Meets CAC Taunton's Sales Floor Lead Trainer, Selena
Name: Selena
Title: Sales Floor Lead Trainer
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Years in Cannabis: 1 year
Favorite Strain of Choice: Peyote Cookies- The coffee aroma is heavenly.
Favorite Edible: Chocolate covered blueberries!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about cannabis recently?: I've learned that various cannabinoids in flower eventually convert into CBN if exposed to oxygen or if they are stored incorrectly. I’m thankful for CBN as CBN helps me sleep!
What do you do to try and make the dispensary experience better?.: It can be intimidating for a first time patient to shop at a dispensary, so I listen to their needs and make sure they feel like they can take their time. I also try to build connections with my patients. At the end of the day we all share a love for cannabis, so building connections can really help you learn more about what the patient needs.
Where do you go for cannabis information?: Besides Leafly, I rely on my team. My co-workers are my best resources. We work with the brightest minds, and our team is constantly expanding.
What do you love most about working at Commonwealth Alternative Care? : I get butterflies daily because I’m working my dream job. I get to work with cannabis and meet people from different backgrounds who each have a reason to use cannabis. I engage daily with wonderful minds who share a love for the industry. I love my team, we are a family with each other’s best interest at heart. There's no better feeling then having a patient leave our dispensary, all smiles because of the hard work we put into this everyday!
Meet CAC Taunton's Lead Lab Technician, Jordani
Name: Jordani
Hometown: Bridgewater, MA
Years in Cannabis: 15 years but 1 year professionally
Nickname: Jay/JJ The Jet plane
Interesting fact:
I can devour a large steak & cheese sub, half a pizza & wash that down with a large order of gold fever chicken tenders with Parmesan peppercorn dressing in under 10 minutes flat.
What did you do before this and how did it prepare you for your role today?
I was cooking at Bridgewater State University. Things were constantly changing there in terms of nutrition for dietary need students and that prepared me for the ever changing processes we do here in the lab. Dealing with unruly college kids prepared me by increasing the amount of patience I currently have.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned about cannabis recently?
Recreational dispensaries In Colorado outnumber Starbucks 3 to 1 while Starbucks outnumber Dunks 5 to 1 & as of last year, Colorado had 481 Starbucks locations.
When outsiders visit the lab for a tour, what are the things that stand out to them?
My lab directors huge THCA crystal, the different tier line of products we produce, our ability to adapt to the changing industry & some people are just baffled learning about the machinery we operate.
Where do you go to learn more about cannabis?
This might sound a bit redundant but I go to work where I can pick the brains of some incredibly intelligent people. However, Google, YouTube & GrassCity won’t hurt if you’re looking to expand your current level of cannabis related knowledge.
What is the coolest new cannabis-related gadget you’ve seen recently?
Cannabis cologne but it’s been on back-order for months
What’s your favorite Commonwealth Alternative Care product right now?
The whole line of Slate products & not because I formulate it but because it actually works. My parents are anti-cannabis yet don’t seem to mind it as much considering the fact that their pains are noticeably decreased when using the lotion.
What do you like most about working at Commonwealth Alternative Care?
The fact that we’re actually doing a job that can help people with body aches, anxiety or other situations the patient may have as opposed to just getting “elevated.”
In your opinion, what is the most exciting development in cannabis research in the past year?
That cancer patients report symptom relief by using cannabis & that being mentally elevated will intensify your orgasm .
What’s the best extraction method?
That’s impossible to answer since it all boils down to preference. What you’re looking for and your reasoning isn’t going to be the same for the people next to you nor myself. For instance, some people only use cold press oil because it never touches any solvents unlike RSO/BHO.
How will different extraction methods impact quality?
That’s a tough question to answer. That’s like asking Jeff Gordon how do different vehicles impact the way he can manipulate said vehicle. First & foremost, when it comes to quality, the quality of the product prior to extraction is what really matters. You can’t go to McDonald’s & expect it to taste like it was made from Gordon Ramsey or Wolfgang Puck.
Since you’ve been in the industry, what consumer trends have you seen in the demand for cannabis concentrates?
People love the CO2/vape oil because it’s discreet and some people aren’t as bold as I am in terms of smelling like I rolled out of bed with a pound of Headband. You can’t always spark one up depending on where you’re at but you can always take a few pulls from your pen.
Is there any part of the extraction process that is dangerous? What kinds of steps are taken to ensure safety in the lab?
Yes, most of the solvents used are extremely flammable/combustible. We constantly double check our equipment prior to our runs & we remain extremely vigilant. We’re constantly adapting and changing processes to ensure maximum safety without sacrificing yields or quality.
What steps do we take to ensure consistency and efficiency of our products?
We hone in on our SOP’s to ensure we are operating on a consistent as opposed to a complacent manner. We’re always update our processes and tend to experiment with different methods for extracting, harvesting & even tweak the most minute of details such as extracting flower as is versus being ground up.
What is your strain of choice?
I’m married to Sour Diesel & I love her like a fat kid loves cake but I don’t treat her how she should be treated. I have a mistress or two but don’t judge me. Kush, Haze & Cookies understand me in a different manner but don't tell wifey that.
What is your favorite edible?
300mg Wonka bars are where it’s at.
Favorite delivery method?
Fronto stuffed with GAS & if i’m feeling frisky, it’s a Packwood which is 2g stuffed in a backwood which is then rolled in wax/oil and covered in kief.
How do I get my medical marijuana card in Massachusetts?
How to Become a Medical Cannabis Patient or Caregiver in Massachusetts
STEP 1. Certifying Physician Recommendation: Contact a certified medical cannabis physician to obtain a recommendation. Visit MPAA Patient Page for a list of approved physicians (https://www.compassionforpatients.com/patients).
STEP 2. CCC and MassCIP Registration: Once you receive a recommendation, your doctor will submit your registration to the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). The CCC will send you an email to register with the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MassCIP).
STEP 3. Program ID Card: Once the CCC registration process is complete, you will receive a temporary Program ID card via email that can be printed and used while you wait for your Program ID card to arrive.
STEP 4. Visit Commonwealth Alternative Care: When you visit CAC, remember to bring your active, state-issued Program ID card and an additional form of identification (driver’s license, U.S. military ID, passport or passport card, or government-issued ID card). New patients and caregivers will complete a Commonwealth Alternative Care Patient Agreement form.
First Time Patients and Caregivers Offer*: First Time Patients and Caregivers are eligible to receive $50 off their purchase of $100, or $100 off a purchase of $200.
*Exclusions may apply, contact CAC to learn more.
For more detailed instructions on patient registration, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/register-as-a-patient-with-the-medical-use-of-marijuana-program