I love the time right after the spring term ends and graduation has happened, because Eugene gets nice and quiet and slows down a bit. Slow enough that trips to the dispensary don’t feel rushed because there isn’t a gaggle of other people standing waiting to get their cannagoods. So, when I made my way over to Dark Matter after leaving campus one evening, I was so delighted to see that the only cars in the parking lot were those of the staff working. I headed in knowing full well that I was gonna get to chat with a budtender, and the vibes instantly clicked when I met Sage. So much so that I knew she had to be the Budtender of the Month! Read on to get to know Sage, and be sure to stop by Dark Matter to chat in person with her yourself!
How did you get into the cannabis industry?
I’ve been a long-time cannabis connoisseur and had always been interested in working in the industry. I was lucky enough to have a dispensary take a risk on me with no prior experience last October, and the rest is history!
What led you to work at Dark Matter?
Honestly, what brought me here and keeps me here is that they treat their budtenders well. It’s rare in this industry, and I wanted to be part of a place that values the people on the front line.
What is your favorite thing about cannabis?
My favorite thing about cannabis is its ability to bring people together. I’ve seen cannabis connect groups of people you’d never see together otherwise; it’s really beautiful.
Who is your dream smoke sesh group?
Honestly, my dream smoke sesh group would be all my friends who live in different states. I’ve yet to get them all in one space together, but if I could, that would be my dream blunt rotation.
What is your favorite thing about being a budtender?
My favorite thing is seeing someone find real relief. When a customer comes in with chronic pain or insomnia, and you find them something that actually helps, that’s the best part of the job.
What tips would you offer someone new to cannabis?
I think the classic rule of “start low, go slow” will never steer you wrong. Try a little bit, wait a while, and see how you feel. You can always get higher easier than you can come down.
What was your first smoking experience like?
My first smoking experience was outside on a snowy night in Missouri. I remember hitting the bong and feeling my pain and anxiety melt away. The rest is history.
What is your favorite strain or favorite product right now?
Triple Burger is my favorite strain at the moment! It’s GMO crossed with Double Burger. I love how garlicky and funky it is, and it hits super heavy, so it’s great for insomnia and pain relief.
What is your favorite thing to do after smoking?
My favorite thing to do after smoking is to create art! I love any crafty project, but especially taxidermy-related art or glass etching. I think cannabis can help a ton in the creative process.
One piece of advice for folks shopping for cannabis?
My main piece of advice would be not to shop based on the THC percentage alone. A lot of people think the THC percentage tells you everything you need to know, but taking into account things like terpenes, the grower, and your desired effects will get you a lot further than focusing solely on that number.
