“Look mom, I’m famous!” Carlos Melendez said as we finished our interview, noting how far he has come from his first time “dancing with Mary” at the age of 18.
Melendez graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Spanish language and literature and a minor in U.S. Latino studies. When it comes to advocating for the plant, he points out how much hypocrisy exists in the modern work world, which allows people to drink alcohol outside of work but bans Cannabis. It’s obvious from talking to Melendez that he cares deeply for other people and gives all of his knowledge and time to every patient he serves. Be sure to stop by Rise Dispensary in Joppa and visit him.
What are some of your hobbies?
Is weed a hobby? Because it feels like a hobby outside working in a dispensary. I’m a little bit of a collector of different things like fountain pens, Cannabis, and guitars and basses. I have eighths stashed of Culta flower, Rythm flower, and tons of jars of wax. I buy a lot of Cannabis, but I don’t smoke it all at once because I like to have variety. We all have a little bit of a collector in us, and weed is such a fascinating hobby to me.
How does your family feel about Cannabis?
I identify culturally as Mexican, even though I’m very much American. Culturally, growing up, Cannabis was a very bad thing, and my mom would say, “Eres un drug adicto.” She still has a very hard time with Cannabis, and because she lives with me, she comments about how many jars I have around the house. I wish she could understand that Cannabis is an herb and has so many different varieties, and not all weed is made the same. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, I want to show her and the world that this can be a grounding plant that enhances so many things.
What advice do you have for other parents who want to use Cannabis?
Everyone uses it differently, and there is still a huge stigma around it and what it does to you. I want people to know that it’s not comparable to getting really drunk and losing control of your senses. Parenting can be really stressful, and sometimes a healthy release like Cannabis can be a really good thing for us. My main piece of advice would be not to hide it from your kids and educate them on what it is. Also, in breaking the stigma, people need to know that Cannabis is legal now medically and recreationally, and it shouldn’t carry the same illegal feeling it did for so many years.
When you go on adventures in nature, do you prefer to pregame with Cannabis or take it with you?
Both, for sure. I’m a big fan of edibles, and they are like the destination with effects lasting longer than smoking. I also bring my Puffco Proxy with me everywhere, along with some joints and at least a couple grams of wax. I usually have a little bit of everything with me in my on-the-go bag.
Do you shop off indica vs. sativa or specific terpenes?
I have a little bit of a different take on these topics because ultimately, everything I smoke tends to chill me out. I have a bad back, which is why I constantly use Brownie Scout from Rythm, and it helps me distract myself from that pain. I really seek out flavors, and that is one of the biggest things for me, especially terpinolene-heavy strains like Durban Poison and Pineapple Trainwreck. Citrusy strains also help bring me out of a funk, so terpenes definitely can change my mood for the better. You have to mix it up, though, because too much of anything can be overwhelming.
