Izzy is from California originally but has spent most of her life in Washington state and Maryland. She really enjoys spreading the knowledge she has gained as an avid consumer of Cannabis and as a dispensary employee. She’s also all about cooking, pop culture, and traveling, so be sure to chat her up when you stop by The Living Room in Pikesville.
Where does your passion for helping others come from?
It most definitely comes from my mom. She has always believed that me and my sister should give back to the community, and we did a lot of volunteering at homeless shelters and St. Joseph’s. My mom was a jack of all trades, from nursing to having a thrift store, she was always doing something to help people.
Coming from the West Coast, how does the Cannabis market differ from Maryland’s?
Thinking about California and where I come from, the amount of brands, strains, and products is a lot stronger there, due to the recreational system being in place. People are introducing Cannabis in a light out there in California with much less of a stigma than we face.
Where is your favorite place you have traveled and why?
I know this is gonna sound silly, but it was Wyoming. I drove from Washington state to Maryland with my sister, and driving through Wyoming was lit. The red dirt was really cool, and even though we didn’t have time to hang out and spend time there, even passing through was enough for me.
Does Cannabis influence your cooking? What is your favorite thing to cook?
As far as taste and quality, I take the different strains into consideration when making different dishes. I have noticed the Orange Drizzle, Orange Grove and Sour Peel from Evermore have this orange-citrus taste that complements hot chili oil or a sweet pie very well. I am trying to broaden my horizons and go into pies and tarts/savory dishes that absorb oils really well. I use coconut oil, EVOO, and hot chili oil. My favorite thing to cook is a Thai-style salad with various chilis, green onions, carrots, cabbage and a protein on top.
How do your skills from the restaurant industry help you in the Cannabis industry?
I try to relate being in the restaurant industry to the Cannabis industry as far as peoples’ tastes go. Some people have tolerances to different things like terpenes and cannabinoid content, just like they enjoy foods that have specific tastes and heat levels. I try to figure out what people are comfortable with, so I can figure out what type of product to match their style and preferences.
