Definition

Noun: A retail establishment that specializes in selling paraphernalia and other items associated with the use of recreational drugs, particularly cannabis. These items may include pipes, rolling papers, vaporizers, and various novelty accessories.

Usage

The term is used to refer to a specific type of specialty store. It is a compound noun. * The police monitored the new head shop that opened downtown. * In some cities, zoning laws restrict where a head shop can operate.

Examples

• He went to the to buy a new glass pipe.
• That also sells posters and incense.

Advanced Usage

• The term originated in the 1960s counterculture. "Head" was a slang term for a habitual drug user.
• While historically focused on cannabis and psychedelic culture, some modern head shops may also sell tobacco paraphernalia, legal herbal smoking blends, or CBD products, depending on local laws.

Variants and Related Words

• Smoke shop: A more general and sometimes less stigmatized term for a store selling tobacco and smoking accessories, which may overlap with the inventory of a head shop.
• Gift shop: A very general term; some head shops may operate under this broader label.

Synonyms

• Paraphernalia shop (less common)

Notes on Meaning

This term specifically denotes a shop for drug-related paraphernalia. It is distinct from: * A dispensary, which is a licensed outlet for selling medicinal or recreational cannabis itself. * A tobacco shop or cigar store, which focuses primarily on tobacco products.

Noun

1. a shop specializing in articles of interest to drug users
   • he bought some roach clips and hashish pipes at the head shop