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Cannabis in the Community

We’re on the A-List: NatureMed Nominated for Best Dispensary and Best Budtender in St. Louis Magazine’s 2026 Reader Awards

We're on the A-List: NatureMed Nominated for Best Dispensary and Best Budtender in St. Louis Magazine's 2026 Reader Awards

St. Louis Magazine’s A-List is one of the region’s most beloved reader-driven award programs, recognizing the best businesses, brands, and people across the St. Louis area. Every year, readers nominate and vote for their favorites across hundreds of categories spanning dining, wellness, retail, entertainment, and more. Winners and top finalists are featured in the September issue of St. Louis Magazine, making it one of the most visible recognitions a St. Louis business can earn. The fact that it is 100 percent driven by the public’s voice makes it mean even more.

NatureMed is Nominated for Best Dispensary

We are thrilled to share that NatureMed has been nominated for Best Dispensary in St. Louis Magazine’s A-List 2026. Since opening our O’Fallon and St. Louis locations to serve the region, our team has worked hard every single day to build something the community is proud of. From a carefully curated product menu to a welcoming in-store environment, every decision we make is guided by one goal: giving our customers the best possible cannabis experience. Being recognized in a reader-nominated awards program tells us we are doing something right, and that means the world to us.

image of the outside of NatureMed dispensary located in O'Fallon, Missori

Three of Our Budtenders are Nominated for Best Budtender

If you have ever walked into a NatureMed location and left feeling genuinely taken care of, you already know our staff is something special. This year, three of our budtenders have been nominated for Best Budtender in the A-List 2026 awards: Laura York and Connor Lucas from our O’Fallon location, and Jess Keisker from our St. Louis location on Kingshighway. These are the people who show up every day ready to answer your questions, guide you toward the right product, and make your visit feel less like a transaction and more like a conversation. Getting three nominations in the same category is not a coincidence. It is a reflection of the culture we have built across our team.

What Makes a Great Budtender?

A great budtender is part product expert, part educator, and part community connector. They know the menu inside and out, but more importantly, they know how to listen. Whether you are brand new to cannabis and trying to figure out where to start, or a seasoned customer looking for something specific, a great budtender meets you exactly where you are. At NatureMed, we invest in our staff because we believe the human experience is just as important as the products on the shelf. Laura, Connor, and Jess each bring that energy to work every single day, and these nominations are a direct reflection of the care they put into every customer interaction.

image of the NatureMed dispensary budtender team in O'Fallon Missouri

How to Vote

Voting for the A-List 2026 is open to the public and takes just a few minutes. Head to stlmag.com/alist to cast your vote. You can vote once per day per category, so make sure to come back and vote every day through the end of the voting round. Winners and finalists will be announced online in late August and featured in the September 2026 issue of St. Louis Magazine. Your vote directly shapes the outcome, so every single one counts.

Vote In-Store and Get a 1g Pinchy’s Preroll

Here is a little thank you from us to you. Show us your A-List vote for NatureMed or our budtenders at either our O’Fallon or St. Louis location and we will hand you a 1g Pinchy’s preroll for just a nickel on the spot. It is our way of saying that your support means something real to us, and we want to celebrate it together. Stop in, show your screen, and spark one up knowing you helped put NatureMed on the map.

a picture of our st louis location at daytime

A Thank You to Our St. Louis Community

None of this would be possible without the customers who walk through our doors, leave thoughtful reviews, tell their friends, and show up for us in moments like this. The O’Fallon and St. Louis communities have welcomed NatureMed with so much warmth, and these nominations are as much yours as they are ours. We do not take it lightly that you trust us with your cannabis needs, and we are committed to continuing to earn that trust every single day.

Vote NatureMed, Laura, Connor, and Jess!

