Wellness ►
The Evolution of an Industry
From Day 1 — a Brand Ambassador ’ s Perspective by Tara Holm , contributing writer
Three years ago , when I started with CLOVR as the Brand Ambassador , I never realized how much cannabis could change my life and the people around me . Missouri was medical cannabis only when I began my journey in the weed world . Everyone was registering for their Medical Card and finding the nearest dispensary . It was a little intimidating at first , but then the word got out ! Pop-ups and educational events started popping up all over the state . With just a few limited products lining the shelves , patients didn ’ t have the vast variety of options we have today . It was mostly only flower available . Then Wana , Keef , and Robhots products were among the first edibles available to the public . stigmas of old . Today , you can find cannabis business sponsors at concert venues , sports events , Power & Light District , local markets , and even parades . The more cannabis brand ambassadors are out in the public and normalizing the benefits of cannabis , the bigger the impact we will have ! Brand ambassadors love that you come up and ask questions or share your favorite product !
Every event from KC to Columbia , St . Louis , and Springfield is bringing communities together . It ’ s a great thing for the industry . From “ day one ” for cannabis businesses , it has been about getting the right information out to the dispensary staff and public ! We were all learning and growing together .
In the beginning , the most questions were “ What ’ s your highest THC ,” and “ When will I feel this ?” Today , the questions have advanced to “ What is the terpene profile ?” and “ I ’ m looking for something specific for ….” There have been trials and errors . In the cannabis world , things change every day . If there ’ s one thing I ’ ve learned the most — Go with The Flow . We can ’ t control certain situations . Packaging and weather have all been a factor in the ebb and flow of our cannabis world .
Tara Holm ( on right ) working as Brand Ambassador for CLOVR products at the June 2024 MoCannTrade KC meetup . Just one of the many events she works throughout the year to educate consumers and budtenders about all the newest products .
Educational events about those products were held at Lunchn-Learns for the budtenders and staff . Brand Ambassadors , like me , held pop-up events to educate the public with information , and un-dosed samples were given away to the public to try the flavor and textures of the new products . Stickers , lighters , and all kinds of swag decorated the tables of all the vendors . Then , the large events started to form — from the big 420 Fest and Mardi Gras STL to Greenlight Underground events and concerts at the Smokey River Entertainment venue to golf tournaments . Every month , there was an exciting opento-public event to attend to educate consumers ! Fast forward to going recreational in February 2023 , and it ’ s been a blur . A good blur , but a blur !
Still , to this day , you can find fun pop-ups and special events at your local dispensary and elsewhere around the state . Dispensaries like ReLeaf Resources in Grandview are revolutionizing cannabis with its 24-hour availability . The Treehouse Lounge in Springfield hosts various consumption events for social and educational cannabis enthusiasts . Sponsorships with non-cannabis events have played a major role , too ! Getting out in public and normalizing cannabis by seeing a cannabis brand ambassador right beside your favorite beer vendor is remarkable . It has also helped to change the cannabis-related
26 January 2025
Variety , Variety , Variety !
Today , the shelves are stocked full of hundreds of options for consumers . I love what every dispensary has to offer ! The people , vibes , and options make each store unique . The humans out there accepting the changing stigma around cannabis is a huge jump for the Missouri Weed Family ! Education and quality remain at the top of the list for all of us in the cannabis world . Working together to serve the public with healthier options that are right for them has been and always will be the top priority !
So , as we start this new year , let ’ s sit in gratitude for the present moment . Doesn ’ t matter how we got here . Sure , as hell , it doesn ’ t matter what happens in the future . We are here — now . We can walk into any dispensary with a valid ID ( age 21 and above ) and grab our favorite product . Smile on your drive home , then sit in bliss as you enjoy that moment . You know what I ’ m talking about …
Stay present , Homies ! Have a positive and creative New Year ! Love and Light , Tara
Tara Holm has over 13 years of experience in healthcare and over nine years in Personal Training and Wellness Coaching . She helps take care of your body from the inside out . She helps educate about Plant Medicine and ways it can help you find your balance in a healthy and maintainable lifestyle . She is a CLOVR Brand Ambassador . Getting the right education out to the public about products has been and will continue to be her goal .