Santa Cruz Naturals operates two strategically located dispensaries in California's Central Coast region. Their flagship Aptos location sits nestled in the redwoods just outside historical Aptos Village, conveniently positioned right off Highway 1. Their Watsonville dispensary serves the Pajaro Valley community and surrounding areas, extending their reach throughout the Santa Cruz County market.The company specializes in a comprehensive product portfolio including premium flower, concentrates, edibles, pre-rolls, vapes, and topicals. Their selection ranges from commercial-grade cannabis grown in Southern California deserts to small-batch products from local growers and artisans. Their curated edibles collection features products from local artisans and culinary experts.Many of their products carry Clean Green Certification, following USDA organic standards, and all products undergo testing by SC Labs. The company maintains "Certified Green" business certification, meeting the highest standards for reducing carbon footprint and using ecologically conscious practices.Santa Cruz Naturals offers convenient services including delivery with free shipping on orders over $50, online ordering for pickup, and knowledgeable budtender consultations. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has made them a cornerstone of the local cannabis community.
Santa Cruz Naturals was founded in 2011 by Colin Disheroon, a former outdoor education teacher who discovered cannabis's therapeutic benefits for his chronic back pain. What started as Santa Cruz Mountain Naturals, a neighborhood growing collective in Boulder Creek focused on medicinal cannabis, evolved into one of California's most respected dispensaries.On May 30, 2011, Santa Cruz Naturals opened its doors as a medical dispensary with support from county officials and the local chamber of commerce. The company expanded significantly in 2019, opening their Watsonville location as the first licensed cannabis dispensary in the Watsonville/North Monterey County area.A major milestone came in 2019 when Santa Cruz Naturals created and hosted one of California's first fully licensed cannabis events, the Power of Flower Festival of Music and Cannabis, showcasing over 60 local businesses and world-class bands. The company has earned multiple High Times Cannabis Cup awards, including Best Sativa awards in 2012 and 2014 for their Cracker Jack and XJ-13 Cracker Jack strains.Today, Santa Cruz Naturals operates two locations in Aptos and Watsonville, maintaining their commitment to locally-sourced, sustainable cannabis products while serving both medical patients and recreational consumers.
Santa Cruz Naturals was born from the ethos that there are healthy, natural solutions to many of the problems we face today, viewing cannabis as natural medicine that provides physical and psychological healing through nature. Their core mission centers on destigmatizing cannabis while bringing its healing attributes to all community members.The company is committed to serving their community with cannabis products that prioritize quality, environmental sustainability, and fair pricing. Environmental stewardship remains central to their values, supporting farmers who use Earth-friendly cultivation methods and implementing organic sanitization practices.They offer vape battery recycling programs, providing $5 discounts when customers bring spent batteries to keep them out of landfills. Looking forward, they aim to be a catalyst helping cannabis consumers recognize the benefits of supporting local, environmentally conscious businesses that prioritize community well-being. Their mission extends beyond retail to education, advocacy, and environmental responsibility.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Santa Cruz Naturals' genuine commitment to community and environmental values. As a true mom-and-pop business that's been family-run since their medical era beginnings, they represent authentic local cannabis culture rather than corporate expansion.What sets them apart is their rigorous quality standards - they closely monitor Department of Cannabis Control recall lists and reject products that fail batch tests for banned pesticides, bacteria, or contaminants. This vigilance protects consumers in ways many dispensaries overlook.Their decade-plus commitment to locally-sourced, sustainable products demonstrates consistency rare in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. From reclaimed redwood countertops to their battery recycling program, they practice environmental responsibility daily.For deal-seekers, their loyalty rewards program and regular promotions provide excellent value without compromising quality. Free delivery on orders over $50 adds convenience that busy consumers appreciate. Santa Cruz Naturals proves that premium cannabis and community values can coexist successfully, making them a brand we're excited to feature on Calm Effect.