From Budtender to Implementation Strategist III: Jasmine Syrotchen's Cannabis Journey
Where have you previously worked in cannabis? What was your role and title? How/why did you end up working there?
I’ve previously worked at Temescal Wellness & Society Cannabis Co, dabbling in a little bit of everything from budtending, to inventory to social + digital media.
I basically graduated from college in 2018 and wasn’t sure what was next. The dispensary up the street from me (Temescal) was hiring and the rest is history!
I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I thought it would be fun.
I felt strongly about combatting the negative stereotypes of cannabis as a medical user, so it felt like a good place to start.
What did you like most about working with cannabis? What’s a standout memory from that time?
I’ve learned so much in my time in the industry, and loved that every day was different. Working in cannabis has certainly never been boring!
Over everything though the best thing has been all of the amazing people I’ve met along the way. It was so rewarding to talk to people and learn their stories, and to feel like I was making a difference in their lives.
I feel lucky to have met some of the kindest, most hardworking people throughout my time in the industry, and to have made lifelong friends - I even met my partner because of cannabis!
A standout memory is when I first went to a grow. It just blew my mind to be surrounded by cannabis plants and think about how far we’ve come as a society in regards to cannabis.
What have you learned moving from plant-touching work to tech? Did anything about the change surprise you?
I was recruited to Dutchie, knowing nothing about the tech world and what a whirlwind it has been! I didn’t realize just how many other things there are for operators to think about asides from just a building, staff and product.
It’s been a great eye-opener to be a bit of everything as an Implementation Strategist - project manager, consultant, tech support, sometimes just a listening ear when operators need to vent.
It really takes a community effort to get operations going, and a resilience that feels unique to this industry.
What’s your advice for those starting out in cannabis? What is there to look forward to?
If you’re in for an ever evolving and growing industry, you’re in the right place! I would say that adaptability is key- be ready to pivot, keep an open mind and stay learning.
I found lifelong friends, witness incredible community every day, and have proven to myself time and again that I am stronger than I previously realized, thanks to this plant and my time in the industry. I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything!
