From Building Community at the Dispensary to Driving Customer Growth at Dutchie

Where have you previously worked in cannabis? What was your role and title? How/why did you end up working there?

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I entered the cannabis industry in 2020 at Remedy in Maryland. Starting as a budtender, I worked my way up to Company Sales Manager, where I oversaw promotions, pricing, sales reporting, and marketing initiatives across two locations. I also co-created and planned open-consumption events like "Yoga and Toka" and "Nugs and Networking," which brought the community together in a relaxed, inclusive setting.

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I had been a lover of the cannabis plant for a few years before working in the industry, as I personally found relief from health issues with it. My interest in the industry stemmed from the energy of Maryland's emerging medical market. Whenever I visited a dispensary, the atmosphere was incredibly uplifting. Seeing the unknown potential of the cannabis industry, I decided to take a leap and apply at Remedy to see where the future might lead.

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What did you like most about working with cannabis? What's a standout memory from that time?

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What stood out most to me about working in cannabis was the people and creativity. The environment was welcoming, and there was a shared enthusiasm from customers and colleagues around learning about cannabis and plant benefits. As the markets become more saturated, there is less of this new industry excitement, but being the person who is willing to bring new ideas and initiatives to the table is what makes the industry fun.

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Whether I was discussing new product drops, negotiating with vendors, brainstorming event ideas, comparing terpene profiles, or helping medical patients find relief, the work felt genuinely rewarding. A standout memory for me was hosting my first successful open-consumption event. Seeing people consume openly while connecting in such a positive, like-minded space was an incredible experience.

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What have you learned moving from plant-touching work to tech? Did anything about the change surprise you?

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Transitioning from dispensaries to tech has been an incredible learning experience. The shift was initially challenging as I had to gain more software knowledge and confidently guide customers through it. I've learned that customers often feel overwhelmed by new tech, so I prioritize making them feel supported and comfortable. Since finding my flow, I've been able to sharpen my project management skills as well.

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The biggest surprise was the adjustment to full-time remote work. Going from a busy dispensary to a home office means you lose some of that face-to-face social interaction. However, once I began actively reaching out to my coworkers at Dutchie and putting myself out there more, I regained more of that sense of community. I love the balance of working from home while still actively contributing to the growth of the industry.

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What's your advice for those starting out in cannabis? What is there to look forward to?

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Adaptability is key because regulations and the market are constantly changing. It's important to be mindful and careful with compliance when helping run cannabis operations. At the same time, it's an industry that rewards creativity and opens up a wide range of opportunities.

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From coming up with marketing initiatives to making the customer experience better using tech, lean into what you find interesting and be willing to learn. I think this is the best way to grow and find success in the industry.