The Ganja Traveler’s Guide to Santa Ana

Today, when we think of SoCal cannabis meccas, LA and San Diego may come to mind first, but there’s another destination you’d be remiss to overlook.

Welcome to the vibrant city of Santa Ana, where the sun-kissed streets are lined with palm trees and the cannabis culture is thriving. Known for its stylized cannabis shops, a charming and walkable downtown, and a plethora of amazing food, art, and cultural experiences, Santa Ana is a haven for those seeking a perfect blend of cannabis and adventure. 

Let’s go on an unforgettable journey through Santa Ana’s cannabis scene. From top-notch shops to cannabis-friendly activities, get ready to immerse yourself in the laid-back charm of this Southern California gem. 

When you visit a destination, it’s not just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about immersing yourself in the essence of a place. The food, the art, and nature all contribute to what makes a destination truly special.

Effect Pairing is the act of intentionally combining cannabis consumption with various activities or experiences to enhance the overall effect and enjoyment. This practice acknowledges that different strains and consumption methods can produce distinct effects, from relaxation and euphoria to creativity and focus.

*Pro Tip:* Share your cannabis experience level, preferred method of ingestion, and pairing activity of choice with your budtender. Remember to always ‘start low and go slow’ if you choose THC-rich products. As always, consume responsibly, fellow travelers, and may your adventures be infused with the magic of cannabis!

Mission Control Bar Arcade, The Frida Cinema, Santa Ana Zoo, Alta Baja Market, South Coast Safe Access Cannabis Dispensary, My Green Network, 420 Central, Jaderoom Santa Ana Cannabis Dispensary & Delivery, Herban Kulture, Farmacy Santa Ana, Evergreen, ASHE Society, Centennial Park, Burritos La Palma, Bowers Museum, The Spot, From The Earth Weed Dispensary, Blüm Santa Ana Cannabis Dispensary, PACKS Weed Dispensary Orange County, Tropicanna Dispensary And Weed Delivery

• Mission Control Bar Arcade, United States

  
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  <p>Effect Pairing Activity: Nostalgic Arcade Games pair well with an elevating sativa cultivar or products high in THCV, limonene or pinene terpenes.</p><p>Mission Control serves crafted cocktails, local beer, and a retro 80s arcade.</p>

• The Frida Cinema, United States

  
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  <p>Effect Pairing Activity: Arts &amp; Culture</p><p>Cannabis with floral-type aromas can amplify shapes and colors, and widen one’s imagination and interpretation, ultimately enhancing art-centered experiences.</p><p>Orange County's year-round film festival, presenting quality independent, classic, student, short, anime, and avant-garde cinematic programming, complemented by community engagements, live concert events, and other diverse cultural experiences.</p>

• Santa Ana Zoo, United States

  
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  <p>Effect Pairing Activity: Nature</p><p>Certain cannabis products with fruit and citrus-type aromas are known to boost energy and magnify the present moment, ultimately enhancing nature-centered experiences.</p><p>This charming zoo features over 120 species of animals, including some of the smallest monkeys in the world, the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins. The zoo also includes the Crean Family Farm, the Zoofari Express Train Ride, endangered species carrousel, and the "Fifty Monkeys Ferris Wheel."</p>

• Alta Baja Market, United States

  
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  <p>Effect Pairing Activity: Culinary</p><p>Cannabis with fuel-type aromas are known to enhance appetite and amplify flavor, taste, and texture, ultimately elevating foodie and dining experiences.</p><p></p><p>Alta Baja's menu focuses on primarily breakfast and lunch and incorporates heirloom ingredients, the seasons and food preservation techniques (the owner, Delilah Snell, is a former Master Preserver). They also have an extensive michelada menu of over a dozen flavors and one of the largest collections of Mexican wine in the country.</p>

• South Coast Safe Access Cannabis Dispensary, United States

  
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  SCSA has been serving the community since 2015, so they have a strong commitment to wellness and the patients they have helped access their medicine for nearly a decade. They have grown to serve both medical and recreational audiences. SCSA prides itself on forming unique one-on-one relationships with its customers and offering discreteness and quality products at affordable prices. Their budtenders are happy to use their knowledge to remove the stigma of cannabis and serve their community well.

• My Green Network, United States

  
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  Welcome to Willy Wonka Factory of cannabis! Similar to grapes and wine, the cannabis plant is able to create many types of products. My Green Network is a leading cannabis product manufacturer based in Santa Ana that offers private tours for small groups, by appointment only. Be sure to book far in advance for this special experience.

• 420 Central, United States

  
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  420 Central prioritizes one-on-one service and welcomes any questions or concerns a visitor may have, ensuring the experience is personalized and informative. 420 Central makes it their top priority that every visitor receives top-shelf quality cannabis products. Budtenders are welcoming and helpful in guiding visitors to the perfect cannabis for whatever interest and experience level.

• Jaderoom Santa Ana Cannabis Dispensary & Delivery, United States

  
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  Jaderoom OC is a must-visit destination for cannabis enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. At Jaderoom OC, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking 30-foot-high art mural, showcasing the dispensary's dedication to creativity and expression. Step into their expansive showroom, spanning over 8,000 square feet, where you'll find impressive 10x10 build-outs from some of the world's top cannabis brands. Immerse yourself in the diverse and exciting cannabis culture as you explore their extensive product menu, featuring over 1,500 options to cater to all preferences and needs.

• Herban Kulture, United States

  
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  Herban Kulture is a bright, well-established, and community-oriented dispensary with excellent reviews and a customer-first outlook. They proudly feature a map of Santa Ana on the lobby wall and offer great deals and educational content that keeps their customers happy. With its inviting atmosphere and detail-oriented approach, Herban Kulture is very hospitality-focused and seems tourist-friendly.

