Budtender Spotlight: September Recap
The Budtender Spotlight celebrates 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:
- 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 September, 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 September’s four 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 September winners.
Introducing Our September Budtender Spotlight Winners & Their Dispensaries
Adrianna Curnew from Plantlife Eagle Ridge (AB, Canada)
Adrianna Curnew embodies High Spirits — bringing energy, positivity, and a great vibe wherever she goes. Known for her passion for cannabis education and her dedication to deepening her industry knowledge, Adrianna inspires her team and builds genuine connections with every guest. Her enthusiasm, teamwork, and approachable nature make Plantlife Eagle Ridge a welcoming place where customers feel informed, valued, and uplifted.
Plantlife Eagle Ridge is more than a dispensary — it’s a community hub where education meets experience. As part of Alberta’s largest cannabis family, with 39 locations across 19 cities, Plantlife is on a mission to share its passion for premium cannabis, grow the community through education, and create a family of customers who feel welcome and valued. At Eagle Ridge, customers step into an experience where expert guidance, exceptional service, and genuine care come together. It’s where curiosity meets confidence, and cannabis culture thrives.
Erin Connorton from MJ Dispensary (NY, USA)
Erin Connorton stands as a true example of the core value of Rooted in Integrity — bringing honesty, trust, and strong values to everything she does. Known for her unwavering reliability and dedication, Erin consistently goes above and beyond for both customers and her team. Whether delivering exceptional service to guests or stepping in to cover shifts without hesitation, she models the kind of integrity that strengthens a workplace and fosters trust. Erin’s commitment makes MJ Dispensary not just a store, but a place where integrity shapes every interaction.
MJ Dispensary is more than a cannabis store — it’s a thoughtfully curated experience designed for adults who value quality, privacy, and connection. Based in Rochester, New York, MJ Dispensary opened its doors with a mission to create a safe, engaging retail and delivery experience. Every visit is personalized through their Personal Cannabis Consultation program, where the team listens, guides, and recommends products tailored to each customer’s needs. Whether browsing in-store or pre-ordering online, customers step into a space where care, expertise, and convenience come together to create a truly unique cannabis journey.
Paulo Filipe Botelho from Purple Tree Cannabis (ON, Canada)
Paulo Filipe Botelho is a shining example of being Rooted in Integrity, bringing honesty, trust, and strong values to every interaction. With years of industry experience, Paulo combines deep cannabis knowledge with exceptional customer service, ensuring every guest feels informed, respected, and welcomed. His commitment extends beyond the counter — he brings warmth and joy to Purple Tree Cannabis by greeting customers with his adorable dog, making every visit a memorable experience. Paulo’s dedication and genuine care help make Purple Tree a trusted and inviting community hub.
Purple Tree Cannabis started in 2021 as a passion project and quickly became a standout in Ontario’s cannabis scene. With locations in Toronto and Mississauga, their Sommelier-trained team brings unmatched knowledge and genuine care to every visit. Guided by a mission to match customers with the perfect product, Purple Tree combines quality, expertise, and a warm community vibe — earning its spot in the top 1% of Google’s highest-rated dispensaries in Ontario!
Gian Quirante from Mass Grown (NJ, USA)
Gian Quirante is the definition of High Spirits, bringing energy, positivity, and a great vibe to every aspect of his work. Known for going above and beyond — from delivering exceptional service to customers to supporting backend operations for the owners — Gian approaches every task with enthusiasm and dedication. His commitment and uplifting attitude make Mass Grown not just a dispensary, but a place where positivity is part of the customer experience and the workplace culture.
Mass Grown is more than a dispensary — it’s a community. With a wide selection of premium cannabis products, from top-shelf flower to edibles and wellness goods, they cater to both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers. What truly sets Mass Grown apart is their passionate, knowledgeable team, dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive experience and helping every customer find their perfect match. Committed to sustainability, ethical practices, and community impact, Mass Grown is redefining cannabis retail — one positive interaction at a time.
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:
“The people I work with, without them I wouldn’t be where I would be in the industry — and of course, our lovely regulars we see on a regular basis!” – Adrianna, Plantlife Eagle Ridge
“The people, especially our customers.” – Erin, MJ Dispensary
“It’s rewarding to work in a space where I can combine professionalism with genuine passion for cannabis and customer wellbeing.” – Paulo, Purple Tree Cannabis
“We greet every single person with open arms and as if we’ve known them for years. The love given from both ends brings such a positive vibe that we can't help but give it back 200% more.” — Gian, Mass Grown
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.
What Does Team Culture Feel Like?
We asked each winner to describe their team culture in a single word — and the responses say everything:
- Innovative — Adrianna
- Adaptable — Erin
- Passionate — Paulo
- Unforgettable — Gian
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:
“Her personality and how she drives herself every day to become the best.” – Adrianna, nominated by Kara, Owner
“Her energy!” – Erin, nominated by Michelle, Manager
“His ability to lead with both professionalism and genuine support. He recognizes the strengths of his team, creates an environment where we can thrive, and encourages growth through trust and guidance.” – Paulo, nominated by Matt, Owner
“Great leader, honest, familiar, and dedicated to making sure everyone is taken care of.” – Gian, nominated by Michael, Owner
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.
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 September winners — Adrianna, Erin, Paulo, and Gian — thank you for showing up with passion, standing out with impact, and raising the bar for the entire industry.
Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Nominate a budtender who’s making an impact — we’re always looking for the next great story.
