Buds Digest 004 / EDIBLE MOMENTS
The Budtenders of Insa Cannabis
Photographed by MICHAEL MARCELLE
In this special edition of Edible Moments, Buds Digest travels to Easthampton, Massachusetts to connect with the cool crew of Insa Cannabis. During an exclusive tour of their growing and processing facilities, the team graciously shows us around, sharing their answers to some of Buds most flowering probes.
Alfonso Zorialys
inventory specialist & former budtender — Insa cannabis, Springfield MA
What advice do you have for anyone looking to get into the cannabis industry?
Get in now! The industry is still in the beginning stages and it's growing rapidly! If you enjoy retail or anything cannabis, just do it. There are so many options in positions from growing to packaging to budtender, there is something for everyone. The options here are endless, and there is so much room to continue learning and growing. You definitely would not regret it.
Who is your dream person to get stoned with and why?
Lady Gaga hands down. Just to be able to be in her presence would be a dream come true. There are so many things I admire about her, and I know if given the opportunity we would talk for hours. Add a few joints to the mix, it would be all the therapy I could ever need.
Favorite Drag Queen?
I have been a devoted fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race for as long as I can remember. I adore so many of the queens that have come onto the show, but my absolute favorite is Trixie Mattel. Her personality is amazing, and her looks are always stunning. I was ecstatic when she won the second season of All-Stars. I was able to meet her during the “Haters Roast” tour. She was just as incredible in person.
Michou Olivera
Cultivation — insa cannabis Easthampton, MA
What is the experience as a queer person working for INSA?
Working for Insa as a queer person has been fantastic! The Insa family has embraced and valued all of the attributes that I bring to cultivation. I have felt appreciated and accepted from the very beginning. The staff that I have had the pleasure of working with have been some of the kindest, thoughtful, and amazing people that I have ever worked with.
Who is your dream person to get stoned with and why?
I would have liked to have gotten stoned with Carl Jung so that I could have a deeper understanding of his perception of reality regarding nature, nurture, and psychology. I would also love to get high with Paul Stamets to learn more about mycology and his take on the future of psychedelic mushrooms in our society.
Ashley Cabana
budtender, asst. dispensary manager & wholesale sales rep – insa cannabis, easthampton ma
Is Insa a part of a bigger career in cannabis for you?
Insa is my last stop. I see myself growing even more here! I love my job and being a part of a hard-working innovative team. It makes the job easy when you can truly stand by the products you are making and selling. Insa isn’t the first cannabis company I've worked for, but it will ideally be my last! The grass isn’t always greener on this side (pun intended)!
Ideal Strain, why?
The best, most ideal strain I have ever had was a very low testing Strawberry Cough. I know folks tend to look at a higher TAC, but medicinally this strain gave me all I needed. The terpene profile is beautiful, with hints of sour strawberry and light diesel. In terms of effect, it’s like a cup of coffee; nice buzz without being overly euphoric. It’s the ultimate mood elevator and took away my social anxiety.
