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A friendly face, healing place brightens up edge of Odam PDF Print E-mail
Written by Jaime A. Galindo   
City approves Harborside Health Center cannabis outlet

Oakland’s medical marijuana patient community welcomed its fourth dispensary with the opening of the new Harborside Health Center (HHC). The Center is nestled on the curving bank of the charming Embarcadero Cove — a part of Oakland many people have never seen or heard of!
GANESH APPROVED — A statue of the elephant-god Ganesh reminds patients of the role of Ganja in Hindu religion and Ayurvedic medicine. Photos by Larry Utley, Pepper Design Studio
GANESH APPROVED — A statue of the elephant-god Ganesh reminds patients of the role of Ganja in Hindu religion and Ayurvedic medicine. Photos by Larry Utley, Pepper Design Studio
Its closest neighbor is a marina, and the immediate environs evoke the feeling of a resort, with abundant restaurants, parks, and waterside pathways. This incongruous neighborhood is just the beginning of what makes Harborside different from most dispensaries.

“These people are on the up and up, and are clearly trying to provide safe access to medicine for patients while
also providing services above and beyond the call of duty…” — weedtracker.com patient review

The City of Oakland was the first jurisdiction in California to implement Prop 215’s call for municipalities to regulate safe and affordable access to medical cannabis. That courageous step allowed us to assemble the resources and staff needed for a facility that meets the standards of modern health care” said Harborside CEO Steve DeAngelo.

VERIFIED INTAKE: Steve DeAngelo reviews a qualifying documents with a prospective patient during the intake interview procedure.
VERIFIED INTAKE: Steve DeAngelo reviews a qualifying documents with a prospective patient during the intake interview procedure.
The Harborside facility was custom designed as a medical cannabis dispensary and offers patients exceptional amenities.

Below: Clones for a variety of medical cultivars can be obtained with the appropriate paperwork.
Below: Clones for a variety of medical cultivars can be obtained with the appropriate paperwork.
The one-story brick building sits alongside the 880 freeway, providing easy off-ramp and on-ramp access.

“This is the club Oakland has been waiting for! Classy, classy, classy.” — icmag.com Patient review

It is surrounded on three sides by free off-street parking, and is lined with well manicured flower beds. The entrance way features a wide deck with guardrails, and a lift to provide access for disabled patients.

BUD BAR - The facility features a beautiful wooden counter and spacious interior for its patrons.
BUD BAR - The facility features a beautiful wooden counter and spacious interior for its patrons.
A step inside reveals the same attention to detail. Natural sisal carpets sweep up to a 49-foot long maple counter. Museum quality display cases show off a couple dozen Petri dishes containing samples of juicy green bud, along with a parade of concentrates, and stacks of edibles. One wall glows green from shelves full of clones. A multi-faith altar, bedecked with flowers, faces a stunning portrait of Ganesh, the Hindu elephant god. And the entire place is bathed in natural sunlight pouring through several large windows.

“The entire staff was very helpful, even the security guards were cool. the med selection was great….” — weedtracker.com patient review

“This place has literally become my favorite overnight, simply for how it is operated.” — weedtracker.com patient review

DeAngelo (aka Stevie D), and co-founder Dave Wedding Dress are both long-time activists and their progressive consciousness is reflected in extraordinarily friendly patient service.

Image First time patients are warmly greeted with a handshake and an introduction, and sit down for a brief orientation session, during which their medical cannabis identification is verified and entered into a database. This is followed by a guided tour of the facility, including the Holistic Healing room, where a variety of alternative healing therapies are offered free of charge. “We received over 300 resumes for 20 available positions, and hired only the most qualified candidates” said Stevie.

“I’m glad they gave these people the permits to operate this facility because they seem really dedicated to helping patients” — weedtracker.com patient review

“When I first started visiting dispensaries as a patient, I was shocked by the bar-star attitude I found at many dispensaries. Way too often the service I received was grudging, indifferent, and ill-informed. We wanted to make sure that the people we hired genuinely cared about medical cannabis, genuinely liked people, and were emotionally prepared to provide gentle, caring service to all patients.”

Image Harborside is a full service dispensary, and prides itself on providing a calm and unhurried environment for patients to choose from the extensive selection on hand, including clones and edibles.

“The place really gives off a more medical vibe than most places and they had a kind of spiritual vibe that I dug in there…”
— weedtracker.com patient review

“The staff here are excellent. They are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and clearly qualified for their respective positions.” — icmag.com patient review

From OCBC: south on B’way 0.7 mi. (street numbers go down). Pass under freeway overpass, left onto 880 Southbound entry ramp. From 880 South: take 16th Ave exit. At top of ramp, turn left on Embarcadero. Go 1D4 mile to curve in road, HHC is one story brick bldg on left. From 880 North: take 5th Ave/ Embarcadero exit, at bottom of ramp go left under freeway. At first stop sign, turn left, continue 1D2 mile to HHC (on left side of road).
Directions: From OCBC: south on B’way 0.7 mi. (street numbers go down). Pass under freeway overpass, left onto 880 Southbound entry ramp. From 880 South: take 16th Ave exit. At top of ramp, turn left on Embarcadero. Go 1D4 mile to curve in road, HHC is one story brick bldg on left. From 880 North: take 5th Ave/ Embarcadero exit, at bottom of ramp go left under freeway. At first stop sign, turn left, continue 1D2 mile to HHC (on left side of road).
Counterpersons are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. Samples of all medicine can be examined with microscopes and lights provided by HHC; and questions about the medicine receive intelligent, accurate responses. Stevie D. promises to maintain the easy going atmosphere even as patient traffic increases.

“We’re going to be like Albertson’s—if there are more than three people in line, we’ll open another counter station. We think its important for patients to be given the space they need to make thoughtful decisions about their medication. “

Wheelchair access.

Harborside Health Center
1840 Embarcadero, Oakland
11AM-8PM • 7 days/week
510-533-0147
 harborsidehealthcenter.com
 
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