Cannabis Conversations | Starbird - Salem, MA Recreational Dispensary

There’s plenty of dispensaries that sit in dull parking lots, dreary highways and sketchy alleyways. Maybe they are better than showing up to a random guy’s house to buy a quarter, but they are far from ideal. And It's too often that people model dispensaries like a soulless pharmacy, instead of an interesting and engaging location with a passion for selling cannabis. The process of buying your weed shouldn't sit on the line between dangerous and soulless, so let’s bring some other options to the table.

The Northeast is known for its beautiful landscapes. Whether it's the Atlantic Ocean, sprawling lakes or endless marshes, there is always a body of water close by. Water carries a lot of energy, and having a bit of natural charm makes the experience of buying cannabis much more special. Dispensaries with a curated aesthetic and attractive locations are becoming increasingly popular, for good reason. People want to feel comfortable, impressed and stimulated in any environment.

We thought we’d give you some places to hit on your travels through New England and further! Take notes on our list of waterfront dispensaries of the North East of the States. From Capes to lakes, these cannabis destinations offer much more than just good products.

Sweetgrass Botanicals. Lee, Massachusetts

Sweetgrass Botanicals sits nestled in the expansive Berkshires, right next to Laurel Lake. Sweetgrass specializes in award winning topicals, concentrate, flower and vape cartridges. Not only do they deliver top tier products, but they are women and minority owned.

Glass, herbs, cannabis- all with a view of the lake !

This dispensary consistently aims to deconstruct old views and values about THC and cannabis,and aims to make things more educational than simply transactional. Sweetgrass has a heavy focus on producing and retailing solventless products, meaning they prefer not to keep products that use chemical solvents on their shelves. They host hash makers and herbalists, constantly improving and sharing their knowledge. Their mission is about supporting your lifestyle with plant medicine, not just simply getting high. However, they can help you do both exceptionally well.

The location is warm, down to earth and very intentional. It's a restored restaurant, the wood flooring and beams and vintage furniture make you feel like you are in a comfy, rustic haven. They have amethyst crystals, real pinecones complimenting all the decor, and a gorgeous view of Lake Laurel.

If you are exploring the scenic Berkshires and need to pick up some pristine products, give Sweetgrass Botanicals a visit!

The Grateful Mind (Wellfleet, MA)

The Grateful Mind is the ideal spot for pot smokers and Dead Heads alike! This dispensary definitely boasts personality. It is located in the historic building for the Wellfleet Savings Bank, built in 1873. It still has Victorian Era charm, with the same elegant countertops and windows used by the bank tellers of many moons ago.

Vintage photograph of the bank’s exterior

Owned by Jason, a proud born and raised Wellfeetian, The Grateful Mind is a dispensary that focuses on quality over quantity. In the off season, Jason is the sole budtender of this beautiful cannabis shop and has . In his words, “My only goal is to get you baked with the best cannabis Massachusetts has to offer.” He loves getting to know the taste and preference of his regulars, so he can recommend products that he swears by.

The Grateful Mind interior, with plenty of Steal Your Face!

The walls are decorated with all kinds of framed art and posters, merging the classic Cape Cod aesthetic with new age stoner appeal. There’s a heavy emphasis on music and culture here as well, and of course cannabis education. The Grateful Mind doesn’t plan on expanding into a huge mega corporation driven solely by profit. It is a humble and wonderfully curated shop that invites people to enjoy the gift of cannabis. If you find yourself visiting the Cape and need some cannabis by the beach, make sure to mark this place on your map and say hi to Jason for us!

Lake Effect (South Hero, Vermont)

Lake Effect is a farmer-owned cannabis dispensary in Vermont's beautiful Champlain Islands. Located in the heart of South Hero, VT, Lake Effect is a short drive from the Burlington area, making it a must stop on your Vermont vacation. Open seven days a week, they serve up a wide selection of recreational cannabis and hemp products from local growers, including from their own farm, Sunset Lake Cannabis. Starting in early 2026 they will be adding Medical Cannabis products for patients with a Vermont Medical Cannabis card.

Not only are they a scenic and fun place to pick up from, but Lake Effect sells their own cannabis and sources from local growers. They heavily emphasize community and education, two vital things when it comes to selling cannabis. It isn’t simply a place to grab your weed and leave, there is always a warm greeting, a welcoming smile and a great chat.

Lake Effect has an effortless, nostalgic appeal. The quaint cabin almost feels like summer camp, and carries that relaxed energy Vermont is loved for. Their regulars boast that the staff is overwhelmingly kind and absolute experts on weed. Being situated in the middle of Lake Champlain promises expansive views and refreshing energy. If you’re visiting friends in Burlington or taking a trip to Canada, make sure you mark this cute island dispensary on your map for your journey!

Baked By the River (Lambertville, NJ)

Of course we have to include dispensaries in New Jersey! This one is a stylish and chic dispensary that’s just a two minute walk to the Delaware River. It is located in Lambertville's historic firehouse, redone to be whimsical while still keeping that old-timey feeling. The owner baked edibles out of her apartment for a decade, so they coined the catchy name, Baked by the River.

