“It shouldn’t be this hard to learn about Cannabis.”
- Elizabeth Childs
Elizabeth Childs | Owner of Starbird Cannabis Co.
What is Starbird?
Starbird is an independent, woman-owned cannabis dispensary in Salem, Massachusetts. We're local, family-operated, and proudly different from the big corporate cannabis chains. We know our weed, we listen to our customers, and we're committed to offering the best products at the best prices.
Whether you're new to cannabis or have been enjoying it for years, we'll help you find the products that are right for you. No pressure. No judgment. Just good products, honest recommendations, and people who genuinely care about your experience.
Grandma Flo | Elizabeth’s Grandmother and Inspiration
How We Got Here
It wasn't easy, but it was truly beautiful. And it still is. Because we're in business, and we have this story.
It's a story about our grandmother, Flo.
Long before Starbird existed, Grandma Flo was helping shape the legal cannabis industry in Washington State. She opened one of the state's early retail cannabis stores and became a mentor to us as we pursued our own dream of opening a dispensary in Salem.
But the main thing about Flo is that she's lucky.
She just wins. Stuff. Raffles. Contests. Permits.
When Salem began issuing retail cannabis licenses, there were only a handful available, and competition was fierce. We knew we had a great vision, but we also knew there were plenty of other people hoping for the same opportunity.
So Flo flew out from Washington to help.
At one point, we all sat down with the mayor. During the conversation, Flo was asked a simple question:
"What makes a successful cannabis store?"
Her answer?
"Good products. Nice employees. A good location."
It clicked.
With the mayor. With us.
And years later, it's still our answer.
Good products. Nice employees. A good location.
That's Starbird.
A New Era for Cannabis
Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, but we're living in a new era. Today, there are more choices than ever before.
Looking for flower? We've got it. Prefer something smokeless? There are edibles, beverages, tinctures, topicals, concentrates, and more. Whether you're looking to relax, unwind, socialize, sleep better, or simply explore what cannabis has to offer, there's a product for you.
And if you're not sure where to start, that's what we're here for.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud to serve the North Shore community—but Starbird was never meant to be just a store.
We see cannabis as a bridge. A way to connect people, ideas, and experiences. That’s why we’re building more than just a retail space—we’re cultivating a community.
We’re excited to host events that bring people together: educational workshops, creative pop-ups, wellness classes, local art shows, and more. Whether it’s a conversation about terpenes, a panel on cannabis and mental health, or just a space to vibe and share stories—we want Starbird to be a hub for connection, curiosity, and culture.
We’re also investing in outreach. That means partnering with local nonprofits, supporting small Massachusetts growers and makers, and finding ways to uplift the communities that built this industry long before it was legal.
Our goal? To set the standard for what a dispensary can be—not just in Massachusetts, but across the country. One rooted in transparency, education, and true service. One where people feel welcomed, informed, and inspired.
Because we believe cannabis should bring people together—and it’s our mission to lead by example.
We can’t wait to welcome you in.