Posted May 9, 2010

The City of Alameda kicked them out, saying they weren't honest on their retail application of what their business was going to be. Now the city has banned all clubs from opening here and Purple Elephant moved way down to San Jose where they seem to have opened a nice, big club. The police bust people for pot in Alameda all the time like they are in Georgia or someplace.

Posted January 21, 2010

They're gone for good! They moved to San Jose and we will mis PE! Thanks for the great meds! Blame Alameda.

Posted January 18, 2010

It was great when it was open, but just closing and telling us they were opening up a new shop in San Jose? Maybe they did but they left patients in Alameda without a word. No good karma here. Great pot, poor judgement.

Posted January 7, 2010

This has got to be the best place in northern california. Affordable meds and probably the highest quality meds around. The are closed for remodelling at the moment and everyones waiting to here when they'll be open again.

Posted December 24, 2009

I stopped by Purple Elephant yesterday and found out they are currently closed for remodeling purposes. Too bad the P.E. staff wasn't able to send out a newsletter to patients letting us know.

Posted December 21, 2009

This place is ghetto. The prices are better on the street. It's obvious they used chemicals to add weight to there dried out nasty smoke. As far as the edibles-forget about it. That stuff had been sitting in their fridge for so long I got sick and puked the one time I bought and ate a pecan pie that was 15 bucks! They do have a large selection, but there's something I just don't trust about this place, at all. Go on and have a look for yourself, everyone I talk to says the same thing. They are creepy, over priced and flat out whack! If it's all there is, I'll get a gram when I'm in a bind. Otherwise hell no!

Posted December 10, 2009

Dropped by the Purple Elephant after work. As usual they had the best selection of medicine in the Bay. These guys really provide quality and a large selection at an affordable price and I really appreciate their effort. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the staff are always helpful and pleasant. I do not usually write reviews but since I am never disappointed at P.E. I had to write.

Posted November 21, 2009

I have visited this dispensary 3 times now, and I honestly have to say that is the most consistent in terms of high grade medicine and great customer service. I rate this one the best in the East Bay if not the whole Bay Area. I love the wide variety of high grade medicine, unlike a few dispensaries in the East Bay.

Staff of Purple Elephant Collective...keep up the great work!

Posted November 19, 2009

love this place. the selection always amazes me. they always seem to carry strains no one else is like gods gift and sour grapes.

Posted November 18, 2009

This is a hard one to review. There are two owners, who seem to be related. One is the sweetest, most compassionate individual I've encountered. His customer service skills are excellent and he's always very helpful. The other one? Comes off as an asshole thug. It's gotten so I ask the guard downstairs who is working, and only go up if it's the nice one - otherwise it's worthwhile to drive elsewhere for meds. So I'm not surprised to read the mixed reviews here, clearly people are encountering one or the other and reviewing appropriately.

Meds are top notch, never a complaint about that. The staff is great, with that one exception. So my rec is predicated on who is working that day.... all stars or no stars, it's that big a difference!

Posted November 14, 2009

Hands down best overall dispensary in the bay. They have hella different strains of High grade and they wiegh it up right there. It just sucks that my first visit was last week. I got some AMNESIA HAZE(only dispensary ive ever been to that had it. and some Kushberry. they call it blueberry og but blueberry og is kushberry wich is og kush crossed with blueberry.

Posted August 3, 2009

This is the second dispensary I have visited. The first was in Sacramento. It happened to be very busy on my visit, but the staff and customers were a real friendly bunch and my wait (15 mins) was very pleasant. When I walked into the dispensary room I was greeted by a very friendly and helpful young man that explained the difference between sativa and indica.

I explained my medical problems and taste preferences and he made his suggestions. Both turned out to be very potent (I'm not complaining). I liked the staff and the location of this dispensary. I also liked the variety and the honesty of the staff (I had asked about a particular strain and was told it wasn't as good as it usually was).

I recommend this place to anyone. I was even able to purchase some shake! From the security guard to the three gentlemen within the dispensary I was treated with kindness and respect. Thank you Purple Elephant!

