Alicia’s contributions to ACS have been plentiful since she was hired 3 years ago, including getting our Dispensary ready for AU! She’s a bright light in the Dispensary, and always bringing the energy!
What do you enjoy about your role? The fact that I can participate in the best of both worlds. Front-of-house I get to know our patients/consumers and work with our retail team and suppliers; but I also love being able to master back-of-house operations, learning more in-depth processes and working with our other departments. Every day I get to learn something new to share with our patients/consumers!
What draws you to medical cannabis? The plethora of options available and the amazing benefits it can bring people! I also really love that it’s a brand-new industry and we’re destigmatizing what’s been negatively propagated about cannabis; even more so because I myself had to be educated – moving to the East Coast and being around people who used cannabis both recreationally and medically has really taught me a lot!
What do you enjoy about your position? Or What is your favorite product to produce? There’s so many different parts and pieces that I get to be a part of here; but I think my favorite part is working with patients/consumers and finding something that works for them. It’s extremely rewarding when someone comes back and says, “that strain did exactly what I needed!”
As a patient, what products do you find helpful? How has cannabis helped you? I can’t roll to save my life, so pre-rolls and joints are always a go-to for me as are edibles! I’m sorry, but no one can compete with our truffles and seasonal items – have you tried the Berry Cobbler cookie or the Lemon Poppy Scone?! OMG! But something I almost never run out of or telling people to try is the topical balm – when I first started here I used it to help with the sciatic pain from moving out of a desk job to being on my feet and kneeling/moving around all day; and I’m always recommending it for general pain relief as well, but last summer it saved my skin, and my sanity, from the itchiness after a run-in with poison ivy.
What is something surprising about cannabis that someone who hasn’t consumed before might not know? There’s honestly so much, I wouldn’t know where to start! I think the biggest thing for me would be to not write off CBD – a lot of people don’t truly believe in the benefits or that CBD has benefits at all. CBD is so versatile that it can be used on its own or in combination with other high-THC products; I actually find that a 1:1 edible works best so I don’t feel groggy the next morning. It’s also a great additive to strains that are too racy for someone because it helps reduce anxiety overall.
What are your favorite ACS products? Uffda, I would have to say our edibles; more specifically our truffles and seasonal specialties….the Apple or Berry Crisp Cookie, Lemon Poppy Scone, Oatmeal Sandwich Cookie, Mint Choc Chip Truffle, Smore’s Truffle…you’ll need to stop me, no one else can compete with these small batch bites of magic!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Gardening has become my biggest hobby over the last few years; I always try failing at a new vegetable every year lol. But I love that I can medicate and just zone out to whatever I’m doing! Last year I discovered hunting for Hornworms on my tomatoes with black-light flashlights while enjoying an after dark smoke – my neighbors have gotten a kick out of that. On the other hand, I also prefer snow over rain, any day! So, in the winter I’ll most likely be sitting next to the fireplace either watching TV, or planning next year’s garden! lol
Anything else you’d like to add? Hopes/dreams for medical cannabis? I can’t wait to see cannabis be a part of everyday life and I hope it becomes much more accessible to people everywhere, not just in Massachusetts.