Third Eye Shoppe

Last updated
Third Eye Shoppe
Company type Head shop
FoundedJuly 1, 1987;36 years ago (1987-07-01) in Portland, Oregon, U.S.
DefunctMarch 31, 2017 (2017-03-31)
Headquarters3950 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard,
Portland, Oregon
,
U.S.
Owner Jack Herer (1987–2001); Mark Herer (2001–2017)

Third Eye Shoppe, commonly known as The Third Eye, was a head shop in Portland, Oregon's Hawthorne district and Richmond neighborhood, in the United States. The shop was founded in 1987 and owned by cannabis and counterculture activist Jack Herer. His son, Mark Herer, took over as the shop's owner in 2001. The Third Eye closed on March 31, 2017, as a result of declining sales, development of the surrounding neighborhood, increasing health care costs, and increased competition. For nearly thirty years, the shop was associated with Portland's cannabis culture and recreational drug tourism, and was included in Willamette Week 's annual "Best of Portland" reader's poll several times.

Contents

Description

The Third Eye was a head shop on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, near its intersection with Southeast Cesar Chavez Boulevard (formerly Southeast 39th Avenue), in southeast Portland's Richmond neighborhood. The store sold common head shop paraphernalia, including: bongs, books, bumper stickers, clothing, crystals, Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia memorabilia, hookahs, incense, posters, rolling papers, tie-dyed shirts, and vaporizers. [1] [2] [3]

According to The Oregonian , The Third Eye was also a "link to the city's lively and long history with marijuana activism". [1] The store was owned by cannabis and counterculture activist Jack Herer (1939–2010). [4] Herer's son, Mark, who later owned the shop, described The Third Eye as "a hippie, Grateful Dead department store". [1] Cannabis activist Russ Belville compared the establishment to a "Prohibition-era speakeasy". [1] Images of Garcia and Herer were displayed to "keep watch over the shop". [1]

History

Cannabis activist Jack Herer (pictured in 1989) owned The Third Eye until his son, Mark, took over in 2001. JackHerer-9-23-1989.jpg
Cannabis activist Jack Herer (pictured in 1989) owned The Third Eye until his son, Mark, took over in 2001.

In the late 1980s, Jack Herer and his friend "Captain" Ed Adair purchased the "funky" building that would house The Third Eye, which formerly served as a two-story house, for around $100,000 (~$230,134 in 2023). [1] The shop opened on July 1, 1987, [5] and became known for its "eye-catching" exterior. [6] [7]

Madeline Martinez recalls drafting Oregon Ballot Measure 67—which modified state law to allow the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by doctor recommendation for patients with certain medical conditions, after passing in 1998—on the shop's second floor, alongside other cannabis activists. She has said, "A lot of the beginnings of the movement itself took place in that building." [1]

In 2001, Mark Herer, took over as owner of The Third Eye. [5] The store thrived during the 2000s, and employed as many as a dozen employees, each of whom received health insurance benefits. However, business declined sharply in 2016, and Herer estimates a loss of $500,000 in sales compared to 2015 because of competition from local cannabis stores and head shops, as well as online retail outlets. [1] [6]

In March 2017, The Third Eye announced its closing at the end of the month (March 31). Herer said the decision to close the shop was difficult, but "necessary as sales have steeply declined in recent years". [1] In addition to lower sales, road construction, [6] the development of the surrounding neighborhood, increasing health care costs, [8] and "changing tastes and preferences of the modern cannabis consumer" were cited as reasons for the closure. [1] [7] [9] Russ Belville called the closure "a natural evolution" of the cannabis movement which, according to The Oregonian, "in recent years has tried to shed its counterculture associations to appeal to a more mainstream audience". Belville said, "[The store is] just a relic from another era where those of us in the cannabis community were always outlaws." [1]

The Third Eye hosted a farewell party during its last days to show its gratitude to customers. [1] [6] [10] The business was one of Portland's oldest head shops before its closure, operating for nearly thirty years. [1] According to Herer, the building which housed The Third Eye was sold to a commercial developer for $1 million cash, [6] [9] [10] two hours after being listed. [7] He anticipated the building's demolition, and told The Oregonian that he left the business $60,000 in debt. [1]

