Marijuana dispensaries are a part of L.A.'s culture. They are hidden away in your neighborhoods and many people don't even give them a second glance due to their familiarity. The L.A. City Council has begun trying to erase pot dispensaries from the city's existence but a few thousand signatures have been gathered for a referendum to stop the ban.
With all the commotion surrounding pot shops in Los Angeles, it is time to take a break and reminisce on the good times (lighting up is optional). Here is a look at 10 of the best photos featured in Ryan Mungia's zine, Pot Shots , and what he has to say about them.
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10. THC
“This dispensary, with its ivy-covered brick and sharp angles, feels more like a government office than a place to buy pot.” —Ryan Mungia
9. L.A. Kush Hemporium
“A neighborhood favorite, 'LA Kush Hemporium' utilizes sophisticated graphics and a colorful facade to attract its clientele.”
8. District Collective
“'District Collective' fits comfortably in the Southern California landscape and makes good use of the Art Deco facade.”
7. VHC
“Many dispensaries elect to fly under the radar with a non descript facade. VHC, with it's bright graffiti logo of a drugged-out octopus, isn't one of them.”
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6. Herbal Cure
“The security guard at 'Herbal Cure' wasn't very happy about us taking pictures. Here, you see him defiantly returning the favor.”
5. West LA
“Vaguely named 'West LA,' this dispensary could almost be mistaken for an upscale sushi restaurant if it weren't for the green cross.”
4. The Green Palace
“Typical of many dispensaries in Los Angeles, 'The Green Palace' has little in the way of logos or signage, just a painted green facade.”
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3. G Spot
“The Valley is rife with marijuana dispensaries. The aptly named 'G-Spot Patient Collective' sits next to a strip club.”
2. The Green Easy
“A surprisingly large number of dispensaries opt to use puns for their names. They include 'The Grateful Meds,' 'Field of Greens,' and 'The Green Easy,' pictured here.”
1. Cadillac
“If the green cross doesn't tip you off that this mysterious storefront sells marijuana, the cycloptic figurehead next to the door most certainly will.”
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