SHOP REVIEW

SWEET FLOWER

MELROSE

A WORTHY MISSION

This ever-expanding operation is different from many of its corporate counterparts, in that their goal is to see the communities most impacted by the insidious War On Drugs bloom in the legal industry. Their mission statement is to hire local and inclusive, diverse team members, fund and commit to social equity programs, and carry brands owned and operated by BlPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks, as well as brands who share this mission of social change. Under its Sweet Flower Shares community investment program, the dispensary chain has “donated over $175,000 to local community organizations in Los Angeles, started a social equity program (working with Equity First Alliance and the Hood Incubator), operated expungement clinics with Cage Free Repair, appointed its executives to the boards of directors of Cannabis for Black Lives and the Black Cooperative Investment Fund, and started a program to support BIPOC-owned Cannabis companies throughout California.”

AN INVITING VIBE

Many Cannabis stores these days have a goal of breaking the stigma of Cannabis by trying to turn their retail environments into that which resembles an Apple store. While this may seem cool to the new and unfamiliar consumer, those of us who have been around since before legalization remember a time when dispensaries had character and charm. Upon arriving at Sweet Flower on the iconic Melrose Avenue, I immediately noticed something special. The groovy ”Find Your HIGHway” window display, and the marigold and navy logo mural both create a fun and inviting street view, matching the caliber of the other high end Melrose shops. While its clean white walls, spacious sales floor, and minimalist vibe give the customer a sleek retail experience, this retailer still manages to feel warm and inviting. Inside, the natural light which pours in from the massive windows and skylights replaces the need for stark fluorescents. The unmistakable California beach vibes are reflected in the light wooden display cases, and the multitude of plants and greenery – especially the large tree which sits atop the flower display surrounded by a chic circular light – gives the store elements of nature and nods to the respect which should be given to Cannabis as a healing plant, and not just a commodity to be bought and sold. While the decor is incredible, the true decoration and radiance comes from the vibrant, colorful, aesthetically pleasing, high quality products that line the shelves.

CURATED QUALITY

Articulately organized by product type (edibles, flower, wellness, pre-rolls, etc.), the store offers a stress-free shopping experience. Unlike other dispensaries, the products on the shelves are not just for hype value. You can tell the buyers curate products based on quality, social equity, and commitment to elevating the Cannabis community as a whole. Compared to the industry average of 2%, 17% of the brands carried by Sweet Flower are BIPOC owned. Lifted Legacy, SF Rootz, Ball Family Farms, La Familia, Viola, Baby Jeeter, Dose of Saucy and Noir, just to name a few. As the industry grows, the store is committing to raising that percentage by supporting emerging BIPOC owned brands through their social equity programs and partnerships.

THE KNOWLEDGE BASE

Another testament to their LA roots and commitment to industry representation is the staff, or “florists” as they are called at Sweet Flower. They employ 180 local team members, 80% of whom are African American or Latinx. The florists are incredibly knowledgeable about products, helpful with finding customers the perfect “HIGHway” for their needs, not to mention cheerful, kind and funny. This helpful and welcoming attitude is reflected in the management as well.

A COHESIVE EXPERIENCE Rewind to 2006, when Sweet Flower was founded as a medical collective in Los Angeles. Long before the new hip and trendy wave of Cannabis stores lined the streets of nearly every neighborhood in LA, Sweet Flower has been a community oriented collective prioritizing the needs of Cannabis patients for over a decade. Fast forward to 2018, Sweet Flower has expanded their deeply rooted mission, opening up multiple new locations in high profile areas of LA such as Melrose, The DTLA Arts District, Studio City and Westwood.

Sweet Flower’s ambiance, product selection, staff and mission are a shining example of what California Cannabis can be. Whether you are a first-time customer or seasoned user, you will find yourself feeling great during and after your visit. Their ongoing commitment to elevating everyone who deserves to be in the legal industry is what Cannabis should really be about – healing, elevation and growth for all.

THEIR GOAL IS TO SEE THE COMMUNITIES MOST IMPACTED BY THE INSIDIOUS WAR ON DRUGS BLOOM IN THE LEGAL INDUSTRY.

SWEET FLOWER MELROSE

8163 MELROSE AVE., LOS ANGELES, CA OPEN 8AM-10PM DAILY SWEETFLOWER.COM