TLDR: Welcoming staff, quick to educate new patients, pretty decent prices (but it's cash only and they do add tax, just be sure to take that into account). I go to this place over closer/cheaper clinics for the welcoming atmosphere. NTLDR (Not Too Long, Did Read): When I first got my medical card, my doctor specifically recommended this clinic because their staff members are welcoming to newcomers, and actually concerned about the "medical" side of medical marijuana (let's be honest, some places do the bare minimum...). This was important to me because I had recently weaned myself off a 6-a-day pill regimen designed to treat severe anxiety and insomnia. I won't bore you with the details of that chapter of my life, except to say that the mix of pills turned me into a zombie husk of a person, so I stopped taking them. Now, I had smoked for a few years in college and knew that it could potentially be a therapeutic alternative (heyyy-oo!) to ease what had become weekly panic attacks, and countless hours of sleep postponed in favor of entertaining needlessly trivial worries and suffering bouts of existential dread. So I bit the bullet, got my rec and made my first stop at ATA with a mix of skepticism and curiosity - hopeful that the medicinal advice would consist of something more specific than "go home and smoke this, and you'll feel a lot better, man." Of course, I ended up having an experience similar to many other reviews here - the staff members who checked me in were very accommodating and friendly, and my budtender spent a good amount of time teaching me about CBD products (which retain the medicinal properties but notably doesn't give the psychoactive high of THC). I had no idea that was even a thing, but I ended up picking up a CBD spray which I can use for ongoing anxiety management when I need to be clear-headed during the day (I do freelance work from home). I also bought some bud which has turned out to be better suited for immediate relief, and they gave me 3 different types of edibles to try out as a first-timer bonus. The guy who helped me was really easy to talk to and was very patient giving me the rundown of which products would work best for my situation. I have since visited a few other dispensaries closer to me in Elk Grove, but their service and knowledge was lackluster in comparison ("What's this strain like?" "Well, it's a sativa, so it's, like, real heady. It's super good man."). After a few underwhelming visits to closer clinics, I decided the extra 15 minute drive is worth it to make ATA my go-to spot. There's a real sense of community, the staff is friendly and genuine, they obviously care about the wellness of their members. I even got a hug from the notorious security guard / resident serial hugger, which judging from the other reviews here must be a rite of passage at this place. I feel truly blessed. If this place has a drawback, it's that it's cash only and tax is not included in their pricing (more often than not, prices at other clinics seem to include tax, but not so at ATA). But then I realize that's a really minor gripe stemming from my deteriorating ability to do basic multiplication in my head, and taxing goods is of course an exceedingly common practice in other industries. So I can't really dock them for that in my rating, just keep it in mind when budgeting your purchase. As for the recommendations they made, it's been very effective for me, both the spray and the flower. I'm not really an expert here, so I can't give you a review on the strength or quality of the product itself, other to say that it has worked very well for someone with relatively low tolerance like myself. 5 stars, would (and already did) come back again, driving past several more accessible clinics to do so. read more

I brought my father here, it was his first experience. I am not a card holder and have never used any products in regards to marijuana so I cannot speak of their quality...however after being verbally abused and belittled in their waiting room while waiting for my father to finish his consultation is NOT OK...I guess class and "drugs" don't mix. I had asked to use the bathroom while waiting, then was accused of using some sort of marijuana or something in there...I have never touched the stuff and was taken aback when being verbally accused/abused by the giant black man at the door. As I was not the only one to use the bathroom but was in there for 5 minutes meant I was to blame...are these people getting paranoid using their own supply..eeek! Daniel a staff member and I quote said I smell pot in the bathroom...umm..the whole place smells of pot.I was then subjected to verbal abuse from the doorman..i told him to frisk and check by pockets and test me some how...instead he would rather give me dirty looks and call me a liar for the next hour while waiting in there...can we say great customer service-HA! no way! Daniel at the counter was extremely nice but I felt did nothing to discuss this wrongful accusation..looks like I will be taking this to small claims and the BBB...which I am happy to do as terrible customer service should not be tolerated. I suggest spend your hard earned money elsewhere. As for the place itself, I would say its not as homey and nice looking as on their website...definitely felt a bit rough around the edges in there...not homey, a bit scary, and quite a bit of rif raf in and out... So if you are seeking something nice and professional...keep looking ...Decemeber 5 2016 read more

I have no idea, who is getting into their merchandise, but I have bought 3 different, 1 gram dablicators & 2 of the pens were tampered with and @ least a third of the medication was missing! The first two were Jetty & they blamed a manufacturing error, said they hadn't properly filled the pens & they were very nice & refunded my $. Today I bought the 3rd dab product, called Blessed Extracts! I get home,and notice the product has been tampered with, you can see the edges of the security tape scraped, then you notice it's missing about a quarter of what should be in it & the tape that is, wrapped around actual syringe, inside the unopened jar, is coming off the product! I took it right back, within minutes & they tried to deny, it's been tampered with, but it has! I asked them, to get another one & compare it & they refused, they know I am right! I know someone is getting into their products & they are selling them to us. I have never given a pot shop, a bad review, I was trying to make them aware of something, cuz it isn't happening at my house. I don't need to cheat them to get high, I just spent almost $300 there in 3 days. Selling used/contaminated products is wrong & treating the customer, that is trying to make them aware of something wrong, like cr is even worse!! See for yourself, what they just sold me & refused to make right! I will also be notifying the manufacturer! read more