Posted July 10, 2009

Overall a good experience. Security was friendly. Many different strains of high quality meds. Not too much mid grade or below.

Posted June 22, 2009

At first took me a while to find this place but heard lots about it from other patients and they were right. Very helpfull staff. Filled out some papers to verify . Great meds I mean really great meds and for the price it's was worth it. I ended up getting Cinderilla I was very happy person after I left from Purple Elephant.

If you got any questions for the staff they will help you in any way they can.. Thanks Purple Elephant!

Posted June 14, 2009

I've written a review before but it didn't show up. I live in Stockton. The only dispensaries are deliveries. I have to drive either to Sacramento or the Bay for my meds. I tried Purple Elephant because it is easily accessible through the loop from Oakland. I really, really like this place. The staff is nice, and the choices are great! I am a purple fiend. I've tried almost everything they have had to offer but being that my tastebuds are just as important as the buzz I get any purple blend, hybrid, or clone is usually what I seek and man can it be found at the Purple Elephant. I've gotten shorted a gram in Sac because they don't weigh in front of you. Not so with P.E. I always feel like I've gotten my money's worth and then some.
I plan to remain a customer and hope that they will remain in business a long, long time.

Posted May 30, 2009

Best Club in Bay Area. Heard a rumor it was shut down. Someone told me but it was a lie!

Posted May 28, 2009

Alameda Walks! Walkers walking. Here's an opportunity for to do something right, your friends and family to get out of the car and take a stroll through the backroads of Alameda. I live in Alameda but I can't stand the people there...when the cannabis club opened. People didn't like it ... I think that's bs. This club is helping a lot of business in Alameda...but people won't speak the truth behalf of them.. That they are good people doing good business. Lets at least speak on behalf of all the poeple in Alameda and stop everyone from shuting this cannabis club down..it's safe and has the best cannabis meds in the bay. Remember this do wrong to people you will get yours in two fold.

Posted May 18, 2009

My first visit to a legal cannabis club was to the Purple Elephant on the very day I became acknowledged as being a person with chronic pain and that it is my right to be able to obtain the substance that allows my body to relax and not be so focused on that which is discomforting...Can I get an AMEN? Sure I got plenty High in the late 60's early 70's but that was more recreational, this is necessity to enhance quality of life and a complete transformation from days of old..Yet the people remain the same...blessed are, etc, etc.

Thanks to all from my doc to the dudes to the helpers to the legal assistance that allows me to be a much more available person these days. Thanks to all the staff, one more again, and then some! RR AAA+++

Posted May 7, 2009

I think this club is the best. The people are cool and know their stuff. The guy downstairs is nice and friendly and looks at your paperwork and then sends you upstairs. You show them your paperwork and sign the forms and then wait your turn to go into another room and man does he know he stuff. They have about 20+ different kinds and he explains which is good and the different types and you can look and smell them. He weighs it out right in front of you and explains the process. This was my first time to a club and I was pretty nervous and hoping I was going to a safe area. Definitely safe area, lots of parking, and very friendly people to deal with. This is my spot and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Thanks guys!!

Posted May 1, 2009

This is the second dispensary I have visited. The first was in Sacramento. It happened to be very busy on my visit, but the staff and customers were a real friendly bunch and my wait (15 mins) was very pleasant. When I walked into the dispensary room I was greeted by a very friendly and helpful young man that explained the difference between sativa and indica. I explained my medical problems and taste preferences and he made his suggestions. Both turned out to be very potent (not complaining!). I liked the staff and the location of this dispensary. I also liked the variety and the honesty of the staff (I had asked about a particular strain and was told it wasn't as good as it usually was). I recommend this place to anyone. I was even able to purchase some shake! From the security guard to the three gentlemen within the dispensary I was treated with kindness and respect. Thank you Purple Elephant!

