Russ Gress, store lead at The Slow Burn, lives in the Yakima Valley and spends a lot of his days helping locals decide on their preferred Cannabis products. His professional Cannabis journey has taken him to a wide range of areas: from the beautiful community of Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California to the historic and rustic city of Monroe in Green County, Wisconsin, before finally finding his way back to his hometown, the hop fields of Moxee, Washington.
A relaxed demeanor, positive vibe and constant smile make Russ easily approachable. After spending almost six years in the industry, his level of knowledge is apparent when it comes to the wide array of products at The Slow Burn.
Yakima Valley residents are very focused on agriculture and local businesses. The Slow Burn location Northwest Leaf visited embodies that focus, as it is a little more of a boutique store that attracts clients who are seeking out particular terpene experiences and small-batch/craft brands as opposed to larger producers. A local favorite Russ really believes in is Sungaze Cannabis Company, a brand that provides an entry-level product produced by local farm Painted Rooster Cannabis Company.
When Russ isn’t fulfilling his responsibilities across The Slow Burn’s four retail locations, he spends his time wisely. He’s had a hard concentration on Cannabis photography for about 12 years, and it shows. Russ is also big on physical fitness and can be found on a hike or in the gym daily.
And if that’s not enough extracurricular activities for you, he is also enrolled in Gonzaga University’s Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management program. This educational pursuit allows him to constantly grow his scientific knowledge about the plant down to the molecular level. One day, he hopes to take this knowledge and help our state’s governmental departments better understand not only the benefits but the market as a whole.
“I think the LCB needs people that have actual feet-on-the-ground knowledge to help inform them and understand what a lot of these products are and their actual intentions for the end user,” Russ said.
He hopes that, in the future, the reclassification of Cannabis will make way for the evolution of medical research involving the plant, education on the benefits and utilization of insurance and other resources to include Cannabis-based medical solutions.
If you’re near one of The Slow Burn locations, pop in and meet our friend Russ. He’ll guide you to something delicious that has the benefits you’re looking for.
Personal favorites
- Flower: Dank Czar Honey Banana Bread
- Edible: Pioneer Squares Watermelon Kiwi
- Vapes: Trichome Extracts Lemon Meringue