This place is great! As a hesitant newbie, I took a friend with me my first time in. You walk up to the front door and it's opened by security, then you go in to the waiting room and hand your license to the front desk and fill out some paperwork. When they're ready for you, you're told you can go back to one of the 2 rooms where they keep the product. My first time in, I had a lot of questions and they were happy to help and make recommendations. I just went for the second time and it was even easier and faster. Handed my license to the front desk, they scanned it and sent me back, where I was asked for my license again. I had already looked at the menu on their website so I mostly knew what I wanted but I had a few questions. They were able to help me out and I made my purchase. CASH ONLY. remember your cash...if you forget, there is an ATM machine in the waiting room which charges about $2.50 convenience fee. You do need a child proof bag when you leave there, which you can purchase for $1 - just bring it with you next time you go back! read more

I dont get out to this place enough. Very friendly staff, always top notch selection of all, meds, eds and cuts. Its nice to go to a club that makes you feel compassion in the air. Anytime I have needed advice for meds, they were always able to steer me in the right direction. I also had a family member suffering from terminal cancer and they supplied meds at no charge to her. She suffered greatly from chemo and grape ape was the only relief she was able to find. ATA was very compassionate during this period. I went to a club in O'vale, magnolia, and they offered 10% discount for her on tuesday. for her cancer meds. I was a bit shocked, and never returned to them again. ATA is a group of honest people with compassion and knowledge. Stop by and check them out, you will like this place. JayBhee read more

Ive been to many dispensaries over the years and i find that they are the only ones that really care about their customers. Everyone there takes the time to help with what you need and i can ask as many questions as i want and i always leave feeling like i was given good recommendations. Do the taxes suck yes but every dispensary has to charge this. When i go to any other store i dont get my final total until the end so i know going in that the price listed doesnt include tax. Their education has helped me with some of my most important choices ive made in my purchases that have helped me immensely. Im grateful that they are here and continuing to help many more people who are new to this. Thank you A Therapeutic Alternative read more

After a prompt buzz-in through the front, I was hailed with warm greetings from almost all angles of the room. This is a highly educated, charismatic, and caring staff that I have nothing but a pleasure doing business with. The warm and comforting ambiance is also complimented by the professionalism displayed by their staff. No question was too stupid, nor was any concern overlooked. Even when time was an issue, the staff was able to make more intuitive types recommendations for me. My overall experience has been nothing but great. I highly recommend A Therapeutic Alternative. For a more therapeutic way of obtaining medicinal marijuana. read more

I love coming to this place. In a time as a desperate mom saving my sons life with a leukemia diagnoses and three days to live. Kimberley the CEO was the only one who would help me with so much compassion. ATA turned a traumatic time giving me and my family hope. Almost four years later my son Aiden is still alive doing well because of people like this. A Therapeutic Alternative is consistent and educated. All of their employee know about the plant and can guide you in the right way in finding the right solution. If you are looking for the right dispensary look no further they are the bomb.com read more

The MOST friendly and knowlegable staff around. An awesome selection to fit any budget. Free edible on Fridays with a $20 donantion, and free 1/8's on Sunday with coupons from the SNR. Awesome location that has access to 99, 80, 50, and a quick jaunt to I-5. Clean comfortable atmosphere in a 1920's bungalow located within walking distance from McKinley Park. Free street parking as well as parking behind the building. Top Shelf strains are comparable to others "Private Reserve" strains, without the "Private Reserve" prices. If you are in the area, you must pop in and see for yourself. read more

Great vibe and healing atmosphere. Cute house and friendly staff. Some places are so sterile. This dispensary is warm and welcoming. They also have yoga and sound therapy for free. They always have what I need whether​ it be edibles, a joint or some tasty wax. My go-to​​ dispensary from now on. read more

I appreciate the measures they've put in place to be wheelchair accessible. I always check the website here when looking for esoteric strains or brands. Try the Prophet all in one vape pens, best price and quality around. welcoming and knowledgeable staff. Five stars easily. read more

Game changer , My place to go for all my Cannabis. Friendly, knowledgeable staff educated on all products. A big shout out to Richard for always taking care of me and always picking the right products. thank you for always knowing just what I need. read more

I say the adjective "fu($ing" to my wife and the snowflake child working there threatens to kick me out because I said that word and it stressed her out. Won't be going there again. Hire someone who doesn't act like a child read more

5 's ALL THE WAY! - great location - unbeatable product line - Seasoned Staff - great prices - top of the line Security, I feel safe going there after dark! This is why I'm a Happy Custome! read more