Posted April 28, 2009

Purple Elephant is a great place to go and get your cannabis. There is always parking around, and easy access. They do have to follow strict guidelines, and the process can go smooth as long as you bring everything with you that they will ask for (driver's license and your paper work for the card or approval papers from Doctor) and other than that they are really nice people working there and friendly too. The cannabis is also really potient and a great variety, also with a variety of price ranges. Yale! Purple Elephant, and keep up the good work.

Posted April 19, 2009

The staff was very respectful and nice. But meeting the owner was not to pleasant. Uptight, not compassionate at all, and very unorganized. The selection was decent. Non-profit? Doubt it!

Posted April 3, 2009

Wide variety of high grade medicine. Many different kinds of purple, diesels, & kushes. All high quality & potency. This is the real deal. Pricing may be a lil high for some folks but it's well worth it. Plat. purple, OG kush, Headband, Dream, & Banana get my approval!!

Posted March 30, 2009

It was my first visit to this club today. I got lost at first, but this was on a friend's directions. The security guard directed me upstairs where I filled out some forms, helped by a very friendly staff, and waited to enter another room. Once it was my turn, I took a tiny stroll to come upon a counter filled with 20+ types of different buds, ranging in quality. They also had edibles available. The medicine I received was very strong and good for its price and I will be returning.

Posted March 27, 2009

I was a little iffy at first after reading the reviews, but really. If you got all your stuff and you're legit. No problems. This was my first club I ever went to. And Overall, I had a great expirence. It only took about a half hour to get in and out with filling out some first time paper work. The selection of meds was great!!! The guy inside was extrememely helpful as well as the guys outside. They have over 15 choices of some AAA Grade canibus. And the prices are very reasonable. He broke down what were the indicas and sativa's what's a kush the purples the hazes' everything. I highly recommend this club!

Posted March 25, 2009

A mixed bag. The reason to go is that they do have high quality stuff, good variety, and a good pricing system. The bad news is that most of the time my wife and I are in there, the staff is obviously pretty medicated, which can be a bit uncomfortable.

Posted March 17, 2009

This club is as good as it gets with the selection that they have there. The people are always friendly and help you out a lot they always hook it up and will work with you on how much money you have. Highly recomend this club!

Posted March 14, 2009

I am sorry to post this negative review among such glowing recommendations, but I just got back from another episode that makes me wonder if I went to the same place as everyone else. My first trip was about a month ago where I went to first sign up. Be warned they are very strict when it comes to your information...come prepared. I was as much as I could but I knew I would have trouble because I was still waiting for my new California ID. I have a valid recommendation and had just renewed that with my doctor and got a new OCBC card...both obtained while I was waiting for my new California ID. I used birth certificate/temporary DMV paperwork/previous cards and other photo ID to get through that process. Both the OCBC and Doctors office have had me fax a copy of my new physical ID back to them for their records. I figured I might have a problem but would try it anyway as I was in the area the first time and I have used the DMV paperwork elsewhere with a hassle but it worked in the end.

When I got there I was met by very young and nervous seeming pair of gentleman. They were nice but obviously this was new to them and they began me going through the paperwork process. I had already gotten upstairs past their security check with my old ID and paperwork proving I had paid for and was waiting the new ID in the mail from the DMV. I tried to explain my situation to them and showed them all the documentation from the DMV/Doctor and OCBC plus I had other picture ID and numerous forms of proof (birth certificate etc.). They explained back that they were nervous about the city of Alameda and that they didn't want anything like a person in my situation to cause them trouble (?).

I wasn't happy about this because I am at the mercy of the broken state of California and they are the only people (including my pharmacy for other medicine) that have refused to acknowledge my temporary DMV paperwork or at least let me sign up and then fax a copy or show the new ID when I get it. Somehow I doubt they are going to get shut down because of this very annoying technicality.

So they refused to let me in to the dispensary until I came back with "valid" ID but offered me a 30% discount the next time I returned. I didn't think I was going to come back then...I told them they were turning away a patient with "valid" ID and felt they were acting a little suspicious over the whole thing. Either way I wasn't that happy with the way they handled it but figured a discount might be worth the hassle to try again.

