#BudTenderBlog

@AskYourBud  *Adventures in Colorado budtending & legalization efforts elsewhere*

[budtenderblog]

Seriously, it’s probably the one and only time it’s going to happen, but tomorrow (Sept 16, 2015) is a TAX FREE Cannabis Day in Colorado.  You’ll save 10% on your cannabis because of the TABOR law. This will only happen once, so take advantage while you can.  Tax Free Cannabis Day happens tomorrow in Colorado.  See you at the Bud Shop! #TaxFree #Cannabis

[budtenderblog]

#AskYourBud

Welcome to the world of legal cannabis, where you get options.  That’s right.  You get to pick from a variety of strains with a variety of effects and tastes.  There are all types of edibles and vaporizing options.  If you are fortunate and find an educated bud tender on your first visit, congratulations!  Unfortunately, that’s hit or miss.

My husband (Shane) and I have been visiting different cannabis retail shops to get a feel for the different types of cannabis shopping experiences available.  When you are on a cannatour of Colorado, it helps to get some guidance from your bud tender (especially if it’s your first experience).  This is not happening.

Shane and I made our first legal cannabis purchase last summer (July 2014) when we first moved to Colorado.  We had the dogs with us so I volunteered to stay in the Jeep while he went in to make the purchase.  The dispensary was probably once a small house.  In was in the downtown distric of a small mining town, but it wasn’t “hip” like we expected it to be.  It was very sparce, very impersonal.  Shane waited in a small waiting room with freshly painted walls, black pleather chairs, and a loud t.v.  He was then invited back to a small room with a few jars of bud and a case with some edibles.  Shane told the young, male bud tender it was his first experience, but it was pretty much “what do you want?” and “pay and get out”.  Back then, we were required to purchase an “exit bag” that we could re-use (it was a $3 child resistant zip lock bag).  Additionaly, there was “tax shock”.  The prices didn’t include tax, which can be up to 25% here in Colorado, so when you think you’re paying $150 for your purchase, it will probably be closer to $170-180.  They didn’t warn him about that either… he had to come back to the Jeep for more cash.

I got to make the next visit.  We went to the same shop as it was the only retail dispensary within 30 miles or so, I told them it was my first experience and I got the same service Shane did… no introduction, no guidance, pretty much “what do you want” and “pay and get out”.  At least I was prepared for the tax situation.  I asked the young man (same bud tender Shane had shopped with) what it took to get a badge to become a bud tender.  He went in to detail how easy it was and then  Later, I would realize the first shop we went to didn’t even have them marked as sativa, indica, or hybrid, and that’s important.

Another retail dispensary opened down the street from the first one we went to, so we gave that one a try.  It was Shane’s turn again, so I waited in the Jeep with the dogs.  He said he liked the decor better, but the service was pretty similar.  There was no guidance, no suggestions… just a couple of cute girls in tight t-shirts weighing out bud with chop sticks and asking customers not to lean on the counter (it affects the weight on the scales).  This shop also had an edible shelf, but there was no suggestion or upsale attempt or anything.  Again, pretty much “what do you want?” and “pay and get out”.

How was the weed?  It was good.  Some way better than others.  We were happy with the purchases we had made so far, in terms of the quality of the bud.  It just felt very impersonal.  We tried a couple more shops as they continued to spring up throughout the summer and it was pretty much more of the same, except we did come across a couple of shops whose bud we would consider “questionable”.   We’ve shopped dispensaries in tiny towns and in the big D; we’ve tried to experience as many different shops as possible to see who has what and how they offer it.

We basically found there are 3 types of bud tender.  #1 a true Bud Tender - someone who actually cares why you are there, has knowledge and experience with the products available, and will take the time to tell you what you want to know.  #2 - the clerk - there to put your selection in a bag and take your money.  There is no product knowledge or information shared, they are bored and would rather be anywhere else.  You’ll find them at the “pay and get out” dispensaries.  #3 - the salesperson - there to sell the highest priced products to whoever they can.  Generally hasn’t tried the product but will lie and tell you otherwise.  All about the sale, doesn’t matter why you are there, just tell ‘em how much you have to spend.

