Meet your RISE Budtenders

A Glimpse Behind the Counter 

In the ever growing cannabis world, where every day new strains and items come up, there is a group of people that is highly important - the budtenders, who are the well-recognized backbone of this industry. At RISE we know very well that choosing the right strain of cannabis from the variety present on the shelves can be fun as well as daunting. Here's where our knowledgeable dispensary staff intervenes; they show the way, keep you informed, and make sure that your cannabis choices are educated and the perfect fit for you. 

What exactly does a day in the life of a budtender look like? From behind the counter, what gems of knowledge do they offer? And precisely how can they remain composed while the dispensary is crowded with both new and seasoned customers? With a number of open interviews, we go deeply into the world of RISE Dispensary budtenders and highlight their stories. 

​​At RISE, our budtenders are more than simply staff; they are passionate educators and champions of responsible cannabis use. They play an important part in demystifying the world of cannabis for our customers, guiding them through a variety of goods with comfort and confidence. 

Every day, they interact with people from many walks of life, each with their own tastes and needs. Our budtenders specialize at customizing these interactions, taking the time to understand each customer's unique needs and directing them to the best cannabis experience. From explaining the subtle effects of different cannabis strains to recommending the optimal method for consumption, they know that their every advice is suited to each customer's lifestyle and needs. 

Make sure you stick around to catch some of the most experienced and enthusiastic budtenders at RISE who talk about their personal experiences, the advantages of their work and love for cannabis culture. In their stories, you will get a new understanding of budtenders’ role in the growing cannabis market. 

Jena Boze (your nerospicy budtender!) 

PCS/THC Trainer/Delivery Driver, She/Her 

How long have you worked at GTI and in the cannabis industry? 

I have worked in cannabis for 7 years now, I started out in a cultivation setting later working my way into many other roles in the industry. This gave me the knowledge to grow and thrive to get me to where I am now. I have been with GTI for a few years and love every minute, it's been exciting to watch my hard work contribute to GTI.  

Tell me about your role at GTI, what sparked your interest in Cannabis? 

I've always had a passion for cannabis throughout life. Cannabis has been a method for my mental health and wellbeing. I am passionate about cannabis which led me to the path of becoming a THC Trainer for GTI. I can spread my education and love with others in a professional environment. I was drawn to GTI for its positive vibes, great staff, and culture. 

What is your favorite (or least favorite) part of working with weed all day? 

How can you not like working with weed all day? I get to share my favorite strains and experiences with like-minded individuals, and sometimes not so like-minded. Which is why cannabis is great, it brings people together.  

​​​What is your favorite GTI product? 

I am loving the RYTHM OMG flower! A gassy aroma with a light citrus flavor, it's amazing!  

What's the best advice you could give a canna-curious or first-time shopper? 

Always start small and ease into your consumption. Try a laid-back social setting with some close friends. Also do your research! There's always new and exciting information when it comes to cannabis! 

Tell us about sleeper strains - what is a great strain and that no one knows about? 

I wish there were more White Widow or White Rhino strains in Nevada, those were the 2 strains I smoked for my first time and man when I tell you... I remember those strains! Burned into my brain and I would love to try them again!   

Jasmine Chante Dennis-Young

Budtender, She/Her 

How long have you worked at GTI and in the cannabis industry? 

9 months! 

Tell me about your role at GTI, what sparked your interest in Cannabis? 

I started 9 months ago as a part time budtender here in Vegas and since then I’ve loved every second. My grandparents sparked my interest in cannabis. Seeing them go through medication after medication to help health problems when in the end all they needed was a solution and that has been medical cannabis for them. The end goal is to make it federally legal. I love that GTI stands for that. 

What is your favorite (or least favorite) part of working with weed all day? 

My favorite part is seeing it and being able to sell it to people and get excited for them to try it. I enjoy working with my coworkers. It's fun, but we still handle business.  

​​What is your favorite GTI product? 

OMG Flower by RYTHM! 

What's the best advice you could give a canna-curious or first-time shopper? 

A little goes a long way! 

Tell us about sleeper strains - what is a great strain and that no one knows about? 

Omg I would say, tons of Myrcene!  

Tony Nguyen

Patient Care Specialist, He/Him   

How long have you worked at GTI and in the cannabis industry? 

I started June 2023. This is my first time with a role in the cannabis industry. 

Tell me about your role at GTI, what sparked your interest in Cannabis? 

I am currently a personal care specialist at Rise Cleveland Ohio. I help our patients navigate the plethora of medicinal products available to find the best fit for the effects our patients are looking for. I provide knowledge on best practices as well as personal recommendations. I’ve been around cannabis since my teens. I had experience with cannabis but I truly wanted to know more about the plant, what products can be made from it and what truly creates the effects that I enjoy from different strains I have tried. Learning more and more about this natural plant and its possibilities fuels my interest daily which in turn I share with the patients! 

