“Tourist in My Own Country” by Jodie Gould

Behind the Green Door of Rebelle Cannabis Dispensary

My husband and I recently visited Rebelle, the high-end cannabis store tucked in the leafy Berkshires town of Great Barrington, MA. While many dispensaries can have a medicinal feel, this beautifully designed woman and minority-owned shop is warm and welcoming.

Everything from its resin-infused countertops and displays of pre-rolls, tinctures and aromatic buds, to the wallpaper of nude nymphs was meticulously chosen by founder Charlotte Hanna, a former interior designer. “I wanted to give my customers a place where they can linger and unwind,” says Hanna.

In addition to a menu of locally-sourced flowers with descriptions like “giggly” and “relaxing,” Rebelle will offer workshops on wine/food/cannabis pairings (the cannabis flavor palate includes pepper, spice, citrus, wood and floral “notes”), and host bachelorette and birthday parties in the post-pandemic future. Another unique offering is chill time in a yurt, complete with meditative light and sounds. In keeping with its name, the socially-conscious owners donate 3% of its net profits to expunging low-level cannabis convictions.

While my husband is a cannabis connoisseur who says a toke or two improves his creativity and concentration, marijuana can make me feel anxious; so I asked a knowledgeable budtender to recommend something that would make me feel happy instead of hoppy. He suggested a black cherry chocolate bar with a 1:1 ratio of cannabinoid (CBD) to THC. Apparently, this balance works as a paranoia protector. I plan to spend a self-imposed lockdown evening enjoying this head candy.