The Budtender
Diaries
Empower through Education by Anna Ervin
“Hi there! I just read your article in the newest edition of Herbage and it really made a lot of sense! We were wondering if you might have some insight for us as a producer/cultivator on how to better reach and connect with budtenders. We have had some ideas like giving out swag, but does something like that really work? Or it is more of a personal connection that will seal the interest. Thanks a bunch, also congrats on the new column, really love your work!” Hello friends! Thank you for the feedback, I am so grateful to hear that my words were received well. I am also thankful you brought up such a great question. The relationship between cannabis brands and budtenders is a topic I’ve been eager to explore. I’ve seen many different sides of the industry, from production to sales, and finally, retail. I understand the dedication and time that it takes to cultivate medicinal cannabis, both the tenacity and psychology that go into sales and marketing, as well as the social awareness and constant industry research that fuel successful retail storefronts.
a unique combination of challenges. That’s why I wanted to start this series; to bridge the gap and invite empowering and educational conversations to take up space in the industry. From a budtender’s perspective, I see three essential tools that every vendor and cannabis broker can utilitze to help dispensaries move their products off the shelves… Because that’s the ultimate goal, right? The faster your products move, the sooner you’ll receive another order from inventory. I know that seems obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of brands I hear about that reportedly believe delivering their products is the final step in solidifying a spot on the sales floor. The problem is, this method isn’t sustainable. Sooner or later, orders stop flowing in because products that lack the necessary marketing tools and information sit stagnant on dispensary shelves. So what are those tools, and how can they benefit vendors? Budtenders Are Patients Too First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the majority of people that make up the cannabis industry are also patients. If they aren’t, they probably have someone close to them who relies on cannabis for some sort of relief. In my opinion, this basic understanding is the key to empathizing with anyone you work with regarding cannabis.
Get to know the people selling your medicine. I carry a lot more confidence in the products I have been able to try firsthand. Samples are a great way to get into the disRetail is where I’ve found myself most com- pensary, but once you are on the shelves, fortable recently, so I don’t pretend to un- challenge yourself to actually sell those derstand the exact sciences that go into the products to the budtenders first. If you can process of cultivating or processing canna- convince us to buy, you’re also empowering bis products. At the same time, I wouldn’t us to understand how to recommend that expect the average cultivator to fully com- medicine to patients. prehend the processes of marketing or moving products off the shelf. Each field requires its own set of skills and confronts
