Shop Review: Secret Garden

Medicine Market

Secret Garden’s location has been a home for getting better since its was previously a doctor’s office. The doc asked owner Mike Hannegan if he knew anyone in the Cannabis space who might be interested in taking over the property, and he pounced on the opportunity. So, he got a bunch of his friends to help him with the buildout, and voilà, here we are. Mike had a Cannabis bath bomb company that didn’t make it out of COVID-19 called 19Forty (the year CBD was discovered). But this experience taught him a lot about starting brands and how to follow compliance. One year later, it’s a thriving Cannabis retail shop and the closest to John Wayne Airport in Costa Mesa. Wins and lessons!

Cali Vibes

Since there’s ivy growing on all the walls and to get there you have to jockey around from the highway, the name choice makes a lot of sense — a taste of Shangri-La in the OC. This shop strives for an intersection where Nordstrom style meets a beachy hotel vibe — a warm, higher-end experience. All the cabinetry is custom made with an interior curated by well-known designer Kegan Neall from Weather Station Zebra. And how cool is this: you’ll find signed memorabilia from reggae rock bands like Rebelution, Fortunate Youth, Iration and more. And because of the proximity to the airport, you may see a celebrity popping in for a quick pic and a grab-and-go.

One-Stop Shop

If you’re in the area, come take advantage of a complimentary meal on Free Food Friday with burgers and dogs hot off the grill — just look for the smoke signals emanating into the sky. If you’re a veteran, be sure to take advantage of 15% off your entire order. And talk about a well of wellness: Secret Garden works with different wellness brands for some extraordinary activities, including sound baths and yoga classes right there on the property in an adjacent facility. It also collaborates with neighbors Southwest Health and Fitness so you can get your meds and your workout at the same time!