BUDTENDER

Now let's meet women who work as Budtenders and who live day to day to serve patients so they can have a better quality of life.

Name: Jairene Morales Montañez

Dispensary: EARTH GIFT, Carolina

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Favorite Strain: Wookies among others

Preferred Consumption Method: Vape & Edibles

We begin with Jairene Morales, lead budtender of Earth Gift Carolina and a High Momma who tells us a little more about herself.

“I started working in the industry in December 2020. My hobbies include physical activities with my children: running, rollerblading, biking, kayaking, etc. In my free time, listening to music and dancing is my thing. I also enjoy taking medication and all the positive aspects it allows me to experience in the process.” “I’ve been working since I was thirteen, starting with newspaper subscriptions, then moving to customer service at eighteen, followed by nine years in restaurants, then as a physical therapist’s assistant, and now I’m in the cannabis industry as a Budtender.”

What are your favorite strains, since there are several? And how do you prefer to consume them?

Since I started as a patient, I fell in love with Wookies, Cackerberry, Raindance, Trifi OG, Blue Dream, and Guava Kush, but my taste completely changed when I had the honor of working at Earth Gift. It was there that I fell in love with each of their exclusive strains, such as Bad Girl, The Gift, Denver Maple, and Gas Breath. I've had the opportunity to try all the consumption methods, and so far, I really enjoy vaping the flower and wax concentrates—I love it. When I need a change, I use edibles and oil vape pens.

What is it like to be a High Momma and how do you divide your days between your children and working with patients?

I say it feels spectacular. I know there are still many taboos, but I prefer to enjoy this whole stage in "High, Always Forever." My children adore me and enjoy me more when I'm in my "High" moment (which I don't always want to be, out of respect for my children). However, there comes a time when they understand that Mommy needs "5 minutes of break, please." I enjoy it every day, just as I enjoy myself every time I go to work; they're different vibes, but manageable, because for each one you need patience, tolerance, kindness, and empathy, but above all, love and respect.

How do you see the cannabis industry for women in Puerto Rico?

I see it as a great opportunity to grow much more than in other fields that have historically discriminated against women. I've noticed through magazines, social media, and visits to clinics that there are many women working in the industry.

What are your plans in the industry?

I'd been waiting three years for work experience in the industry since taking the in-person courses. But… it wasn't until this year that the opportunity arose, and in just seven months, I became a Lid Budtender. When I started, I didn't know much, but determination, performance, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to grow brought me here. We're not stopping; I sense a wave of empowerment coming my way, and I'm eager and excited to get there.

What can we expect from Jairene in the future?

You can expect the most positive, cheerful, lively, and energetic things from me… I am a Sativa by nature, and what I am, I give. That's why I'm finally in a workplace where I enjoy every step of the process.

Do you have any anecdotes you'd like to share about how you've managed to change a patient's life?

I always come away with anecdotes, because I am the spark of joy every time they open the door to be served.

Thank you Jairene for your time and dedication!

We look forward to seeing a lot from you in the industry and wish you the best of success.

Name: Yerelin A. Ocasio Ruiz | MANAGER

Dispensary: ALTERNATIVE THERAPY, Caguas

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Favorite Strain: Cackleberry (AM) & Purple Punch (PM)

Preferred Consumption Method: Edibles and Flowers

With 4 years in the Cannabis industry, Yere, as many know her, enjoys growing carnivorous plants, tending her home garden, domestic tourism, drawing and painting in different mediums.

What is it like to work in the cannabis industry as a woman?

I feel so proud and excited to work and grow in this industry alongside my colleagues. It's been a long road for us to get here, and there's still so much more to achieve.

How do you divide your days between your work and your daily life?

For me, work-life balance is important. I typically dedicate 45 to 50 hours a week to the clinic, so on my days off I make sure to take advantage of the time to pursue hobbies, show affection and help my family with whatever they need, spend time with friends, and run any errands that need to be done. There are days when I just need to reflect on my own; those are the days I like to hop in my car and drive through the mountains or to a beach to breathe fresh air and recharge.

