Michael Jones, a 33-year-old Lee's Summit native, has been with team KCC for a little over 9 months now and has become a well known budtender around several of our locations. Beyond his role as a friendly face at KCC dispensary, Michael is a musician, an artist, and a devoted family man.

Hailing from the Blue Springs school district, Michael's life has been steeped in creativity from a young age. The arts have been an integral part of his journey, driving his desire to create and explore. He was a bass guitarist in a pop-punk band called Down to None and an art major in college. Alongside his artistic inclinations, Michael finds solace and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. He prefers to spend his free time as a family with his wife, Caela, and their daughter Lena, immersing themselves in nature.

Michael was attracted to the cannabis industry because it provides the unique opportunity to combine his experience and skills in retail with his passion for cannabis. "I am good at retail and sales, and it is much easier to sell a product that you're passionate about," he explains. Prior to joining KCC, he spent a couple years working at another dispensary, which provided a foundational understanding for how dispensaries work. What sets KCC apart, in Michael's eyes, is the dispensary's commitment to training their staff and recommending the best products for customers without the pressure to push a specific house brand.

Michael's personal journey with cannabis began during his teenage years. At around 16, he and some friends smoked a bowl at a party, leading to an enjoyable evening of munchies and laughter. Although he didn't extensively use cannabis during high school, it became a valuable companion during his college years, where he studied art. Cannabis helped him focus, ignite his creativity, and complete his artistic projects.

Working in the cannabis industry has been an enlightening experience for Michael. Contrary to his initial expectations of primarily younger customers, he's encountered many older individuals seeking relief from pain management. Transitioning to KCC provided a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of cannabis and its benefits. The legal cannabis industry's product diversity is what Michael loves most. He enjoys trying different products to gain insights for helping customers make informed choices. While he's a fan of smoking flower, he has recently explored edibles, particularly favoring ratio products that contain multiple cannabinoids.

When it comes to cannabis, Michael has specific preferences. He enjoys full-spectrum edibles with a 30-40mg dosage to experience the effects without becoming overwhelmed. His favorite flower brands in Missouri include Vibe and Vivid, praising Vibe for their customer friendly shake ounce options and great deals on preroll packs. His favorite edibles on the market are Gron pearls and Panda FECO gummies.

Looking ahead, Michael envisions himself continuing to thrive in the cannabis industry. In five years, he hopes to explore opportunities in different states as cannabis legalization continues to spread. Ten years down the line, he envisions settling into a comfortable home in a warmer climate with a couple of cars while growing his side business.