The A-List is a reminder of what makes local businesses different from the rest. It is built entirely on the voices of real people in the St. Louis community, and we are honored to be a part of it. Whether you vote for Best Dispensary, Best Budtender, or both, know that your support keeps independent, community-focused cannabis businesses like NatureMed growing. Visit us at our O’Fallon location or our St. Louis location on Kingshighway, cast your vote at stlmag.com/alist, then come show us your screen for that free Pinchy’s preroll. And while you are here, browse our daily deals at naturemedmo.com/specials or check out our full menus for O’Fallon and St. Louis to see everything waiting for you in store.

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Cannabis in the Community

STL Mag’s A-List 2026: Nominate NatureMed Now!

STL Mag's A-List 2026: Nominate NatureMed Now!

St. Louis, STL Magazine’s A-List 2026 nominations are live but close March 14! Help NatureMed claim the Best Dispensary and Best Budtender title this year with your nominations. We dominated Kansas City last year and now we’re ready to bring that winning energy to the Gateway City!

KC Champs, STL Bound

NatureMed swept Best Dispensary in The Pitch KC’s Best of 2025, proving our model of patient-first cannabis care works everywhere. Our STL locations bring that same expertise: budtenders who actually listen, recommendations that deliver results, and an atmosphere where you feel comfortable asking anything. Now we’re hungry to claim St. Louis’s top spot too!

Why NatureMed Deserves the STL Crown

St. Louis patients choose NatureMed because we get it right every time. Need sleep support that actually works? Chronic pain relief without the guesswork? Anxiety products that fit your lifestyle? Our team cuts through the noise with honest education and products you can trust. We’re not just another dispensary, we’re your wellness partner.

What Makes Our STL Team Special

Our STL budtenders turn first-time nerves into confident choices. They remember your preferences, explain terpene effects without jargon, and help you build a routine that sticks. That’s why patient drive across town for our service. Nominating your favorite NatureMed budtender for Best Budtender shows them their work matters!

How to Nominate

Get us on the ballot before the deadline:

  1. Best Dispensary: Click here to nominate NatureMed and type NatureMed.
  2. Best Budtender: Click here to nominate your budtender with their name + NatureMed.
  3. Submit daily through March 14!

Your Nomination Changes Everything

Winning KC taught us what St. Louis already knows: NatureMed delivers real care, real education, real results. Your nomination puts our St. Louis location on the map as the city’s best, letting us keep serving patients the way you deserve. It also spotlights cannabis excellence right here in the Gateway City.

St. Louis, we’ve earned your trust by visit. Now help us earn STL Magazine’s recognition too. Nominate NatureMed today and let’s claim what’s ours!

Nominate Us Now!

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Cannabis in the Community

Help NatureMed Get Nominated for The Pitch KC’s 2026 Best of Kansas City Awards!

Help NatureMed Get Nominated for The Pitch KC's 2026 Best of Kansas City Awards!

It’s that time again, Kansas City! The Pitch KC’s Best of Kansas City 2026 nominations are now open, and we need your help to make sure NatureMed is included on the official ballot for Best Dispensary and you can nominate your favorite NatureMed Budtender. Nominations run from March 12 through March 31, and you can vote once a day, every day to help us get one step closer to another year of recognition from our amazing community.

Back-to-Back Recognition

Last year, you helped us ring home the title of Best Dispensary, and that accomplishment meant the world to us! It reminded our team how strong and supportive the Kansas City community is and how much you value the care and passion we bring to our work. This year, we are hoping to keep that momentum going. With your nominations, we can aim for a back-to-back win and continue representing our city with pride!

Why Your Nomination Matters

Every nomination helps celebrate small businesses that work hard to make Kansas City shine. By nominating NatureMed, you are helping elevate a dispensary that believes deeply in education, accessibility, and genuine care for all of our patients. Your nomination does more than just put our name on a list, it helps spotlight Kansas City’s expanding and inclusive cannabis scene.

Nominate Your Favorite Budtender

The Pitch KC also includes a Best Budtender category, and we would love for you to recognize your favorite NatureMed team member. Whether they helped you find a new favorite strain, made you feel welcome during your first visit, or simply brightened your day, now is the time to give them the credit they deserve! Just write in their name and list NatureMed as their dispensary. Every nomination helps highlight the incredible people behind our counters.

