TAMARA RIVERA ORTÍZ • ALTERNATIVE THERAPY • CAROLINA “BUDTENDER” By: Mr. Sens

“Budtenders” are those friends who understand every detail of what we say, even without knowing what's going on with us. They're the ones who recommend medicine and whose words we trust completely. We interviewed Tamara Rivera Ortiz, your local “Budtender” at Alternative Therapy in Carolina. Originally from Juana Díaz, the City of the Three Wise Men, she told us a little about herself. How long have you been a “Budtender,” and what do you enjoy most about it? Why did you leave your last job, and what did you do? I became interested in the medical cannabis industry two years ago after a trip to California. After working for eleven years in customer service with food and beverages, I felt the need for a change. I obtained the required certifications, and six months ago, I started working in the industry as a “Budtender.” Of all my roles, what I enjoy most is educating patients who have never used cannabis. Instructing and educating them from scratch is very rewarding. And when they come back and test positive after using cannabis, that really makes me happy!

Besides making recommendations and helping cannabis patients, what else do you do in your daily life? Aside from being a budtender, I'm passionate about and love spending time with my family, sharing any activity related to nature with them. The beach is our second home. I love being in my backyard, planting, and giving love to the plants. I love music; I love to dance bomba, even though I'm a beginner, but I'm getting there! What's your favorite method of consumption? Do you prefer Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid, and what's your favorite strain? When I consume cannabis, I assess my day to decide which method I'll use. If I'm at home, my favorite method is vaporizing flower and dabbing wax. I like Sativa flowers for daytime consumption, as well as Hybrid flowers. At night, I mostly consume Indica, but if necessary, I'll use it during the day as well. Between Sativa, Hybrid, and Indica, I don't have a preference, as I understand that all three work for me and have different effects, producing positive results. Of the last strains I've tried, "Pura Vida" impressed me quite a bit; it's a different, complete flower, within what I personally look for. It's difficult to have a preferred strain, at least in my case. How do you see the Cannabis Industry ten years from now? The growers here in Puerto Rico are producing very good products in flower, edibles, and concentrates. Considering the time I've been employed in the Medicinal Cannabis Industry, the growth is visible; in ten years, cannabis will be recreational! Does your family support your work? My family was very interested when I mentioned my intention to change jobs. They were positive and supported my decision. Even though my family is quite conservative due to our culture, I was impressed by how open they've been, even to the use of medicinal cannabis. Being able to guide my family about cannabis and seeing that the result is positive is satisfying in my personal sphere.

Have you seen any changes in society's attitudes toward cannabis? Puerto Rico is an island that has been colonized for many years, and the results of colonialism have affected us as a society, causing economic, social, and psychosocial problems; high rates of mental and physical health issues, among others. Since the industry arrived on the island, yes, I have personally noticed a social shift, and those who are patients have definitely noticed and felt the positive results. I constantly witness, on a daily basis, the improvement and the physical and emotional benefits that medicinal cannabis provides to our society. I understand that people who are not patients have also noticed the positive change in society and have developed a different and more positive perception of the plant.

What would you recommend to others interested in working in the cannabis industry? To my new colleagues who are interested in working in the industry, I recommend educating themselves, learning, and staying informed. It's not just about working with cannabis; it goes beyond that—it's a social commitment. What are your plans for the future in the cannabis industry? I feel committed to people; I like helping them. I understand that people experience a better quality of life, are happier, and find balance when they start using cannabis. In the future, I would like to dedicate myself to educating patients and the public in a more personalized way. The industry continues to grow, and we must continue learning, learning, and educating ourselves. It's a chain reaction, and we all benefit.

Thank you for your time and kind words, Tamara. We wish you much success in your career. Are you a Budtender? Write to us to be interviewed and featured in our publications. info@sensculture.com

Mr. Sens