Unfortunately, cannabis doesn’t just magically appear in our homes whenever we want it. There are real people who grow it, test it and sell it.
Luckily, these people are friendly and cool, and well worth getting to know. We’re kicking off this year by taking a look at our bud buddies, if you will — just a few of the people who make cannabis happen in West Michigan.
In the future, we’ll be doing more in-depth profiles, but this month, here are some thoughts and suggestions from the people behind the bud!
Kyle Miller
Strategic Relations, Meds Cafe
1965 W. Main St., Lowell
medscafe.com
Why did you get into the cannabis industry?
I was initially drawn to the cannabis industry through political campaign work. I had been working as a legislative staffer in the Michigan Senate when I got the opportunity to help organize and run the MiLegalize ballot initiative alongside some of Michigan’s leading cannabis advocates. This really opened my eyes to the tremendous number of opportunities that could be present if this initiative were to pass.
Favorite unique product the store has right now?
Right now, we have some really cool X-mas gift bags! They are sponsored by Sensi Magazine in collaboration with other partners across the state, including Noble Road, Terrapin and Narvona, as well as several others.
Favorite way to consume?
I prefer dabbing solventless extracts in my Puffco Peak or through an e-nail.
Indica, sativa or hybrid?
Hybrid.
Favorite activity to do while high?
Throw on the AirPods Pro and listen to a wide range of different music.
What sets your company apart?
What set us apart initially was being the very first recreational store in Kent County. It allowed us to really make a stir in the area and get our brand out quickly.
Ken Bryant
Owner, Premiere Provisions
710 Perry Ave., Big Rapids
premiereprovisionsbr.com
Why did you get into the cannabis industry?
As a patient, it was a huge change in my life and wanted to share it with others.
Favorite unique product the store has right now?
Prepackaged premiere flower from brands such as MKX, Empire, and Viola! Also, I like our transdermal pens/patches that get you the benefits of THC without smoking or eating.
Favorite way to consume?
Smoke. I’m old-school. I love to see, smell, and touch my flower. Then roll it up in a tight doobie.
Indica, sativa or hybrid?
Sativa! Discovering sativas changed my life. I don’t need anything to slow me down and not want to do anything. I need something to put a little jazz in my step and umph into my life.
Favorite things to do while high?
Meditate, visualize and pray.
What sets your store apart?
Our staff is a group of loving, modern, professionals. Our store is very technology driven with our consultation kiosks and on-demand menu screens. Our shelves are stocked not with only our own products, but we scout out the best of the best and bring them all into our store.
Jordan Bay
Budtender, High Profile
262 S. Maple St., Grant
highprofilecannabis.com
Why did you get into the cannabis industry?
I have been passionate about the power of cannabis for years, and I am about to graduate with my BBA in marketing. My thought is to marry my passion with an industry that is young, financially rewarding, and positioned for massive growth.
Favorite unique product the store has right now?
One stand-out product I’d label as unique are the Flo Diamonds (compressed resin), as they provide a smoothly uplifting and vividly creative experience for me. Another special product would be the 1000mg CBD tincture, as it has a mellow taste and ridiculously effective pain-killing and anti-nausea qualities.
Favorite way to consume?
While I love each for different reasons, nothing will ever beat a fat, king-sized joint rolled of Cloud Cover flower after a long day, as nothing compares to the effects of flower to me. I also LOVE cold-start dabs, as they’re cooler on the lungs and the taste is more pronounced.
Indica, sativa or hybrid?
Sativa. I’m kinda known around the store for being a sativa lover, but hey, I don’t need help taking a nap — I need help to get going.
Favorite activity to do while high?
Writing music or short stories, singing to my favorite songs, or hanging out with one or more of my five cats.
What sets your store apart?
Simply by combining the best products with the best customer service. C3 Industries, our parent company, has also partnered with The Last Prisoner Project, electing to donate $10,000 annually until every nonviolent cannabis offender incarcerated in the state of Michigan is released, and THAT is a cool thing.
Nic Hernandez
Provisioning Center Manager, Fluresh
1213 Phillips Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
fluresh.com
Why did you get into the cannabis industry?
A few of my family members wanted to detox from pharmaceuticals so I began growing as their caregiver and shortly after began a job as a grower for a facility in Denver, Colorado.
Favorite unique product the store has right now?
I am a huge fan of the Fluresh drink enhancer. It makes it very easy for me to medicate my favorite beverages and gives me the ability to control my dosage.
Favorite way to consume?
I enjoy smoking or edibles typically. Smoking allows for faster activation times and edibles allow the high to last longer.
Indica, sativa or hybrid?
I have some anxiety issues so I am very sensitive to sativas. Due to this, I stick to indicas only.
Favorite activity to do while high?
Listen to music.
What sets your store apart?
I believe it's our focus on customer experience and education. We understand that cannabis and its uses are different for each individual and we love to match that diversity with the diversity of our products.
Tracy Powers
Vice President, Agri-Med
Multiple locations
agrimedmi.com
Why did you get into the cannabis industry?
It was an exciting opportunity to get into an industry at the ground floor, much like when prohibition ended. And the more I learned about the power of this plant, the more I realized I wanted to be involved in making it easily available to people who could benefit from it.
Favorite store product right now?
I enjoy our ViaMist Citrus 150 mg THC/CBD Sublingual Spray. It is fast-acting, discreet, and leaves me feeling relaxed.
Favorite way to consume?
Pre-rolls from Healing Organic Gardens — fantastic flavor and a great way to monitor my consumption. I am a one-hit kind of girl but don’t like vaporizers or messing with having to grind my product for a bowl. A pre-roll will last me a couple of weeks!
Indica, sativa or hybrid?
Hybrid, the best of both worlds.
Favorite activity to do while high?
Walk my dogs.
What sets your store apart?
We are locally owned and operated, and we truly are invested in the communities we are located, even now that we are opening locations in areas where we do not live. One of the first things we do is reach out to the community leaders for ideas on how we can be involved or help the local community.