Sadly we found WAY more clerks and sales people than bud tenders.  Shane and I were both badged by the Marijuana Enforcement Division last year (a requirement to work in the cannabis industry in Colorado).  We took bud tending seriously and did everything we could to help customers find what they were looking for.  We tried the product so we could share how it affected us.  Customers appreciated legit recommendations.  When we managed the dispensary we wanted to be sure we only carried products that were effective.  We wanted to be your friendly bud guy who was always there with what you were after.  We inclluded the tax in the pricing so you didn’t experience “tax shock”.  Shane and I are both thankful we were able to do that for awhile.  

Unfortuantely, circumstances changed and suddenly the owners removed the “service” element of the dispensary.  They dropped all discounts (employee, local, military), let go the entire management staff, raised prices, and completely changed the vibe.  It wasn’t about quality weed being affordable anymore, it became about money.  They were looking for the #s 2s and 3s, they wanted sales people who will make you pay and get out.  It was a blessing to not be there anymore, that wasn’t what we were about.

Based on the day to day operations of the retail dispensary in a town of about 5,000, approximately 50% of the customers we saw daily were “new” to the legal cannabis purchase experience.  Weekends and holidays, probably 70% were canna-tourists.  These customers need more than clerks and sales people.  Canna-tourists are looking for information.  There are a lot of people that could use guidance prior to purchasing and that service doesn’t seem to be happening enough.

So we’re here to help.  Shane and I want to help you make educated cannabis purchases.  We’ve tried A LOT of strains, a variety of edibles, and we have the insight of the inner workings of the cannabis industry in Colorado.  There are a lot of regulations that are not being followed… THC testing, for example.  Some shops offer NO THC information, some offer random numbers they look up on other shops websites, and some actually test.  You want to make sure you’re going to a reputable shop.  

Did you know a sativa strain can increase anxiety?  Are you familiar with the differences between sativa, hybrid, & indica?  Shane and I spent months helping customers find the right strains and edibles for different situations/circumstances.  Whether the need was medical or recreational, we spent time educating ourselves about what works best for what.  We tried every edible product we could to ensure we were offering qualified information to customers.

As cannabis customers, we’re not finding that at most shops we visit.  Many bud tenders seem bored, like they are tired of sharing the information that matters.  I’ll admit it, there were times behind the counter I felt bored with the repetition, but that’s retail… especially when you are talking about a brand new product.  There are many new customers who need guidance and they’re not getting it.  There are too many #2s and 3s and some bored bud tenders who just seem to go through the motions.  They’re not ALL like that… but it’s been that way a lot, so Shane and I thought we’d help.

Get what you want.  Now on facebook and on twitter and available to answer your basic cannabis shopping questions.  Want to know about the vape pens?  #Askyourbud Are there other options to edibles than just cookies & brownies? #Askyourbud Can I buy a 300mg cannabis candy bar? #Askyourbud

We’re not doctors or lawyers and can’t offer any advice as such.  But we did learn about the cannabinoids and the difference between THC and CBD and how THC-A becomes THC.  What we can tell you is what has worked for others for various purposes.  Headaches.  Back pain. Anxiety.  We asked for feedback from as many customers as we could while at the dispensary, and we’d like to share that knowledge with you.   How sativa & indica affect us.  The difference between smoking flower & vaping oil.  Ever heard of dabbing?  We tried it so we could tell you about it.  Being an educated shopper makes the experience much more fun!

Ask your bud!  Now on Twitter https://twitter.com/askyourbud and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Askyourbud/498340436999176 

Please help us spread the word!  We’re here to help you pre-canna-shop!  Inquiries must be from canna-customers 21 years old and over.  Cannabis is legal in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, & Washington DC but cannabis cannot be taken across state lines.  We can tell out about our Colorado cannabis experience and will help guide you and help you find answers to questions in the other states.  

