According to the Leafly Jobs Report, there are now more cannabis industry professionals in the United States than dentists, paramedics, and electrical engineers. To match this growing demand, a variety of institutions have stepped up with educational programs tailored to provide competitive skill sets for the most dedicated leaders in the field. Jess Langlitz, a “budtender” at Valley Greens on Central Avenue in Peekskill, is one of them. Her studies with Elmira College’s certificate course in cannabis retail gives her an academic edge in providing customers with “cultivated” know-how.
“I was going to a frequent event called “The Flower Hour,” which promotes tasting and knowledge of all consumption methods, from topicals to concentrates,” Jess raves. “I was inspired to know more!” “The Flower Hour” motto is: “Education. Normalization. Sophistication.” –which Jess took to heart. “The biggest takeaway from my studies was learning the scientific terminology around this industry. It makes me better able to communicate with customers, which helps them choose the right products.”
Manager Amber Dominique Lewis took a different professional track to Valley Greens, but one that makes her an indispensable pharmaceutical asset. Amber’s health care background has proved valuable, as she explains: ”I was also a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) so I know sometimes it’s just about customer care and comfort, more than anything else.” Because of her medical training, Amber is able to hybridize tinctures to treat personal conditions, and can impart her wisdom to customers looking for ideas on how to improve their own health outcomes. She, and Jess, also supplement their academic background by taking advantage of various vendor training and continuing education offered to them through the business.
“One of the training courses we took taught us about pesticides for marijuana crops: for instance, the use of ladybugs and praying mantises,” Amber clarifies. “These scientific details make the world of difference to customers who may be avoiding chemical pesticides, or are just interested in where their products come from.” As legal cannabis retail becomes one of the country’s fastest growing sectors, these “budtenders” leverage their valuable academic training to support the Peekskill community with a more educated level of customer care.
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