• Farmacy Santa Ana, United States

  
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  Farmacy cannabis shop is a quaint, boutique experience that offers a personalized modern cannabis adventure in Santa Ana. The staff is knowledgeable and their willingness to educate visitors is second to none. Farmacy has sections dedicated to wellness, BIPOC-owned brands, and award-winning farms from the Emerald Triangle. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of terpene-rich full-spectrum cannabis flower grown under the California sun, a signature of the Farmacy experience and ethos.

• Evergreen, United States

  
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  Evergreen OC is cheerful, health and wellness-focused, and has served the community since 2016. They offer conveniences like curbside pickup, plenty of parking, and long hours that make cannabis more accessible, all in a lush and welcoming environment. The inviting and browsable store layout is less intimidating than a mega store, but Evergreen still offers plenty of selection.

• ASHE Society, United States

  
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  Ashe Society is a Women / AAPI-owned business focused on customer experience. The space is bright, open, and well laid out, offering a large selection of products. A dedicated budtender is always available to deliver knowledgeable expertise to every customer, making the experience less intimidating and best suited for each customer’s individual needs. In honor of LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who called Orange County home and the nine lives that were lost along with his in 2020, ASHE Society collaborated with three talented artists to design a 90-foot mural to pay tribute to Kobe’s legacy and honor all the victims involved (pictured above). The vivid and touching mural adorns the side of ASHE’s Santa Ana store, and it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re a basketball fan.

• Centennial Park, United States

  
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  Nature Effect Pairing: Centennial Park Explore a citrus or fruity-smelling cultivar or beverage to awaken your senses for an energetic boost and to enhance your exploration. Nature lovers, rejoice! *Time to Breathe:* Our featured Nature Effect Pairing takes us to Centennial Park, southwest of Santa Ana’s artist district. A haven among heritage Oak and Sycamore trees, this park boasts a freshwater lake, hiking trails, and sprawling fields.

• Burritos La Palma, United States

  
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  Foodie Effect Pairing: Burritos La Palma Explore fuel-leaning cannabis cultivars that pair well with culinary experiences. *Hungry Yet?* Head to Burritos La Palma, located in the heart of Downtown Calle Cuatro at 4th Street Market. Indulge in a birria de res burrito, a bold and spicy brick-red stew traditionally made with shredded goat meat. The communal dining area is perfect for savoring the flavors.

• Bowers Museum, United States

  
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  Art Effect Pairing: Bowers Museum Explore the floral and flower-leaning cannabis goodies that pair well with art. Bowers Museum is Santa Ana’s cultural gem. With exhibits and artifacts from around the world, Bowers Museum promises an enriching experience. Whether it’s the Ancient Arts of China or the paintings of the California Bounty collection, the museum offers a feast for the senses.

• The Spot, United States

  
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  The Spot: Fun with Flower Flanked by tropical foliage on the outside, The Spot is a cute little gem of a shop with a super helpful staff. In the lobby, you’ll find a giant Connect 4 board and Jenga game ready for play. The fresh reclaimed wood interior and a Simpsons video game on the sales floor all lend to a friendly and fun vibe. Check out their product demonstration area to learn about featured products.

• From The Earth Weed Dispensary, United States

  
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  From the Earth: Cozy and Cat-Friendly As you enter the parking lot of From the Earth, you are greeted by a colorful mural featuring Gaia herself cupping a cannabis plant. In the lobby and store, there are helpful educational information displays to assist you with your shopping experience. Want to learn more about terpenes? They’ve got a chart for that! This well-stocked shop is decorated in warm wood tones and welcoming to people of all levels of experience. The staff is super helpful with an educational focus and always ready to take the time to answer any questions. While we were there, we made a new feline buddy who’s a regular – how cool is that? Check out their magnifying glass station and get up close and personal with the buds.

• Blüm Santa Ana Cannabis Dispensary, United States

  
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  Blüm: Two Stories of Weed and Wonder Blüm offers two types of experiences and beautiful displays. If you are in a hurry and know what you want, the first floor is the way to go. You will find easy-to-use menu kiosks that you can scroll through for products and prices that also include suggestions for effect pairing so you can choose according to feel. Need to relax? Want to enjoy cannabis on an outdoor adventure? They’ve got your back with insightful recommendations for any mood or activity. Head to their brand highlights wall, where there are smell jars for terpalicious exploration and little magnifying glasses that you can use to see the flower up close. Check out those trichomes! For a more leisurely and experiential visit, head upstairs, where you can learn more about the menu in their product showcase featuring refrigerators full of infused beverages, a plethora of edibles and vibrant brand displays.

• PACKS Weed Dispensary Orange County, United States

  
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  Packs: Cultivation, Culture and Cannabis Do you know how your weed grows? Immerse yourself in the world of cannabis at Packs, where a large window provides a close-up view of their indoor grow cultivation site. Learn about the lifecycle of cannabis from seed to sale while enjoying creative lighting, music, and a vibe that sets the tone for your cannabis adventure. There are a lot of products to peruse, but don’t forget to find the collection of avant-garde gummy bear sculptures (hint: look up) or the extensive display of colorful sneaker collectibles.

• Tropicanna Dispensary And Weed Delivery, United States

  
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  Tropicanna: A Local Favorite with an Island Flair For an authentic Santa Ana cannabis experience with a touch of island whimsy, head over to Tropicanna. Dressed in pinks and teals with a flamingo motif, this beloved boutique highlights locally-made and crafted products – check out the infused pate de fruit gummies and chocolate bonbons! Also noted are their huge concentrate and top-shelf flower selection- feel free to ask one of their helpful and knowledgeable staff for product recommendations to enhance your experience.