Budtender Spotlight: October & November Recap

The Budtender Spotlight is for the incredible people behind the counter — those who keep cannabis culture alive with their knowledge, care, and daily impact. Each month, budtenders are nominated in several key categories, including:
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• Trail Blazer — pushing the industry forward with fresh ideas, leadership, and passion
  
  
• Have Your Bud’s Back — dependable, supportive, and always ready to help their team
  
  
• High Spirits — bringing good energy, positivity, and a great vibe wherever they go
  
  
• Rooted in Integrity — embodying honesty, trust, and strong values in everything they do
  
  
• Customer Champion — going above and beyond to create amazing experiences for every customer
  
  
• Strain Specialist — knowing their products inside and out

In October and November, we set out to spotlight a group of budtenders who consistently go above and beyond in their roles — professionals who embody the very best of the industry. These passionate pros aren’t just selling cannabis. They’re building community, shaping experiences, and keeping the culture alive every single day.

We caught up with seven winners to hear their story — from the moments that keep them inspired, to the team dynamics that make their dispensary feel like home. At KayaPush, we know that thriving cannabis businesses are built on strong teams, and these budtenders are living proof. Let’s take a look at our October and November winners.

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Introducing Our October and November Budtender Spotlight Winners & Their Dispensaries
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Mary Kittleson from Devil's Lettuce Dispensary  (NY, USA)
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Mary Kittleson of Devil’s Lettuce Dispensary truly embodies what it means to be a Customer Champion. She consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful, memorable experiences for every customer who walks through the door. Whether she’s guiding guests and teammates through the shop or keeping the good vibes flowing, Mary brings warmth, knowledge, and genuine care to everything she does.

Devil’s Lettuce Dispensary, located in the heart of New York, brings the fiery spirit of cannabis culture to the city with a focus on quality, community, and education. Known for its immersive atmosphere, expert guidance, and wide selection of premium products, Devil’s Lettuce provides a unique experience where customers can learn, explore, and discover cannabis that enhances their lifestyle.

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Alexys Pereira from The Bud Barn Nanaimo Dispensary (BC, Canada)

Alexys Pereira brings a mix of knowledge, kindness, and infectious energy to every customer interaction, the kind of presence that makes her a true Customer Champion. She doesn’t just guide guests through their options, she creates an experience. Known for her warm personality, quick wit, and talent for brightening people’s day, Alexys consistently leaves customers smiling. 

Bud Barn Cannabis Co., with locations in Nanaimo and Courtenay, provides the ideal stage for Alexys to shine. As one of Vancouver Island’s oldest locally owned cannabis retailers, Bud Barn offers a wide variety of premium products — from flowers and edibles to tinctures, concentrates, and more — all supported by knowledgeable staff ready to guide customers through their cannabis journey. Both locations prioritize education, quality, and community, creating welcoming spaces where seasoned customers and newcomers alike can explore, learn, and enjoy cannabis in a supportive and engaging environment.

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Kristine Olson from True Dope 2.0 (SK, Canada)

Kristine has been a pillar of True Dope 2.0 since it opened, consistently embodying the core value of being Rooted in Integrity. She brings honesty, reliability, and a deep sense of responsibility to every shift, going above and beyond what’s expected. Loved by customers and relied on by her team, Kristine’s dedication and strong values make her an essential part of the store’s success and community.

True Dope 2.0 is a locally owned and operated, single-location dispensary in Saskatchewan that puts community and customer experience first. With a team of knowledgeable and passionate staff, the store ensures every guest feels welcomed and supported, whether you’re exploring new products or seeking trusted favorites. From a wide variety of flowers, pre-rolls, edibles, beverages, and concentrates to personalized recommendations for newcomers, True Dope 2.0 combines expertise, integrity, and a fun, lively atmosphere to make every visit memorable.

