Pacific Beach cannabis dispensary taps Basile Studio for design

Celebrating Independence Day week with a flurry of events, Columbia Care, an international medical cannabis company is launching their first dispensary on the west coast in San Diego. From July 3 to July 6, Columbia Care will be welcoming guests to a series of special treats both in-store and in the dispensary’s parking lot.

The dispensary, designed by award-winning Basile Studio (also known for its work on Ironside, North Park Beer Co., Puesto and many other popular hospitality spots), brings a new edge of style and visual appeal to the cannabis marketplace.

Ahead of its opening, PACIFIC spoke with General Manager Timothy Penwell to get the scoop on top recommended products, working with Basile Studio and the perfect day in San Diego with CBD and cannabis.

PACIFIC: What sets Columbia Care apart from other dispensaries?

TIMOTHY PENWELL: We aim to create dispensaries that feel like home, and we view every interaction, whether with a patient or a recreational adult user, as a chance to learn more about how we can better their quality of life. We are committed to setting the standard for compassion, professionalism, quality care and innovation for this rapidly growing new industry, and we work toward that goal every day.

You worked with Basile Studio on the design, what was that like?

Working with them shows that Columbia Care is committed to defining the quintessential customer experience when it comes to purchasing cannabis products. Walking into a place designed by Basile Studio, whether for a seafood lunch at Ironside or cocktails at Raised By Wolves, sets the tone that what you are about to experience is of the utmost quality. Buying cannabis is a multi-sensory experience in itself, and being in a place that is visually appetizing as soon as you set foot on the property sets us apart from everyone else in San Diego.

What are a few top products you recommend?

CBD tinctures are all the rage, and one of my favorites is from Leef Organics, a California manufacturer. They make a CBD Extract called “Thrival” that is one of the more potent CBD products on the market right now. Thrival is a cannabis derived CBD extract that only requires two drops per dose. Many CBD products out there require up to 1mL per dose, but a couple drops of Thrival in my herbal tea will work just as well.

What do you like most about CBD?

Its mood-balancing attributes. If I wake up on the wrong side of the bed or I’m anxious about the day’s events, CBD tends to provide me with a “sense of well-being” that lasts throughout the day and ultimately helps me to be more productive.

What’s your idea of the perfect day with cannabis and CBD in San Diego?

One, wake up and add Thrival CBD extract to my coffee, tea, or water. Sprinkle Venice Cookie Co.’s infused granola in my yogurt. Two, shower using Leef Organics CBD Charcoal soap to detox my skin, and, after, use Humble Flower’s unscented 1:1 lotion. People use it for its all day anti-oxidant properties. Three, head to brunch at Breakfast Republic and have a Stimulate tablingual from Level. Its THCV helps me regulate my appetite and keeps me sociable. Vape a 3:1 vape pen from Sunday Goods, as needed. Four, if I’m having a spa day, I swallow a Get Zen cannabis oil capsule for long lasting relaxation. After a deep massage, I use Papa & Barkley’s body oil or salve for faster recovery, and nibble on cannabis infused dark chocolates.

Five, after a nice long nap, I enjoy the sunset at Bird Rock with a Cruise pre-roll from Canndescent, a non-alcoholic infused beer from Two Roots, and a couple of fresh catch fish tacos from Oscars.

Columbia Care’s Grand Opening Events

All ages are welcome to enjoy any non-CBD activities in the Columbia Care parking lot. Adults over the age of 21 are permitted to enter the dispensary with a government-issued photo ID card.

Leef Coconut Bar
Leef Organics will be handing out CBD-infused coconut water in fresh coconuts to the first 120 customers in the Columbia Care parking lot between 1-4 p.m. on July 3.

710 Labs Tie Dye Event
Buy any 710 Labs product and get a white 710 Labs T-Shirt to tie dye in the parking lot from 4-7 p.m. on July 3.

Sunday Goods Relaxation Tent
Chair massages and fruit water will be offered in the parking lot from 4-7 p.m. on July 3

Bloom Farms’ DJ
Bringing the beats in-store from 4-7 p.m.

Flow Kana Succulent Station
Pot your own succulent in a repurposed Flow Kana jar in the parking lot from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 4.

Venice Cookie Company Mocktails
Non-medicated cocktails will be served in-store with your favorite Cannabis Quenchers from 1-4 p.m. on July 4.

Marisco’s Truck from Dos Bandidos
On-site in the parking lot from noon to 6 p.m. on July 5.

Two Roots Non-Alcoholic Keg Bicycle
On-site 3-6 p.m. on July 5.

Flav Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
Handing out samples from 2-6 p.m. on July 6.

Food Trucks
Alien Labs & Connected will bring the grub all day.

4645 De Soto St., Pacific Beach, 858.324.5130, col-care.com