Our Budtenders!
Kirsten! Tell us a little about yourself!
1. What’s your favorite cannabis product or category, and why?
My favorite cannabis product will always be a classic pre-rolled joint. At Gorge Greenery in Hood River, we now carry convenient multi-pack pre-rolls with a variety of strains, so I can choose the perfect joint depending on the time of day and the experience I’m looking for. I’m also a huge fan of transdermal cannabis patches. Every medicine cabinet should have one—these organic cannabis-infused patches are incredible for relieving back pain, pulled muscles, or everyday soreness.
2. What cannabis strain do you recommend for first-time customers?
For beginners, I recommend the Huckleberry Web 2:1 strain from Deep Creek Gardens. It’s a unique Oregon strain with around 6% THC and 12% CBD, making it approachable without overwhelming new consumers. Deep Creek Gardens is known for producing organic cannabis in soil, with careful cultivation practices that deliver clean, smooth flower. For anyone new to cannabis in Hood River, this strain is a perfect starting point.
3. What’s your go-to recommendation for locals vs. tourists?
For our Hood River locals, I always recommend coming in on Locals Wednesday, where residents of the Columbia River Gorge enjoy 25% off all products. It’s our way of taking care of our community and making sure locals have access to the best organic cannabis at the best prices.
For tourists visiting Hood River, I suggest trying a cannabis beverage. They’re refreshing on a hot day, easy to reseal, and come in a variety of THC levels from 10mg to 100mg. They’re discreet and perfect for unwinding after outdoor activities like kitesurfing, wing foiling, or hiking along the Columbia River Gorge.
4. What’s one cannabis tip or myth you’d like to clear up?
One common cannabis myth is that all cannabis is organic—this simply isn’t true. Some growers use synthetic nutrients, pesticides, or fungicides to maximize yield. At Gorge Greenery in Hood River, we only carry organically grown cannabis that is cultivated in soil, hand-trimmed, properly cured, and free of bottled chemicals. Always ask your budtender how your cannabis was grown—it makes a difference in both flavor and experience.
5. What do you enjoy most about working at Gorge Greenery?
I love the variety of people we get to meet every day at Gorge Greenery—from 21-year-old first-time cannabis customers to seasoned community members in their 90s. It’s rewarding to help people find products that bring them relief, whether they’re managing chronic pain, recovering from cancer treatments, or simply looking to enjoy Oregon’s cannabis culture responsibly. Our team truly believes in our motto: “Have fun, it’s cannabis!”
6. What do you like to do in the Columbia River Gorge when you are not at Gorge Greenery?
Living in Hood River, Oregon is incredible because the Columbia River Gorge offers endless outdoor adventure. When I’m not at the dispensary, I’m usually gardening and growing my own cannabis, kitesurfing, biking, or paddle boarding. The Gorge is the perfect place for anyone who loves hiking, rafting, kayaking, windsurfing, wine tasting, or simply soaking in the amazing views right outside our door.