Cody is a remarkably kind budtender known for his great relationships with all who walk into Captain’s Cannabis. In his previous role at the House of Hash in Maine, he won Salesman of the Year Awards multiple times. Everyone who watches him interact with customers remarks that he is knowledgeable and easy to work with. Loved by customers as well as Cannabis producers, Cody is well known as a go-to source for sourcing the best products in the state. Follow him on Instagram, @codemansrevenge
What sparked your journey into the world of Cannabis, and how did it lead you to become a budtender?
When I was 16 years old I fractured my back in a football injury. I really was trying to avoid pain meds at that time, so I began watching/reading everything I could find online about Cannabis. I absorbed so much information it was almost overwhelming. I basically put together a research paper on the benefits of the plant and gave it to my parents. Next came the long process of becoming an underage medical patient. So since 16, Cannabis has been a massive part of my life. When I graduated high school there was truly nothing in the world I wanted to do more than work in the Cannabis field.
If you could describe your favorite strain as a musical genre or artist, who would it be and why?
If my favorite strain were a musical genre, it would have to be ’90s rap… Because all I want is to smoke real Haze and Sour.
Can you share a memorable experience where you helped a customer discover something new or life-changing?
I have had a few of these moments where it lets me know I am really helping people. My favorite memory would be when I was helping the parents of a sick child, who was a medical patient of course, find not only the correct products but the correct route of administration. Once we found what worked, the parents were so grateful. I felt like I really helped change the child’s quality of life.
How do you stay ahead of the curve with the ever-evolving trends and products in the Cannabis industry?
I keep my finger on the pulse by always buying and trying new brands and strains for my headstash. I always purchase for myself first to ensure it meets the high standards we set for the retail shops. I have been blessed to create amazing relationships with so many talented growers here in Maine — they keep me on my toes with new genetics and products. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Instagram here. Hate it or love it, Instagram is a great tool for staying up to date on what is trending.
What’s a common misconception about Cannabis that you’d love to set the record straight on?
As someone who is also in the recovery community, I wish we could open more eyes to the fact that Cannabis can be a great tool in helping people get sober but also maintaining sobriety. Weed saves lives in more ways than one.
In what ways do you see Cannabis culture influencing art, community or social movements around you?
Cannabis culture has really taken over Southern Maine. We have a bunch of Cannabis-sponsored concerts and festivals. Glass art shows have really been brought back to life here. The Pizza Sesh’s put on by Oxbow Brewing has become a fun, almost weekly event. Countless flower and rosin competitions happening annually. Cannabis Culture here has brought life back into Portland and Southern Maine. It has been really fun to see the growth of the Cannabis culture here.
If you could recommend one underrated product or strain (from the store you work at) that deserves more love, what would it be, and what’s special about it?
I wanna see people put some respect back on GMO’s name. It is tried and true. I almost always have GMO rosin and flower in my personal stash. It gives me the pain relief I look for with a strong stoniness I love. I feel like it’s looked at by most as “played out,” but she checks all the right boxes for me.
