LONG BEACH On Jan. 1, the Herb N Legend Smoke Shop opened for business in downtown Long Beach.

    Located in the former space of Reddog Smoke Shop at 509 Pacific Avenue South, Herb N Legends is owned by Lynda and Dave Kinnunen.

    Described as a fun 60s head shop flair with a sunny beach attitude, Herb N Legends carries natural, additive-free, American-grown whole leaf tobacco and roll-your-own cigarette supplies, such as rollers, injectors and filter tubes. Whole leaf tobacco is shredded in-store upon purchase.

    The Kinnunens explain, With the cost of cigarettes skyrocketing, more smokers are opting to make their own premium cigarettes at home. In these economic times where every penny counts, fresh whole leaf tobacco is the perfect alternative. You can blend whole leaf tobaccos to match the flavors of manufactured cigarettes such as Marlboro, Camel or Winstons, or come up with your own personal favorite.

    The benefits of buying fresh, additive-free cigarette tobacco and making your own premium cigarettes far outweighs any inconvenience of doing so. There are even organic options.

    The shop owners estimate that customers will be able to make quality cigarettes at home at the price of around $1.50 per pack.

    Herb N Legends also carries other smoking accessories like fine cigars, pipe tobacco, glass and pipes, as well as posters, incense, dried flower arrangements, gifts and more. A grand opening event is scheduled for Feb. 1 and Feb. 2.

    Open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Herb N Legend Smoke Shop can be reached by calling 503-717-3351.