Rachel is a 4/20 baby born and raised right here in Baltimore. Before the Cannabis industry, Rachel spent time in the food service industry and planned to eventually merge that experience with her growing level of Cannabis knowledge. After obtaining her medical card, Rachel made KIP one of her first stops to purchase Cannabis. Within two and a half years, she progressed from patient to budtender to lead budtender, and eventually to manager to assistant general manager — a prime example of how great work and being in the right place can lead to success in the Cannabis industry. Follow her on Instagram (@rachrocksout).
What does your family think about Cannabis?
My mom and brother are totally on board, and my mom is a patient who shops here. My dad has never tried it and refuses to. He even took a tour of SunMed and saw the process, but it wasn’t enough to sway his decision. He approves of what I do for work, but he just doesn’t want to try Cannabis himself.
Are you an animal lover?
Oh god, I love animals! When a dog is in the car on a drive-thru order, the team will grab me just so I can say hi. I was never allowed to have pets growing up so I got my first pet when I was in my early 20s, and it has been the best thing in my entire life. My cat, Target, makes the same two faces I do, either squinting or a resting bitch face (laughs). Right now he has learned that he likes water and the tub — he even will come in the shower to see what’s going on.
Have you ever tried psychedelics?
The only one I’ve ever tried is shrooms. I did it once and did not feel a thing, which may have had something to do with my medication. Maybe if I tried it again, I would go for a higher dose.
What type of music do you listen to?
I’m all over the place, but definitely something with a heavier sound. I grew up on ’80s hair metal, and I’ve seen Poison, Motley Crue, Guns and Roses a few times, Quiet Riot, and Kix a million times. I go to all these shows with my dad. I’m also a forever emo kid; the first time I heard My Chemical Romance on the radio, I said to myself, ‘What is this? I need to learn more.’ I’ve seen Fall Out Boy 11 times, Paramore, and many more. Divorced dad rock is also on my playlist — bands like Nickelback and Staind.
How has the Cannabis industry changed you?
I’ve learned a lot about the plant. When I started using Cannabis as a medical patient, I bought cartridges and that was it. Since working here, I’ve explored other options, and dabs are my thing right now. Puffco is my go-to method. I now use topicals, tinctures, edibles and pretty much everything but flower. I’ve watched so many people’s lives change by Cannabis, and my coworkers’ lives blossomed personally and professionally.
What makes working at KIP so great?
We have people, here, when we see their names pop up as a pre-order, we get really excited to see them. Me and all my coworkers are also all really weird and quirky, so we mesh really well together. When we’re not here, we’re still talking to each other, going out and doing fun things outside of work. The vibe here is pretty relaxed; we take turns playing music we like. When people come in, they see us having fun, and that adds to the vibe of the store.
