Review Detail

Overview:
Green Works is a premier dispensary in East San Diego specializing in Indicas, specifically OG and Bubba Kush. They have a wide variety of impressive strains, offer daily specials and a frequent member program. Their vibe is very unique and their staff is one of the best. GW’s location is an old house and its budroom is reminiscent of a private coffee shop. GW is San Diego's finest dispensary, an establishment founded by connoisseurs for connoisseurs.


GW is located on University Avenue in East San Diego County near SDSU. I originally had trouble finding the location, but it's become much easier with the addition of a new sign at the entrance. Parking can be a challenge during busy times. There have been numerous times when I've been able to park right in front and others when I've had to park down the block. This minor inconvenience has never hindered my experience at GW mostly because of the dispensary's unique atmosphere, high quality product and exemplary service.

Staff:
GW's staff is friendly, fast, efficient and, most importantly, highly knowledgeable about the strains they carry. GW is professionally and efficiently run. Their menu is updated multiple times per day, a simple detail that is too often lacking at other dispensaries. Compassion often comes up in evaluating dispensaries and the staff certainly delivers in this area. Whether it be a friendly smile and conversation from the receptionist, generosity on the scales in the budroom or patient one-on-one attention with members, GW consistently impresses with compassion in new and creative ways. The constant addition of new specials and better values while improving product quality and variety is a testament to their dedication.


Atmosphere and experience:

The atmosphere at GW reminds me of a private and exclusive coffee shop. The location is an old house and it lends a warm vibe to the dispensary. Once led through a secure door, you are greeted by a friendly receptionsist and find yourself in a cozy waiting room with wood floors and a comfortable sofa. There's a flat screen TV that always has something intriguing on. I've caught myself laughing out loud to Anchorman and staring at a random cartoon. The lighting isn't overly bright and helps establish a mood. Check-in for new members is quick and the staff welcomes them with a helpful tour and an explanation of GW's services and product.

The budroom is the main event and it delivers. Pristine glass cases house jars of well organized gems. The quality of the product is immediately recognizable by the look and, of course, the pungent smell. The dark wood accents help lend character to the budroom. There are coffee beans to smell between checking out strains and two magnifying glasses to help further evaluate the quality of the goods. The smallest details are often what patients remember most. The buds are weighed in front of you and I've never felt rushed. After making selections, patients leave with a brown paper bag stamped with GW's logo with professionally labeled prescription bottles inside.

The best part of the atmosphere at GW is easy to overlook unless you frequent other dispensaries because unlike most dispensaries, GW actually has a vibe. The first time I visited, I remember being struck by this. I was reminded of Grey Area, my favorite coffee shop in Amsterdam. It's small, but intimate and exclusive. It's a coffee shop founded by Americans who are passionate about the quality of their buds. GW is the same. I would describe the crew at GW as weed snobs and it's a compliment of the highest order. You can sense the confidence they have in their quality and it further enhances the ambiance.

Most importantly, GW is a club and it feels like one. Seeing familiar friendly faces truly helps the experience. It can be awkward going to dispensaries for the first time, but I've never felt awkward at GW. There are excellent perks for loyal members as well. UFC fight nights and barbeque's are common and memorable. The reason GW is my dispensary of choice boils down to one simple fact: I've never left dissatisfied.

[B]Bud Quality:[/B]
In short, sensational, consistent and always evolving. I've discovered many of my favorite strains at GW and find new ones almost every visit. Below are just a few of my many favorites:


1.) 619 V.S.O.G* GW Exclusive

Grade: A/A+

Type: Mostly Indica

Lineage: A unique phenotype of OG Kush.

Price: $20/gram, $60/8th, $110/ quarter, $210 half ounce /$400 ounce

Looks: Hairy dank nugs. Dark and light green buds with a ton of orange hairs. Sticky when broken up.

Smell: Pine, citrus, earth and grass. There is a slight sweetness to the scent.

Taste: Like the smell with a piney and slightly sweet grassy flavor. Hit smoothly with heavy lung expansion.

Buzz: Heavy and sedating. Very relaxing and slightly euphoric. Good for sleep. Definitely a late night smoke.

