Seattle Tonics now serving North Seattle

May 22, 2015 By Manic Conrad

Seattle Tonics opened their doors earlier this month. Located in Northwest Seattle off of Aurora Avenue North, south of Shoreline and North of Fremont.

While SoDo and Industrial District may try and stake claim as the undisputed Marijuana District, with the Fremont neighborhood right behind, Aurora Ave North may be known as, Marijuana Avenue. Besides Seattle Tonics: Ocean Greens, Dockside Cannabis, and Mary’s, all share this throughway.

Seattle Tonics showcases its’ product inside a modern themed atmosphere with homely accents. We especially dig the glass display cases in the center of the store and the menu projected on the back wall.

Stop by and say high to this welcomed and friendly, Northern Seattle cannabis establishment.

Green-Theory: East of Seattle, Bellevue Marijuana Store

December 11, 2014 By Fischer Campbell

We’ve been reviewing strains from local recreational marijuana shops for some months now, and it’s time we ventured into the practice of reviewing the shops themselves. So, instead of having a strain review this week – HAS is going to review Seattle area shop Green-Theory.

Located in the heart of old Bellevue, WA.

Green-Theory can be found on mainstreet, several blocks from both the 405 freeway and within walking distance to local shops. There are several parking spots in front, with additional parking in the back of the shop.

Aesthetically designed, and artfully presented.

From the moment you enter Green-Theory, you are heartily welcomed. There is a greeting room, where an employee validates that you are 21 years of age – from there, we enter the boutique itself.

The marijuana cabinets are wooden, juxtaposed against sleek green walls and decorated countertops. The main impression this author got was “fresh”. This isn’t some tinted window trailer shop alongside a strip mall, Green-Theory strives (and succeeds) to make the experience of buying marijuana elegant, accessible, and most importantly bountiful.

A menagerie of carefully chosen flowers, concentrates, pre-rolls, and edibles.

Looking at todays menu, this marijuana boutique currently has over 25 strains of flower ranging from 8 different producers – not including the edibles, concentrates and pre-rolls readily available. It’s clear to see that variety of product is important to Green-Theory, as well as variety of price. The cost differential will certainly please the budget shopper alongside the connoisseur (I am both, mutually and exclusively, at times).

Daily deals so you can beat that triple tax, and price matching.

You know what else pleases me? Daily deals on marijuana.

Holiday Promotion (ends Dec. 31st) – 40% off Dutch Brothers Farms: Seattle Cough (1g-4g)
Every Monday receive 35% OFF all regular priced Cannabis items with a current Washington State Medical Marijuana Authorization Card
Every Tuesday receive 20% OFF High Altitude strains: OG Kush, Obama Kush, Lavender
Every Friday receive 30% OFF Blewett Pass Farms products

(Green-Theory Promotions)

Yeah, you need to go out and get yourself some discounted Seattle Cough right now. That strain is phenomenal, I guarantee it (read our review of Seattle Cough).

In terms of matching competitor’s price: Green-Theory will match verified current pricing on all items from other Washington I-502 Retail Stores.

Friendly knowledgable employees.

From the moment you enter Green-Theory, you are chauffeured around the marijuana emporium by a staff member. Don’t be shy, these folks are here to help – and know the product they are selling like the back of their hand. The strains within the cases are displayed atop river stones, and altogether presented in a visually appealing manner.

In my experience with Green-Theory, I’ll generally discuss several things with my assigned budtender: we’ll go over price, if the product comes in multiple gram sizes, overall THC percent, and sativa vs. indica. The staff have always been accommodating, knowledgeable, and certainly helpful.

Selling cannabis comes with a community responsibility.

Green-Theory’s mission is to sell fantastic product, provide exemplary customer service, and to respect and nourish the community around them. In a quote from their website:

The community can be assured that Green-Theory will adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, restrict access to minors and remain secure, safe and discrete. We will contribute to the local economy and set aside a portion of our revenue for local philanthropies.

This is an honorable move, and one that will hopefully solidify Green-Theory as a respected downtown Bellevue business.

A user friendly website with ample information.

