Monticello dispensary manager uses love of cannabis to help patients

What drew you to working as a budtender?

Cannabis has always been a passion of mine, legal or not. I’ve anticipated this happening for a long time. I always researched it and kind of stayed on top of everything. I’m big on cannabis genetics. It’s something that’s absorbed a lot of my personal time. It seemed like a no-brainer to share my knowledge with people, budtenders, patients — anyone I come in contact with. 

What makes a good budtender?

First, a good base knowledge of products. You need to know terpene profiles, not focus on just THC percentages. Knowledge of genetics plays into it because you have a really good idea of what will be better for different [medical] conditions. You can really dial it in for [the patients] and give them the best care that you possibly can. Patience and listening more than you talk is very important. A lot of budtending is talking and interacting but the more that you listen and you get down to a root cause with the patients, you can get down to what will help them the best.

Do you get a lot of customers looking for the highest THC? Do you try to steer customers in other directions or help them find products that might be right for them?

A lot of people do shop based on THC percentage. As a budtender, it’s important to not necessarily steer them away from that because people have different needs. It’s important to acknowledge that some people actually need a higher percentages of things. But we educate them on terpene profiles and the importance of different cannabinoids. I’ve had a lot of conversations on CBG and THCV, which is an appetite suppressant. For people with diabetes, it’s good to know things like that because diabetics don’t need to have the munchies. 

What strains are popular these days?

Good Day has a lot of new strains that are very popular. Cookies genetics have been very popular. Carpenter Farms recently started providing flower to the state. They’ve been very popular. They produce a very good product. I don’t say this just because I work for Good Day, Good Day is providing a lot better cost to quality. Their prices are a little bit more accessible for the average patient and you’re still getting the quality that you’re looking for. 

Do you sell a lot of edibles and other products? 

Edibles are always a favorite. Gummies and chocolates, people do love them. They are good for a lot of people that don’t want the smell. They don’t want to smell like they smoked weed. That’s very beneficial for a lot of patients. It gives them the ability to medicate but still not have the scent or worry about the negative connotation. Tinctures are something we really try to steer patients to, especially patients with intractable pain and things like that. It’s very, very medicinal along with Rick Simpson Oil. 

If you had one piece of advice for a new consumer, what would it be? 

Come in and talk to us. Don’t be scared. Don’t be nervous. Every budtender I’ve met in the state has been very kind and patient. Most everyone has a wealth of information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be prepared to take in new information and try new things that may just be a little bit out of your comfort zone. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

I’m appreciative to be in this industry. It felt like winning the lottery getting into it at floor level, because there are so few dispensaries and relatively few opportunities in the state to get into the industry at this point. Getting in is amazing. It’s a blessing every day and to walk in these doors and help all these people and see the smiling faces. 

Check out our other interviews with budtenders:

Jennifer Burr, Natural Relief Dispensary

Buffy Montgomery, Suite 443

Addison Aquino, CROP Dispensary