Liam is a talented budtender with a knack for connecting with customers from a shared bond: constant education, renewed positivity and a passion for Cannabis. Follow him on Instagram at @leeham_disclosed.
What sparked your journey into the world of Cannabis and budtending?
I’ve been using Cannabis since I was roughly 14. My older sisters pulled me to their room one hot summer night and let me try a hit of their bowl, and I remember it being one of the first times I didn’t see them arguing with each other. Ever since, I’ve associated it with a feeling of community and joy. I knew I wanted to be in the industry as soon as I learned dispensaries were opening because I wanted to be a part of that greater community I knew was being cultivated.
Describe your favorite strain as a musical artist. Who would it be and why?
My favorite strain is currently Super Boof (Black Cherry Punch x Tropicana Cookies). If I had to pick an artist to relate it to, I would pick Mac Miller. They both have what I call a “chameleon vibe,” meaning whether your goal is to have a more calming, chill vibe or be more present and focused in the moment, consuming either can hit both sides of that spectrum.
Can you share a memorable experience where you helped a customer discover something new or life-changing?
When I was working in Massachusetts at a medical and adult-use dispensary, I had a lady come in who referred to herself as a “wine mom” and never was specifically interested in Cannabis. She didn’t like smoking, and she didn’t like the wait time of the edibles. I ended up directing her toward a pack of 5-milligram seltzers, explaining they would have a quicker activation. She purchased a four-pack, and she returned the next day to buy three more. She told me eventually that they were what helped her cut back on her drinking, and from then on, she was a regular.
How do you stay ahead of the curve with Cannabis trends and products?
I constantly am researching, looking into current events, reading magazines and, of course, asking questions. I make it a point to ask vendors what their companies are working on and to look into anything new I hear about as much as possible.
How do you see Cannabis culture influencing art, community or social movements?
Cannabis culture is all about acceptance and connection to me. I say it all the time: There isn’t a better group of retail customers you’ll come across. Everyone is in a good mood showing up, or if they aren’t, they’re in a good mood leaving. I see my customers conversing back and forth. I have met personal friends through budtending that I still talk to, even though I don’t work in their state anymore.
If you could recommend one underrated product or strain sold at Indico that deserves more love, what would it be, and what’s special about it?
The RSO William’s Bakery Gummies deserve more love. They’ve somehow managed to get RSO, a notoriously gross-tasting extract, infused into these gummies to the point where you can barely even tell you’re eating an edible.
Where do you go to learn more about the plant?
I often like looking through Reddit; you get to see real people’s opinions on products as well as any kind of innovations. It’s also easy to get in contact with growers or vendors. I also find myself reading through any Cannabis magazines that come through our store. Lastly, I ask my customers. You never know when someone has a little nugget of knowledge, and there’s nothing I love more than talking to someone who grows or is passionate about the plant.
