Budtender of the Month Reno ALI NEWSON

Budtender at THE DISPENSARY

Ali Newson has been a superstar budtender at The Dispensary in Reno since day one. Her welcoming personality and dedication to excellent customer service is what stands out the most.

What made you want to join the cannabis industry and what was your first industry job?

My first industry job was actually here, at The Dispensary, Reno. I initially wanted to join because after working in the bartending industry slinging alcohol, I really wanted to make a more positive impact or influence on my community.

Have your views/thoughts about cannabis changed since becoming a budtender?

10000%. Since first becoming a ‘tender, I have learned so much from my medical patients and co-workers. Instead of just smoking to get high, I really appreciate the specific psychological and/or physiological effects that truly change people's lives from day to day; it’s so underrated, it’s incredible. Terpenes over THC all the way!

What’s the most satisfying part of budtending?

I definitely think it’s seeing a significant impact in my medical patients' lives in reference to relief (pain/ and or mental). I’m sure so many people say that, but it will never get old. This industry truly CHANGES LIVES; I’m grateful to be a part of it.

What kind of challenges have you faced that you didn’t expect when you first joined the cannabis industry? Well when I first joined this industry I didn’t realize how intense it was. I thought I would just be selling weed in the typical standard form as if it was my dealer selling to me; cheap and probably underweight. Never did I imagine people would be so severely impacted by THC or even more, lack thereof. My biggest challenge by far is catering to the more specific patients, that while I love knowing what works for them, they are extremely specific, and we can’t always accommodate. Medical products are imperative to our business, not having them is a mess.

What’s your favorite topic you like to educate patients on?

Honestly, that THC isn’t everything. I would love them to recognize that while yes, strong weed might work better for them, it also has sooo much to do with the drive of the weed and the actual effects they are trying to achieve. Terpenes are more than just flavor; the point of smoking is about more than a short term high.

If you had to give advice to a new budtender or someone looking to be a budtender, what would it be?

Nevada is the only place that really tests tough for terpenes, which determines not only taste/smell, but the ride you’re about to go on. For a budtender just starting out in NV, where terpenes are listed, I would tell them to explain everything in layman’s terms. I would suggest they try stuff to see exactly how they feel in comparison to the profile-how it tastes and which feeling is typical to which profile. I’m not saying stay stoned, but try everything.

Do you have any favorite cannabis brands?

Lately I have been smoking on Stiiizy concentrates but I am a huge fan of GLP flower as well. Stiiizy’s rosin jam surprised me pleasantly because even though it wasn’t as flavorful as a typical profile for that consistency, it was extremely smooth and delectable on the tongue upon exhale. 10/10 overall.

What have you been smoking on?

Stiiizy Rosin, and GLP flower.