Chances are you can guess what a “budtender” does. Just like a bartender expertly leads you to your new favorite cocktail, budtenders are the knowledgeable, friendly employees of cannabis dispensaries tasked with guiding customers through the wide world of cannabis products.
“Budtenders, also known as cannabis consultants, often become mentors and guides to customers,” says Brian Lizotte, Operations Manager at The Pass, the vertically integrated grower and producer of adult-use recreational cannabis products based in Sheffield, Massachusetts. “The most important role our retail cannabis professionals play is being an advocate, recommending great products to customers, standing up for fair access to cannabis, and working to reset the social stigma.”
That often means The Pass’ budtenders are the primary source of cannabis knowledge and know-how for the customers that visit its sleek, modern dispensary. “If you’re new to legal pot shops or to the cannabis world in general, there’s a lot going on in here,” says Budtender Danielle Rock, who joined The Pass’ team of 26 consultants to pursue her passion for the plant.
Whether it’s introducing a nervous first-time customer to a product best suited to their experience level or teaching someone who has been smoking flower for decades about the new frontier of concentrates and edibles, The Pass’ budtenders are there to guide customers through all their options.
At The Pass, that includes a variety of items from trusted partner cultivators and manufacturers as well as its own wide array of products—from flowers and pre-rolled joints to vape cartridges, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals—all grown and manufactured in Sheffield.
“The fact that we’re vertically integrated is very important to me,” says Retail Manager Blake Gurgul. “It means we can be very well rounded when we serve people, and create our own products that can help people in many different ways.”
With so many canna-curious customers stepping foot in recreational dispensaries for the first time, The Pass’ budtenders are more than happy to answer any question under the sun. According to Gurgul, some of the most popular ones include “What’s got the highest THC?” (that would be concentrates, AKA dabs, or tinctures he says) or “Can a topical lotion get you high?” (because THC applied topically can’t reach the bloodstream, no, it won’t get you high).
“That’s why asking questions and talking to someone can be so beneficial,” says Rock. “We’re not here to rush decisions or pick for you. Our goal is to send you home with new information, answered questions, and a nice selection of cannabis products that fit your specific needs.”
To learn more about The Pass and stay up to date on new products and store events, join The Pass’ mailing list.
PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY. This product may cause impairment and may be habit-forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222- 1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA. This content is made possible by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the attitude, views, or opinions of the Chronogram editorial staff.This content is made possible by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the attitude, views, or opinions of the Chronogram editorial staff.
