A Mission of Healing: Flight Cannabis Opening in Bernal Heights
New Cortland Avenue dispensary aims to bring relief to cancer patients and those struggling with PTSD.
When Grayson opens the doors to Flight San Francisco, his new cannabis dispensary on Cortland Avenue, he’ll be fulfilling a promise made years ago to his late mother, Clara. As a healthcare worker, she witnessed firsthand how cannabis could ease the suffering of cancer patients.
“My mother worked in healthcare and saw how cannabis helped her patients dealing with cancer,” Grayson explains. “That’s what inspired me to start Flight back in 2003. It began as a tribute to her and her dedication to helping people.”
What started as an underground operation has evolved into a legal dispensary with a clear mission: to give back to the community and provide relief to those who need it most. For Grayson and co-founder Keena, it’s personal.
A Personal Journey with Cannabis
Grayson’s connection to cannabis extends beyond his mother’s influence. He has his own experience using cannabis to manage PTSD and anxiety, which has deepened his understanding of the plant’s therapeutic potential.
“I’ve walked this path myself,” he says. “I know what it’s like to struggle with PTSD and anxiety, and I’ve seen how cannabis can help. That’s why I’m so passionate about educating people and helping them find the right products for their needs.”
The loss of multiple family members to cancer has further solidified his commitment to helping others navigate serious health challenges through natural remedies and wellness practices.
More Than Just a Dispensary
Flight’s soft opening is planned for January, marking the beginning of what Grayson envisions as a community hub focused on health and wellness. The store’s design draws inspiration from his mother’s love of the Louvre, creating an elevated, thoughtful space that reflects the care that goes into the mission.
“We want to do real good in the community,” Grayson emphasizes. “This isn’t about just selling products. It’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Working alongside his managers, Walter and Erik, he plans to focus heavily on education, helping customers understand the various cannabis products available and how they may provide relief for different conditions. While Flight will carry the company’s own product line, it’ll also stock other carefully selected brands that meet their quality standards.
A Community-Focused Approach
Grayson chose Cortland Avenue for its strong sense of community and his personal connection to Bernal Heights. Unlike larger corporate dispensaries, Flight aims to provide intimate, personalized service that puts relationships first.
“We’re not trying to be the cheapest option out there,” Grayson says. “We’re focusing on quality, education, and building real connections with our customers. This is about serving the community, not maximizing profits.”
He’s also planning collaborations with other local businesses and community initiatives, reinforcing his commitment to being a good neighbor in Bernal Heights.
Looking Ahead
As federal attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve, Grayson is optimistic about the future. The potential rescheduling of cannabis under federal law could open new doors for research and access, but he’s not waiting for Washington to act. He’s already moving forward with his mission to help people now.
For those struggling with cancer, PTSD, anxiety, or other conditions that might benefit from cannabis, Flight represents more than just another dispensary. It’s a place built on compassion, education, and a genuine desire to improve lives, a fitting tribute to a mother who dedicated her career to healing others.
Flight Cannabis Dispensary welcomes you in January at its Cortland Avenue location in Bernal Heights. For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, follow them on Instagram – @flight.sfbh.
Calendar – Bernal Heights and Beyond
Flight SF Cannabis Dispensary
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
