Budtender of the Month Las Vegas

Miles Rodela

LEAD CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST at TREE OF LIFE

Miles Rodela is the Lead Customer Care Specialist at Tree of Life. He started working in the cannabis industry in 2016 as a budtender and then worked his way up into various leadership roles.

In your opinion, what’s missing in the Nevada cannabis industry? In my opinion, what I think is missing in the Nevada cannabis industry is the CCB doesn't take as much of a hands-on approach to sales, statistics, and regulations. Take the daily ounce limit for recreational consumers being only an ounce; I mean you don’t see similar regulations like alcohol for example. Dispensaries being able to obtain bank accounts would be another; but I know that’s on a whole federal level. Let’s hope someday it happens.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a budtender?

The most rewarding part of being a budtender is helping consumers find the best cannabis products that best suit their needs, and providing them with a great user experience. There’s so many types of ways to consume, and it's so much fun educating people on all those different avenues.

What are some of the challenges that come with being a budtender? I would say some of the challenges that come with being a budtender are staying on top of all the products that are out there. There’s so many new products on the market, from cannabis strains, edibles, tabs, and more, but it's what keeps the job exciting and refreshing. I think this also leads us on to our next question…

What are some of the ways you stay up to date on new products and developments in the industry?

Well some of the ways I stay up to date on new products and developments in the industry is by looking through Vegas Cannabis Magazine. It’s a great resource to use to find out about new cannabis products coming to market, accessories, and to get a behind the scenes look at some of our fellow cannabis industry employees doing work in the industry. I also like to take a look at some online websites such as hightimes.com, leafly.com, and mjbizdaily.com to name a few. Also can’t forget about the awesome samples that we receive from our vendors throughout the valley to try!

Do you think people are starting to see budtenders as more than just stoners behind a register?

Oh I absolutely believe that people are starting to see budtenders as more than just stoners behind the register. People are actually very intrigued when it comes up in conversation on what I do. It is a very interesting new industry to be in.

Have you changed as a cannabis consumer since becoming a budtender? If so, how?

Without a doubt it has changed me as a cannabis consumer. Before I started in the industry I only really knew what an indica, hybrid, and sativa was. I didn't have a clue what a terpene was. But I’ve gained so much knowledge in the past 7 years being in the industry.

Do you have a favorite terpene or terpene profile?

My favorite type of terpene would be limonene. I like that nice mind boost that it gives, with a nice taste. Mainly sativa dominant profiles.

What have you been smoking on?

Birthday Face by The Grower’s Circle (vape and flower), Family Secret flower by The Grower’s Circle. Guava vape by Matrix, Super Lemon Haze badder by Tsunami. Miss X by GLP and LA Kush Cake by GT Therapeutics.