The boutique’s website (www.green-theory.com) is an excellent resource for menu items, daily deals, and more. There is also information regarding a “cannabis club” you can sign up for (called Green-Elite), in which you’ll have access to a “Green-Theory rewards program”, exclusive news, call in phone ordering, invites to VIP events, and members only promotions. Looks to me like you have to go in store to actually sign up for Green-Elite, but I’ll be sure to ask next time I’m there.

Next time you’re in Bellevue, whether new or seasoned with marijuana, make sure to check out Green-Theory – a fantastic marijuana boutique: located at 10697 MAIN ST SUITE 2, Bellevue, WA 98004 – or reach them by phone at (425)-502-7033.

New Seattle Marijuana Store Ganja Goddess, a Pleasant Little Surprise

November 17, 2014 By Manic Conrad

This last Friday, a sunny November morning, we walked by Cannabis City just before they opened. Not much has changed with this busy recreational marijuana shop located in Seattle’s Industrial District, as line of eager customers wrapped around the side of the building waiting for the store to open. Little did many – if any – of them knew, that just a couple of blocks away in the iconic Vertigo building, a brand new recreational marijuana shop had just opened its’ doors for the very first time with hardly a line waiting to get inside.

Ganja Goddess surprised us from the start. First of all, it is the most stoner laden name of all the Seattle based shops, mainly because of the word ‘ganja.’ We admit, we expected to see a decor which consisted of green, yellow, and red flags hanging in the windows, bead curtains in the doorways, and some Bob Marley filling the air. Instead, we were presented with stark contrast and pleasant surprise to our preconceptions. Forgive our misconception. However, they did install some door and window shutters, similar to the ones provided by plantation shutters, in order to keep the security up as with any marijuana store.

Imagine old world exposed brick and wooden interior, accented with sparkly shiny glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and one softly painted cannabis leaf looming on the pinkish back wall. Also imagine wooden floors to accompany the description. Now stop imagining you are in the middle of a marijuana coffeeshop in Amsterdam, even though that’s what it felt like to us. Imagine instead that you are standing in the middle of a shop, that one day may be located in the heart of the marijuana district in Seattle. Now stop imagining all together and check it out for yourself – you will be delighted.

Secondly, this recreational shop was stocked full with many varieties of cannabis and oils. A very impressive variety and large selection, to say the least. Store manager Tara Wells assured us, ‘You haven’t seen anything yet. We have much more yet to come, including lots of edibles!” Wells made it clear to us that edibles are her favorite way to consume cannabis. So, if you’re into edibles, this may be the place for you.

The budtenders were friendly, cordially, and practically begging to be of assistance. We learned about several strains of cannabis grown by CannaSol, Nugreen, and Buddy Boy Farms, along with some strains that were heavy in CBD’s. The budtenders also shared personal stories and life experiences in between transactions.

Ganja Goddess is a pleasant little surprise and very nice addition to our young and growing recreational marijuana industry. When visiting, be sure to make a morning or afternoon out of it, grab a cup of joe and soak in the surrounding sites and eye candy of the artsy Industrial District.

Ocean Greens: North Seattle Recreational Marijuana Store

October 20, 2014 By Manic Conrad

Ocean Greens Location, Website, Phone Number, and Other Details

Ocean Greens made its’ debut on October 2nd at 4:20pm. 16 days later they held the official grand opening celebration. Sandwiched between Greenwood and Maple Leaf – just North of Green Lake Park – its’ location is also convenient to residents in Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Wallingford, and Freemont.

location: 9724 Aurora Avenue North Seattle, WA 98103

hours: Open 10am-10pm 7 days a week!

website: www.oceangreens420.com

email: info@oceangreens420.com

phone: 206-453-4145

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Grand Opening Celebration*

The official grand opening celebration began on October 18, at 10am in the morning. There was an official cutting of the ribbon, free donuts and coffee, a glass artist blowing weed pipes, and a promise that the pot store would have the least expensive legal pot in the State – at least for the day. Drew, a man visiting from Lower East Side in New York City was the first customer of the day.

*This grand opening celebration was a little different than the grand opening celebrations of Cannabis City or Uncle Ike’s Pot Shop. First of all, Ocean Greens had been open for more than 2 weeks, and secondly, it was a smaller celebration, much more relaxed and intimate.

Oltion Hyseni, Owner, with ‘first customer’ of grand opening celebration

Oltion makes his dream official with the cutting of the red ribbon

Glass Artist Jamus Todd-Stone during grand opening festivities

Who is Oltion Hyseni?