Reception

Front exterior, 2017 Third Eye, PDX, 2017 - 1.jpg
Front exterior, 2017

The Third Eye was associated with Portland's cannabis culture and recreational drug tourism. The shop was included in Pedal Bike Tours' popular Pot Tour, [11] an educational and recreational tour of the city's marijuana-friendly sites, established in 2015. [2] [12] [13] Zoe Wilder described the shop as a "funky counterculture boutique" in her Merry Jane article, "5 Stoner-Friendly Things to Do When Visiting Portland, Oregon". [14] The shop was included in Willamette Week 's annual "Best of Portland" reader's poll several times. In 2005, The Third Eye won in the Best Head Shop category. [15] In 2015 readers named it Best Head Shop, Best Vape Shop, and runner-up for Best Smoke Shop, [16] and in 2016 Best Head Shop and runner-up for Best Smoke Shop. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Herer</span> Author and hemp activist

Jack Herer, sometimes called the "Emperor of Hemp", was an American cannabis rights activist and the author of the 1985 book The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Herer founded and served as the director of the organization Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Oregon</span> Use of cannabis in Oregon

Cannabis in Oregon is legal for both medical and recreational use. In recent decades, the U.S. state of Oregon has had a number of legislative, legal, and cultural events surrounding use of cannabis. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and among the first to authorize its use for medical purposes. An attempt to recriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis was turned down by Oregon voters in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Oregon Ballot Measure 91</span> Ballot measure in Oregon legalizing marijuana

Oregon Ballot Measure 91 was a 2014 ballot measure in the U.S. state of Oregon. Its passage legalized the "recreational use of marijuana, based on regulation and taxation to be determined by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burnside Burn</span> 2015 cannabis event in Portland, Oregon

The "Burnside Burn" was an event held on the Burnside Bridge in Portland, Oregon, starting at midnight on July 1, 2015, the day recreational marijuana became legal in the U.S. state of Oregon. It was organized by Portland NORML, the local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, having originated from its executive director, who wanted to photograph himself in front of the White Stag sign in the moments after Oregon Ballot Measure 91 took effect. The crowd, larger than anticipated, numbered in the thousands and at times blocked traffic lanes on the bridge. Some attendees wanted to commemorate the moment, while others were motivated by announcements of free marijuana and seeds. No fines were issued for consumption in public. The event was covered by cannabis publications, local and national news outlets, and the HBO television series Vice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weed the People</span> 2015 cannabis event in Portland, Oregon

"Weed the People", officially "Weed the People: A Cannabis Legalization Celebration", was an event held in Portland on July 3, 2015, two days after recreational marijuana became legal in the U.S. state of Oregon. Sponsored by the Portland Mercury and two cannabis companies, the event was attended by an estimated 1,500–2,000 people, who were provided up to seven grams of marijuana for immediate consumption or to take home. Organizers complied with restrictions on recreational sales by distributing free cannabis and required attendees to pay an entry fee. More than 1,300 tickets were sold, but the building's 500-person capacity meant long wait times to enter. Media outlets reported on the historic nature of the event, which was described as a "stoner's paradise" and a celebration of freedom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Stanford</span>

Paul Stanford is the founder of The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation (THCF), THCF Medical Clinics, and the Campaign for the Restoration and Regulation of Hemp (CRRH).

The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation (THCF) was founded in 1999 by Paul Stanford in Portland, Oregon. To date, THCF has helped over 250,000 patients obtain a legal permit to use medical marijuana in the states where it is legal and where THCF has clinics. THCF is the largest chain of medical marijuana clinics in the U.S. with clinics operating in 12 states.

Madeline Martinez is an American cannabis rights activist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland NORML</span> Cannabis organization

Portland NORML is the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) affiliate for Portland, Oregon, in the United States. The chapter was established in January 2015 by Portland-based radio host and cannabis activist Russ Belville. Scott Gordon serves as its executive director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City Liquidators</span> Furniture warehouse in Portland, Oregon, US

City Liquidators is a furniture warehouse in Portland, Oregon's Buckman neighborhood, in the United States. The company was established by Walt Pelett in 1977; he and his wife, Pam Pelett, still own the company as of 2015. The company occupies seven buildings totaling 390,000-square feet, as of early 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lúc Lắc Vietnamese Kitchen</span> Vietnamese restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Lúc Lắc Vietnamese Kitchen, or simply Lúc Lắc, is a Vietnamese restaurant in Portland, Oregon's Leon Chung Company Building, in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space Room Lounge and Genie's Too</span> Bar and restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

