THAT DISPENSARY LIFE

THAT #DISPENSARYLIFE… it ain't all it's cracked up to be. I have worked in over 6 #cannabisdispensaries since 2002, all of them have had issues, but they have increasingly gotten better, the conditions to work in and for them to operate under. I've seen it all. From DEA raids to sex-capades. I could definitely write a tell-all Anthony Bourdain Kitchen Confidential style book. I'm not saying anyone I worked for was a criminal or a crook, most were very courageous in their undertakings, but some were careless in their handling of business operations. And now we face a complete #corporatetakeover in the #cannabisindustry because of #overregulation and #govermnentinaction to correct. 

I feel #budtending conditions we're somewhat better before legalization. Back in the day I had a lot more perks and freebies, but for the most part #budtenders are treated like simple retail now. Not appreciated fully in my opinion. Glad to hear there is at least an awards that honor budtenders. And I'm working my first #unionizedbudtending job. But let me be clear. Budtenders deserve to be recognized as sommeliers and only trained, certified individuals should be able to retain title and be paid well. I hate to see the profession watered down. The truth be told there is much to it. We are expected to help guide members, and pick out a product that is going to help them either therapeutically or to help enhance whatever experience.

So here we are, possibly in for some bumpy times ahead, even more than they've been, but my faith in #cannabisisstrong, and my hopes are that things will eventually smooth out and the government will lessen restrictions so that more good-hearted folk can enter the industry that have ethical values, that want to do what's right for staff and community. But this will take time, lobbying and advocacy. 

I like working at @magnolia_oakland w/ Debbie, Katie and the whole staff, plus now at @besomatik w/ Christopher, Clayton, and Crystin. They all have such good hearts, values, missions and ideals that I align with. I hope that they both solidify their footing in this new industry so we can grow together as family and community. 

But c'est la vie

#cannabis