Nug Radio: don’t keep it under your hat.

Michael “Ras Mike” Johns is a radio, TV, and festival host who has been reporting for the cannabis and reggae community since 2011. He is also the owner of Nug Radio, an online radio station that focuses on the cannabis industry and its intersection with music: reggae, hip hop, country, blues, EDM and more. As he puts it, “Nug Radio provides a space for artists and merchants to be heard and to give a voice to those who often do not get a chance to speak.” As a brand ambassador, he promotes Seedless Clothing, Dad’s Elixir, and Naturez Alley (coming to San Diego this winter). He can also be a good reference for what dispensaries to go to, what to buy, and why — and so for this story, Ras Mike’s services were enlisted to help find the best in cannabis in San Diego.

The decriminalization of cannabis has brought on a new green wave of dispensaries, brands and products. There are currently around 36 legal and 50 total dispensaries in San Diego and surrounding areas. (There are supposed to be four per Council District and 36 citywide.) The cannabis page at SanDiego.gov has the addresses and a map identifying the approved cannabis dispensaries. Recreational cannabis dispensaries are not allowed in the unincorporated areas of San Diego.

Ras Mike’s first choice was Golden State Greens on Hancock Street in Midway. “Not being biased, because I used to work there,” he said. “They’re very knowledgeable, care about safety of products, and can flat out tell you the difference between a Sativa or an Indica strain!” Number two was The Healing Center (THC) on Camino Del Rio South in Mission Valley. “They are knowledgeable and have quality products, and it’s a clean, smaller boutique store.” Number three was March and Ash, which has dispensaries in Mission Valley, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, City Heights, and Vista. He also gave a shoutout to Originals on Federal and Mankind on Miramar Road. “I do not get to those as much, but they do have high quality cannabis products in their stores.”

The strains representative of San Diego are J1, a Sativa-dominant Hybrid; M1 OG ,a Hybrid strain; and various OG Kush. OG stands for “Ocean Grown,” which signifies a strain with California coastal roots and powerful effects. It helps manage anxiety, depression and chronic pain. One of Ras Mike’s favorites is Super Boof by GoodBears, which makes you feel relaxed and creative at the same time.

The best cannabis concentrate in San Diego may have been discovered while on a field research study in Cannabis Row at the Adams Avenue Street Fair on September 23, 2023. 1904 Provisions produces live rosin hash. Open the jar and there’s a nice batter texture; you can smell gassy odors. It hits you in your head first, giving a cerebral high that then gradually works its way through your body for a relaxing experience. (1904 refers to S and D, the nineteenth and fourth letters of the alphabet.)

Nug Radio offers weed and weather reports, and Ras Mike will let you know concert and festival schedules around San Diego. He’ll also let you know which venues are weed friendly, and the exact locations where you can smoke while at the shows. You can catch Ras Mike on Nug Radio on Instagram. To submit products for review, e-mail nugradio@gmail.com or message @rasmikenugradio on Instagram.