by Brianna Newton-Jackson, marketing lead at Hashtag Cannabis

In honor of Women’s History Month 2021, we sat down with Hashtag’s very own Amanda Snyder, Assistant Store Manager at Hashtag Redmond, to get a glimpse into what it’s been like working within Washington’s cannabis industry.

Why did you choose the cannabis industry?

I come from a retail/sales trained background and love to specialize in personal customer interactions. As a customer, I felt like most shops wanted me in and out the door with as few words as possible.

Knowing how I approach customers and cannabis, I was hopeful to see what I could do behind the counter. I was able to apply my love and enjoyment for cannabis into my interactions; sharing what I have experienced and the different tricks I have picked up over the years. I love being able to talk about cannabis with people from all walks of life. 

If you could change or improve one thing in the cannabis industry, what would you choose? How are you hoping to see the cannabis industry evolve and/or grow?

Despite cannabis being recreationally legal for a few years, consumers are still confused by the different options offered in a recreational store. I believe we can make cannabis even more transparent and easy to understand through two avenues: 1) uniformity in testing and packaging, and 2) having laws passed for consumption spaces. 

As companies tell us more about their process, genetics, and grow/processing operations, we can feel more empowered in the choices we make. Companies like Heylo, Fairwinds, Constellation, and Gabriel giving you information firsthand is awesome. I buy these products with confidence. When companies leave us consumers in the dark, it can be frustrating. 

The next step farther I wish to see is for consumption lounges. Currently we have consumers who can’t use at home due to their living situation, putting them in gray areas as to how they can consume “without getting caught.” Lounges would allow for legal spaces of cannabis use, and allow consumers to use new forms with the guidance of a budtender. I am grateful to have known people who helped me learn how to dab, but I wish I could help those who don’t have someone to show them the ropes. Our current laws don’t allow for my sales knowledge to carry over into safe and smart consumption. There are other places with legalized cannabis that have allowed for these businesses to happen. 

Anything you would like to promote?

I cannot recommend the website Greencamp.com and the podcast Periodic Effects enough. Both of these resources have helped provide me with plenty of education and have challenged my preconceived notions towards cannabis.

As this plant/industry continues to grow and be studied, our news and understanding need to expand as well. These are two of my top sources to stay in the loop and on the pulse.