This dispensary is women owned, and only sources from independent growers. There are no multi-state operators on their shelves. As cannabis activists and local community organizers, Jesse and her partner Cord fought for cannabis legalization in NJ and now continue to advocate for decriminalization and homegrow. Their selection is heavily curated, only sourcing what they themselves would smoke.

Baked by the River has a passion for supporting women and queer folk as they sell cannabis. You might find bags saying “BUY WEED FROM WOMEN”. They do their part to reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis, and those who struggle with addiction to substances, partnering with the Jane Project and New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition. They show a deep love for their city and everyone who loves cannabis. Their employees boast a loving and compassionate work space where they feel safe and seen, which is another great reason to buy their weed!

If you come through their historic firehouse, you can expect to meet Jesse or Cord and be guided by a truly expert staff of passionate, cannabis consultants to a sampling of the best weed the Garden State has to offer.

A refurbished firehouse is also the coolest dispensary in New Jersey!

Starbird ( Salem, Massachusetts)

Starbird isn’t just any pot shop. It is a specially curated, scenic dispensary that sits on the marina. The interior isn’t sterile, it is full of personality and depth. The decor is whimsical and fun, from seashells and gemstones next to the ounces of cannabis to the gigantic antelope head that watches over all the purchases. You can smell the rich salty wind right when you walk in, and you can see the shoreline waves while you’re picking up your order.

The entire property of the dispensary is gridded with selenite crystals, blooming plants and reiki energy to keep all the good vibes secure. It’s a place to have fun and connect with guests, not just throw high testing products your way and seal it off in a bag with nothing said. The menu is fashioned to platform small businesses and boutique growers, so there is always something unique and special that you won’t find at other places. Starbird specializes in a wide selection of prerolls, bulk flower and concentrates. If mermaids smoked weed, this is where they would buy it!

harbor walkway — How many dispensaries have their own dock?

If you stop by in the sunny summer months, The Cannery is a seaside cabana bar sitting on the property behind Starbird. Many patrons even use their boat at high tide to visit! Don’t like liquor? No worries! The atmosphere is not always centered on alcohol, and there’s movie showings, live band performances, and fun games to play with all our best friends. It gives you a place to really savor that beautiful, fresh seaside atmosphere.

Whether you’re visiting for some spooky Salem festivities or exploring the rich marine history in the summer, Starbird is definitely the place for you to grab your bud, have a chat and amplify your cannabis experience.

The High Road Awaits! Blaze Your Scenic Cannabis Trail

The Northeast is packed with culture. From the dense pine forest and deep lakes, to the fresh running rivers through the mountains and cities, and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, there is beauty in every pocket. Staying cooped up in your home town for too long will make you go nuts, so it's important to find places to visit with diversity and purpose.

Each place listed here carries a different vibe, but they share many things. Fabulous cannabis, beautiful waterfront locations, and genuine people with an honest mission. Remember that cannabis would not have the impact that it does today without inspiring growers and dealers. It is essential to maintain a synergy in the cannabis community. Make sure you buy from places that are keeping your best interest in mind, not just profiting.

All of these dispensaries have a mission that comes from their heart. Exploring dispensaries of the Northeast that are owned by BIPOC, women, farmers, and small independent mom and pops isn’t just fun, it elevates all of us! Smoking cannabis was illegal for many years and still is in most places, so it's important that we remain resilient and connected. Had it not been for the community organization and activism, we would never be able to indulge in our favorite THC delights. Make sure to find the down to earth people in the community who aim to educate and give you insight, not those who look at you just as a consumer.

Now that cannabis is legal in so many states, we can enjoy it while trekking through the country! If you have a trip planned, mark these fabulous dispensaries on your map and give them a visit. Make sure to give them word that Starbird sent you, and let us know how much you loved them when you return.

FAQs: Waterfront Cannabis Dispensaries in the Northeast

Why are waterfront dispensaries gaining popularity in the Northeast?

People are drawn to scenic cannabis experiences. Whether it’s Cape Cod or the Champlain Islands, dispensaries near bodies of water offer a serene, energized atmosphere that enhances the cannabis shopping experience.

What makes small, independently-owned dispensaries stand out?

Independent dispensaries like Sweetgrass Botanicals and Baked by the River often have strong ties to community, education, and activism. They prioritize curation, solventless products, and supporting local growers over mass production.

Can I find dispensaries that prioritize wellness and plant medicine over just getting high?

Yes—places like Sweetgrass Botanicals and Starbird focus on cannabis as part of a lifestyle. Their approach blends education, herbalism, and natural healing with THC enjoyment, providing a more intentional experience.

Is cannabis tourism a thing in New England?

Absolutely. From Vermont lakes to Jersey rivers, more people are building cannabis stops into their travel plans. These dispensaries are more than stores—they’re destinations that celebrate cannabis culture and local flavor.

What should I look for when visiting a dispensary on vacation?

Seek out dispensaries with strong aesthetics, knowledgeable staff, and unique product lines. Prioritize those that uplift small growers and offer a curated menu. Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery and connect with the local vibe!

Waterfront Dispensaries in the Northeast: A Must Visit Shortlist