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Debb Stadelmann from Clairmont Cannabis 4 Less (AB, Canada)

Debb exemplifies the core value of Have Your Buds Back by consistently showing dependability, support, and a willingness to help the team at every turn. Debb is the teammate everyone wants by their side, steady, supportive, and always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed. Whether it’s helping a coworker through a rush or walking a customer through the latest drop, Debb’s presence makes the whole team feel more supported. Her dependability is unmatched, and it shows.

Clairmont Cannabis 4 Less, part of a multi-location chain across Alberta, was born in 2019 out of a love for cannabis and the community that cherishes it. The dispensary focuses on delivering an experience, not just products, with a curated selection, top-notch service, and a welcoming vibe that emphasizes respect, teamwork, honesty, and excellence. With Debb on the team, every visit feels like a relaxed sesh with friends, leaving customers informed, cared for, and ready to return.

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Zoe Reid from Sessions Brantford (ON, Canada)

Zoe embodies the core value of Rooted in Integrity. Zoe is grounded, thoughtful, and real, the kind of budtender customers instantly feel comfortable with. She leads with honesty and authenticity, offering guidance based on what people truly need rather than what’s easy to recommend. Her integrity shows in her calm confidence, attentive listening, and the way she makes every person feel seen.

Sessions Cannabis, the chain behind Sessions Brantford, operates over 45 stores across Ontario, so when you walk into a Sessions shop, you’re stepping into a larger community of cannabis lovers. Their friendly, knowledgeable budtenders are always ready to steer you toward the right product for your next sesh, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned consumer. With a curated variety of products, consistent store standards, and a welcoming atmosphere, Sessions makes it easy to find what you want or discover something new. Because each location adheres to the same commitment to quality and service, a visit feels familiar, regardless of where you go.

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Jacquelynn Williams-Robinson from The Herbery (WA, USA)

Jacquelynn exemplifies the core value of High Spirits, consistently bringing energy, positivity, and a welcoming vibe wherever she goes. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and ability to connect with both customers and teammates make her a cornerstone of the team. She plays a key role in training new hires, building their confidence, and ensuring they’re equipped to provide knowledgeable, personalized service. With her guidance, new team members quickly feel empowered and prepared, strengthening the store’s overall culture of support and excellence.

The Herbery, based in Vancouver, WA, operates multiple locations serving the greater Vancouver area, including nearby communities in Oregon. The Herbery has been committed to redefining retail cannabis with a culture rooted in empathy, honesty, respect, and integrity. Every store is designed to be welcoming, approachable, and customer-focused, offering a wide selection of flower, edibles, concentrates, vape cartridges, topicals, and accessories. Certified budtenders provide expert guidance on products and cannabis science, ensuring each visit is both informative and enjoyable. With engaging events, community initiatives, and a team that genuinely loves what they do, The Herbery has become a trusted and vibrant hub for cannabis enthusiasts, where positive energy and exceptional service come together to create memorable experiences every day.

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Sydney Hale from Highties Cannabis (Ottawa, Canada) 

Sydney embodies the core value of Customer Champion, consistently going above and beyond to create meaningful and memorable experiences for every customer. Known for always giving 130% and bringing a bright, upbeat energy, she leaves a lasting impression on everyone she interacts with. From guiding guests and teammates through the shop to maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere, Sydney is a central part of the Highties team, helping to make every visit exceptional.

Highties Cannabis is a multilocation dispensary with several locations across Ottawa, from Vanier to Orleans to Plantagenet. Highties was created to ensure premium cannabis products and expert guidance were accessible across the Capital Region. The dispensary is dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for every visitor, whether for wellness, recreational enjoyment, or their first-time exploration. Knowledgeable and approachable budtenders help customers navigate an extensive selection of strains, edibles, concentrates, and more, ensuring every visit is personalized and informative. With a focus on community, education, and exceptional service, Highties Cannabis transforms routine purchases into experiences that are welcoming, engaging, and memorable.

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What Keeps Them Coming Back Every Day?