What is your favorite (or least favorite) part of working with weed all day? 

I love being able to see all the strains available. To compare terpene profiles and do extensive research on all the flower available. It’s a pretty beautiful sight to behold. One of my other favorite parts would be those times a patient comes in and just loves the strain that I recommended to them the prior visit. You feel the rapport and trust that is built each time and it fills me with pride. That happiness they exude is contagious and I love that aspect of my job.  

​​What is your favorite GTI product? 

Animal Face Strain!  

What's the best advice you could give a canna-curious or first-time shopper? 

To take your time and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The menu when you first see it can be daunting but don’t feel discouraged. Before you know it you’ll know your favorite products and strains like the back of your hand. The only way to get to that point though is to ask questions, find what works best for you and try products to find what effects work best for you. It’s a journey, not a sprint.  

​​​Tell us about sleeper strains - what is a great strain and that no one knows about? 

Kosher Kush by &Shine! Excellent strain as of late that has close to 2% myrcene! If you’re a fan of indicas, I think you will love it!  

Anything else you'd like to include? 

I just want to reiterate to all those folks just starting with cannabis. It is a journey! Take your time and really enjoy it! So many strains are out there, and they all provide their own effects! There’s always more that you can try in so many forms, so you’ll definitely find something that hits the mark!  

Natalie Richard

Budtender Guest Consultant 

How long have you worked at GTI and in the cannabis industry? 

May is my 1 year anniversary! 

Tell me about your role at GTI, what sparked your interest in Cannabis? 

As a Budtender I get to educate customers daily all the while learning myself. First and far most I've always been interested in customer service because I think I excel at it. If you treat people, the way you would like to be treated then the rest is gravy. I had been wanting to get out of the food service industry for quite some time and one of RISE Dispensaries General Managers was a regular customer of mine suggested on several occasions I apply for a position. Let's not forget was already a prior customer. 

What is your favorite (or least favorite) part of working with weed all day? 

I personally love the smell. To me it smells like a fresh garden. But most importantly. I truly Love being able to educate and help clients that desperately need our products for medical purposes. 

What is your favorite GTI product? 

You can never go wrong with flower! 

What's the best advice you could give a canna-curious or first-time shopper? 

Take it slow, be cautious! 

​​​Tell us about sleeper strains - what is a great strain and that no one knows about? 

I recommend Jack Herer for a minimal cough. 

Sam McJennett

Shift Supervisor, She/Her 

How long have you worked at GTI and in the cannabis industry? 

I've worked at GTI and in the cannabis industry for 2 years and 8 months! 

Tell me about your role at GTI, what sparked your interest in Cannabis? 

I very recently got promoted to Shift Supervisor from a Patient Care Specialist so I'm still in the transition period. However, in my role of being a PCS, my primary focus is patient care and needs when it comes to cannabis.

What is your favorite (or least favorite) part of working with weed all day? 

My favorite part is helping to educate patients on cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids so they can really zero in on what it is their body is calling out for. When I see the light bulb go off because they have a better understanding then when they came in, I'm all smiles! 

​​What is your favorite GTI product? 

RYTHM's Jack Herer and Night Owl Haze! 

What's the best advice you could give a canna-curious or first-time shopper? 

Start LOW. Go SLOW. 

Tell us about sleeper strains - what is a great strain and that no one knows about? 

To choose just one is a challenge in itself! It's all about the terpene profile. Although, when I lived in California I had a strain called Death Star Cherry Pie that knocked me off and out of my socks. The effects were very relaxing with a cerebrally uplifting high followed with a couch-lock in place. My suggestion when trying this strain...put on some good tunes and enjoy the ride on a wave of pure bliss. A very skunky/old school aroma that could make any flower child of Woodstock weep with joy.

Wrapping Things Up 

When looking at the responsibilities of RISE budtenders, one finds that they are more than just salespeople. These qualified professionals provide customers with clarity about cannabis and help to introduce the world of this herb to individuals who visit our dispensary. Every visit to the facility therefore becomes unique because of their dedication to educating people and their ability to determine individual needs before suggesting suitable products. 

Each story our budtenders share demonstrates their commitment and passion for what they do. They are essential to both the industry and our community, thus ensuring that every customer interaction with them is as pleasant as helpful. 

Visit RISE dispensaries and see the difference that a knowledgeable budtender who cares can make. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to cannabis our team will make sure that your experience is customized according to what you want. We celebrate them; alongside cannabis cultivators they are the individuals who have made RISE not only a dispensary but also a pillar company in cannabis culture and education.