Time for more research.  Hope to hear from you soon! Know before you go! #AskYourBud

[budtenderblog]

Start Low - Go Slow

There are a variety of cannabis public awareness campaigns happening throughout Colorado right now to help educate cannabis consumers & non-consumers on our state's laws and best practices.  Goodtoknowcolorado.com is a great place to start to get learn the cannabis laws in Colorado.

You’ll also find valuable information about different types of cannabis consumption, like edibles.  At the shop where I work, we have customers who come in every day who are new to edibles.  A lot of times, we get the “I had some brownies my friend made once” and we always respond the same - cannabis edibles are a whole different world now.

Let’s look at the obvious… they are regulated.  The cannabis used to make them is tested, the products themselves are tested.  Your friends brownies were made with who knows what kind of bud and how it was processed and how much got into each piece.  Retail cannabis in Colorado is sold in no more than 100mg packages and those 100mg must be able to be consumable in ten 10 mg servings.  For determining your edible threshold, the industry recommendation is starting with a 10mg dose and waiting at least one hour.  Some edibles can take up to 2 hours to take effect… it varies on the edibles and on the person, so it’s important not to overdo it during your edible experiences.

Will they all take 1-2 hours?  No.  We have some that are IMMEDIATE, like the it Spray (breath spray) from Canyon Cultivation (available in wintergreen and relaxing dreamsicle).  These are effective and potent and can be dosed in smaller than 10 mg doses, so it’s a great option for an edible beginner.  We have customers who use it to help them sleep, to relieve headaches, and simply as breath spray with a buzz.

The edibles that travel through your digestive track can take an hour or so to take effect.  Those edibles that go under your tongue (tinctures, mints, Chill Pills {from the Growing Kitchen, sativa & indica available and they are amazing}, it Puckers hard candies, etc) tend to take effect within 20-30 minutes. Of course, this experience can vary with each individual as we each have our own chemical make up and our THC receptors receive differently for each person.  The info in this blog is based on feedback from customers and personal experience.  Additionally, I’m super excited to report we have a customer using the Chill Pills from the Growing Kitchen to help her overcome the withdrawal she is experiencing from prescription drugs and the Chill Pills are working for her!  I manage a retail cannabis store.  It’s not all about recreation...

Besides brownies and cookies, there are healthy options like Zoom Balls and Go Chi Balls, beverages, energy drinks, capsules, and more.  You favorite bud tender can guide you through the available options and hopefully help you find your new favorite edibles.  I personally have not purchased any OTC or prescription medication since becoming employed in the cannabis industry.  I’ve made it a mission to try as many of the products as possible so I can give you a fair assessment of each based on my experience.  We also encourage feedback from our customers as we will share (anonymously) results others have experienced with various products.  It’s all so new, testimonials are essential.  A good bud tender knows his/her products, so don’t be shy, ask all the questions you want… we’ll find something that will work for you.

A question we get a lot about the THC-infused topicals… can you get high from applying topicals?  Maybe, if you slather yourself in the whole jar of lotion or salve and you have a super low tolerance, but really doubtful.  Mary’s Medicinals Patches could provide a psychoactive effect, but aside from that, topicals will provide great relief from muscle pain, itching, swelling, puffiness, arthritis… we have customers that use them for multiple purposes.

There are many bonuses to consumption through edibles, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes.  No smoking, no “evidence” once consumed, available in small amounts for beginners / canna-curious, and can be consumed in the privacy of any home or hotel/motel room.  All of the products we carry were created in Colorado, which means jobs were created.  Tax $$, jobs, & a state full of happy people… why have other states not legalized yet?  

As far as the edible dos and don’ts… DON’T consume edibles and drive, it’s against the law.  Don’t have an open edible container accessible to a driver in a vehicle.  Do make sure edibles are safely put away from reach of children as they are packaged in child-resistant containers, but better safe than sorry.  Lock edibles away if you can. Do start low and go slow. 

