Cape Ann Dispensary: Family-Grown Cannabis on Route 133

Best Budz is a family-owned recreational cannabis dispensary at 242 John Wise Ave (Route 133) in Essex, MA. Essex is one of the four towns of Cape Ann. If you live in Gloucester, Rockport or Manchester-by-the-Sea, or you are on the cape for a few days, we are a short drive up the road.

We are adult-use only. You must be 21 or older with a valid government photo ID.

Grown upstairs. Sold downstairs.

Best Budz is run by a husband and wife. They grow cannabis upstairs and sell it downstairs, in the same building in Essex. Our badge reads "Family Grown · Essex · MA," and it means what it says.

For you, that means a shop where you can ask about what you are buying and talk to the people who grew it. The window behind the counter looks out over the Essex marsh, so there is a good view while you decide. Order ahead or walk in, and ask at the counter what we grow here. Read more about house-grown cannabis at Best Budz or our story.

Drive times to Best Budz

Cape Ann is small, but the roads can add up. Here is how long it takes to reach us from each town, so you can plan your trip around the day and the traffic.

These are approximate drive times from the center of each town, in normal traffic. Summer weekends can add time, especially on the cape.

The Cape Ann towns

  • Essex: About 5 minutes from the center of town. We are right on Route 133.
  • Manchester-by-the-Sea: About 15 minutes. A short drive up from the southern edge of the cape.
  • Gloucester: About 15 minutes. Route 133 starts in Gloucester and runs through Essex, so the way here is easy to follow.
  • Rockport: About 20 minutes. It is the longest drive on the cape, so ordering ahead for pickup saves you time at the counter.

Nearby North Shore towns

  • Ipswich: About 5 minutes. Route 133 runs from Essex into Ipswich, so it is a short drive west.
  • Hamilton: About 10 minutes from the center of Hamilton.
  • Wenham: About 15 minutes from the center of Wenham.
  • Beverly: About 20 minutes. A good option if you want to pick up a pre-order on your way through the North Shore.

Getting here on Route 133

Route 133 starts in Gloucester, crosses Route 128, runs through Essex and carries on into Ipswich. Best Budz is at 242 John Wise Ave, which is Route 133 in Essex. From Gloucester, you can follow that one road the whole way. From Ipswich, head east on Route 133 into Essex.

Coming from Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea or farther down the North Shore, search "Best Budz Essex" in Google Maps or Apple Maps and let it pick the route. Our visit page has the address, hours and a map link.

Visiting Cape Ann?

Welcome. Cannabis rules can feel different from state to state, and Massachusetts has its own. Before you shop, read our guide to Massachusetts cannabis laws for Cape Ann visitors.

A few basics for out-of-towners:

  • Bring a valid government photo ID, every visit.
  • Plan to use cannabis only on private property where it is allowed. Check the house rules where you are staying.
  • Do not use cannabis in public or in a vehicle, and never drive after using it.
  • Cannabis bought in Massachusetts is meant to stay in Massachusetts.

Planning a day on the cape? See our Cape Ann day trip from Gloucester to Essex.

Plan your visit

  • Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm. Sunday 10am to 6pm.
  • Payment: Cash or debit only.
  • Order ahead: Browse the menu and order online for in-store pickup. We do not take phone orders, and you do not need an appointment.
  • Daily deals: We run daily deals Sunday through Thursday.
  • Questions: Call (978) 890-5184 or see how to find us.

Cape Ann dispensary questions

Is Best Budz on Cape Ann?

Yes. We are at 242 John Wise Ave (Route 133) in Essex, MA 01929. Essex is one of the four Cape Ann towns, along with Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea.

What do I need to bring?

A valid government-issued photo ID showing you are 21 or older, plus cash or a debit card. We do not accept credit cards. Bring your ID every visit, even if we know your face.

Can I order ahead?

Yes. Use our online menu to place an order for in-store pickup. We do not take orders by phone. You can also just walk in, no appointment needed.

What makes Best Budz different from other shops?

We grow cannabis upstairs and sell it downstairs, in one family-run building in Essex. You can ask about it at the counter and get an answer from the people who grew it. Like all cannabis sold in Massachusetts, everything we sell is tested by a licensed independent lab and carries state-required labels.

For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of reach of children.