About Altai Alternative, The Leading Family-Owned Dispensary in Western Mass
Our Story
Welcome to Altai Alternative Care in Sunderland! We’re Matt and John Townsend, two brothers who founded Sunderland’s community-centered, education-focused dispensary. We named our store after the Altai Mountains, where prehistoric cannabis seeds from a frozen burial from more than 2,000 years ago were discovered.
Our journey began with a simple goal: To create a space where everyone feels comfortable and confident exploring the world of cannabis. Our passion for the plant’s historical and modern consumption is so strong that we stepped away from our family’s longtime energy business to start Altai.
Folks from Pioneer Valley and across Western Mass flock to our dispensary for our robust selection of craft cannabis products and the state’s most popular best sellers. You’re an honored guest here, whether you’re a Sunderland neighbor, an Amherst or Northampton resident, or based somewhere farther out. Visit us for friendly, hands-on support as you learn about cannabis and discover the best product for your needs.
Sunderland Dispensary Location and Hours
Mon-Wed: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thurs – Sat: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunderland Dispensary Features
- Earn rewards whenever you shop (twice as many points on Tuesdays!)
- Abundant on-site parking, including accessible spots
- Pay by cash or debit
- ATM on-premises
- Extensive menu, including products from Massachusetts’ best craft cannabis brands
- Discounts for students, veterans, and older adults
- Located within 10 minutes of UMass Amherst
Join Altai’s Rewards Program
When you shop with us, you can sign up for our rewards program. Curious what your balance is? Just ask our budtenders — they can fill you in and apply your rewards to your current purchase.
When you spend a dollar, you earn a point (two points on Tuesdays, which we call Double Point Tuesdays!). You can start spending your points right away, no minimums required. When you reach the following amounts of points, you get the following discounts:
- 30 Points = $3.00
- 60 Points = $6.00
- 90 Points = $9.00
- 120 Points = $12.00
- 150 Points = $15.00
- 180 Points = $18.00
The Altai Difference
Friendly, Education-Forward Customer Experience
We ensure that shopping for cannabis feels comfortable and personalized. In our welcoming dispensary, you’ll find it a breeze to learn, discover, and find exactly what you need. We take the time to understand your needs and provide expert recommendations in a relaxed, pressure-free atmosphere.
Our team is led by General Manager John McGuigan, Assistant General Manager Casey Hubert, and two supervisors, Jaz Potenza and Chris Jordan. Everyone here is passionate about the products we carry and is always ready to guide you, whether you’re a seasoned consumer or new to cannabis. And we do it enthusiastically.
Family-Owned, Community-Minded
Whenever you shop at Altai, one of our founders will be at the dispensary. We pride ourselves on our family feel and build genuine connections with our customers. When you stick around for a bit to chat and get to know us, that’s the best part of our day.
We’ve built meaningful bonds with Sunderland residents, Amherst folks, and visitors from all over Western Mass simply by treating everyone like they’re in our literal home. As a family-owned dispensary, we truly feel like Altai is our home, and we make sure you feel similarly at ease here.
Varied Craft Cannabis Selection
We’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect product to suit your lifestyle and goals. At our dispensary, that includes local craft cannabis products you won’t find elsewhere in the greater Sunderland-Amherst area.
Our variety of premium cannabis products, including edibles, flower, and concentrates, are sourced from trusted vendors across the state. Likewise, our menu draws visitors from all over Western Mass, from nearby Amherst to as far out as Pittsfield. If you can’t find it elsewhere, it’s likely on the menu at Altai.
The Dispensary Experience
At Altai Alternative, we’re committed to providing exceptional customer service and a curated selection of premium cannabis products. More than that, from the moment you walk through our doors, we treat you like family.
Our ethos follows naturally from being a family-owned dispensary. Yes, our passion is helping you find top-quality cannabis products. But just as importantly, our priority is making sure you truly feel at home as you discover the plant and your new favorite products. Visit us in Sunderland to discover the difference when you shop family-owned and community-focused.
Altai Alternative Reviews
FAQ'S
Who owns Altai Alternative Care?
Two brothers, Matt and John Townsend, own Altai Alternative Care.
What makes Altai Alternative Care different from other dispensaries?
Altai Alternative Care is different from other dispensaries since we:
- Stock rare craft cannabis items you won’t find anywhere else in the greater Sunderland-Amherst region.
- Cultivate a family feel (we’re family-owned!) and forge meaningful bonds with our customers.
- Personalize the cannabis shopping experience so that finding what you need feels comfortable, simple, and pressure-free.
Where is Altai Alternative Care located?
Altai Alternative Care is located in Sunderland, Massachusetts at 267 Amherst Rd #2, Sunderland, MA 01375, about 10 minutes north of UMass Amherst.
SHOP ALL OF OUR NEW PRODUCTS
Ready to discover your new favorite cannabis products? Start your journey with our friendly, thoroughly trained budtenders. You’ll walk away well-stocked and feeling great.