Whatever you decide to try, I wish you the best in your exploration.  If you’d like any specific recommendations, please feel free to hit me up ~ [email protected].  

[budtenderblog]

Shopping for bud in Colorado

I hope your year is off to an outstanding start!  I haven't spent as much time with you as I would have liked as there is substantial rapid growth within the cannabis industry and I have been fortunate enough to be part of that growth.  We saw some changes at the bud shop where I started as a bud tender and I am proud to say I now manage the dispensary.  

We are the first "satellite" location of a retailer in Denver that was the home of the first legal recreational sale in the United States.  It's been pretty incredible to be part of this history making team and see the growth not only within our own company, but throughout Colorado and now Washington (soon to be Oregon and Alaska too).  We joke about it frequently that if the politicians saw the amount of tax dollars leaving their states and coming to Colorado, they'd legalize tomorrow.  We want legalization so cannabis is available to everyone 21+ and the government should want it for the tax revenue (not to mention the medicinal benefits they continue to ignore). Everyone wins with legalization.  3D's owner was just voted the 2014 most influential individual in the cannabis industry.  She is on a mission to legalize globally.  It's coming.

In the meantime, if you live in a state where cannabis is NOT legal and decide to venture to Colorado (or one of the other legal states), I highly encourage you to find out what you can and can't do before you go.  

Today Iet's talk about your canna-visit to Colorado.

First things first, bring your VALID ID.  You have to have a VALID photo ID that shows you are at least 21 years old or over.  Did I mention it needs to be VALID?  You would not believe the number of folks who show up with expired IDs and then try to talk their way in... "so & so lets me in all the time" "I left my good one at home" "my wife was murdered and my ID was part of the crime scene" (yes, that was a REAL excuse). We can't let you in if you don't have a valid ID so please don't try.  We also don't accept photo copies of IDs or home laminated photo copies of IDs. Yes, people try everything.

Second, know where to go. Some communities don't allow recreational sales, so you may not be able to even find a dispensary where you are headed.  They are not "all over" Colorado.  Some communities have chosen not to allow cannabis sales at all, some only offer medical cannabis sales (where you have to have a Colorado Cannabis Medical Card in order to purchase there).  Some communities are cautiously optimistic about offering retails cannabis sales, but they are watching to see how it impacts the rest of us first.  So check your route and make sure the shops you stop at are retail/recreational.

Third, make sure you have somewhere you can go in the state to partake.  Public consumption is not allowed. There are private events and clubs that are popping up in some Colorado communities, but they are few and far between at this point as the details are still being worked out.  Inquire ahead to find out if your destination is "420 friendly".

Fourth, you have options.  Sure, at home you hide out and smoke what you got from your bud guy there... here in Colorado, we have options.  Flower (a variety of strains available including sativas, hybrids, & indicas), edibles, concentrates, topicals.  There are so many ways to consume cannabis now and they are all different.  Let your bud tender know it's your first visit and enjoy a cannabis product education.  I had only smoked flower before moving to Colorado.  After going to work for #3DSalida I discovered the OPenVape pen with OPen Cartridges.  It's a vaporizing pen with THC oil... and it's a stylus.  You charge the battery with your smart phone charger.  It's super low key and packs a super punch.  I toke and I scroll and I love it.  I've also recently read that using the vape pen will get the THC to your pain receptors faster than other forms of cannabis intake.  Works for my lower back pain everytime.  

Edibles are a trip and need to be taken seriously.  Listen to your bud tender on recommended dosages.  

You can purchase up to  7 grams of cannabis product in one transaction with an out of state valid ID.  Which means if you'd like to get 28 grams, you could make 4 transactions of 7 grams each and you'd be at your limit.  Maybe you purchase 7 grams of flower on your first transaction, 7 grams of hash on your 2nd transaction, 7 grams of edibles on your third (each package maxes at 100 mg so you could purchase 70 100 mg edible packages in one transaction, crazy right?), and 7 grams of topicals on your fourth... or mix and match.  The possibilities are amazing.

