Meet Your Budtender

The experts behind the cannabis counter

By Lynda Wheatley | April 16, 2022

One major perk that came with the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use is that, finally, you can be sure what you’re ingesting, inhaling, or applying topically.

Gone are the Ziplock bags of dried green whatsis that tasted like they were exhumed from a basement of expired houseplants. No more “special brownie” mishaps that lay you out on the couch when you meant to go dancing.

Now you know the difference and can select between sativa and indica. You can meter your intake not only by serving but also by the percentage of THC (and/or CBD) per serving. You explain what you’re looking for—to alleviate back pain, relax before bed, share some laughs without becoming antisocial, or simply shut off your hamster wheel brain for a few hours so you can be a more present and patient parent—and choose a strain accordingly.

Your guide in this new and improved universe? Your local budtender. Today, we tip our hat to three standouts Up North, each a non-judgmental, well-informed pro who works one on one with customers like you to listen, explain, and ensure the buzz you’re buying delivers the benefits you want.

Baylee Cox: Pincanna, Kalkaska
Baylee Cox tells Northern Express he’s been actively consuming cannabis products for six years but started as a budtender in the industry only in the last year. The attraction: “I’ve always been curious about learning about the benefits of cannabis. There’s no better way to understand the ins and outs of all the varieties other than having a career in the field.”

Any customer who has felt overwhelmed by the sheer variety of cannabis products has instant empathy from Cox. Although he’s on the proverbial “other side” of the counter, he’s been in your shoes—and that feeling plays a major role in his approach to his work.

“My second week as a budtender, we had a very busy day. I felt like a little fish in a big pond. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to answer every customer’s question since I still felt I had a lot to learn,” he says. “When my shift was over, I was praised for a job well done, and that inspired me to push forward and become the best budtender I could be. I doubled down and learned everything I could about cannabis products.”

The best part of the job, he says, “When a customer comes back to tell me that a product I suggested really helped them.”

Of course, he’s learned a little something in his time as a budtender himself.

“I’ve been surprised to see the wide range of customers who frequent our store. We’ve built a solid customer base with everyone from business executives, construction workers, old-school hippies, and more,” he says. As far as he’s concerned, the more people who give cannabis a chance, the better: “Cannabis is a wonderful supplement to wellness and has so many benefits to its use. There is something for everyone—it’s not the life-ruining drug it was made out to be in the ’70s.”

Cox’s favorites: “Smokeables—be it flower or concentrates—for the immediate effects. I also love hybrid strains for those great relaxing but not sedating highs.”

Brenna Faircloth: The Woods, Cheboygan
A budtender for one year and four months, Brenna Faircloth says she’s long been fascinated with cannabis, so when it became legal in Michigan, her path was obvious. “I dreamed of working in a dispensary,” she says. “Now my dream has come true, and I couldn’t be any happier.” Faircloth works at The Woods, which has locations in Cheboygan and Detroit.

She says the combination of experience and heavy research has taught her everything she’s learned so far, and she puts that knowledge to use as a budtender. Hint: She says you’ll know you’ve got a good budtender when you’ve found someone who not only knows what products are good but why they’re good. “You want to find someone with a deeper knowledge than just the basics,” she says. “Knowledge is key in this industry.”

She adds, “One thing I wish was more understood more about cannabis is there is so much more [to it] than the percentage. Coming in and asking for the highest percentage flower doesn’t mean you’ll get the best effects. There is so much that goes into play—percentage is only a part of it. [Budtenders] are here to help. You can tell us what effects you’re looking for, what you want your flower to taste like, and what your budget is, and we’ll find you what’s best for you.”

Faircloth’s favorites: “I have so many, it’s hard to narrow it down. When it comes to concentrates, I have a special place in my heart for live resin and hash rosin. The taste on them is much cleaner and more pronounced—as are the effects. With flower, there is such a wide variety of strains that I enjoy. If we want to go with companies, I really enjoy products from Glacier Cannabis; every strain we have gotten from them has been fire. For cartridges, I, again, prefer live resin. The flavor is much better, and I find I don’t plateau as quickly as I do with distillate cartridges.”

Steven Jackson: Authentic 231, Manistee
Steven Jackson has only been a budtender for six months. But within that time he’s already shown himself to be a valued one, winning several small contests his home dispensary, Authentic 231, has held.

He has strong convictions about what makes a budtender shine: “A good budtender wants their customers to feel comfortable at first impression. It’s not just about getting a customer a gummy or a pre-roll. I start budtending by asking, ‘What kind of high are you looking for?’ Maybe they don’t want a high at all,” he says. “A good budtender will interview you in a way. They try to get to know you and suggest a product that suits what you're looking for—‘What kind of pain are you in? Let me see how I can help, and if this doesn't help, I want to find you something that does!’ THC is always trial and error to find what works best for you.”

Jackson, who has been using cannabis “regularly and legally” for medical purposes for several years, says he knows from experience the benefits it gives people. “That alone was a big reason I was attracted to work in the industry.”

Well, that—and this: “There is nothing on this earth cooler than something that can give relief, laughter, and love from something that started as a seed in the ground.”

Jackson’s favorites: “I love flower! Un-ground bud is my favorite. I love learning about the sources—so many different terpenes, tastes, and effects—I’m never bored coming across my new favorite strain. Flower is also what works best for me.”