When we put out calls to the community to see who our readers would nominate for “Budtender of the Month,” multiple people put us onto the bright, welcoming energy of Merita Celija from Polanco Bros. in Ridgewood, New York. A familiar face in the local community, she is not only knowledgeable about the products she helps sell but also well-versed in the larger New York community. With more and more licenses coming online every few months, tastemakers like Merita help consumers find the best options for their Cannabis consumption needs.
What sparked your journey into the world of Cannabis, and how did it lead you to become a budtender?
My journey is a funny one because I never imagined myself in the Cannabis world. I was brought into the Cannabis community through friends and through partying in the NYC scene. Slowly but surely, without even realizing it, I had integrated myself into it. When you always show up and show face, people admire that, and that’s how you build connections in the rooms you’re in. I had decided to become a budtender so that I can expand my knowledge of Cannabis guidelines, build on the relationships within the community and grow something amazing from collaborating with stoners alike!
If you could describe your favorite strain as a musical genre or artist, who would it be and why?
My favorite strain is Lemon Cherry Gelato, so I would describe this as a summertime, having some good laughs and kicking it to some cool R&B. A popular artist that comes to my mind is Jhené Aiko because of her slow jams and songs that reference Cannabis, like ‘Sativa.’
Can you share a memorable experience where you helped a customer discover something new or life-changing?
I’ve been at two dispensaries now, and it’s always fulfilling helping someone learn new things about Cannabis and the way it reacts with our endocannabinoid system. Recently at Polanco Brothers, I was able to help a man dealing with trouble sleeping. He said that the Wyld indica gummies were the best recommendation and that he was able to get to sleep again.
How do you stay ahead of the curve with the ever-evolving trends and products in the Cannabis industry?
It is very daunting — the ever-growing amount of products and brands coming into the market. My favorite way to stay ahead of the curve is to get out to conventions and events that include different brands so that I get a chance to personally talk to each vendor, elaborate on what’s happening and if anything new is coming out.
What’s a common misconception about Cannabis that you’d love to set the record straight on?
I’d love to set the record straight on the common misconception that Cannabis holds people back. It interacts with each person differently, so not everyone is going to get the same reaction from the herb. I would love it if people weren’t so quick to judge. Cannabis is something that needs to settle in with your system, and it’s going to take a few tries for that to happen. Some people have a few bad first experiences and completely reject the plant. Understanding what you’re smoking, in terms of strain and how you want to feel, is the best way to have a great experience.
In what ways do you see Cannabis culture influencing art, community or social movements around you?
Cannabis culture has many impacts on art, community and social movements and influences some great creativity. The psychoactive effects can heighten a person’s abilities, and in turn, they can create something astonishing. I know when I’m high, I want to start drawing and being super creative, so it definitely activates that side of my brain. For a long time, marijuana has been integrated into our lives and helped us make positive impacts in the world.
If you could recommend one underrated product or strain that deserves more love, what would it be and what’s special about it? (from the store you work at, licensed)
There are so many products! They all deserve love, honestly. One underrated product from Polanco Brothers that deserves a little more love would be the ayrloom balms. They have Rescue, Restore and Revive. They are amazing balms that have about 1,000 mg THC and 1,000 mg CBD. For me, I have a lot of chronic back pain, and these balms alleviate a lot of that pain, especially when it’s inflammation in my muscles.