Fifth, most dispensaries are cash only as the banks don't want to play with us yet.  That IS changing, but be prepared to pay cash (we do have an ATM in our lobby).  We do cash drops frequently to get the cash out of the building, so we do have a bank and we get it out of here quick, just not via debit card transactions yet.

Sixth, be smart.  You know what the laws are when it comes to alcohol consumption, laws for cannabis consumption are very similar.  Don't partake and drive.  You don't regularly consume and you don't ski, but you decide to come to Colorado and try both for the first time.  Bad idea.  Get to know your cannabis tolerance level, and take some ski lessons sober, and you'll enjoy both experiences more.  If you're a pro at both, just know you can't take cannabis products to ski areas.  Know before you go, fo' sho.  (Sorry, that's the Golden Goat - sativa strain - that I had for breakfast this morning).

Lastly, know that not all cannabis consumption is about recreation. It is medication for many.  Personally, I see cannabis as a healing plant with some great side effects.  My husband has self-medicated since 1974 and me since 1997.  We prefer cannabis to pharmaceuticals and OTC medication.  We have friends that recently relocated to Colorado to save their granddaugther's life.  She has a severe form of epilepsy and has lost so much of her childhood.  At 19, she is getting her life back thanks to cannabis.  Researchers have only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uncovering the healing properties found in cannabis.  Cannabis saves lives.  It's a plant.  Why is it not legally in abundance everywhere?

Even if you don't consume, take a minute to stop by a retail dispensary on your next visit to Colorado and see what's it all about.  It's a brand new industry, constantly evolving, and it's pretty groovy to be a part of it.  Come see history being made.  

[budtenderblog]

Have you been to a legal retail cannabis dispensary yet?  You should!  It's such an amazing experience, for browsers and buyers.  The most common response is shock and awe.  Choices, customers get lots and lots of choices. For instance, when picking a strain, do you prefer sativa, indica or a hybrid?  Sativas give you a cerebral high, you stay activeand creative.  Sativas are often referred to as a "daytime" bud.  Indicas offer body relaxing effects (side note: most edibles are indica based).  On the other end of the spectrum from sativas, indicas are more body relaxing and many times called a "nightime" bud.  Of course you also have hybrids, the best of both sativa & indica worlds. Some strains are stronger sativa than indica and vice versa.  Which one is right for you?  See your favorite bud tender for help.

As a cannabis connoisseur, I have always chosen to partake in flower form.  Becoming a bud tender, I was introduced to a variety of cannabis options... flower (bud), oil, hash (in 3 forms), edibles, and topicals.  I have bud, oil, edible, & topical knowledge.  I am learning a lot about hash, but probably not something I will choose as a consumer.  What is hash you  ask?  It is a gooey substance created from the "shake" that is left when all of the big flower buds have been used for customer purchases.  The small flower buds left get used for our pre-roll joints (which weigh in about right about a gram and are $10 out the door, that includes tax).  What is left is the "shake" and it is somehow mix with ice and spun and becomes hash.  We have it in three forms... sap, shatter, and wax.  They are exactly as they sound.  Sap looks like a small glob of amber tree sap.  Shatter looks like small pieces of amber broken glass.  Wax looks like a small glob of ear wax (which is probably party why it's not so appealing to me).  There are different methods of smoking and vaporizing hash, it's an individual preference in terms of which method is used.  My husband used to smoke hash with a glass, a pin, and a piece of paper.  That is very old school.  They actually make hash vaporizers, hash pipes, etc.

