Saying Dominic is grateful to be in the Cannabis industry is an understatement. His passion for Cannabis started in high school when his English teacher recommended he study the history of Cannabis in the United States. Whether his teacher was a low-key stoner or not, Dom learned why it was made illegal here and about the negative stigma surrounding the plant, which was much stronger at that time. The same stigma still exists in a slightly lesser dose, but Dominic and people like him are a big reason that people can see Cannabis users in a positive light. Be sure to stop in and shout him out when you visit CULTA in Columbia!
You’ve had quite a varied career path, from construction to the restaurant industry, and now Cannabis. What ultimately led you to jump into the Cannabis industry last June?
Honestly, it was kind of a push from my girlfriend. She’s been in the industry for a minute, so I’ve always seen the industry through her eyes. I was kind of stuck at the restaurant for a little while, and the owner straight up told me he wanted to see me in a different field in a year’s time. I applied to CULTA and got the job; it has been amazing ever since.
What was your perception of Cannabis in Maryland before it became more widely legalized?
I still remember when it got decriminalized in the mid 2010s. It was awesome to know you could at least walk around with a little bit of weed without more than a fine being possible. Then medical passed, and while I never got my card, my mom started using Cannabis to help her with migraines, which showed me how awesome the medical industry could be. Moving forward to recreational Cannabis, it has been amazing to see how much Cannabis can help people.
Can you elaborate on how your mom’s experience and those of other family and friends solidified your belief in its medicinal benefits?
Since as early as I can remember, she would have migraines almost on a daily basis. She has gone through so many procedures and ideas from different doctors on how to mitigate migraines, none of which really helped too much. Eventually she started taking gummies and smoking CBD products, and I’ve seen her quality of life improve as she became a grandmother. Besides that, my aunt’s father-in-law is going through dementia, and with our help, he has been able to find relief from irritability, as well as the people who help take care of him.
Having been in the Cannabis industry for nearly a year now, what’s been the most rewarding aspect of your work so far?
On a daily basis here at the dispensary, I see customers come in and just knowing how the medicine I help them find is improving their quality of life is extremely rewarding. We have daily conversations with customers about how they are doing, and these relationships give us a direct line on how we are helping them.
Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the Maryland Cannabis industry, or even nationally
For me I think we have got to get the southern states involved. I love Maryland, and the program is on a great pace, but the cost of living here is crazy. The south is an untapped market that could benefit greatly from Cannabis. As soon as the votes come in, those states and their governments will see the benefits on all sides for their communities. I’d also like to see the same product availability for medical patients and recreational customers.
Have you explored any culinary applications of Cannabis, or do you see a future for Cannabis in the culinary world?
I’ve dabbled into homemade edibles here and there with a Magic Butter machine. Back in the day, my idea was to open a dispensary with a bagel shop on the other side. You can come in and get your weed, get your bagels and keep it moving. For me, one of the main benefits of smoking Cannabis is increasing my appetite, so Cannabis and food go hand in hand whether it’s infused food or not.
As a sports guy and a diehard Steelers fan, are there any parallels between the world of competitive sports and the burgeoning Cannabis industry?
I know enough about sports that Ravens’ fans and I can have adult conversations about football without it getting heated. I love talking to people about the rivalry between the teams, and there is always a good vibe in the dispensary. The NFL has loosened its Cannabis consumption rules, and the NBA has been relaxed for a while about the topic. People are starting to realize that Cannabis is a therapeutic and medicinal plant. Even just playing sports in high school, smoking after the game relaxes your body and provides a perfect alternative to pharmaceuticals that have the same intention with negative side effects.