Olton Hyseni is living the American dream. He grew up in Albania when it was a communist country, but moved to Seattle when he won a lottery for a green card. Most recently, he won a lottery which allowed him to obtain a retail post shop license. Talk about having a bit of good luck. You can read more about Olton Hyseni here.

Win the Lottery, Visit Amsterdam

So what was the first thing Oltion Hyseni did when he won the lottery which allowed him to open up Ocean Greens? He bought a ticket and flew to Amsterdam. During his month stay, Hyseni hung out and smoked ‘White Widow’ with the owners of ‘The Bulldog,’ the chain of famous coffeeshops (marijuana cafes). He soaked in the cannabis culture and industry, and brought back with him tons of inspiration.

This inspiration is evident in the interior design of Ocean Greens. It’s cozy, warm, and welcoming. An old wooden bar oozing of character and accented by neon lights, looms from one side of the shop. Stain glass windows and edgy art, lay on the walls. A lone fireplace sits subtly announces its’ existence.

Vintage Wooden Neon Bar

Beautiful stain glass accent with local art

Cannabis painting

Glass pipes

Thinking About the Future

Even though Ocean Greens has only been opened for a short period of time, Oltion Hyseni has invested some thought into the future of his recreational marijuana enterprise. There is space next to the shop where he can open an Amsterdam style coffeeshop if laws or regulations allow this in the future. This would be ideal as there are not many places where people can go to consume marijuana.

Marijuana Review: Blue Dream by Liberty Reach from Seattle Area Shop Herbal Nation

September 25, 2014 By Fischer Campbell

I had the pleasure of getting my hands on some Blue Dream, handmade by Liberty Reach – and currently being sold at Bothell’s Herbal Nation.

Liberty Reach is a grower based out of Raymond, Washington. Using a brief Google search, one can find out that Liberty Reach is actually a “brand name” for producer/processor BMF Washington. There is no official website for BMF Washington or Liberty Reach (that I could find), but there is a BMF Washington Facebook page with 6(!) likes.

Herbal Nation was selling two different Blue Dream’s from Liberty Reach: one batch had a stronger THC percentage, and cost slightly more. Naturally, I went for the higher THC Blue Dream because, why not?

The packaging itself is simple, adorning an image of a mountain with stars. It has a homemade feel, further reinforced by the line “handcrafted in Raymond, Washington”.

This specific Blue Dream has a very pungent and sweet smell, with a slight lingering spice. It seems to permeate through the bag, beckoning to be sampled.

The Specifics:

THC: 21.02%

CBD: .154%

Harvest Date: 7/28/14

Back of the Liberty Reach Cannabis Packaging

Liberty Reach’s Blue Dream is decently dried, but I wouldn’t call it well cured. Despite that fact, there is an excellent balance of nug to leaf ratio, providing mostly bud – but yielding a keef frosted leaf around every corner. I actually enjoyed the ratio, as I prefer to stick a leaf at the bottom of each bowl to help prevent precious herbs being pulled through without restricting air flow.

Smoking out of a water pipe, Blue Dream tastes fresh with a gradual sour flavor (which is delicious). Smokeability itself is superb, the buds burn great and aren’t harsh.

Getting high with this Blue Dream will result in an instant wave of euphoria upon exhaling. The feeling comes on strong, and you’ll continue to peak higher over the course of a half hour; it’s kind of like watching a balloon rise up towards the skies, uncontrolled and at the mercy of the elements taking it higher.

It’s a wonderful feeling though – one I would recommend for those with a couple hours to fully enjoy it. This is not the herb you want to smoke right before you have to do anything important – like work. The way the high builds is very intense and should be enjoyed without constraints of order; in a couple hours you’ll be sorted, and moving on to the next hit. Also, I’m not advocating getting high before work… I just know some people do it and am giving them fair warning.

Comedown is not as bad as you would imagine for such a high THC content strain, but still you’re going to feel on the tired side. It’s basically like taking a trip to outer space and back – but without getting the bends.

Heed my advice: save this superbly potent Blue Dream for a day off, take your protein pills, and put your helmet on.

I got Liberty Reach’s Blue Dream at Herbal Nation in Bothell. $29.99 / gram.