The Bakeree

Too often, cannabis is sold like a product, not presented as a possibility. Dispensaries stock their shelves and speed through transactions, offering abundance but little insight. What’s missing isn’t supply; it’s intention. For those seeking calm, clarity or relief, the guidance isn’t always there.

This is precisely where The Bakeree is making its mark in the rising cannabis domain.

Situated in the heart of Seattle, this award-winning dispensary is built around cannabis being treated as a tool for wellness, not just a retail product.

“While many associate cannabis with recreation, the reality is far more nuanced,” says Anna Shreeve, founder and managing member. “Our customers are looking for better sleep, relief from anxiety or simply a gentler close to the day. Our job is to understand that intention and guide them with purpose.”

That starts with conversation. The Bakeree’s budtenders are trained not just in cannabinoids and terpenes, but in the art of listening. They ask thoughtful questions to uncover the deeper reason someone walks through the door. Whether it’s a tech professional decompressing after work or a retiree from a nearby cruise terminal managing chronic pain, every recommendation is tailored to the individual’s lifestyle, needs and level of experience with cannabis.

First-time visitors often return with more specific needs, having gained a clearer understanding of what works for them. As product knowledge deepens, so does interest in higher-quality, better-formulated options, a progression that The Bakeree supports through education and consistently informed service.

“Our customers don’t just walk in asking, ‘What’s the cheapest thing you’ve got?’ As they learn more, they start asking, ‘What’s new?’ That shift, from price to curiosity, comes from consistent education and trust. It’s also why so many premium producers choose us to debut their brands,” adds Shreeve.

That clarity is made possible by rigorous in-house training. Every team member is taught to evaluate product quality, understand extraction standards and explain health-impacting variables like residual solvents and ingredient sourcing. In the vape category, where low-cost cartridges can mask questionable formulations, staff help customers understand what’s inside. Products with water-based terpene additives or high residual solvents may appear harmless, but over time, they can degrade and irritate the lungs, a risk that The Bakeree actively steers its customers away from.

When patients coping with conditions like cancer visit, the guidance goes well beyond THC and CBD. Staff are trained to discuss the role of lesser-known cannabinoids for mood support, and how combinations like CBD-CBG-THC can offer daytime pain relief without sedation. These formulations give customers more than comfort; they help restore confidence during physically and emotionally taxing treatments.

Shreeve herself remains active on the floor, engaging with visitors and offering one-on-one guidance. Her background as a medical cannabis consultant brings depth and credibility to every conversation, reinforcing The Bakeree’s reputation as a trusted partner in personal wellness.

That level of care extends to product selection. The Bakeree curates its menu with a focus on purity, consistency and integrity. All products are sourced from trusted producers who prioritize organic inputs, clean extraction methods and strong genetics. Each strain is personally tested and reviewed by the team to ensure it meets exacting standards for effect and reliability.

The Bakeree gives wellness a new meaning by extending care beyond the product shelf. Both of its Seattle locations double as community art galleries, offering local artists a full month to showcase their work.

Its mission is now headed to Chicago, with two Social Equity Adult-Use licenses in the build-out phase. The Bakeree expansion founders include NBA legend Scottie Pippen, Lathan Hodge, Marcus Spencer and Larry James, all long-time residents and contributors to Chicago sports, entertainment and culture.

It’s this blend of precision and purpose that defines The Bakeree’s model. Behind the warm, human touch is a framework built on technology for efficiency, accuracy and consistency. This foundation frees the team to focus on what truly sets them apart, educating customers and championing brands that share their commitment to advancing cannabis as a tool for wellness.