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Long time smoker, first time “patient.” It’s still amazing to me that I can walk into a store and legally buy this medicine. You youngsters have no clue what this means to us folks over 40. Anyway, Zen Leaf is the dispensary I chose when getting my IL med card. I live and work in St. Charles and I’m very thankful for having this dispensary here. Things I like: Amazing selection of different strains. From flowers to concentrates, edibles, tinctures and even suppositories, you’ll probably find a strain and method of use to help with your needs . The staff. The staff here are all incredibly compassionate and extremely knowledgeable about the product they sell. No question I’ve asked has been left unanswered. The location. Luckily, I live and work in St. Charles. My job is less than a mile from here, and I can make a run to the shop during lunch if I need to. I know this is subjective, but I love this location. The setting. The store is clean, bright, quiet and smells so damn good. I feel 100% safe and secure on and around the premises. There is plenty of space to relax and ponder the menu, and if you prefer shopping in private, I’ve been told that’s possible here. There’s a clean public restroom and an ATM on premises. As of August, 2019 they are unable to take credit card payment due to ridiculous banking laws in regards to marijuana sales. Cash only here for payment for now. The menu, preorder, specials and loyalty program. The company puts their daily menu online and you’re able to preorder your specified products and have them ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Great touch and a great way to make sure that you’re able to get the product you need, even if it’s a popular choice. They have a different product on special everyday, which they post on a fancy TV signboard in the store or you can have them emailed/texted to you if you choose. The loyalty program is nice too: accumulate 200 points ($200) and get $10 off, 600 points get $35 off, and when you get up to 1200 points, you’ll save $80. Things I’d like to see done differently: The prices. While not out of line with other dispensaries, I’m surprised by how much things like vape carts cost versus on the street. I think they’d be able to offer a little better discounts on a product or 2 without going broke. The cost is what it is though. I don’t think they’re ripping people off, it’s just expensive stuff. The hours of operation. I would like to see them open an hour or two earlier, say at 9am daily and stay open until 7pm. That would make it a little easier for people who live or work out of town and have this as their dispensary of choice. Currently (August, 2019) the hours are M-F 11am - 6pm and Sat./Sun. from 10am to 5pm. I realize prices are out of the control of the shop. I took that into consideration when giving them my 5 stars across the board. I stayed with 5 stars for the hours because they ARE open 7 days a week, so I think anyone could make it in at some point during the week. To wrap up, I love this place and I love that the lawmakers are finally getting the concept of personal choice and personal responsibility (maybe.) We’re lucky to live in this day and age. Thank you Zen Leaf for responsibly taking care of your patients and doing it in a fun, classy and upscale way.