A Day in the Life at Ascent Dispensary
Morning light filters through the windows as I arrive at Ascent Dispensary just before our 9 AM opening. The crisp mountain air of Bishop has that distinct freshness that always makes me grateful to work in such a beautiful region of California.
Morning Preparations
As a budtender at Ascent, my day begins with a team huddle. Our manager reviews new products, discusses daily specials, and reminds us of compliance regulations that govern our industry. We take these seriously – proper ID checks and maintaining purchase limits aren’t just rules, they’re our responsibility to the community.
Before opening, I inspect our display cases, ensuring everything is properly labeled and organized. Working at a dispensary means staying knowledgeable about dozens of strains, concentrates, edibles, and topicals – each with their own effects and benefits.
Serving Our Communities
We’re proud to be a trusted resource for cannabis in Bishop and the surrounding communities. Throughout the day, I assist customers from all over – locals from Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek, weekend visitors from West Bishop, regular clients from Wilkerson, and even folks making the drive from Mesa and Round Valley.
What I love most about my job is the diversity of people I meet:
- Seniors seeking relief from chronic pain
- First-time customers curious about alternatives to pharmaceutical sleep aids
- Experienced consumers looking for specific terpene profiles
- Medical patients managing symptoms from various conditions
Midday Education
During a slower period around lunchtime, I take the opportunity to browse industry publications and catch up on the latest cannabis research. Staying educated is crucial in this rapidly evolving industry. Our team regularly participates in product knowledge sessions with vendors who visit the dispensary.
Today, we’re learning about a new line of strain-specific vape cartridges. The representative explains extraction methods, testing protocols, and the unique cannabinoid profiles of each variety.
Afternoon Rush
The pace picks up after 3 PM when people start stopping by after work. A customer from Round Valley who makes the drive twice a month arrives looking for high-CBD products for his arthritis. I take time to discuss new options that might work better than his current regimen.
A couple visiting from out of town needs guidance on low-dose edibles. I explain the importance of “start low, go slow” and recommend products with precise dosing information. These educational moments are what make the job fulfilling.
Inventory Management
Between helping customers, we maintain our meticulous inventory system. Cannabis is highly regulated, and every product must be tracked from seed to sale. I help process a new shipment, verifying that each item matches our order and entering everything into our point-of-sale system.
Community Connection
What makes Ascent special is our deep connection to the Eastern Sierra communities we serve. We sponsor local events, participate in community cleanups, and prioritize products from California cultivators when possible.
As we prepare to close, I restock displays and help clean the shop. The team recaps the day’s highlights – a new customer who found relief for their migraines, positive feedback on our newest flower selection, questions we should research further.
More Than Just Retail
Working at Ascent Dispensary isn’t just about selling cannabis products – it’s about education, wellness, and being a responsible member of our community. From Bishop to Wilkerson to Round Valley, we’re proud to provide safe, legal access to cannabis while helping eliminate stigma through knowledge and compassion.
As I head home with the Sierra Nevada mountains painted in sunset colors behind me, I feel fortunate to work somewhere that makes a positive difference in people’s lives every day.
