Téa Place

Why did you become a Budtender?

When I was growing up, my mom had Crohn’s Disease and Lupus and was sick quite often. Cannabis was one of the things that allowed her to be a mom and helped her feel better. For me, becoming a budtender was easy since I had already been doing retail sales for the past seven years. So, last October, as soon as dispensaries started popping up in the area, and when I saw an opening at Gratitude Buds, I knew it would be an instant fit for me.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Budtender?

Definitely helping people like my mom who have health conditions they’re dealing with. It’s great to help them find the best way to use cannabis that works for their needs.

What’s your most memorable sale or customer you served since starting as a Budtender?

There was a time when a customer was short a dollar or two, so I helped him out by taking the money he needed out of my tip jar. The next time he returned, he gave me a $10 tip!

What are your observations of the retail cannabis market in Fishkill and what makes it unique compared to New York City and other larger markets?

It feels like there are more regulars. There’s more of a community and a homier aspect of it. Some people come in here and tell me that it’s like therapy every time they come to Gratitude Buds. We always ask everyone how they are, and we want to make that connection that’s more than just, buy this and leave. It’s what’s going on with your life, or what do you need to help you get through it and make it a bit easier. I think the cannabis industry is going to blow up. You can’t go outside anywhere in the City without smelling some weed—I feel like it’s going to get that way here, too. Dispensaries are popping up all over the place, but I think it’s just going to get better from there. I love that everything has to be grown, manufactured, and packaged in New York. I think we’re building a community where it’s fun to go to different places and try different things. Every dispensary is going to have their own unique menu, and that’s pretty cool.

What are your favorite products?

I’m particularly impressed with our infused drinks, pre-rolls, and the Off Hours edibles are exceptional.