Yes, I was able to contact Google Support via Google My Business. They somehow fixed it on their end. However, I still see the same problem with similar searches. For example Google (Pot Stores Tacoma Wa), and then Google (Pot Store Tacoma WA). On the first search, only three businesses show, on the second search ALL the businesses show. I am googling from out of state so distance and centroid shouldn't affect the SERPS>

Well Well What do you know, 2 days after blasting this issue all over the internet it MIRACULOUS fixed itself

Actually, I contacted Google Support through Google My Business Login they have an email and a live chat feature where you can voice your concerns. Now what was that about not being able to change Google SERPS you were saying????

Now google Dispensary Near Tacoma and Dispensaries Near Tacoma all the businesses show. how about that.

Thank you for your response. The category cannot be the factor because other dispensaries in Tacoma with the same category are disappearing on the same query.  For example, Mary Mart, and clear choice cannabis both disappear from maps and they have the same category as the ones showing up when you search dispensary near Tacoma. I have tested this in multiple cities and it happens in each one. The reason this is such a big issue is according to MOZ keyword research Dispensary Near Me is the number one searched term. I am in contact with Google My Business Support and I will let you know their response soon.

Another point that I would like to make Dispensary Near Me is the number search term BECAUSE GOOGLE MADE it the number one autocomplete word when people are driving and searching on their mobile phone. To erase 90 percent of similar businesses is unfair and anti-competitive.

This is the second time I have posted this question and never got a satisfactory result.

I have an SEO client in Tacoma Wa and when you type (Dispensaries Near Tacoma they are in the Top 3 snack pack and the Google maps shows 20 other similar businesses. However, when you search (Dispensary Near Tacoma) only 3 or 5 recreational marijuana shops show up and my client disappears. Someone earlier suggested it could be because of the categories selection, but that can't affect ALL the other shops and like I said it happens in other cities. for example Dispensary Near Olympia vs Dispensaries Near Olympia.  I have the full write up and pictures and diagrams on my blog. Please HELP! This could affect your future clients also.

https://isenselogic.com/local-business-disappearing-on-google-maps-when-plurals-used/

Yes there is, especially for local SEO. Chamber of Commerce for cities are awesome links. The cities usually require a yearly fee to obtain these do-follow links.

That is a interesting Question