DJ Mighty Joe Young is a Cannabis activist, Leukemia survivor, and beloved budtender at Summit Medical Compassion Center in Warwick, Rhode Island.
What led you to your love of Cannabis?
Back in 2004, I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I was having a hard time with traditional pain and nausea medicine. Cannabis gave me the quality of life I was looking for. After I started treatment things went downhill fast, and my liver and kidneys were starting to fail. All I did was sleep and live in pain. One day, I decided I didn’t wanna take the pain meds anymore. I knew a friend who grew Cannabis for his dad that had cancer, and he told me I should try it and the rest is history. My liver and kidneys went back to normal and I felt healthier too. I would smoke before and after treatment. To this day, I’m a medical Cannabis patient and still find relief from various ailments.
When you’re helping a customer, what are some of the questions you ask in order to help them determine what product they need/want?
I like to start by finding out what they are suffering from. Trouble with sleep? Chronic pain? Lack of energy? With that information I am able to recommend medicine I believe can help them.
What is currently your favorite strain and why?
My favorite strain is always the last thing I smoked! Honestly though, I’d have to say Scooby Snacks has been the most consistent strain for me – I enjoy the balanced effect it provides.
Is there a “most popular” cultivator or product at Summit?
There are so many good cultivators in the state – too many to name. One product that stands out and sells out is our own GG4. Hank’s Herbs Fuzzy Melon is also really popular when it’s on the menu.
Do you feel the market has changed post-COVID? How?
Yes! In the beginning we faced challenges, but after implementing proper safety measures and features like online ordering, we’ve become busier than ever.
What is your preferred Cannabis consumption method?
I really got into concentrates when Mammoth Inc. started making rosin. I like the fact a very little goes a long way. I enjoy the effects as well as the terpene flavor profiles.
Do you feel as a budtender that you are impacting the Cannabis community?
Everyday I get to meet someone new to Cannabis, and it feels good. When they come and tell me that the product is helping them, I feel accomplished. I’ve seen first-hand what this medicine can do. I plan on being in the Cannabis industry for a long time because this is my calling!
Summit Medical Compassion Center is taking online orders – can you tell us more about how the orders are placed?
If you are an existing patient with us, all you have to do is register on our website. Once registered, you’ll be able to place your order online. We will pull the order and have it ready for you. The customer will receive a text to come pick it up – all you have to do is come in, pay and walk out the door with your meds. We also started doing curbside pick-up for patients with compromised immune systems or physical limitations, as well as anyone over 65.
Address: SMCC 380 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886
Phone & Web: (401) 889-3990 | smccri.org | @summitmccri