How do you see the cannabis industry for women in Puerto Rico?

I see many opportunities for collective growth and improvement. Despite the large number of women in the industry right now, sexism still exists; it's felt and seen in some companies more than others. I've spoken with women working in different areas of the industry where it's palpable, and they've suffered discrimination and harassment for being women. There are farms that don't hire women because they believe we're incapable of doing the physical work. I know of others that have a female master grower, but some superiors refuse to refer to her as "Master Grower" simply because she's a woman. It's our duty as a society to evolve away from this kind of outdated thinking. We are human beings, and just as there are men who can't carry a sack of soil, there are women who can carry two sacks of soil, prepare the pots, transplant the plants, and leave everything clean.

What can we expect from Yere in the future?

I'm aiming for more. I'll keep working hard and breaking down barriers, demonstrating what we can offer so that we can grow even more. It's a source of pride to see other empowered women rising in the industry, and get ready, because this is just the beginning.

Do you have any anecdotes you'd like to share about how you've changed a patient's life?

My mom was diagnosed with fibromyalgia six years ago. When her symptoms began to worsen, I watched her become less and less active each day, until she was always lying in bed in indescribable pain. Her quality of life declined rapidly and drastically. When the medicinal use of cannabis was legalized in 2017, I didn't hesitate. I did my research, we got certified as patients, and we obtained edibles. The change in my mom was incredible. Soon she was going out and doing her chores without pain. I got my occupational license, became certified, and started working in Alternative Therapy as a budtender, where I learned more about the options available to patients in Puerto Rico. We explored different methods of consumption and dosages until we found the right formula, and over time she started exercising, occasionally riding a boogie board on the beach, and much more. She is my inspiration in this and many other ways.

Name: María Victoria Becerra Rodríguez | MANAGER

Dispensary: ALTERNATIVE THERAPY, Carolina

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Favorite Strain: NYC Diesel Libertad/ Blue Dream

Preferred Consumption Method: Flowers and Edibles

With 2 years in the industry, between beach and philosophy, with walks and setting up for adventure, between sharing ideas and new challenges, Maria tells us her thoughts on this industry and a little about herself.

I started in sales at a very young age, and I worked my way up to the medical equipment and insurance industry. Now I'm fully immersed in the cannabis industry.

What is it like to work in the cannabis industry in Puerto Rico as a woman?

Satisfying, privileged, and rewarding; I believe history is being made. I also feel a great responsibility.

How do you divide your days between work and your daily life?

It depends on what you mean by work. If you're referring to my workday, once it's over, I try to disconnect and focus on my personal life. If you're referring to cannabis, there's no separation, as it's a big part of my life.

How do you see the cannabis industry for women in Puerto Rico?

I see great things happening for women in the cannabis industry in Puerto Rico. This is the time to innovate and, above all, to dare to lead projects without self-doubt. Exposure and visibility for women.

Have you felt discriminated against for being a woman in the cannabis industry?

Personally, I haven't felt discriminated against. However, at the beginning, I did experience a lot of "mansplaining," where some male patients would ask me about a product and its effects, and then, afterward, they would ask a male colleague. When the colleague started by saying, "How did my female colleague explain it to you?", they sometimes sought male validation. This is happening less and less, which fills me with satisfaction because a positive change in the patients' mindset is taking place.

What are your plans in the industry?

Continue learning and growing

What can we expect from Maria in the future?

Development in different areas and to impact as many lives as possible.

I have several positive experiences, from seeing a patient with a walker who had great difficulty getting around, and then, after several months of treatment, no longer needing it. Another patient integrated meditation and cannabis into his Parkinson's treatment and experienced a reduction in his episodes. But for me, the most beautiful and impactful thing is seeing how, during my time working for Alternative Therapy, a community has formed. We have many elderly visitors, and it fills me with great satisfaction to be a part of their well-being and daily lives.