Some of the most fun customers are the ones that reminisce about what they smoked back in the day and how.  They are dumbfounded by the number of options today.  The really like getting to smell the bud, to explore all options, and most snag an edible or two (we'll talk more about those next time).  More often than not, the tourists that are there to just browse end up picking up a pre-roll or a gram and a throw away pipe or maybe even an edible.  One customer who was a "first timer" let me take  his picture today and post it on the social networks... he even tagged himself.  I have met folks from all over the country, and met some great local folks I am getting to know by name.  I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of this industry and hope for you a job where you really like the people you work with everyday and get to spend your work time interacting with happy people. Being a bud tender is a really great gig.

[budtenderblog]

We made people happy ALL day!  What a FUN job!  We had our grand opening at the shop today and had an outstanding response.  The community was super stoked to see affordable prices on outstanding cannabis.  Sadly, some of the more rural communities that have one or two shops are asking excessivley high prices, because they could.  The shop I went to work for is different.  Our owner wants to make sure quality cannabis is available to everyone at affordable prices in Salida, just like there are competitive prices in the bigger cities.  

So today was outstanding.  I've learned a lot from the other bud tenders.  I trying to try what product I can as quick as I can so I can provide personal experience info as that definitely helps when it comes to breaking down the different strains.  We'll talk about that next time... Indica? Sativa? Hybrid? Concentrates? Vaporizer? Edibles? There are options, a little something for everyone.

One item I purchased today is a "relief balm" to help with some hand pain I have been experiencing.  It's fantastic.  We're going to try the massage oil for my hubby's neck next.  

One of the highlight's of my day was being able to help a friends daughter who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy.  She is in her late teens and has lost so much of her youth because of this disease.  She can't get a driver's license, had to be home schooled her senior year of high school (she was in band, and she was REALLY good), and has lost many days of her life due to lack of memory from the seizures. It's physically hard on her and emotionally devastaing for her family.  This last week was especially rough for her so her grand parents brought her to Colorado to try what they and her mom see as a "last hope"... cannabis.  They have tried every pharmaceutical possible.  She's not responding and she needs help.  She is now trying cannabis therapy.  Her grandparents and her mom were open-minded enough to want to do what they could to improve her life... and we got to be part of that.  They currently live in a state where cannabis is not legal, so they are relocating to Colorado to offer their granddaughter the option of a better, active life.  Stay tuned for updates!

My cheeks hurt from smiling all day.  I met a lot of great people and learned a lot from the great people I work with and am thankful for such an amazing opportunity!  Yesterday, when we were weighing out the bud, I had to stop and look around a few times and remind myself this is really my job.  I wish everyone could experience so much happiness everyday at work. 

[budtenderblog]

What a great way to start last weekend!  The city celebrated the opening of the dispensary with a ribbon cutting event Friday afternoon.  It was a great way to meet the crew and many wonderful supporters!

After the ribbon cutting, the owner invited us out to the grow.  I had to include pictures as it left me speechless.  Shane (my hubby,  pictured above) and I tried the Death Star strain from the shop in Denver last night... it's the best bud we've had since we've been in Colorado.  I was blessed to have a couple options of where to work  as a bud tender, I feel super blessed that I made the right choice.  The crew is great, the bud is tasty, and there is a lot of good energy floating around.   

The grand opening is Wednesday, and I got to start a day earlier than I thought, to help with set up.  Yesterday I labeled product and got to learn about tending from Bud Guru Chris..  I took a lot of notes and am absorbing everything I can as I want to be a knowledgable, helpful bud tender.  

As far as jobs go, you can have experience as a bud tender, but it wasn't in a retail setting and there certainly weren't options.  My first bud tender was Ronnie (rest in peace, buddy).  He was friends with my husband (we weren't married yet, but we were headed down that road) and Shane felt comfortable letting me go over and snag some bud.  Ronnie always made me feel very welcome and like I was the most important person he was going to see that day.  I want to treat customers like that, in honor of Ronnie.

