From the Wrestling Ring to the Cannabis Counter

At Kansas City Cannabis, our staff are as diverse as the strains we carry. This month’s spotlight shines on Tony Ramirez, a budtender at our Kearney location, whose journey from the wrestling ring to the cannabis counter is as thrilling as a championship bout.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Tony's life is a dynamic blend of physical prowess and cultural passions. By day, he serves our community with the healing powers of cannabis, and by night, he transforms into the "Iron Pitbull," grappling his way through the ranks of Kansas City Xtreme Wrestling (KCXW). A self-proclaimed anime enthusiast, Tony’s favorite is Naruto, reflecting his own relentless drive and determination.

Tony’s introduction to cannabis was much like his approach in the ring—tentative at first, then full-on engagement. Starting as a youthful experiment with friends, his appreciation for cannabis deepened profoundly once he joined Kansas City Cannabis. Transitioning from an Amazon warehouse to the frontline of cannabis retail, Tony was floored by the plant's potential. “I didn’t know the depths of how much the plant could help people,” Tony reflects, echoing the surprise of an unexpected knockout punch.

As a wrestler, Tony constantly faces the physical toll of combat. Cannabis has been his tag team partner in battling the aches and pains, providing relief without the side effects of traditional painkillers. He views the ritual of rolling blunts and joints as a grounding technique, a way to signal a cooldown period after intense bouts, much like a wrestler catching his breath after executing a perfect piledriver.

Stepping into his role as a budtender, Tony brings the same energy and precision as a wrestler performing a well-practiced move. Each customer interaction is handled with the care and strategy of a seasoned fighter, knowing when to advance and when to hold back. “The customer service aspect is much different than working in a warehouse. Here, I get to meet all different walks of life, brought together by this plant. It’s a cool aspect of the industry,” Tony explains, appreciating the diverse community that cannabis brings together, much like a wrestling fanbase.

When it comes to his favorite strains, Tony opts for ones that deliver a high-impact experience. He praises a memorable Skittlez and Rainbow Sherbet cross for its standout flavor, while for post-match recovery, he relies on strains like Blue Blockers and Juggernaut to help him bounce back like a true champion.

Reflecting on the industry's evolution, Tony notes the significant shifts in public perception and regulatory frameworks. “The market is pretty evolved already,” he observes, predicting that cannabis will soon be as integral to Missouri's culture as wrestling is to his life.

For those new to cannabis, Tony offers sage advice, akin to a coach preparing a wrestler for their first match: “Low and slow with edibles, and take your environment into account when smoking.”

As we witness the stigmas around cannabis crumbling like a defeated opponent on the mat, Tony Ramirez stands as a beacon of resilience and camaraderie, embodying the fighting spirit that both wrestling and cannabis advocacy share.