What is your position at PB?
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) / Inventory Manager
How long have you lived in NJ?
My whole life! I was born here, my family has lived here and I went to Rutgers. As far as my career, I was lucky enough to be in a state where I had the opportunity to work in this industry.
What has shaped your views on cannabis?
I had my own first-hand experiences and read stories of cannabis’s benefits, but meeting patients with conditions that would otherwise leave them without medicine or reliant on something highly addictive was eye-opening. Seeing their improved quality of life and hearing their stories of overcoming pain and anxiety solidified my beliefs about the plant.
There was a patient I spoke to about his overcoming addiction to painkillers. He fell through flooring at a construction site he worked at and fell multiple stories. Doctors prescribed him painkillers that he became dependent on, and as pain symptoms became less severe, the troubling effects from his prescription became more obvious to him and his wife. Cannabis was the next option he tried and found it both effective at sorting out his lingering pain, as well as not having the negative side effects from his previous prescription.
How did you get your start in cannabis?
I started in the cannabis industry as a budtender at a medical alternative treatment center (ATC) before New Jersey transitioned into adult-use sales. I spent a little over a year consulting with medical patients before our location expanded recreationally. Then I moved into the inventory room where I learned the ins and outs of METRC and began focusing on more of the analytical and operational aspects of the store. This past I started here at Pure Blossom in October before we opened, and have enjoyed helping build our little community here and seeing it begin to grow.
What benefits and challenges did you see from medical to adult-use?
Obviously just the scale of things changed a lot. It was exciting to see multiple times as many people as we normally would and help get them something they’ve in some cases been waiting decades to purchase legally. However, I feel like a lot of the personal connections were harder to make with the faster transaction times and a mindset for reaching more customers rather than really focusing on the people in front of them.
Along the way what were the biggest challenges and lessons you faced?
Definitely to pay attention to details and learn things that you don’t need directly for the job you’re doing. Teams function more fluidly when everyone knows some of what everyone else’s role entails and the struggles that come along with it. Everyone can help everyone if everyone understands.
And what’s the most memorable advice you’ve received?
Stay committed and be eager to learn more and seek advice from those you can identify as a sort of mentor. There are a lot of things to learn, and it all helps you be a better team player.
What sets Pure Blossom apart from other dispensaries?
Our storefront is beautiful and super unique with flowers and local art in the lobby. I think we offer a really welcoming atmosphere for both a veteran smoker or a rookie trying to get a little more sleep. Additionally, I think we have a welcoming staff to match the atmosphere and a menu with the goal of curating some of the best products available instead of overwhelming the customer with a bunch of mediocre choices.
Can you tell us more about your role?
We’re partnering with brands that align with our values and offer products we can stand behind to our customers. We want to connect with everyone who comes into the store and curate the menu with options they’re looking for, and give them opportunities to try new things. I also focus on compliance, and that’s everything from counting to make sure deliveries are correct to ensuring labeling is ready for sale.
How does customer feedback play into your decision-making process?
We’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback on our selection and consistent availability of favorites. Customer feedback is definitely important and something the budtenders make sure to keep notes of. We try to stock things that customers request and that we enjoy ourselves.
We’re trying to satisfy what customers are looking for and try to consistently partner with brands we trust. We want everyone who leaves to be satisfied with what they’re getting, and that starts with the cultivator or manufacturer.
Which brands have stood out as exceptional and what makes them so special?
I’m a huge fan of Brighterside Farms and really proud to have them available here. They’re bringing unique genetics and living soil products to the market, and they’re an awesome small team. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried and I’ve tried everything available. Excited for their new drops this summer! 🙂
If you were to develop a cannabis strain that reflects your personality, what would be and what kind of experience would it offer?
Mellow Mayhem – I’m not sure what the origin would be, but it would be something heavy that keeps you relaxed amongst the rush and confusion it brings on.
What’s your go-to method of enjoying cannabis?
The go-to will always be a bong.
What’s something about cannabis you wish more people knew?
Cannabis limits REM sleep, the stage of sleep where we dream. If you’re a regular user before bed and then skip a night, your body will rebound on REM sleep and you’ll have some vivid dreams.
How do you see the future of cannabis evolving in NJ, and what role does Pure Blossom play in that vision?
Firstly, with more cultivators and manufacturers coming online, every dispensary will be able to build its own unique identity with its menus. Filling our menu with unique and high-quality options will always be the most important thing to me.
Secondly, with living soil flower and rosin edibles finally hitting the market this year, I’m finally getting what I’ve been waiting for. Excited for those categories to develop!
Lastly, I feel like we’ve been waiting for infused drinks in New Jersey for a long time, but more broadly, different edibles. Hopefully by the end of the year we can sip on some infused sodas or juices and eat infused cookies.
Visit Pure Blossom for Cannabis and Other Essentials
Whether you’re doing the old Google thing, searching for a dispensary near me or nearby dispensaries in New Jersey, Pure Blossom is a short, scenic, calming drive away. Our friendly guide-connoisseurs are excited to take you through our curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands (and other essentials). We’ll see you there!