Saturday, January 30, 2010

Review - 99 High Art Collective

It seems fitting that the 99 High Art Collective should be my first review, as it was the birthplace of my Medical Marijuana recommendation and the first dispensary I've had the pleasure of patronizing. 99 Collective is located on bohemian Abbot Kinney Blvd. in the heart of Venice Beach. The shop is located towards the western end of AK, near Westminster and across from 3 Square Bakery and Cafe. It is easy to miss - it looks like (and is) an art gallery. Enter through the double doors into a lofty space with beautiful beamed ceilings. The walls are adorned with a variety of paintings, most of them sort-of trippy and using neon colors. A partition separates the gallery space from the patients collective in the back. Check in at the large desk / display area towards the back of the gallery and head through the curtains on your right. 99 stocks a great selection of indicas, sativas, hybrids, edibles, concentrates... you name it! The vibe is mellow, the staff very friendly and able to make recommendations and answer questions. 

Sampling is one of my FAVORITE patient activities, and today I was feeling in the mood to try a new Sativa strain. I love a good cerebral, giggly, sparkly high, so I try to stay away from any heavy indicas that easily leave me with a case of "couch lock". 
More after the JUMP


The sales associate guided me through a variety of Sativas, each time pulling out a large glass jar from beneath the glass and mirror display cabinet. A large mounted magnifying glass is available on the counter, so it's easy to get up close and personal with the nuggets before you decide to purchase. I was stuck between three strains - Silver Jack, Coconut Kush, and Pineapple express. The sales associate did not have any personal experience with these particular varietes, so she asked Simian, one of 99's owners, for an opinion. Simian was super helpful and helped me narrow down my selection - Coconut Kush it is! Simian described Coconut Kush as being a giddy, uppity high without any hazy feeling or sluggishness. I purchased one gram to try ( I always buy one gram before going back for more.) which was reasonably priced at $22. I should mention that Coconut Kush is one of the premium strains offered, and $22 seemed to be the cap on grams. Not bad. On the way out, I grabbed a Jolly Lolly for good measure, just $10 and one of my favorite edibles.... more on that later.

I'm looking forward to reviewing Coconut in my next post. In the meantime, be sure to check out 99 High Art Collective, and tell Simian hello for me.. 
99 High Art Collective 
1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
p. 310.450.8699
www.99collective.com















Share |

No comments: