The event brings more than 100 current and aspiring East Coast-based budtenders together for networking opportunities and a deep-dive into the science and history of cannabis

Today, Leafly Holdings, Inc. (“Leafly”), a leading cannabis discovery marketplace and resource, celebrates the 2nd Annual International Budtender Day with an exclusive networking and training event in Hoboken, NJ for current and aspiring budtenders - frontline cannabis retail workers - from new and up-and-coming East Coast. The event is in partnership with Business of Cannabis, a company that specializes in highlighting the companies, brands, people and trends driving the cannabis industry in North America.

The only holiday that recognizes the often unrecognized workers in cannabis, Leafly’s International Budtenders Day celebrates the budtenders’ role in empowering customers with the knowledge they need to discover the benefits of cannabis, bringing awareness to an often overlooked profession that plays a crucial role in the success of the cannabis industry.

During the event, Leafly will announce the two winners of a nationwide contest the company ran this month to recognize those who epitomize the ideal budtender:

• Mandi Drake, Verilife in Liverpool, NY
• Jacquelyn McTighe, Youngtown Curaleaf in Youngtown, Arizona

Budtenders are the face of the cannabis industry. They are expected to understand cannabis and have the customer service skills necessary to explain the complexities of cannabis to a curious public. The position requires a passion for cannabis, exceptional knowledge of cannabis products and their effects, and strong customer service skills. As New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey continue to open their adult-use cannabis stores, demand for budtenders is rising across the East Coast.

“The cannabis industry will never be as small as it is now and the demand for experienced budtenders will continue to grow. It is so rare to have an opportunity to shape an industry from its inception and this is an exciting time for new budtenders,” said Dr. Nick Jikomes, Leafly’s Director of Science and Innovation. “Leafly is the informed way to shop for weed and we believe knowledge is power. There is no better way to celebrate this holiday than by sharing information about this magical plant with up and coming budtenders seeking to join this emerging field.”

Leafly offers budtenders cannabis online educational opportunities at no cost with thousands of educational articles covering every topic relevant to the industry. Two formal Leafly Learn courses are also available to budtenders employed by Leafly-subscribed retailers. Since launching the Leafly Learn platform in 2019, more than 13,000 budtenders from North America have enrolled in the program.

The event in Hoboken - offered at no cost on a first come, first serve basis - features two training sessions led by Leafly experts:

• What Are Cannabis Strains? A chemistry-first approach on how different strains provide different effects.
• Three Ways to Shop for Weed: a deep-dive into cannabinoids, terpenes, and through a hands-on “terp bar”

Members of the press in the New York City area are invited to attend the event upon request.

About Leafly

Leafly helps millions of people discover cannabis each year. Our powerful tools help shoppers make informed purchasing decisions and empower cannabis businesses to attract and retain loyal customers through advertising and technology services. Learn more at Leafly.com or download the Leafly mobile app through Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005381/en/