Lansterdam

Serving up cannabis strains with a smile

Top of the Town edition

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A “budtender” is someone who works in a dispensary or store where medical or recreational cannabis is sold. They answer questions, showcase products and do their best to provide an enjoyable experience for every customer. Hundreds of votes were counted in this year’s Top of the Town Best Budtender category, and the people of Lansing have spoken. Juan Moody of Dispo, formerly First Class Cannabis, has been named Best Budtender of 2022. I caught up with him to get his feedback on the news and ask him a few questions about his position.

How long have you been at your current job? 

“I started working in the industry six months ago as a budtender at Dispo, but I’ve been around cannabis for the majority of my life. My goal is to be a sales rep for a reputable company in the future.”

What inspired you to work in the cannabis industry?

“I am inspired to work in the industry because of my love for cannabis. It’s more than an industry to me; it’s a passion and a lifestyle.”

How do you, personally, like to consume cannabis (smoke, vape, dab, eat, etc.)?

“I personally like all forms of cannabis. My two favorite ways to consume cannabis are flower and concentrates.”

What’s your favorite product and/or brand right now?

“That’s hard to say, because it constantly changes for me. At the moment I really enjoy 517 Rainbow Runtz from Premier Cannabis Farms for flower and concentrates from 710 Savant.”

Describe a typical day at your job.

“There really isn’t a typical day at the shop. Every day is a new experience. It keeps me on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

What’s the best part of your job as a budtender?

“My favorite part about being a budtender is making the patient laugh, smile and leave excited about what they purchased.”

Dispo, 2515 N. Grand River Ave., on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Dispo is open for in-store and curbside pick-up. Check Weedmaps for a current list of specials and other available products. 

Company spotlight: Premier Cannabis Farms 

Premier Cannabis Farms is a woman and minority-owned commercial growing company based here in Lansing. Each plant is hand-watered and trimmed, then cold stored. From the seed to the labeled jar, Premier Cannabis Farms takes care of everything in-house. This allows the company to get up close and personal with every bud that grows in the facility.

Premier takes pride in its proprietary genetics that features a lineup of tasty strains like 517 Trix, a smooth hybrid with gorgeous, deep purple buds; Hippie Cologne, an earthy and sweet hybrid that is reminiscent of OG strains of yesteryear; 517 Headband, a super relaxing Indica-hybrid that is gassy as it is pungent; Verde Limon Sherbert, a citrusy Sativa-hybrid with dense buds and Juan Moody’s personal favorite, Rainbow Runtz, a fruity hybrid that’s great for any day that ends with “y.”

In addition to growing kick-ass cannabis, Premier Cannabis Farms is committed to giving back to the Lansing community with its various community development projects. Premier sponsors a local softball league that qualified three times for the National Softball Association’s Men’s Super World Qualifiers. Off the field, the cannabis company works with nonprofit organizations like Ever After Opportunities to ensure the success of local youth. Ever After Opportunities, located in the Lansing Mall, works with youth ages 12-18 and offers programs such as free tutoring and life skills classes for participants. The nonprofit even offers participants formal clothes to wear during homecoming and prom at no cost. Aaron Rivera, head grower and co-owner of Premier Cannabis Farms, is on the board that oversees the young men’s programs at Ever After Opportunities. 

Premier Cannabis Farms is not just producing high-quality, terpene-heavy cannabis at an affordable price; it is committed to being a cannabis company that is community-conscious. 

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