The Space Room Lounge & Genie's Too is a bar and restaurant in Portland, Oregon's Hawthorne district, in the United States. The Space Room Lounge was established in 1959 and "fused" with the restaurant Genie's Cafe in 2014. The Space Room has an outer space theme and a large patio. Elliott Smith frequented the bar. Willamette Week readers voted Space Room the city's best dive bar in a 2017 readers' poll.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genie's Cafe</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Genie's Cafe, or Genies Cafe, is a restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauretta Jean's</span> Bakery in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Lauretta Jean's is a bakery and pie shop with two locations in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jam on Hawthorne</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Jam on Hawthorne is a restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TarBoush (restaurant)</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

TarBoush Lebanese Bistro and Bar, or simply TarBoush, is a Lebanese restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ya Hala</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine, or simply Ya Hala, is a Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurant in Portland, Oregon, United States. The business was established as a deli counter in 1999.

Sinsemilla Tips was an American magazine founded in 1980 providing advice for indoor growers of cannabis. The founder was Tom Alexander who based publication of this and another magazine, The Growing Edge, in Corvallis, Oregon. Alexander distributed the first run of 1,000 copies out of his car from the Emerald Triangle to Seattle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Case Study Coffee Roasters</span> American coffee company

Case Study Coffee Roasters is a coffee company with multiple locations in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pho Van</span> Vietnamese restaurant chain based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Pho Van is a Vietnamese restaurant chain based in Portland, Oregon. The original restaurant opened in southeast Portland in 1992. Owner Lam Van opened a second, called Silk by Pho Van, in northwest Portland's Pearl District in 2002. Third and fourth locations opened in Beaverton and on southeast Portland's Hawthorne Boulevard in 2003 and 2006, respectively. The business expanded to China in 2012. Silk rebranded as Pho Van Fresh in 2015.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Crombie, Noelle (March 22, 2017). "The Third Eye, one of Portland's oldest head shops, to close". The Oregonian . Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN   8750-1317. Archived from the original on March 22, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  2. 1 2 Anderson, John Gottberg (August 28, 2016). "Portland offers pedal-powered pot tour". The Bulletin . Bend, Oregon: Western Communications. Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  3. ↑ Krenzler, Brandon (August 14, 2014). "420 Weird Portland: A Pot-Friendly Guided Tour". Ladybud. Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  4. ↑ Hoeffel, John (April 24, 2010). "Jack Herer dies at 70; author and advocate for marijuana legalization". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  5. 1 2 Wolfe, Amy (June 30, 2015). "Vintage Portland Head Shops: Celebrate marijuana legalization with a tour the classic head shops in Portland". Willamette Week . Portland, Oregon: City of Roses Newspapers. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Graves, Lincoln (March 14, 2017). "Iconic Portland head shop Third Eye Shoppe will soon close its doors". Portland, Oregon: KATU. Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  7. 1 2 3 June, Sophia (March 13, 2017). "30-Year-Old Head Shop Third Eye Is Closing on Hawthorne". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  8. ↑ Wolfe, Amy (September 13, 2016). "How Is Legalization Affecting Old-School Head Shops?". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  9. 1 2 Cizmar, Martin (March 21, 2017). "After 30 Years, the Legendary Third Eye Shoppe Will Close. We Talked to Owner Mark Herer About Its History". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  10. 1 2 Jardine, Josh (March 24, 2017). "Say Goodbye to the Third Eye During the Portland Head Shop's Final Blowout". The Portland Mercury . Portland, Oregon: Index Publishing. Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  11. ↑ LaMontagne, Lota (October 12, 2015). "Pedal Rolls Out Portland Pot Tour". Pedal Bike Tours. Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  12. ↑ Hide, Will (November 27, 2015). "Port Tour of Portland, Oregon: A Cycling Trip with a Difference". The Independent . London: Independent Print Limited. ISSN   0951-9467. OCLC   185201487. Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  13. ↑ Maurer, Leah (May 25, 2016). "Portland Pot Tour: Sustainability, History, & Cannabis". Dope. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  14. ↑ Wilder, Zoe (November 4, 2016). "5 Stoner-Friendly Things to Do When Visiting Portland, Oregon". Merry Jane . Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  15. ↑ Shinn, Laura (August 9, 2005). "Reader's Poll – You Voted. We Tallied". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Best of Portland Readers' Poll". Willamette Week. July 14, 2015. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Best of Portland Reader's Poll 2016: The Complete List of Winners". Willamette Week. July 18, 2016. Archived from the original on April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.

45°30′42.4″N122°37′18.6″W / 45.511778°N 122.621833°W / 45.511778; -122.621833

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.