Today is April 20th (4/20), so we’d be remiss not to feature some of our cannabis-focused businesses that we have here in Sitka, including multiple home-grown companies! Alaska was the third state in the United States to ever legalize recreational marijuana use, so it’s no surprise that Sitka has several dispensaries. Whether you partake recreationally or for medicinal purposes, this post will help point you in the right direction.

AKO Farms

The owners of AKO Farms transitioned from the construction industry to the cannabis industry in 2018. They designed their farm to focus solely on quality without cutting corners, and they can proudly call themselves award winners for both their grown flower and in-house concentrate. They carefully create each concentrate to highlight the strain’s taste and affect, and now they are in over 30 retail locations across the state of Alaska. They also have their own retail store, AKO Direct, where they sell items like flower pre-rolls, cartridges, terp sauce, diamonds, and sugar wax.

Strawberry Banana strain growing big at AKO’s farm (Photo credit: AKO Farms)

Northern Lights Indoor Gardens

Northern Lights Indoor Gardens opened in 2017, harnessing their decades of experience in cultivation to offer exclusively grown in-house cannabis strains. They are passionate about using natural materials and all-natural soil to grow their own cannabis and are proud to offer their customers a product they can get to know from seed to bud. Additionally, they carry a specially-curated menu of other quality cannabis from growers across Alaska, as well as edibles, pipes, bongs, and dabbing tools among other items in their retail store. Northern Lights Indoor Gardens’s Budtenders are happy to help customers find their perfect fit when it comes to consuming cannabis.

Product selects at Northern Lights (Photo credit: Northern Lights Indoor Gardens)

Island Girl Cannabis

Sitka’s most recent canna-business is Island Girl Cannabis, which opened in late 2024. Their products are sourced from vanGreen’s Cannabis, a Sitka-based grower and supplier known throughout Alaska. Their mission is to provide a high quality experience and affordable prices without sacrificing quality, and they pride themselves on thoughtfully selecting their inventory to ensure there is something for everyone- no matter your experience level or budget.

Gardens at vanGreen’s Cannabis (Photo by Tierra Steele)

Weed Dudes

Weed Dudes opened in 2016 as Sitka’s first ever dispensary, owned by Michelle Cleaver. The name is a nod to her late husband, who owned a woodworking shop called Wood Dudes. “John was the heart and soul of Wood Dudes, and after his passing, I couldn’t imagine running the store without him,” Michelle explains. So, she decided to convert the space, building on their dreams and creating a one-stop cannabis spot for locals and visitors.

Weed Dudes carries everything from buds to concentrates to edibles, all from Alaskan vendors! Although each of her Budtenders prefer different ways to enjoy marijuana, they pride themselves on their ability to match a customer’s needs with the products on their shelves. Attached is Michelle’s second store, called “Green Glass”, which offers CBD products, glass, smoking accessories, clothing, jewelry, and art. One nice perk about Weed Dudes: they also offer a free shuttle to their store. Just call (907) 623-0605 and they’ll pick you up (no texts, though, as it’s a landline. Remember those?)

Michelle Cleaver, owner of Weed Dudes and Green Glass proudly displaying her product

Visiting Sitka’s Cannabis Businesses

Visitors and locals alike are always welcome to meet the growers, learn from their educated Budtenders, and enjoy some of Alaska’s finest. Be sure to check them out and see for yourself, and enjoy your 4/20 safely and responsibly!

Important note: Personal Use Marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska with laws for purchase and consumption. All retailers are licensed and their products tested. Adults over the age of 21 can purchase up to one ounce of product. Marijuana cannot be consumed in a public area, nor can it be taken aboard a cruise ship, commercial vehicle, boat or airplane. Check with your ship or air carrier for their policies. More information here.