By OG Strain

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Let’s get one thing straight right out the gate—OG Strain does not play about his flower.

I’m not the guy grabbing mystery eighths from behind bulletproof glass while someone who’s never smoked a joint in their life reads me terpene notes off an iPad like they’re ordering wine at a five-star restaurant. Nah. If I’m spending my hard-earned money, I want quality, I want selection, and most importantly—I want that “open the jar and forget what you were saying mid-sentence” type of experience.

So if you’ve ever wondered where I actually shop in the 518… I’m about to put you on game. No gatekeeping. No fluff. Just the real spots that consistently deliver.

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Legal Dispensaries: Where Compliance Meets Gas

1 – Stage One (Rensselaer)

If dispensaries were judged like the Olympics, Stage One already took gold, did a backflip, and lit a joint on the podium.

The owner, Mirk, isn’t chasing a bag—he’s chasing bragging rights. And let me tell you… mission accomplished. This place is easily one of the best dispensaries in the 518, and it’s not even close on some days.

The vibe? On point.
The selection? Dangerous.
The convenience? They deliver up to 25 miles—so yes, you can literally have fire pulled up to your doorstep like it’s Uber Eats for your soul.

And it’s not just a dispensary either—Stage One is really a full-on experience. They host legit concerts, run a studio/podcast setup, and have built something that feels more like a cannabis culture hub than just a place to buy bud.

If you live within an hour and haven’t been here yet, I don’t know what you’re doing… but stop doing it and go.

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2 – Electric City Cannabis Co. (Schenectady)

Now THIS right here… this is how you sell weed.

Electric City Cannabis Company said, “What if customers actually see and smell what they’re buying?” Revolutionary concept, right? Apparently.

Their bud tables are A1. I’m talking magnified views, full aroma access—you can actually meet the strain before committing. It’s like speed dating, but instead of heartbreak, you leave with an eighth of something that changes your life.

No long lines.
No awkward waiting rooms.
No “uhhh let me ask my manager.”

And the staff? They actually know what they’re talking about. That alone deserves a round of applause.

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3 – Upstate Canna Co. (Union Street, Schenectady)

Respect where it’s due—Upstate Canna has been doing this since before it was cool.

They’ve got experience, consistency, and that “we’ve seen it all” energy. When you walk in, you’re not dealing with rookies. These are vets. And in the cannabis game, that matters.

They didn’t just open—they set the tone.

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The People’s Joint (State Street, Schenectady)

This spot feels exactly like the name suggests—for the people.

Super friendly staff, chill atmosphere, and it’s never overwhelmingly packed. It’s one of those places where you walk in stressed and leave like, “You know what… life ain’t that bad.”

Always a solid stop.

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Cannabis City (Near the Casino, Schenectady)

Newer on the scene, but already making noise.

Good selection, clean setup, and I gotta give them props for their rewards system. Spend $200, get $20 back. It might not sound life-changing—but trust me, that adds up faster than your snack bill after a heavy indica.

Every little bit helps… especially in this economy.

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Pop-Up Vendors: Where the Real Hustle Lives

Now let’s talk about the heartbeat of the culture—the pop-ups. This is where relationships matter, quality speaks loud, and reputation is everything.

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1 – Higher Beings x Hudson Valley Green

This isn’t even a debate.

Whether you catch Higher Beings or Hudson Valley Green, just know you’re dealing with the same powerhouse energy. Danni Burns and Kevin Graham are basically the LeBron and D-Wade of this lane—different jerseys, same championship mindset.

The quality? Elite.
The selection? Crazy.
The prices? Arguably the best in the state.

You want top-tier flower without feeling like you just financed it? This is where you go.

They’ve mastered the balance of quality, quantity, and price—which, let’s be honest, is the holy trinity of cannabis shopping.

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2 – Buddah Brothers

If you know, you know.

Buddah Brothers consistently brings top-shelf strains, and yeah—the prices can lean a little higher. But here’s the thing… they’re willing to work with you.

You buying bulk? They’ll talk.
You trying to build a relationship? They’ll remember you.

And let’s talk about that Halle Berry strain… purple, pretty, and had me feeling like I had my life together for a solid two hours. A rare experience.

This is quality with personality—and that goes a long way.

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3 – The Gas Station (Not an Actual Gas Station… Relax)

Before y’all start in the comments—no, you are not pulling up next to pump 3 for an eighth.

“The Gas Station” is just the name. And the man behind it, Jmo? He’s pushing some of the highest quality flower in the state. Period.

Now… let’s address the elephant in the room.

$50 eighths.

Yeah… I said it. That’s premium pricing. That’s “special occasion” pricing. That’s “I just got paid and I’m feeling irresponsible” pricing.

BUT—and this is a big but—the quality backs it up.

This is the type of bud that doesn’t look crazy at first glance… but then you smoke it and suddenly you’re questioning reality, your plans for the day, and whether you’ve been underestimating this man your whole life.

If the prices ever come down?
This might be the #1 vendor in the state. No exaggeration.

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Farms & Private Growers: The Hidden Gems

Lazy Day Farm

Outdoor done right.

Lazy Day Farm is proof that you don’t need fancy indoor setups to produce absolute heat. Their flower is clean, flavorful, and priced more than fairly.

This is that “back to the roots” cannabis—grown with care, not rushed for profit.

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Johnny “Fed” Federighi (Private Grower)

Now this… this is one of those “if you know, you know” situations.

Johnny, aka Fed, isn’t out here vending or promoting. He’s not chasing attention—he’s perfecting his craft.

Small batches.
High quality.
No shortcuts.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on his flower—whether it’s gifted or purchased—you already know you’re smoking something special.

This is passion-grown cannabis. And it shows.

And while we’re talking about growers moving like that—respect also goes to John Gilboy of Gilly Greens. I haven’t had the chance to dive as deep into his catalog yet, but from what I’ve tried so far, it’s clear he’s cut from that same cloth. Small-batch quality, real attention to detail, and from what I’m hearing… he’s got some serious fire on deck that’s about to be ready. I’m definitely looking forward to getting my hands on more of his work soon.

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Final Thoughts: No Gatekeeping, Just Gas

I’ve bought weed from just about everywhere you can think of—legal, underground, farms, pop-ups, you name it.

But as of right now, today, this is the list.

These are the names that consistently deliver quality, experience, and value. These are the spots I trust with my money—and more importantly, my high.

So whether you’re a dispensary shopper, a pop-up regular, or someone chasing that small-batch magic… you’ve now got the blueprint.

I’m OG Strain…
And these are the places I recommend.

Now go get yourself something that makes you forget why you walked into the kitchen in the first place.