For these budtenders, it’s never just about the plant — it’s about the people, the connections, and the community they help grow. Their passion shows in every interaction, turning dispensaries into more than workplaces — they become spaces of trust, care, and good energy. Here’s what drives them to show up and make a difference day after day:

“I love our customers, and I love helping others. I love that as a budtender, it is my duty to spread cannabis knowledge.” – Mary, Devil’s Lettuce

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“Everyday we are able to have fun, and it never feels like I’m truly going to work. I love getting to interact with my community, and spread laughter and smiles — while bringing them back over and over!” – Alexys, Bud Barn Nanaimo

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“The relationships we build with our customers are beyond measure. I love to hear their stories, share a smile or a hug, and know that I'm possibly helping to improve their well-being.” – Kristine, True Dope 2.0

“I enjoy connecting with customers and exploring all the products, and discovering what’s new and exciting.” —  Debb, Claremont Cannabis 4 Less

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“I love that I get to meet so many people from different walks of life coming together over cannabis, and helping them find the perfect product for them.” —  Zoe, Sessions Brantford

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“I love all the knowledge I’ve learned about cannabis and the industry itself. I also love getting to meet new people and share my knowledge with them, and help with training new future herbtenders!” —  Jacquelynn, The Herbery

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“I love how amazing my store lead is and how kind our team is. I’ve learned so much and been through so much with my dispensary. ” —  Sydney, Highties Cannabis

From sparking a smile to guiding someone through their first experience, these budtenders remind us that connection is the true cornerstone of cannabis culture. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, spreading positivity, or simply being a daily dose of good energy, they redefine what it means to be on the frontlines of cannabis.

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What Does Team Culture Feel Like?

We asked each winner to describe their team culture in a single word  — and the responses say everything:
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• Personality — Mary
• Eccentric — Alexys
• Together — Kristine
• Happy  — Debb  
• Appreciative  — Zoe  
• Family  — Jacquelynn & Sydney  

But team culture is more than just a word — it’s the way these budtenders show up every day. Each of them was recognized for the dedication, positivity, and support they bring to their teams, creating spaces where colleagues feel valued and customers feel truly welcomed.

Big Thanks to Their Nominators

Behind every great budtender is someone who sees and celebrates their impact. When asked what they admired most about the nominators, winners shared words filled with gratitude and respect:

“She is so smart, so kind, and has a great sense of humor. Cannabis is her passion, and when it comes to anything cannabis, she is one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met in the field. ” –  Mary, nominated by Danielle, Manager

“She means more to me than a manager. She is the most driven and motivated woman I’ve met, and she makes me want to do better for myself. ” – Alexys, nominated by Emily, Manager 

“Oh my Kandus. She is a shining light with the kindness and personality that makes everyone smile. She is the without a doubt, the best boss I have ever had in my life. ” – Kristine, nominated by Kandus, Owner

“Great boss and great leader!” – Debb, nominated by Michelle, Manager

“Not only is Heather incredibly hardworking, she is the most selfless person I know. She will never fall short of going the extra mile for people.” – Zoe, nominated by Heather, Manager

“Her time and energy she puts into ensuring we have all the tools we need to be productive workers and trainers is what I appreciate the most. And just great energy!” – Jacquelynn, nominated by Stephanie, Manager

“My favourite thing about Theresa is how caring and full of love she is.” – Sydney, nominated by Theresa, Manager

The admiration runs deep — a reminder that recognition isn’t just about accomplishments, but about the way these budtenders uplift the people around them every day.

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Celebrating the Faces of the Plant

Every month, we spotlight the people behind the counter — the educators, the empathizers, and the everyday legends who keep cannabis culture thriving.

To our winners — Mary, Alexys, Kristine, Debb, Zoe, Jacquelynn, and Sydney — thank you for showing up with passion, standing out with impact, and raising the bar for the entire industry. 

Have someone in mind who deserves a moment to shine? We believe the cannabis community is built by the people who show up every day with kindness, knowledge, and genuine care. If you know a budtender who’s creating unforgettable experiences, supporting their team, or uplifting their community, send them our way. Nominate a budtender for a spotlight, and let’s make sure their story gets the recognition it deserves.

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