Dear Reader, I have been growing and for over 25 years, and smoking even longer... That being said, a dispensary, that will remain anonymous in THIS posting, sold me 2-3 plants that were infested with some brand new variety of Martian Spider Mites, (no doubt Genetically Modified by the government), and the flowering room was lost to the infestation. That being said, other than the constant gamble of procuring proper legit genetics, now I knew, from this experience, that I must also fear tainted, insect ridden clones on the market. I called around and eventually spoke to one particular grower, who is also about to open a store and seed bank, with over 200 strains. I figured he'd know where to go to find some plants to replace my garden. Problem is I was looking for something very specific, and very hard to come by: 3-4 clones that were as legally mature as possible (as I already had a veg room going, I just need to fill the flowering room vacancy with some girls I could turn immediately.) I also have a very specific list of plant that I will grow. Well I took dude's advice and called Progressive. This after just getting off the phone with the dispensary a few blocks up the street from Progressive, who told me that they had some rather young clones, more like clippings, and all 3 of them were a particular strain I, personally, would't waste any time growing.
Got on the phone with Progressive, and by the time their rep in the back room finished reading their list of genetics, I was out the door and headed to Burnside. Again don't judge a book by it's cover, cause I work at a dispensary off Powell, and it looks like a dispensary you'd find on Powell, BUT... Progressive was like an oasis from the mess and noise of Burnside. Yes the Max was passing as I opened their doors, but the atmosphere soon cancelled it out and I was swept inside. The Owner/Manager who was relaxing in front of the large flatscreen, smiled and let me into his playground. I saw 4 shelves of plants, most of which were at least 4-7inches, and firmly rooted, and happily healthy. I surveyed each and every plant, even some I wasn't interested in (mostly to compare strains, as Progressive utilizes a collective format with local growers, so you will see a variety of certain strains). I left with 3 beautiful plants: Strawberry/Rhino, Berner's cut Girl Scout Cookie, & Cookie Dough. In addition, I checked out all of their meds, and found to my amazement, that not only was his selection of flower, oils, tinctures, medibles, and topical was outstanding, BUT his donation prices were very competitive. One item in particular, that I purchase on a weekly if not more frequent basis , was $15 cheaper at Progressive. So that being said, I will happily go a couple extra blocks to enjoy the surroundings, knowledge, professionalism, and hospitality I was shown at Progressive Collective. I will be back!