I remember it was at Ronnie's where I saw a "brick" for the first time.  In my hometown, at the time, it was mostly "dirtweed", certainly not what we know and appreciate so much today.  It wasn't until we moved to Oregon a few years ago that I was introduced to really good, tasty, green bud.  At that time I began to educate myself more on the positive benefits of cannabis and have been an advocate since.

We wanted to be closer to family in Kansas, and we wanted to live somewhere that accepted an individual's right to choose to embrace the positive effects of marijuana.  Colorado was the obvious choice.  

I'm now keeping a log on my experiences with each strain. I'll do the same with edibles.  Have to pace myself... but I want to be a knowledgable bud tender and if I can tell someone, "this is how it affected me", it might help in that person's decision making process.  I feel like it's a benefit that I've been just on the customer side for the last few months as I understand how the customer feels, especially that first time walking into a shop and feeling overwhelmed as there were choices.  I don't know about your bud guy, but ours, who have been great most of the time, never had more than one or maybe two kinds to choose from.  The first time I walked into a retail cannabis store, my heart was racing, I was a bit nervous (not really sure why) and when I got back to the room where the selection was visable, I was fascinated.  There were so many ways to help so many people for so many different things.  That's what I'm learning from our "Wizard of Weed" now, what does what for what.  

More set up the next couple days, and then the grand opening Wednesday.  This is the beginning of my career as a bud tender.  

[budtenderblog]

I'm going to be a bud tender... I start Monday.  I thought it might be fun if you came along for the journey.  How often does one get the opportunity to get in on the beginning of an industry?  The shop opens Wednesday.  Tomorrow is the ribbon cutting, we officially open October 1st.  I met my manager today (she was super nice), filled out my paperwork and she hooked me up with a couple of shirts.  Shop t-shirt & jeans will be my work attire, I can handle that.  After being a radio d.j. for the last couple of decades, that fits within my wardrobe parameters.

A few months ago, when we decided to move to Colorado, I chose to get my MED badge (Marijuana Enforcement Division for the state).  Radio was a fun ride, but with the changes in the industry over the last decade or so, I felt like it was a great time to transition onto a new career path.  I tried baking professionally (not getting baked, but baking) and it was a lot of fun... but due to some nerve damage in my right arm, it was causing me to lose feeling in my right hand and being a web & social network  manager, I have to be able to work my mouse (as well as other necessary uses of my dominant hand).   To get my badge, I made an appointment at the Colorado Springs office.  If you go to Denver, it's first come first served and you can HOPE you make it through the process that day, OR you can schedule an appointment in Colorado Springs and git 'r done.  To get an MED badge in Colorado, you have to consent to a background check, get finger printed, and pay a fee... which I did, and received my badge within a week.  Next?  Get a job. With my hubby seeking a radio gig, we decided to stay in the Salida, Colorado area as there were a few options here.  We didn't want to go to the big city, and are looking to eventually establish an off grid existence, so found the Colorado Banana Belt to be our first choice.  After applying for bud tender jobs throughout the area, I was offered a position in Leadville, but decided to wait to find something in Salida as that is where the radio stations were and it's warmer here than Leadville.  It was a good choice.  My husband, Shane, is the new morning d.j. on Eagle Country 104.1 & afternoon d.j. on Hippie Radio 97.5 (both streaming & on the Tune In app available through Google Play and iTunes).   There was also a new shop in town looking for a Bud Tender.  The ribbon cutting is tomorrow (Friday) at 1p.  Shane & I will be there for sure, and I start training Monday then the shop opens Wednesday.   I haven't even started my job yet and a friend hit me up about a person with severe epileptic seizures and a special this person had seen on t.v. about cannabis being able to help.  I'm working on connecting this person with the right strain/form to help.  This is the beginning of an amazing experience and I thank God for the opportunity. Huge thanks to Toni for being cool with me blogging about my new profession.  And thanks to you for taking the time to read these words.  Wanna' know what it's like to be a bud tender? Stay tuned!

[budtenderblog]

Materials I am researching for my new job as budtender.