J........a

First, I am a relatively "new" smoker. I was never really into it until the the laws were passed and the stores started to open. My first experiences, buying, were in SoDo because it was somewhat convenient with a bus I take to work. It was fun while it lasted... and then, a few weeks ago, I saw an article about Origins on Reddit. I was intrigued. Here's the thing, I might be a little biased because this location is a 10 minute walk from my house. This is awesome. I will try to leave that at the door, because convenience is not everything (and it might not be convenient for everyone). The prices here are great on some things and the same on others. I haven't found a product here (or a comparable) that was higher than any other store I have been to. In fact, I purchased some awesome kief (just this week!) for about $6 less than the stores I used to frequent (same brand, same weight). It is a pretty big discount if I were to look at it as a percentage - like 30% off. I am more into concentrate/catridges (vapes), and while I can't exclaim 30% savings there... the prices are about the same... but the product/brand I am now in love with has higher THC (if you think it matters) and didn't have that "chemical taste" some of the cartridges have. So, a better value (to me). The staff here are all very friendly. I have seen mostly the same faces the 3 times I have been in. This is important and I wanted to note this... many of the other stores I had been to have so many staff members its hard to see the same faces and people that you are familiar with. I like familiar faces. They really take time to explain things here and tell you what separates the products they carry from others on the market. One of the places I USED to frequent in SoDo was more of a "get 'em in and get 'em out" kind of place. That's fine if that is what you want, but I actually like the education and the time... newish smoker and all that. I wish I could remember names but there is a gentleman who is always wearing a hat that just loves to talk about the products, recommend things, and basically just keep people engaged. He's very friendly. They all are - and they all seem to want to help you find what YOU are looking for. The space itself is very nice. Its open and, again, unlike other stores I have been to, it feels very "welcoming" (it's in a converted house so maybe that helps...). Simple designs. No gawdy 420 stuff... just nice and clean. One of the things that kept me from going to another store nearby was that it is (apparently, I haven't been) all about the 420 culture stuff which isn't really my thing. They do a great job of showcasing the product here... and if you look at all of the flower stuff they carry it is PACKED with "crystals"(trichomes), which is awesome. I am not really that into flowers but from the appearance, at least, it looks like great stuff. I read about, and was told that they used to be a medical place. So that is one of the reasons they know all the good stuff and suppliers. I was also told they have strong relationships with their vendors - and even require additional paperwork from them (above and beyond what WA state requires). I dont know if other stores do the same, it has never been mentioned, but they took the time here to tell me that. It is something I have never even considered, but I now think its more important than ever (especially with all the illegal pesticide stuff in the news lately). There has gotta be some bad stuff, right? You wont take me seriously if there wasn't. There is -- but it is all so minor to me. Parking is VERY limited (there is space for maybe 4 cars)... there are some other places close by that you could probably park at but this might be a big thing for some (I don't have a car so I don't really care). There is a bus stop in front for several buses 60, 113, and 128 I believe. The 120 is about 2 blocks away... so this place does have that going for it... and as a lifelong pedestrian I think its awesome (you might not). Other bad stuff... its not really in the best area. I find it to be safe and everything but the general vibe of "downtown white center" across Roxbury is nothing to write home about. That is changing REALLY fast and I actually think this store will HELP with that. I think that's it. Seriously. I did have a problem with one of the items I purchased. I was really bummed out. It was taken care of very quickly and, again, education was provided during. That's important to me. This was long but I wanted to get everything out (educating anyone reading this!). TL;DR: This place is great.