For Architectural Digest, by Nick Mafi.
With each passing year, it seems the societal taboos around marijuana are slowly fading into thin air. Consider, for example, the following fact: According to a recent Gallup Poll, support for cannabis legalization in the U.S. is up to 60 percent — an all-time high. What’s more, 28 states and the District of Columbia have recently legalized medical marijuana. With that, of course, comes the potential windfall of new business for cannabis growers and sellers. Yet, there’s another group that should be added to the list of those who will benefit from this, and it’s not who you’d first come to expect: architects and interior designers. Naturally, as the industry grows, and competition stiffens, each company will look for an edge to bring in more patrons. And that includes smartly designed spaces. Although the industry is still in its early stages, AD surveys six of the best-designed marijuana shops across America.
The Apothecarium (San Francisco, California)
Located two miles southwest of San Francisco's financial district, the Apothecarium was designed by the California-based firm Urban Chalet. "We wanted to ensure that the space was accessible and comfortable for anyone who might experience the space," says Michelle Granelli, principal at Urban Chalet. To that end, they blended modern and traditional tones throughout the space, allowing for easy flow around the store as well as maximum privacy, an element Granelli says is very important to consider when designing a marijuana dispensary. apothecariumsf.com/
Evergreen Market (Auburn, Washington)
Founded in 2014, Evergreen Market is a dispensary located roughly 30 minutes due south of Seattle. Designed by architect Brooke McGurdy, the president of KBKM, the space features wood that was repurposed from century-old barns in the northwest region of the state. theevergreenmarket.com/
Grass Roots (San Francisco, California)
Roughly one mile away from the Apothecarium is Grass Roots. Established in 2005, Grass Roots has been around longer than most modern dispensaries. There are plans to expand its current space to allow for a smoke and vaporizing zone in the store. grassrootssf.com/
Paper & Leaf (Bainbridge Island, Washington)
Opened in June 2015, Paper & Leaf is relatively new to the practice of being a marijuana dispensary. But don’t let that fool you — they have created a warm, welcoming environment that keeps happy customers coming back. They implemented repurposed wood and glass cases to display the product, which comes from local farms in Washington. paperandleaf.com/
Silverpeak (Aspen, Colorado)
Located in Aspen, Colorado, Silverpeak features a well laid-out store space that they like to call "upscale yet comfortable." The space even includes several comfortable chairs meant for patrons to sit in and relax, or even read a book. silverpeakapothecary.com/
Diego Pellicer (Denver, Colorado)
Designed by Peter Norris, Greg Quist, and Wayne Lagrone (as the architect), this Denver-based dispensary cost roughly one-million dollars to create. And it's quite evident they spared no expense in outfitting the space. With luxe chandeliers and beautiful (nonmedicinal) vegetation throughout the interiors, patrons might very well be confused as to whether they are in a marijuana shop or a jewelry store. diego-pellicer.com/
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