How to Nominate

Submitting your nominations is quick and easy:

  1. For Best Dispensary: Click here to nominate NatureMed and type in NatureMed!
  2. For Best Budtender: Click here to nominate the Best Budtender and enter your favorite budtender’s name  + NatureMed!
  3. Nominate once a day, every day until March 31.

Thank You, Kansas City

Every nomination shows the trust you have placed in NatureMed since day one. Your support helps us continue offering the education, product knowledge, and care that earned us last year’s win. We could not do any of this without our incredible community behind us.

From our entire team, thank you for making NatureMed Kansas City’s favorite dispensary.

Nominate Us Now!

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Cannabis in the Community

Thank You, KC! NatureMed Voted Your Best Cannabis Dispensary

Thank You, KC! NatureMed Voted Your Best Cannabis Dispensary

Big news, KC! NatureMed has officially been voted Best Dispensary of Kansas City by The Pitch KC! This award means so much to us because it came straight from you, our community. You voted, you showed up, and helped us take home one of the coolest honors a local dispensary can get.

Group photo of the NatureMed staff, the Best Dispensary of KC team, celebrating the prestigious award.

KC Showed Up BIG

Kansas city always shows love for local spots, and that’s one of the reasons we’re proud to call this city home. Every year, The Pitch KC‘s Best of KC awards highlight the favorites around town, from coffee shops to concert venues. Finding out we actually won Best Dispensary feels surreal. We couldn’t have done it without every single person who shops with us, spreads the word, or just stops in to talk about their favorite products.

A Huge Congrats to Jeremy!

We’ve got to give a massive shoutout to Jeremy from our Vivion location, who was voted Runner-Up for Best Budtender. If you’ve ever been in his store, you know why. Jeremy has the kind of energy that makes everyone feel welcome. He knows his stuff, he’s always ready with a great recommendation, and he brings the good vibes every single day. We couldn’t be prouder to have him representing NatureMed and our KC crew!

What Makes NatureMed, NatureMed

We’ve always tried to keep things simple. No pressure, no judgement, just good vibes and good weed. Our goal is to make every visit feel easy and comfortable, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular. We’re the kind of dispensary where the team remembers your name and your go-to strain. We’re serious about the quality, but even more serious about the people.

Happy NatureMed employees dressed in pink for a staff event, reflecting the fun and welcoming environment at the Best Dispensary of KC.

The Team Behind the Counter

Our staff deserves so much love for this win. From the budtenders who take time to help you find the perfect product to the behind-the-scenes crew who keeps everything running smoothly, every single person here puts their heart into what they do. We’re lucky to have a team that truly loves cannabis and cares about creating a positive experience for everyone who walks in.

Keeping Cannabis Fun and Friendly

Winning this award makes us even more excited for what’s ahead. We want to keep breaking the stigma and showing people that shopping for cannabis can be fun, friendly, and totally approachable. Whether you’re exploring new edibles, hunting for a fresh strain, or just curious about what’s new, we’re here to make it simple and stress-free.

NatureMed product packaging, representing the Best Dispensary of KC, showcasing quality cannabis goods.

A Big Thank You, KC

We’re so grateful for every vote, every visit, and every kind word shared about NatureMed. This award belongs to the entire Kansas City cannabis community. You’ve helped us grow into something special, and we couldn’t be prouder to represent this city.

Let’s Celebrate

We’re celebrating all November with deals and plenty of good vibes at all NatureMed locations. Stop by, say hi, and join the celebration!

Check out our online menu or visit in person to see why Kansas City voted us the best dispensary in town.

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Cannabis in the Community

From Roots to Recognition: The Journey of NatureMed to Kansas City’s Best Dispensary and Budtender Nominee

From Roots to Recognition: The Jorurney of NatureMEd to Kansas City's Best Dispensary and Budtender Nominee

It’s official, Kansas City! NatureMed has made it to the voting round for Best Dispensary and Best Budtender in The Pitch KC’s annual Best of KC awards! This nomination is an honor because it comes directly from our patients and community we serve every day.

