Breaking Barriers: Empowering Mothers and Redefining Cannabis Culture

In the heart of Kearney, MO, Budtender Dessa Matlosz stands as a beacon of change, reshaping perceptions and breaking the stigma around cannabis and motherhood. Growing up in the tight-knit community of Brownwood, TX, Dessa always felt like she was dancing to a different beat. "I never quite fit in," she reminisces, "but the world of Punk/Alternative music welcomed me with open arms." This early experience of finding acceptance in a unique subculture laid the foundation for Dessa's inclusive and welcoming approach in her current role. However, her journey to the cannabis industry wasn't a direct one.

Dessa's path took her from small-town Texas to Abilene, TX, where she worked tirelessly to support her family through multiple jobs. She meets her future husband Chris, and they begin their Northward trajectory, following the wind power industry to their current home in Kearney, MO.

Around the age of 30 Dessa discovered the medicinal potential of cannabis. Battling childhood trauma, PTSD, and intense anxiety, she found solace in cannabis's therapeutic effects. It provided her with a level of control over her anxiety and emotions that she had never experienced before. After obtaining her Medical Card in Missouri, she walked into her first dispensary, hoping for an educational and informative experience. What she received was a rushed, un-personal experience that left her wanting more. With retail experience in her background, Dessa seized the opportunity to jump into the cannabis industry, and she's never looked back. She is now equipped with educational information to pass along to customers and patients alike, providing that great experience that she expected.

Looking at the broader picture of cannabis culture, Dessa sees a shift towards inclusivity and the dismantling of stigma, specifically for Mothers. Her ambition to contribute to this change is deeply personal. "I want to be a resource for mothers who might be hesitant," she asserts. As a mother herself, she understands the challenges and misconceptions surrounding cannabis use in motherhood. Through her role as a Budtender, she envisions herself as a "CannaMom," fostering a safe space for mothers to explore the benefits of cannabis without judgment. Her Southern hospitality, honed in Texas, coupled with her experience as mother of 4 allows her with a unique ability to relate to and welcome diverse customers. Coming from a military family including her oldest son, currently an active Marine. Veterans often share their stories with her, and she values the insights they bring to her journey, and they feel open and comfortable to share with her because of her perspective.

In the world of cannabis retail, challenges persist in understanding customers' needs and preferences, but Dessa's background equips her to navigate these hurdles adeptly. Her mission remains clear: to support and empower mothers, promote cannabis education, and reshape the narrative around cannabis. Dessa Matlosz is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the positive impact one individual can have on a community.