She finds peace on the coast rockhounding for agate when she’s not in her studio creating wonderful oil paintings. But when she’s ready to make some noise, you’ll catch her jammin’ on the guitar, ukulele or violin. Follow her on Instagram @artbycassandrakay.
Are you an island girl?
I grew up in Lake Stevens, then joined the Navy and was stationed in Oak Harbor.
Were you using Cannabis as medicine in the Navy?
No, no, no. I actually never even used Cannabis until I got out of the Navy. I had a very, very strict mom who I didn’t want to piss off. But when I got out, I had some significant mental issues I was using it for, and the plant helped to balance me out.
How important is that entire process of going through a stint in the military and then coming out with the freedom to choose a new path to your approach as a budtender?
It’s really important to me. I try to provide everyone with a safe space to find what they are looking for. Here on the south end of Whidbey Island, we have an older demographic who think that Cannabis is still taboo, so when they come in looking for relief for their joints or their mental health, I’m grateful that I have my own experience to draw from to better help them with theirs.
What would you say to the U.S. Navy now that you’ve evolved?
I’d say I’m grateful for the experience, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
What music are you int
Ooh, I’m primarily a punk kid — grew up on Bad Religion.
Have you ever moshed?
I’ve moshed once. I’ve got a bad knee and a bad Achilles, so it’s a bit out of my safety zone. I’ve gone into the pit at Lamb of God, and that was a month after knee surgery, so I probabl shouldn’t have been at a show. (Laughs)
