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Your insider guide to Anchorage's premier cannabis dispensaries, from 24-hour convenience to craft cultivators
Anchorage has established itself as Alaska’s cannabis capital, hosting the most retail shops per capita in the entire country. This city of around 289,300 residents generated over $50 million in cannabis sales in the first half of 2025 alone, bringing in $2.6 million in local tax revenue. Whether you’re seeking hand-trimmed flowers from local cultivators, late-night shopping convenience, or expert guidance from knowledgeable budtenders, you’ll find exceptional options throughout Alaska’s largest city. For help understanding the difference between indica and sativa strains, Herb’s educational guides can enhance your shopping experience before you visit.
Cannabaska stands as one of Anchorage’s largest and most established cannabis destinations, featuring both a retail operation and on-site cultivation facility. This dispensary pioneered the “deli style” shopping experience in Anchorage, allowing customers to hand-select their flower before it’s weighed and packaged in front of them, ensuring you never get stuck with overly dry or wet product.
The spacious location features a comfortable, stylish waiting room and extended hours that make shopping convenient for any schedule. Their in-house grow operation means access to over 100 strains of fresh, locally-cultivated cannabis.
What Makes Them Special:
Best For: Cannabis enthusiasts seeking variety, shoppers who want to see their product before purchase, anyone needing late-night or early-morning access
Location & Hours:
Great Northern Cannabis revolutionized Anchorage’s cannabis retail scene with competitive pricing, high-quality in-house flower, and a commitment to customer education. With three locations across Anchorage (Downtown, Dimond, and Tudor), this locally-owned operation has built a loyal following through consistent quality and knowledgeable staff.
The downtown location offers easy access for urban residents and visitors, with a modern atmosphere and budtenders who undergo extensive training on terpene profiles, cannabinoid ratios, and strain effects.
What Makes Them Special:
Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers seeking quality, first-time visitors wanting expert guidance, locals who appreciate consistent quality
Location & Hours:
Enlighten Alaska brings a bright, welcoming approach to cannabis retail, with particularly friendly service for newcomers and experienced consumers alike. This dispensary emphasizes sustainability through container recycling programs and community involvement, while maintaining competitive pricing and quality products.
The clean, well-organized interior and helpful staff create an approachable environment that removes intimidation from the cannabis shopping experience.
What Makes Them Special:
Best For: Environmentally-conscious consumers, first-time cannabis shoppers, medical patients seeking guidance
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House of Green represents Alaska’s cannabis culture at its finest, featuring hand-trimmed flower cultivated by their in-house operation, BAM Alaska (Bad Ass Marijuana). With two Anchorage locations, this locally-owned small business combines over 50 years of combined cultivation experience with a commitment to boutique-style, small-batch harvests.
The bright green building on Minnesota Drive has become an Anchorage landmark, offering both pre-packaged and deli-style flower selections alongside a full menu of concentrates, edibles, and accessories.
What Makes Them Special:
Best For: Cannabis connoisseurs appreciating craft cultivation, shoppers seeking Alaskan-grown products, veterans looking for quality and value
Location & Hours:
With three locations across Anchorage (Muldoon, Old Seward, and Spenard), Catalyst Cannabis has earned a reputation for treating cannabis shopping as a wellness experience rather than a simple transaction. The welcoming atmosphere extends even to four-legged friends, with dog treats available for customers’ pets.
What Makes Them Special:
Best For: Shoppers seeking personalized guidance, pet owners, customers who appreciate a community-focused retail experience
Location & Hours:
Alaska Cannabis Exchange brings extended hours and broad product selection to south Anchorage shoppers. This dispensary operates nearly daily until 10pm, with Sunday hours providing convenient access when many other shops close early.
What Makes Them Special:
Best For: South Anchorage residents, Sunday shoppers, customers seeking extended evening hours
Location & Hours:
No, all adults 21 and older can purchase recreational cannabis in Anchorage without a medical recommendation. Alaska’s recreational market is fully accessible with any government-issued ID. However, medical marijuana patients can access the same products without additional benefits, as Alaska does not tax medical cannabis differently than recreational purchases. Purchase limits are identical for both medical and recreational customers at one ounce of flower or seven grams of concentrate per transaction.
Anchorage’s competitive market keeps prices reasonable compared to many other states. The city’s high concentration of dispensaries (the most per capita in the nation) creates downward pressure on pricing. Most shops offer quality flower starting around $30-45 per eighth, with premium strains and exclusive genetics reaching $50-65. Alaska’s $50 per ounce cultivation tax adds to costs, though recent legislative discussions have explored reducing this to encourage product innovation. Check Herb’s deals page for current Anchorage promotions before shopping.
No, Alaska law prohibits cannabis consumption in public spaces, including streets, parks, and sidewalks. Consumption must occur in private residences or designated on-site consumption locations. Alaska became the first state to approve on-site cannabis consumption regulations in 2019, with the first licenses issued in January 2020, with businesses like Good Titrations in Fairbanks and Cannabis Corner in Ketchikan now offering legal consumption lounges. Several Anchorage dispensaries are exploring similar options, though traditional retail locations do not permit on-site consumption.
Deal quality varies by product category and timing, but several shops stand out for value. Great Northern Cannabis maintains competitive everyday pricing rather than heavy promotions, with products priced according to quality and THC content. Cannabaska offers a popular loyalty rewards program that customers rate as “the best in town”. House of Green features daily in-house specials and a 10% first-time customer discount. Most Anchorage dispensaries offer first-time visitor discounts and loyalty programs rewarding repeat business.
Alaska regulations currently do not permit cannabis delivery services. All purchases must occur in-person at licensed retail locations with valid identification. However, many Anchorage dispensaries offer online ordering with in-store or curbside pickup, combining convenience with compliance. Cannabaska, Great Northern Cannabis, House of Green, and Enlighten Alaska all provide online ordering systems that allow you to browse menus, place orders, and minimize time spent in-store.
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