A Journey of Healing and Growth with Cannabis


Morgan Betterton’s journey into the world of cannabis began in 2015 after a life-changing medical experience. That year, she suffered a stroke, which set her on a challenging path to recovery. After undergoing open-heart surgery to prevent another stroke, she sought alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals to manage her pain during recovery. It was during this time that she discovered the healing potential of cannabis. The benefits were so significant that she quickly developed a passion for understanding why cannabis had such a profound impact on her healing process. This passion ultimately led her to a career in the cannabis industry.

Today, Morgan is a Level 3 L.I.T. (Leadership in Training) Budtender at Kansas City Cannabis (KCC). Her role is diverse, encompassing inventory and cash management, receiving deliveries, organizing the vault, conducting audits, updating menus, and, importantly, budtending. This variety in her responsibilities allows Morgan to engage with both the operational side of the business and directly with customers, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for cannabis. Cannabis has been transformative in Morgan’s personal life as well. After her stroke, she successfully transitioned from pharmaceuticals to edibles to manage her insomnia, relying on products like Panda FECO Indica gummies for natural bedtime relief.


Throughout her time in the industry, Morgan has observed significant changes, including shifts in public perception, the legalization process, and the operational dynamics of dispensaries. Despite the challenges the industry faces, she remains optimistic, believing that the future holds “happy high times ahead.” One of the products that stands out to Morgan is the Jungle Cake strain from AIRO. Initially hesitant due to its price and the need for a specific battery, she was soon convinced by its effectiveness in calming her anxiety and providing full-body relaxation.

The connections Morgan has made through her work are what she values most. She cherishes the relationships she’s built with both customers and colleagues. One particularly memorable experience involved reconnecting with a customer who had been kind to her when she first moved into the Kearney school district, a heartwarming full-circle moment. Education is central to Morgan’s role at KCC. She continually seeks to stay informed about the latest industry trends and research, using resources like articles, social media, Reddit, and discussions with others to expand her knowledge.

Looking to the future, Morgan hopes to see more innovation in the industry, such as deli-style dispensaries, drive-thrus, and faster service models. She also envisions more dispensaries integrated with cultivation sites to better meet supply and demand. For those new to cannabis, Morgan’s advice is straightforward: be open-minded and informed. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to the ever-changing industry and encourages new consumers to start slow and trust their budtenders.

Kansas City Cannabis has had a significant impact on Morgan’s life, providing opportunities for both personal and professional growth. She speaks highly of the company’s support, particularly in relation to her mental health, and is proud of the leadership role she has earned. Morgan looks forward to continuing her journey with KCC, confident that the future holds even more opportunities for growth.

Morgan Betterton’s story is one of resilience and passion. Her journey from a stroke survivor to a leader in the cannabis industry is a testament to the power of cannabis as both a healing tool and a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.