I got my physical California ID just last week finally. I decided to try again today. I tried to call first but only got the answering machine. I did not want any problems and was going out of my way by bike to go back to give them another chance. The discount did not hurt and could really help me out in these tough times as a patient. So I gathered back all my information and rode out anyway.

I arrived and checked in through security again. Another reminder of their strictness...no hats or hoodies? I know it is silly...but I hate stuff like that. It only ever serves to alienate people who who are no trouble but fit this "profile". Are they that worried about the "rough" neighborhood of Alameda? And if someone is a troublemaker...are they still a troublemaker without a hat and hoodie?...you bet they are. I have been getting my meds in the Tenderloin for the last two years and no one there feels the need to enforce such rules. Anyway...a couple points taken away but this is a new place..I am here and lets just take the hat off and try to see if this place is worth the trouble.

I came into the office upstairs and presented my ID's (Califoria ID and OCBC card) and say hello and reminded them that I had been here before but had the ID problem. The one young guy behind the desk was scowling when I came in...now he looked at me with no recognition and said I could fill out an application for membership. I countered that I had already filled out the application a month earlier and had been turned away with the promise of a discount when I returned. Somehow this set him and the the young guy off. He got up angrily and both he and his friend came to me waving their arms and telling me to get out. "No arguing" they said and motioned the security guy to come get me out!? This also would be the second time I noticed that everyone here is "very" medicated when they work. Maybe a bit too strong of a Sativa today guys along with the short term memory loss?

I was here a month ago and did not feel like I was treated fairly but can understand the paranoia about trouble from the city of Alameda no matter how trivial my situation. I know they felt it wasn't right because they wouldn't have offered me a discount on my return. So I came back to give them another chance. I only tried to explain that I had filled out the paperwork before and wondered what had happened? Did they throw it away after a month? If so why not just contact me? It didn't matter because I was out of there before I had any chance to say another word and get the feeling they have done this before to others so watch out.

The security guy was a little cooler downstairs on the way out when I tried to explain to him my situation and that I was no threat whatsoever. But I told him I didn't think this was fair that they forgot me and then tossed me without even giving me a chance to explain and maybe have them check their records at least?. I have never encountered anything like this in all my medical dealings the past few years. I might not look it on the outside...but I am not a very well man and I am being treated for serious anxiety and stress with ensuing heart/sleep problems. Things like this only add to my pains but they got the complete wrong impression.

I would think someone more professional and compassionate would understand that I had a problem before and got turned away once with promises of making it up to me with a discount. Then they act like they don't even remember me, lost or destroyed my previous paperwork and jumped on me the second I contradicted them on something I know to be a fact. I mean you went from scowl to anger so fast...I still can't believe it.

I am hoping for a response but don't expect one considering the very negative attitude towards me. In the meantime I am going to check with the city of Alameda and the OCBC to see if I can file a complaint. If this isn't an isolated incident then there will be some record. You need to take a step back and realize you are dealing with patients here...I might expect this from some shop at the mall...but not a medical dispensary.

Shame on you Purple Elephant..but thank goodness there are other great places like Divinity Tree. Don't you just love this wild west medical situation we are all stuck in now? I knew it was too good to be true when I heard there was something decent in the east bay now because this is not it.

Posted March 11, 2009

When you go it's best to know what you want and have enough it's really top dollar meds. The Jolley Rancher was tasty and had a perty good kick unlike tha Purple XO ,they were out last time I went but that was just tha tip of tha blunt I'm not done yet. The x straks were kill, tha Ear Wax you gotta try. They have tha best of both worlds indica and sativa kush or Grandaddy or Grandaddy Kush. If your a pro like me you get that amberglass with a lil of Diesel Ear Wax and some Lemon Haze.

Posted February 12, 2009

I have been here twice and both times it was a five star experience. Not sure what Aaron's problem was with the staff. They have been real chill both times I was there. What does "they couldn't handle adult conversations" mean? Maybe you should give them another chance but this time keep your adult conversations to yourself. You are missing out on some of the best meds in the bay.

