Ascend Cannabis Dispensary - Springfield Horizon Drive — Local services in Springfield

While embarking on my journey across various states, I had the pleasure of supporting a store in East Lansing, Michigan, and later decided to visit a branch of the same brand in Illinois due to my familiarity with it. However, to my great disappointment, I discovered that this particular store engages in misleading advertising. Despite their claims of selling THC, they are actually offering THCA, which stands in stark contrast to their promotion. This discrepancy feels akin to a bait-and-switch tactic.

In my previous experience at the Michigan store, the advertised THC was exactly what I received. In contrast, upon visiting this Illinois store, I encountered not only a significant lack of THC products, but also encountered exceedingly discourteous staff. My interactions with the employees were far from pleasant, a surprising departure from the typically friendly atmosphere I have come to associate with the Ascend brand. To compound matters, a few employees appeared to be under the influence, an unexpected sight. The curiosity about the effects of their chosen substance briefly crossed my mind.

As someone who ordinarily possesses a medical card, my inability to renew it due to my travels became apparent. During my interaction, a man named Scott, whose stern appearance caught my attention, made persistent efforts to convince me that the store indeed offers THCA, which converts to THC upon combustion. Yet, his explanation seems misplaced, as computers are only as knowledgeable as the information fed into them. In this regard, I respectfully disagreed with Scott's assertion. His demeanor throughout our exchange exuded condescension, which added to my dissatisfaction.

At the culmination of our conversation, when I anticipated a refund, I was handed a THCA or CBD joint, a disappointing conclusion. This interaction further demonstrated the store's rudeness and condescension, all without yielding a satisfactory resolution. Onlookers appeared to cast judgment upon me, treating me as though I lacked understanding. However, my history of patronizing Ascend stores had never led me to such an experience, wherein a bait-and-switch tactic was employed.

Had the store been upfront about selling THCA or CBD, I might have chosen to make my purchase in Indiana, where such products are available at a more reasonable cost. The misleading representation of selling THC was the sole reason I decided to visit this Ascend branch. The issue at hand, a clear bait-and-switch scenario, compels me to delve deeper into the matter. Anyone well-versed in the distinctions between THC and THCA, as well as various cannabinoids, would acknowledge Scott's statement holds a semblance of truth. However, that does not justify promoting a product the store does not...

This is my go-to spot! Let's start with the service.

I've had a great customer experience on every visit. The staff is super friendly, chill, and patient when you're not sure what you want.

I usually place an online order and it has gone smoothly every time. The ordering is easy and checking in for pickup is quick and easy.

Browsing in store is easy too, the bud tenders are ready to help as soon as you walk in. They move pretty quick when busy too, I never end up hanging out for very long before I'm helped or rung out.

The payment options here are great. I actually really love the card option right at the check out, it's foolishly convenient and frankly I usually spend more knowing I won't need to pull cash. Please keep it!

One improvement would be adding self service kiosks. Maybe just a couple. While I do appreciate the staff very much, I'm awkward AF and sometimes would love the option of perusing the menu without making another human wait right next to me while I make a decision. This is really only a little thing for walk-in traffic.

Product stock in my opinion has solid variety for Illinois. Pricing is reflective of the standard for the state. And quality hasn't failed me yet! I haven't experienced any stale flower and I've been a customer of this spot for nearly a year. I probably visit roughly two to three times per month and usually buy a hefty amount, so I think I've had a good sample size.

They also carry plenty of accessories and I've seen Lookah glass and vapes, PAX Era, and Airo on hand, cleaner, lighters, pearls, trays etc. The one thing I would suggest on product is stocking the Pax Era Pro and newer Seahorse Pros. With shipping so restricted for IL residents, I would absolutely just buy those things at Ascend if they stocked 'em. I've also seen other hard to get shipped to IL rigs like the Puffco E-rig (excellent btw)

Overall, I LOVE this dispensary and that's not usually something I say about multi-state operators, but Ascend is legit. And now I'm on my way to pick up my...

Absolutely dig this joint. 👌 Excellent customer service from check-in to check-out. The building is so clean, and the parking lot is free of trash and debris. The prices are mid, and the tax isn't too heavy. They have deals on the regular and usually an 8th of flower (pick of the day) for $20-25, gram of oil for $20-25, $1-12 pre-roll specials and edibles! It's definitely my favorite dispensary and location ☆☆☆☆☆☆ 6\5

Update 10/9/24 I still love this place ☆☆☆☆☆☆6\5 The prices vary about $12 in either direction, depending on availability and occasion. I've cheated on them once because I found my favorite product at another dispensary on sale (deal). I won't say the name, but it rhymes with 😜 jk . Ascend is still my favorite shop to frequent. The staff are still the best and most friendly. The staff at the check-in desk are welcoming and have always been able to answer my dispensary related question 😁 I've only asked one question so far 😄 I love the energy they put out. Suggestion? Put some of those grocery store arrows down, like the ones used during the dark age to direct customers un and down lanes... I digress, the check out sign isn't calling the customers over loud enough. I think because it's so close to the munchies and the distance from the entry is so vast 😆 they can't see it and their attention is drawn away by the color festival going on in the cooler. THIS IS PURE SPECULATION, but there were a few lost fellow patrons lining up in front of the checkouts like we were at Wal-Mart 😅 I let the guy that had been standing there first go ahead of me because that's how we roll at Ascend. You don't have to take my word for it, check'em out. If you don't like'em...