PATIENT PROFILE

James Vinson + Michelle Ball

STORY & PHOTOS by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for MARYLAND LEAF STONER LOVE

From sharing the breakroom at Kohl’s to insisting on packing hand-trimmed bowls, James Vinson and Michelle Ball have created a romance that sounds

like a pilot for a good sitcom.

James, a 26-year-old native of Silver Springs, has been dating Michelle, 23, for almost three years. Their relationship began as co-workers in 2017, but blossomed into a budding romance with time. “I actually used to buy Cannabis off her before she was my girlfriend,” he laughed. “We knew each other for a year before I finally convinced her to date me.”

“Well, I was dating somebody else at the time,” she chuckled. “But [James] was my work husband. He’s the one I’d come to with “doesn’t chase THC percentages.” Michelle agreed, noting that she is all my problems.” quick to ascertain what method of intake - smoking, vaping, edibles,

Michelle, an Arizona transplant, still maintains the ability to sell topicals, etc. - is best for each particular patient. Together, they have James marijuana, though she is proud to have made the transition created an Instagram account (@bluntlyraw) to help provide product from breaking bad to marketing medicine. reviews for fellow patients, listing the specifics of each batch.

Both Michelle and James work as patient care specialists, serving “A lot of times as budtenders, we get asked what we’re smoking,” patients in accordance with regulations set by the Maryland Medical James said. “So the page is just to show some love to the people and Cannabis Commission. Michelle is at Harvest in Rockville, while to show what strains we’re currently enjoying.” James budtends at Mission Glenmont in his hometown. “I wasn’t sure we’d get very far with it, but it’s been very rewarding,”

In their first year of courting, the pair spent many nights attending said Michelle, noting they kicked off their IG adventures in February. pro-Cannabis events in Washington D.C., enhancing their love for “We’ve gotten a lot of patients to follow us and networked with a lot of the industry and prompting the initiative to seek out medical cards cool people. We’ve even gone on hikes with other dispensary agents.” in Maryland. After a few months of gaining an understanding of The page also highlights the nuances of their relationship, which took the market, James took the initiative, applied to Glenmont and was a step forward in December when they moved in together. Michelle hired in July of 2019. can often be seen with a blunt in hand, James with a

Four months later, Michelle joined him, serving bong waiting to be lit. patients just four miles away. MICHELLE CAN OFTEN “I’m not big on blunts, but I love my bongs,” James

“At Kohl’s, I was a visual - I would help people BE SEEN WITH A laughed. “We have five bongs and a few of them are pick out an outfit for the night,” she said. “Here, I’m helping people in a similar, but different way. I help pick out some Cannabis that may alleviate BLUNT IN HAND, JAMES WITH A BONG hers. I am definitely guilty of dirtying her bongs.” “Oh, it’s definitely a pet peeve,” Michelle smiled. “But I’m sure he’s tired of me leaving my roaches your problems.” WAITING TO BE LIT. around.”

“I really care about our patients,” she Cannabis has brought the two together in a way continued. “A lot of people have a lot of issues neither of them have experienced in this life. that can be resolved and I want to help.” “It’s really nice to have someone 100 percent there for you,” James

James seconded that emotion, entering into a vision of Maryland said. “Ya know - someone who is not going to judge you on your Cannabis he hopes to see. consumption of Cannabis. I do smoke a lot, but it’s a lot of fun.”

“Getting into this industry, I love the patients, budtenders, the “We definitely smoke a lot together,” Michelle said, doubling down growers and the marketing reps I meet - they’re awesome,” he said. on the non-judgment. “But we don’t feel bad about the other and “But I’d like to see some of the independent social stoners taking there’s less stress on the relationship.” over. The people who run the industry aren’t necessarily as educated By day, they’re budtenders and Cannabis activists. By nightfall, as the staff.” they put their green capes down and pair up for whatever festivities

Industry education is a priority for James, who hopes one day to will follow. Sometimes it’s bong-rip competitions or moon rock grow into the role of a social media specialist, where he can reach manifestations. Other times, it’s dabs and homemade dinners. patients from beyond the counter. James makes an effort to inform Either way, the journey is always together - James, Michelle and their patients on the role of terpenes in Cannabis, explaining that he dear friend, Mary Jane. Follow them on Instagram @bluntlyraw