California. Luckily, when the clock reads 4:20 at the Weekly offices, there’s a product we can trust to always deliver a cerebral rush of euphoric bliss. Using sustainable products and techniques, goodbrands absolutely sets the standard for how a cannabis company should operate. And with plenty of strains to choose from, you’ll have no problem understanding why its GoodJoint prerolls disappear faster than the time it took for you to read this.

goodbrandsco.com

Best Sativa Strain

Canndescent

A blissful burst of clear-headed energy in the form of some of the most expertly crafted flowers we’ve ever come across is what you can expect from Canndescent each time you manage to get your hands on an eighth. The bright-orange box housing its signature strains has been around the Weekly offices for a while, and we hope to collect a few more whenever the company gets around to creating another award-winning mix of terpene-rich buds for us to enjoy. Any time you want to capture that euphoric feeling of laughing until you cry or finally finishing that novel you’ve been working on, then its most sativa-esque and aptly named Charge 508 is for you.

canndescent.com

Best Shatter

Kings Garden

Operating out of Coachella Valley, Kings Garden distributes some of the best shatter to the Orange County area. Providing a mellow, clear-headed high, the company’s live shatter in the Dreamweaver strain boasts some tasty terps. An earthy hybrid with high levels of THC, this smooth-hitting Royal Concentrate produces an effect that is sure to have dabbers grinning.

kingsgardeninc.com

Best Smoke Shop

Quick Stop Smoke Shop

The family-owned Quick Stop Smoke Shop has everything for your cannabis needs and is constantly adding new products to adapt to the modern stoner market. Products are locally sourced, and the store sells glass from both locals and big-timers, though the majority is created in-shop. The staff also lead glass-blowing demonstrations to teach people more about the craft.

Facebook
1718 N. Tustin St.
Orange – 714.974.0800

Best Smoking Device

Puffco

The term game-changer gets thrown around a lot these days to say a product is miles above its peers, but the Peak vaporizer from Puffco is just that. Concentrates have met their perfect match when you combine Peak’s technology with your favorite crumble, wax or budder; the results will have you floating through time and space in euphoric bliss. Smoking concentrates the correct way requires constant regulation of temperature and pressure, and the Peak keeps your bowl at a steady temperature to provide you with the cleanest, most enjoyable experience while filtering out some of the less desirable effects often associated with products that boast high levels of THC. The device is designed to give you all of the goods without sending you to bed early.

puffco.com

Best Tincture

Papa & Barkley

For easing pain and inflammation in your whole body in a super-speedy method that doesn’t attack lungs with smoke or vapor, Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Tincture is the tops. Made with MCT oil for fast absorption, you can hold drops under your tongue or, for a more leisurely onset, plop them into a cocktail. Three options provide the ideal ratio for your chosen level of intoxication: 1 CBD to 3 THC for moderate psychoactivity; 1 to 1 for inducing mild psychoactivity; or 30 to 1 for no high at all. The stopper is clearly labeled, so dosing is consistent. Papa & Barkley is expert at taking the edge off in the nicest way possible. You will become smooth; your attitude will adjust. All will be right with the world—well, you know what we mean. Releaf Tincture is the antidote to gaslighting and will restore your powers to resist, replace and repair. We recommend keeping all three ratios in your medicine cabinet, on your drug tray or whatever you’ve got as a home apothecary.

papaandbarkley.com

Best Topical Product

indiCREME

For cannabis-infused pain relief, your go-to products should be indiCREME’s Wellness Original topicals. Message the pain away with the brand’s thick CBD cream, which is targeted to ease your muscles from within. It contains no THC and is non-GMO, gluten-free, alcohol-less and paraben-free. It’s indiCREME’s all-natural hemp-seed oil that does wonders for backs, knees and other painful joints—without any psychoactive effects!

sootheen.com
855.925.5550

Best Vape Maker

Sherbinskis

There are many ways to reach cult status within the cannabis industry, but the most straightforward approach has to be letting your product speak for itself. Mr. Sherbinski, along with his selection of premium flowers and concentrates, has been skipping the small talk for loud results. Rooted in San Francisco and coveted by some of today’s pickiest of smokers, Sherbinskis holds its own in a sea of copycats. The pens come loaded with a full gram of the company’s highly coveted gelato strains, which boast impressive, lab-tested levels of THC that most brands can only dream of achieving. Ditch those cheap, plastic vape pens and reach for one that has the stopping power of a 2-ton truck.

sherbinskis.com