Truth About Head Shop

Why Call it a Head Shop?

The term “head shop” dates back to the sixties long before the reign of the Flower Power. A head shop is basically any type of retailer, which is legally selling paraphernalia commonly used in the recreational enjoyment of tobacco and cannabis.

Stores like these are regulated and allowed to sell products intended for the consumption of or related to the culture of ganja and tobacco. Depending on where the head shop is, it is also possible for the same outlets to operate as marijuana dispensaries actively.

But why use the term “head shop?”

There are plenty of people who are familiar with the term. Most believe that “head” is not in the literal sense pertaining to the noggin but stands as an acronym for “he eats acid daily.”

With acid being one of the most popular recreational drugs back then, there is a merit to this particular theory. However, there are also those who insist that “head” is an homage to the fans of The Grateful Dead – an American rock band tracing its roots to Palo Alto, California. Formed in 1965, fans of the band were called “deadheads.”

And then there is the simplest le explanation yet where the term is used to refer to an addict. For example, a pot head is one who frequently consumes pot. Hence the term “head shop”, which means a shop for addicts.

What do head shops specialize in?

When they first started doing business, patrons considered them the crème de la crème of drug paraphernalia supply. You can find everything to fuel your intoxication in these places. They carried everything from water pipes to incense – basically everything you need to maintain your desired level of high.

What these places did not sell were the drugs themselves - mostly cannabis and acid back then. Their inventories were regulated and stores were immediately shut down if there were any violation of sorts. They could not sell anything that one can use to take illegal substances. So they skirted the law. For example, water pipes were marketed as glass pipes standing as “unique” home décor – pretty wily.

However, these stores also offered another kind of service in the sixties. These retailers served as drop off and distribution points for all kinds of publications banned by the government. These include those that aimed to promote a variety of spiritual practices, as well as those that served to question authority.

Today you mostly find online head shops due to the local laws cracking down. It does not look good to the local police force if someone is selling drug paraphernalia right there on the high street.