After years of travelling and self-discovery, Budtender Liv Adams was searching for the ideal career path that aligned with her core values. It was within the cannabis space that Adams found her perfect fit, and soon she began her journey working behind the counter at her local cannabis retailer, FOUR20.
The Thrill Behind the Till
Adams finds joy in the fast-paced environment of the cannabis industry. She enjoys meeting passionate people and being a critical part of a welcoming, educational movement at FOUR20 in Calgary, Alberta. The team is a group of avid learners, caring community members, and changemakers. The company is committed to bringing on passionate individuals who are willing to lean into a new industry with enthusiasm and who possess a strong desire to learn—Adams sure fits the bill.
Immersing herself deeper into the culture, the industry, and the crop, Adams finds that boredom is something she rarely experiences working behind the counter. “This might be hard for some people to hear, but I love Mondays. It’s the day we get our purchase order, allowing me to share the news with customers leading up to Thursday’s delivery. It creates a buzz of excitement around new products.” Something as seemingly mundane as a Monday morning fills Adams with excitement, as she can plan how new products best match with her returning roster of customers.
Authentic Conversations
Establishing a true, authentic connection with a customer is the essence of budtending, and Adams has captured exactly that in her approach to the customer journey. Cannabis retail is much more than just an exchange of products for money, it’s an experience shared between two people that transcends the basic shopping experience.
“Each customer is different, with unique needs and interests. I like to start off by asking what they came in for that day, whether it’s flower, pre-rolls, vapes, or concentrates, to get an idea of the category they’re interested in. Then, I like to dive into preferred strains and quantity. I also have a chat with them about what they’re hoping to achieve with their product—do they want to relax, pump themselves up, or focus on a last-minute assignment? Finally, I’ll choose three options that I think would best suit their needs and I always invite them to come back after their purchase to get their honest opinion on the product.”
From the moment customers step through the door, to the second they enjoy their cannabis, the budtender interaction has the opportunity to enhance the consumer experience. Adams is always looking for opportunities to have genuine, unscripted conversations surrounding the benefits of cannabis and the products being offered. But most of all, she appreciates the value of a meaningful connection and good laugh shared between two cannabis enthusiasts.
Industry Advocate
Adams aspires to personally thrive within the cannabis industry but also pave the way for those who face learning difficulties, challenging the stereotypes that have long cast a shadow over people’s potential. Drawing from personal experience, she firmly believes that a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and determination can empower anyone to achieve greatness, regardless of the learning differences they may possess.
To learn more about Adams’ journey, follow her on social media at @lazyliv23.