Aura isn’t just a dispensary — it’s a warm, welcoming destination. Tucked into the fabric of Central Falls, this locally cherished spot offers far more than cannabis; it’s a curated experience rooted in comfort, connection, and authenticity. At its core lies a belief that cannabis should be approachable, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone, from the curious newcomer to the seasoned enthusiast.
From the moment you walk in, Aura invites exploration. There’s nothing intimidating here — just friendly advice, carefully vetted products, and a touch of everyday magic. The atmosphere is relaxed, respectful, and infused with an understated energy, a place to learn, share, and feel genuinely welcome.
The heart of Aura lies with its team. These aren’t dispassionate salespeople; they’re enthusiasts, educators, and connectors. They champion a “staff picks” culture not as a marketing tactic, but as honest, personal endorsements from people who live and breathe cannabis.
Bernie Garcia heads straight to hybrids from Moonstone Meds and offers particular praise for the Ocean State Curated line. “Top-tier,” he says without hesitation. His enthusiasm comes through as not just a product preference, but a testimonial.
Shemar Fairweather describes Aura as the “best job I ever had,” and his affection for the workplace is palpable. He gravitates toward sativas, and his current favorite is Fire Ganja’s Treetop Heady Trooper, a high-potency flower designed to elevate the day. His description of it as “euphoric” and “bright” gives you an immediate sense of its effect, and it’s hard not to feel his passion.
Ana Severino, one of Aura’s team leaders, prefers the indica Han Solo flower, describing it as “powerful, but not overwhelming.” Those words capture the essence of Aura’s ethos. They respect the plant’s power, and they respect the person choosing it.
Aura’s menu reflects careful attention. It’s one of the most diverse and budget-friendly selections in RI, designed intentionally to serve a wide spectrum of preferences and budgets. You’ll find everything from infused pre-rolls and budget ounces to sleep gummies and classic flowers.
Even the menu format shows thoughtfulness: iPad ordering stations, real-time pricing, and transparency so you always know what you’re paying for and why. You’re not bombarded with jargon or pressured into upsells.
“A big thing for us is keeping it local,” Ana says. “Everything here is grown and processed in RI. That really matters.” From flowers to infused goods, the entire supply chain is rooted in local craftsmanship.
Once you hit the drive-thru, the process becomes seamless. Bernie greets you, confirms your order, and has you on your way in minutes. It’s quiet, discreet, and efficient. “We want to meet people where they’re at,” Shemar explains. “That means offering options that make sense for everyone’s schedule.”
That community vibe can be seen in the interior design as well. No stiff glass displays, no ambient music that drowns out conversation. The space feels lived-in, a home for warm conversation. It’s functional, with clean shelving, organized displays, and bright lighting, but also cozy. There are nods to local art, plants for natural ambiance, and staff chatting with customers.
There’s also an unspoken inclusivity at play. Whether you’re wearing sneakers, slacks, suits, or hoodies, the tone isn’t judged. Customers lean on staff for recommendations; they know they won’t be shushed for asking about effects, dosage, or even simple things like: “Which one’s good for watching a movie?” or “Which one’s gonna help me sleep but not knock me out?” Products are discussed contextually: not just, “This has X THC,” but, “This will help you unwind after dinner,” or “This one’s good for getting creative.”
I spent close to thirty minutes chatting with staff and customers. There was laughter, there were jokes; there was that comfortable flow of conversation you find in places that feel like they’ve been around a while. But this is still a young business, with the energy of something growing, something alive. It’s not museum-like; it’s still in motion.
When I asked Bernie, Shemar, and Ana what keeps them coming back, they said it was the connection: connection to the plant, connection to customers, connection to each other.
To step inside Aura is to step into a neighborhood space that feels alive, honest, and warm. Laid out in print, off-screen, and tactile, this story feels even more fitting. It’s a captured moment from a corner of Rhode Island where cannabis culture is being built thoughtfully, warmly, and without judgment. It’s a story worth telling in longhand — a nod to detail, to craft, and to community.