Summary: A unique and heavy example of OG Kush. I’m a fan of nighttime OGs and this one hits the spot. This strain can only be found at Green Works SD in San Diego.

2.) 619 Vader OG Kush

Grade: A/A+

Type: Mostly Indica

Lineage: A unique phenotype of OG Kush

Price: $20/gram, $60/8th, $110/ quarter, $210 half ounce /$400 ounce

Looks: Chunky nugs that branch off into fingerling shapes. Soft, dank and sticky when broken up. Mostly dark green with burnt orange hairs and abundant trichome coverage.

Smell: Pine and citrus with a touch of fuel. Delicate OG scent.

Taste: Similar to the smell out of a vaporizer with a cooling citrus flavor noticeable on early inhales. Smooth vapor that expands in the lung.

Buzz: Relaxing and peaceful high that’s heavy to the body. The effects begin with an immediate head change that’s calming, clear and slightly spacey. The body effects are very comfortable and come on gradually. Heavy doses will lock you to the couch or help with sleep. Best for the evening or late in the afternoon.

Summary: The Vader OG at GW is one of the best examples of OG I’ve come across. I’ve sampled several batches and enjoyed them all thoroughly. The smell and taste aren’t overpowering, but I like them very much. The high is especially memorable; clean, clear and peaceful.

3.) 619 Alien OG Bubba Kush


Grade: A

Type: Mostly Indica

Lineage: Alien OG crossed with Bubba Kush

Price: $20/gram, $60/8th, $110/ quarter, $210 half ounce /$400 ounce

Looks: Big chunky nugs. Dark and light green buds with a few orange hairs and good trichome coverage. Dense, dank and sticky.

Smell: Musty, woody and piney with some sweet spice. Smells a bit like sawdust. Woodier than Bubba Kush, mustier than OG Kush. The scent is closest to Bubba.

Taste: Close to the smell with a musty pine flavor. Rich vapor with moderate lung expansion.

Buzz: Heavy and relaxing. The head high is clear and peaceful. The body buzz is sedating and couch lock-y in high doses. Good nighttime strain.

Summary: A very solid cross of OG and Bubba. The smell and taste was closer to Bubba, but the buzz balanced the characteristics of both strains nicely.


4.) Master Kush



Grade: A

Type: Mostly Indica

Lineage: Hindu Kush crossed with Skunk #1

Price: $18/gram, $55/8th, $100/ quarter, $190 half ounce /$350 ounce

Looks: Dense, frosty and spiky. Medium green with a ton of burnt orange hairs. Trichome coverage is even heavier when broken up with some purple hues noticeable. Nugs are very sticky when pulled apart.

Smell: Musty, woody and skunky with a sweet spiciness. Classic Master Kush scent.

Taste: Woody with a sweet spiciness. Very tasty.

Buzz: Relaxed body buzz with a clear head high. The head high is calming, but active and slightly euphoric. Best for the evening. Great for watching a movie.

Summary: I'm a huge fan of Master Kush and this is a great batch. I loved the taste and buzz. The nugs were nicely frosted and sticky when I broke them apart.


Pricing:
On first glance, GW is a high-end dispensary with standard pricing for their level of quality. However, frequent members will tell you that GW's pricing can be surprisingly low if paying attention to the specials. Below are the current specials offered (these are consistently updated):

4.1 G 8ths Sundays (limit: 2 8ths)

2.2 G for $30 Mondays (1 x per visit)

$50 ALL 1/8's (Includes OG's!!) Tuesdays

4.1 G 8ths Wednesdays (limit: 2 8ths)

2.2 G for $30 Thursdays (1 x per visit)

2.2 G for $30 OR 4.1 G 8ths Fridays (1 x per visit)

$50 ALL 1/8's (Includes OG's!) Saturdays!


Also important to note is their senior member card, giving patients 5% back on every purchase. It quickly adds up. GW also has one of the best return policies of any dispensary I've visited. If you're ever unhappy with a purchase for any reason, they'll happily trade it in for another selection. Additionally, joining the mailing list gives you access to frequent $5 coupons. By timing your purchases with coupons and specials, you'll find fantastic value at GW.



Summary: Green Works continues to set the standard for dispensaries in San Diego by providing compassionate service, reasonable pricing and the finest buds in the city.