Our History in Missouri

NatureMed’s roots started with a passion for providing safe and reliable cannabis to patients who needed it most. We began serving Missouri shortly after the state’s medical program opened. From the start, our focus has been on education, compassion, and high-quality products. 

As the Missouri cannabis community grew, so did we. What started as a small team with a big dream in Arizona has turned into a welcoming dispensary that continues to adapt to the needs of our patients. Whether you’re here for relief, relaxation, or exploration, we’ve worked hard to create an environment where everyone feels supported and informed.

"[I got started in the industry because] I wanted to help spread awareness of the benefits of cannabis and try to dispell the myths and stigmas attached to it.

A diverse team of six happy cannabis dispensary employees wearing green branded shirts and hoodies, posing together for a group photo inside the store.
Say hello to our fantastic team from the Vivion Road store, who were all smiles while filming for our new commercial. Be sure to look for us on KSHB 41!

Growing with Our Patients

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of building relationships with patients across Kansas City. We’ve seen firsthand how cannabis can change daily life. For example, it can bring relief, spark creativity, or simply make a long day easier.

That’s why being nominated for Best Dispensary feels so special. It reflects the trust and support of our community. On top of that, one of our budtenders, Jeremy, is in the running for Best Budtender of KC! This recognition highlights the heart of what makes NatureMed different. It’s the people who care for you every time you walk through our doors.

"[I like working in the cannabis industry because of] the patients, I truly love being able to help someone discover the benefits of cannabis and giving them an alternative to phrama for their depression, anxiety, pain, ect."

An exterior view of the NatureMed Dispensary storefront, a one-story brick building with a large sign and an empty parking lot on a sunny day.
The exterior of our Gladstone store! We're located at 207 NE 72nd St, Gladstone, MO 64118.

Cast Your Vote for NatureMed

Now it’s your turn to help us bring this recognition home. Voting is open until September 25, and it only takes a minute to show your support! You can vote for Best Dispensary here and Best Budtender here!

Your vote isn’t just about recognition. It’s about showing the Kansas City community what cannabis can be when it’s backed by care, quality, and compassion.

The staff of NatureMed Dispensary wearing gray branded hoodies, striking fun poses for a team photo inside the store.
Our Independence team is celebrating a big win: the entire store completed their employee surveys! They're rocking their new hoodies and you can find them at 15823 E US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050.

Thank you for supporting local

We’re so grateful to be part of Kansas City’s growing cannabis market. Every visit, every conversation, and every vote means the world to us. Whether you’ve come in for flower, edibles, concentrates, or just to browse, you’ve helped us grow and keep moving forward.

Explore Our Online Menu and Daily Deals

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our daily deals and shop our online menu. We update our offerings regularly so you can always find something new to enjoy.

Shop Our Online Menu

Check Out Our Daily Deals

Together, let’s show Kansas City why NatureMed deserves the title of Best Dispensary, and why our team includes the Best Budtender. Thank you for your support! We wouldn’t be here without you!

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Cannabis in the Community

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

It’s that time of year again! Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and backpacks are ready to. NatureMed is excited to launch our Back to School Drive to help students in our local communities start the year strong. From August 11 through August 25, all five of our Missouri stores will be collecting donations of basic school supplies, and every single item goes directly to support a school in need. The best part? No purchase is necessary to participate, just bring your supplies and your community spirit.

Two men pose behind a black bin filled with backpacks. One man on the left holds a notebook and the man on the right holds a box of Kleenex and notebooks. A sign on the bin says "School Supply Drive."

Who We’re Helping This Year

Each of our Missouri locations has partnered with a different local school or district to make sure your donations have a direct impact. Our Independence location is collecting for Fort Osage School District, O’Fallon is supporting Hope High School in the Fort Zumwalt District, Kingston is helping Hancock District elementary schools, and both our Vivion and Gladstone locations are gathering supplies for the North Kansas City Schools ELL Department. Every pencil, notebook, and box of crayons will go straight into the hands of students who need them the most.

