Five Stony Things to Do in Oakland

1. Bird-Watching at Lake Merritt

Oakland’s Lake Merritt has been a protected bird sanctuary since 1870, and is home to more than 100 different kinds of avian splendor. Walk around the lake until you find the geodesic dome, then have a seat and burn one while you look across the water at the giant tree full of cormorants. Imagine what the egrets and herons are thinking. The sweet sativa-dominant flavors of Green Ribbon will enhance your walk. Go early on a Saturday so you can stroll over to the farmers’ market near the Grand Lake Theater for brunch al fresco.

2. The Pacific Pinball Museum

Weed and pinball go together like, um, weed and pinball. The Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda (1510 Webster St.) features more than 90 playable machines dating back to the turn of the 20th century. A landrace sativa like Durban Poison is perfect to get your muscles twitching and reflexes popping. Look for a game from the year you were born and go to town. Admission: $10-$20.

3. Redwood Regional Park

A stroll through Redwood Regional Park goes well with Strawberry Cough. I’m not sure why, it just does. Take a deep breath and enjoy creation. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated and bring a few snacks in case you get hungry.

4. African American Museum & Library

The African American Museum & Library in Oakland (659 14th St.) has more than 160 collections that document the Bay Area’s African-American history. Pore through the archives looking for your relatives. Museums and edibles are a good mix, because you can almost always find somewhere to sit if you’ve accidentally overindulged (10-15 mg of THC per 100 pounds body weight is a good rule of thumb for first timers). Edibles are also a great choice for watching movies at the New Parkway Theater (47 24th St.).

5. 420-Friendly New Parish

Downtown Oakland has some great live music venues. The Fox Theater (1807 Telegraph Ave.), the Uptown Nightclub (1928 Telegraph Ave.) and the Stork Club (2330 Telegraph Ave.) are just a few. However, the New Parish (1743 San Pablo Ave.) is probably the best choice for pot-smoking music fans. Not only do they have a great patio, they support the scene by throwing plenty of canna-centric parties throughout the year.

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