Some people grow plants. Others grow communities. And then there’s Ryan, a U.S. Army veteran, medical cannabis patient, educator, and passionate cultivator who’s doing both—with unwavering heart and skill, right here in Buffalo.
This June 6–7, Ryan will be stepping into the spotlight at the Homegrowers Championship, hosted by Shaman Medicinal at 1046 Bloomingdale Rd in Basom, NY, and let us tell you—this is one grower you’ll want to meet.
A proud Buffalo native, Ryan’s cannabis journey didn’t begin in a greenhouse or with flashy genetics. It began with the quiet, often painful reality of life after active duty. Like many veterans, Ryan returned home carrying more than gear—he carried trauma, pain, and a system that wasn’t built to heal him. But cannabis? Cannabis gave him relief. It helped him turn the volume down on his PTSD, eased his chronic pain, and gave him back his sense of peace and control. It wasn’t a cure—but it was a powerful tool. One he now uses not just for himself, but for his entire community.
Today, Ryan is a passionate cultivator who favors photoperiod cultivars, grown in organic, soil-based setups that echo his back-to-basics values. “I like to take my time,” he explains. “I’m not rushing to harvest. I’m trying to bring out the best in the plant, not just the biggest yield.” It’s an old-school mentality in a rapidly commercializing industry—and it’s refreshing as hell.
He’s currently working at Verilife, Buffalo’s last remaining medical cannabis dispensary, a role he takes seriously. “Patients need us. They need people behind the counter who understand the plant, who’ve lived the benefits,” Ryan says. He’s seen firsthand how adult-use legalization has shifted the focus away from medical users. “There’s still a huge need for full-spectrum products, for medicine that’s terpene-rich and cannabinoid-diverse. THC% isn’t everything, but that’s what people are sold.” That’s why Ryan advocates for better education, better access, and better quality across the board.
And let’s talk cultivars. Ryan’s lineup isn’t just heat—it’s healing. His go-to? A cultivar called Mind Melter—aptly named for its ability to melt away anxiety and intrusive thoughts. It’s his personal favorite for managing PTSD symptoms and insomnia. But for the Homegrowers Championship, he’s showcasing Garlic Slusherz by Canna Research Co. It’s a funky, hard-hitting cultivar with serious bag appeal and even better effects. Bold, gassy, and loud—just like Buffalo. It’s the kind of cultivar that tells you exactly who grew it: someone who knows what they’re doing.
This isn’t Ryan’s first rodeo with cannabis competitions, but the Homegrowers Championship feels different. It’s about more than clout—it’s about connection. “Events like this let us show what we’ve got, sure. But more than that, they create community. They give legacy growers a chance to meet medical patients, breeders, and other folks doing real work. It’s not about being the biggest name—it’s about being part of something bigger.”
And that’s exactly why Her Seed Bank is proud to spotlight Ryan this month. He’s not just growing plants—he’s growing conversations. Growing advocacy. Growing medicine. And he’s doing it all with integrity and humility in a market that desperately needs both.
For Ryan, cultivating cannabis isn’t about keeping secrets—it’s about sharing knowledge. He regularly supports new growers with soil tips, seedling advice, and real talk about the realities of growing your own medicine. He believes in empowering others, especially other veterans, to take control of their health through home cultivation. “I want to help people the way this plant helped me,” he says. “Even if it’s just getting one vet off Ambien or easing someone’s arthritis—every grow matters.”
You’ll find Ryan at the Homegrowers Championship at Shaman Medicinal, proudly representing Buffalo, Verilife, and the entire medical cannabis community. Whether you’re a patient, a grower, a breeder, or just someone who loves the plant—come out and connect. Shake his hand. Ask about his cultivars. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more thoughtful, experienced, and grounded grower in the room.
Join Us at the Homegrowers Championship!
🗓 June 6–7, 2025
📍 Shaman Medicinal – 1046 Bloomingdale Rd, Basom, NY 14013
🌱 Featuring top-tier cultivars, vendors, legacy growers, breeders, and cannabis educators from across New York and beyond!
At Her Seed Bank, we’re proud to highlight cultivators like Ryan who are changing the game not with ego—but with empathy, excellence, and a deep respect for this sacred plant. We believe in building a cannabis culture rooted in community, healing, and growth. If you’re in Western New York, we hope you’ll come out to support Ryan and all the incredible growers who remind us that the grassroots of cannabis are still strong—and growing stronger every day.
Want to grow like Ryan? Hit us up at herseedbank.com and let’s get you started with the right seeds, the right education, and the right mindset. Because this movement doesn’t grow without you.