From Social Work to Cannabis Advocacy: A Conversation with The Brooklyn Budtender
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Robert Griffiths, also known as The Brooklyn Budtender, about his journey from social work to cannabis advocacy. Robert, a disabled Navy veteran and proud union supporter, shares how cannabis transformed his personal health, why he’s passionate about labor rights in New York’s cannabis industry, and how he continues to push for equity and inclusion in this rapidly evolving space.
Breaking Into the Industry
Q: How did you first get involved in the cannabis industry, and what inspired you to become The Brooklyn Budtender?
“After graduating college in 2013, I worked as a case manager for individuals experiencing homelessness. Often, my clients were dual-diagnosed, suffering from both mental and substance-use disorders. I have always categorized cannabis as a tool for harm reduction.
During the lockdown of 2020, I became a medical cannabis patient, and by the end of the year I had decided to leave social work and applied to the dispensary I used most often, Columbia Care at 44 Court Street in Brooklyn.
In my third year working there we decided to reach out to Local 338. We found out that we were the only Registered Organization not represented by the UFCW and we championed for an election through an onslaught of union-busting activity brought on by management and ownership. Columbia Care has admitted to the unlawful firing of their pharmacist during that campaign.
Through the campaign in 2023, @brooklynbudtender originated. I knew the long-term value it may have and I used it to amplify the injustices taking place at my workplace.”
Cannabis Knowledge and Expertise
Q: You call yourself a Cannabis Cannaseur — what does that mean to you?
“I think a Cannaseur, first and foremost, has love for the plant. Experience is key, as in most things. I certainly am not the most experienced by any stretch of the imagination.
I think understanding different cannabinoids, terpenes and their effects, how to read a certificate of analysis, and a desire to train the nose are all important. The ‘nose knows,’ but a little tutoring can help tremendously.
Understanding the different methods of ingestion is also very important when speaking to a wide variety of people.”
“Cannabis helped me break through physical and possibly mental barriers in the gym and in long-distance running.”
Personal Health Journey
Q: As a disabled Navy veteran, how has cannabis supported your health and healing?
“I suffer from symptoms of complex trauma. As an adult child of an alcoholic, I used alcohol daily to self-medicate from ages 20 to 36. November 5th of this year will be three years of sobriety for me. I never thought that could have been a possibility.
Medical cannabis has helped me live a more complete life by disrupting my negative thought patterns. I feel more grounded when I consume cannabis.”
Q: You’re proudly plant-based — has that lifestyle influenced your approach to cannabis or wellness?
“I am approaching my third year of being plant-based. Removing animal-based products from my diet allowed me to see how inflamed I was, particularly in my face. I believe inflammation is the cause of many illnesses.
I became further intrigued with the plant’s ability to fight inflammation and what that might mean for my health journey. I also really love to ingest cannabis before working out. Cannabis helped me break through physical and possibly mental barriers in the gym and in long-distance running.”
Fighting for Worker Rights
Q: Can you share what happened regarding your termination from Gotham Williamsburg in Brooklyn , and why you’re speaking out?
“I showed unwavering union support for myself and my colleagues at Gotham Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and I was terminated for doing so. I have filed multiple unfair labor practices against Gotham that are currently being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board.
Gotham Williamsburg team members have continued their fight for a seat at the bargaining table by demanding Joanne Wilson recognize Local 338. The team all wore pins in solidarity, showing management that they have no intention of backing down.
I am speaking out because there is no transparency; everything seems to be happening in the shadows and people’s rights are being violated.”
Q: You’ve been a vocal advocate for unions in cannabis. Why is unionizing so important in this industry?
“This is a brand-new industry — one that the U.S. government does not recognize. It is also a potentially $100 billion industry annually nationwide. The behemoths have already been identified in the Multi-State Operators (MSOs).
The founder of Columbia Care, Nicolas Keane Vita, worked at Goldman Sachs. Many of the founders and current CEOs of these MSOs are from the financial sector. Greed is already rampant, and workers’ rights are an afterthought.
Union busting is a huge factor in how income disparity is created in this country.”
The Future of New York Cannabis
Q: What changes would you like to see in New York’s cannabis space — especially for workers, veterans, and marginalized folks?
“The space still has a lot of room to grow, and that makes me encouraged that we can still guide this market in a direction that we can all be satisfied with. We need more transparency about labor peace agreements and them being a condition for licensure.
These owners would rather us not know anything, specifically our rights. It will be encouraging to see the enforcement of these specific laws as the OCM continues to ramp up personnel.”
Q: Do you feel the industry is truly inclusive of disabled and formerly incarcerated individuals, or is there still work to do?
“There is definitely still work to do, but organizations like Hospitality Pathways are stepping up and creating opportunities in this space that some may not have had. As more jobs are created in the space over the next couple years, I would like to see more opportunities specifically for disabled individuals.”
“Solidarity is everything in the workplace.”
Community and Inspiration
Q: You often use the hashtag #solidarity. What does solidarity mean to you in this work?
“Solidarity is everything in the workplace. You have budtenders and inventory specialists that do all of the work. You have owners who make an enormous amount of money and have hired supervisors to ensure hourly staff do not come together and demand a seat at the bargaining table.
The power dynamic and financial disparity makes it Us vs. Them. Hourly paid employees need union representation in the workplace. As a unit, we can begin to fight social inequities.”
Q: Who inspires you in the cannabis world right now?
“Good question! I am always inspired by women entrepreneurs who have no quit. First ones that come to mind are Erin at Space Cow and Brittany at Tonic. I am inspired by their drive, knowledge, commitment to excellence, and the pride in the product that they have brought to market. I am also always inspired by the next great story of determination.”
Looking Forward
Q: What’s next for you — any projects, goals, or dreams for 2025 you’d like to share?
“I just turned 39, so I am focusing on where I can improve my health routine. I intend on running a second marathon in a year, so training will begin for that in 4–6 months.
My daughter is 14 now, so spending time with her and supporting her through this year is my highest priority. She enjoys working out, so maybe I’ll see if she’s interested in long-distance running this year.
I am very grateful for everything that I have now, and I want to be there more for others.”
Her Seeds LLC.
At Her Seed Bank, we proudly spotlight cannabis educators, veterans, workers, and advocates like Robert Griffiths. His story reminds us why we fight for fair, inclusive, and community-rooted cannabis spaces. To grow with us, visit HerSeedBank.com and support the future of people-first cannabis.