The cannabis scene today is reminiscent of what alcohol was during the Roaring Twenties,” quipped Whitney Beatty, the CEO and founder of Josephine & Billie’s. However, according to Beatty, while it’s a triumphant time for cannabis, we’re still dealing with some odorous stigmas thanks to decades of demonization. And while cannabis use was not nearly as widespread as alcohol in the 1920s, in the big cities, sweet and savory “reefer cloudbursts” perfumed the cabarets, burlesque dens, dance halls, cinema houses, and nightclubs nightly.

To say that Josephine & Billie’s is the best-kept secret in LA is not far-fetched. First, they love the plant as a medicine and a consciousness-changer. Secondly, they are committed to making prices accessible. Finally, the ambiance is both dreamy and functional. An homage to Cotton Club-era Harlem speakeasies, the female, minority-owned 1,500-square-foot South LA dispensary is a symphony of Art Deco swank: vintage parquet flooring is harmoniously serenaded by gilded black and gold wallpaper, faddish lamps, exposed brick, vintage photographs, velvet couches, and a beckoning “Josephine & Billie’s” canary-yellow sign. Products are displayed on atolls of vintage tables, in hip refrigerator cases, and in arched glass cabinets to encourage leisurely browsing while jazz music whispers in the background. And just like the “tea pads” of the Roaring Twenties, guests at Josephine & Billie’s are encouraged to hang out and chill. “Our tea pad is a throwback to the 1920s and 1930s when musicians, writers, activists, and poets gathered in secretive ‘pads’ (rooms) to smoke reefer, drink, listen to jazz, and share big ideas,” noted Beatty.

The joy of shopping at J&B’s lies in its timeless architecture. But the menu is also a hit with Heirbloom Legacy Flower. Starting with nine super-dense genetics, these luscious buds are uplifting and mood-enhancing while providing blissful, full-body relaxation. However, it’s not all about flower. Some of the shop’s best-sellers are cannabis suppositories for menstrual cramps, a love balm lube, and infused chili flakes. With forward-looking products, Beatty is proud of how J&B’s has incorporated education into every part of the customer journey. “From our highly trained wellness advocates and terpene cards, to the timeline on the wall, we delve deep into cannabis and its history.”

JosephineAndBillies.com

The name Josephine & Billie’s pays homage to Josephine Baker (who was also a spy during WWII) and Billie Holiday, two women of color who were persecuted for their cannabis consumption. Both used their art to fight against injustice, reject the mainstream, and live life by their own rules.