Posted January 15, 2009

This club was cool. I parked in the neighborhood and walked over cause I didn't want to pay for the parking. You wouldn't know it's a club by first glance, but you talk to the security guard, show him your card, and you walk up stairs. You sign some papers like most clubs, and you wait your turn on these comfy couches. They let you in this room with one guy behind this glass counter with jars of meds. They had 20 strains I think? Good selection on a lot of purple if you're into that. I got the Platnium Purple Kush and the Lemon Haze. The high grade stuff here is good. This club is very simple. All in all I liked this club and it wouldn't be a waste to check this place out.

Posted January 8, 2009

Unprofessional. No stars deserved! Very very poor service! I was verbally abused with all types of profanity and told to leave the store. These young guys were scared and could not handle adult conversation. Please do not recommend this store! Management was poor and verbally abusive the staff should get a job at elsewhere. They are not professional enough for this type of work!

Posted January 2, 2009

Beware! These guys seem really sketchy. They want too much of your personal info and become rude and threatening when asked why. They're just poor business men, not good at customer care, or explaining their "membership"? Not a pleasant experience.

Posted December 26, 2008

My heart goes out to this Co-op, they have been a god send. I have been very ill lately due to my recent diagnosis with terminal brain cancer. And their complimentary medicine has really helped through this difficult time. Being a long time Alameda resident I am grateful that the city has seen fit to let this co-op service the seriously ill of Alameda.I have never seen a co-op run so thoroughly professional until I became a member of the elephant. I know giving me free medicine must be taxing on a new business entity, but they do it every time with a smile on their faces.

Posted December 5, 2008

I love the discreet location and the staff is also very compassionate and helpful. I like that they weigh out the grapes in front of you. They are in there beginning stages but I see great potential! I love this club and I recommend the Grand Daddy Purple!!!

Posted November 30, 2008

This place was easy to get to. Very good selections. Very professional staff. If u haven't gone there I highly recommend them.

Posted November 21, 2008

Simply the finest med's in the Bay Area, and any profit goes toward helping cancer patients obtain free medicine. And I think they have a program for needy collective member's also. No one even comes close to their quality or pricing. I heard when I was in there that they will be capping there membership soon, I am glad I already joined because life would suck without the Purple Elephant around.

Posted November 10, 2008

I am a cancer patient and they give me weekly care packages.They always give me their top shelf, unlike some other collectives I am signed up with. They simply have the finest quality medicine, and the most understanding and compassionate staff in the Bay Area.

Posted November 5, 2008

Very nice people, very simple layout, very small selection, 2 of them being top notch Grade A Grand Daddy Purp and Sour Diesel. Prices are higher than average but you get what you pay for. Probably some of the best medicine I've smoked.

Posted October 24, 2008

The most compassionate club I've been to with the best meds.

Posted October 20, 2008

I couldn't beleive it. I just happened to be wandering about and stumbled upon what I'd have to say is my favorite place, by far. Bravo! Purple Elephant, you treat your patients best! Bar none, this place has the best quality medicine and most compassionate staff. Thanks for treating me right! I recommend them to everyone. 5-Stars for sure

Posted October 15, 2008

The most compassionate club I have ever been to. I cannot say enough about the place. I love g.d.p. and that is their house strain. Also they gave me a sample of east bay sour diesel.. Thank you Purple Elephant!

Posted October 9, 2008

This was my first time here, and it was hard to find. They were very friendly people, from the security guard to the budtender. Sign up took a while but that was because of their extensive rec. verification process. I forgot all about the signup time once I saw the strains. Purple Elephant had a small selection but the strains they had were amongst the finest I've seen. Their Grand Daddy Purple was amazing and was great for my nausea from my recent chemo. The East Bay Sour Diesel was also superb, as was the G.D.P. hash they gave me for free. Thanks guys, you made a friend for life.