Oregon’s Finest Offers Chic Cannabis in Portland

Portland’s Pearl District is home to some of the most trendy art galleries, treasured brew pubs and hip, eco-friendly clothing shops in the United States. On NW Kearney Street, bordered by chic cafes and coffeehouses, Oregon’s Finest — the state’s first licensed medical cannabis dispensary — fits in perfectly with its ranch branded, reclaimed barn wood sign and attractive storefront.

Opening the locked door requires the push of a doorbell and showing valid Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) documents. The process is quick and efficient and the dispensary entryway offers literature that reflects the ethos of the dispensary, including books on organic growing, soil health and medical cannabis research. With the commencement of Oregon’s recreational sales on Oct. 1, a second Oregon’s Finest cannabis club opened its doors near the convention center across the river.

On the retail floor of Oregon’s Finest, knowledgeable budtenders deliver facts to patients in an unobtrusive way, allowing customers a free-range exploration of available goods. Because patient education is a strong suit with the staff, they offer valuable information about featured growers, strains and the methods of cultivation. The welcoming appearance of the retail space features canvasses from local artists —  adding life and color to the area — in a space that could just as easily be the elegant tasting room of a Napa winery.

Owners Troy Moore and Tyson Hayworth are both local organic cannabis farmers as well as active members of the lobbying and rule-making organizations involved in the progression of legalization in Oregon.

Moore is the man behind Ideal Farms, a large-scale, organic medical marijuana farm in Northwest Oregon. His operation is certified by “Clean Green,” an organic cannabis certification enterprise that models its requirements off of USDA organic regulations. The dispensary requires that all product vendors and distribution companies meet the same standards before being included on the shop’s shelves.

“We offer complete transparency when it comes to our products,” says Moore proudly. “If we wouldn’t smoke it, eat it or dab it, then neither should you.”

He specializes in cultivating strains that are high in CBD, such as Pennywise, Harly-Tsu and Harlequin and THC strains like Emerald Jack, Mt. Hood Magic and Thunderberry OG.

Hayworth is also the founder of Sofresh Farms located in rural Canby, Oregon. As a farmer, he is heavily influenced by organic practice forerunner Elliot Coleman and living soil expert Jeff Lowenfells. Being a father, he highly regards organic cannabis farming practices, not wanting to expose his family or his consumers to harsh and dangerous inorganic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides. His focus is on soil health and microbiological density, water quality, air quality, surrounding flora and environmental toxin mitigation.

Standout strains not to be missed include the house-grown Nuken, Durban Poison and Marionberry Kush. Oregon’s Finest also features an extensive edibles menu of specialty, organic treats created with flavors that are not widely found elsewhere, such as medicated Hawaiian red salt and black salt for cooking, vegan ice cream and medicated ginger ale and kombucha.

Originally published in issue 18 of Cannabis Now. LEARN MORE