How You Can Make a Difference

Participating is easy. Stop by any NatureMed dispensary between August 11 and August 25 and drop off your donation of basic school supplies. We’re talking things like paper, folders, makers, backpacks, and glue sticks, the essentials that help set students up for success! See your local budtender for a detailed list of supplies needed for each school! Whether you bring one item or a bag full, you’re making a real difference in a student’s school year.

A group of five women smiling and holding a large black bin overflowing with notebooks and binders for a school supply drive. A woman on the far left holds a box of school supplies and gives a thumbs-up.

Join us In supporting local students

At NatureMed, we believe in lifting up the communities we serve, and this Back to School drive is a chance for all of us to come together for something good. Let’s fill those classrooms with the tools students need to shine.

While you’re here dropping off supplies, be sure to browse our online menu and check out our daily deals! You might just find something to make your day a little brighter too!

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Cannabis in the Community

Supporting Our Neighbors: Tornado Relief Drive

Supporting Our Neighbors: Tornado Relief Drive

On May 16, a tornado swept through northern St. Louis, causing serious damage and leaving many families without basic necessities. It was one of those moments that shakes a community, but also reminds us how strong that community can be. At NatureMed, we’re doing what we can to help support our neighbors through it.

We’ve partnered with Love the Lou, a St. Louis organization working directly with families impacted by the tornado. Their team is focused on delivering real support, fast by getting essential supplies into the hands of people who need them most.

What We’re Collecting

If you’re planning to visit one of our STL stores, we encourage you to bring a few extra items with you to donate. Here’s what we’re collecting:

Food and Drinks

  • Bottled water & electrolyte drinks
  • Non-perishable food items like peanut butter, jelly, & canned goods

Everyday Essentials

  • Toiletries (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush/paste)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Towels, clean clothing, adult diapers
  • Items for children (formula, diapers, toys)

Household & Repair Supplies

  • Trash bags, zip-lock & lawn bags
  • Packing tape, duct tape, & Flex Seal
  • Tarps & nails
  • Flashlights, headlamps, & batteries
  • Phone charging cords

Other Helpful Donations

  • Gift cards to Walmart, Aldi, Schnucks, or any local grocery store.

Not sure if something you have is useful? Ask one of our budtenders in store and we’ll be happy to help!

Where and When

Donations will be accepted during regular store hours at both St. Louis NatureMed locations until June 30. We’ve made it easy to contribute. Just bring your items inside and let any team member know you’re donating to the tornado relief drive. We’ll hand the rest from there!

Why It Matters

When natural disasters hit, many people are left without basic necessities for days or even weeks. The tornadoes that came through Missouri were no exception. In moment’s like this, small businesses have the power to step up in a big way. For us, that means showing up for the STL community the same way it’s always shown up for us.

We believe that being part of a community means showing up when it’s needed most. Whether you’re able to bring one item or ten, just being part of this effort means a lot. It’s the little things that help people feel seen supported, and not alone.

From Our STL Team

This drive was started by one of our own, Kyra Derington, who experienced the storm’s impact firsthand. Here’s what she shared about the day the tornado hit and what inspired her to take action:

On May 16, I got a call from the local police saying a tree in my front yard fell on my house. As I rushed home in panic, I shortly realized I was one of the lucky ones. As more pictures and information about the devastation across North County were posted, my heart broke. Some families lost everything in an instant. I knew we had to do something. Launching the tornado relief drive at NatureMed wasn’t just about collecting supplies, it was about standing beside our community in a moment of deep need. Watching everyone come together so quickly reminded me how powerful compassion can be when we choose to act.

Since launching our tornado relief drive, over 1,347 items have been donated at our two STL stores. The response has been incredible, and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s already shown up to help.

Shop and Support

Even if you’re not able to donate, your visit still supports the work we’re doing! Check out our daily deals to save on your go-to products and browse our online menu and order ahead for pickup.

Thanks for being part of a community that shows up and takes care of each other. STL, we’ve got your back.