“My name is Rodney Dorzin, and I’ve been in the cannabis industry for 10 months,” he says. “I currently work in inventory, affectionately known as ‘the safe’ or ‘the dungeon.’”

Behind the scenes at Housing Works Cannabis Co, Rodney keeps the engine running. From inventory management to overseeing incoming brands, his role is equal parts precision and passion. And with eight years of inventory experience under his belt, cannabis felt like a natural next step.

“Inventory has been my world for eight years, so transitioning into cannabis felt natural. Plus, cannabis never talks back, so it’s been a pretty healthy work relationship so far.” But for Rodney, it’s not just about what’s in the safe—it’s about what happens on the floor.

“As budtenders, we’re not just selling products. We’re solving problems.” That mindset shapes every interaction he has. He takes pride in building trust with customers, guiding them toward what they truly need rather than what simply sells. “The real reward is when they return to tell me how it worked for them.”

One moment that’s stayed with him? An older gentleman grieving the loss of his brother came in asking for something heavy to help him cope. Rodney recommended a quality 14-gram indica flower. “He came back later, thanked me sincerely, and told me it helped. That moment reminded me why this work matters.”

For Rodney, being a budtender means challenging misconceptions. “One of the biggest misconceptions about budtenders is that we’re uneducated or only out to upsell. That couldn’t be further from the truth.” Education is central to his approach—from breaking down terpene profiles to reframing the conversation around THC. “I always tell people that THC percentages are mostly a marketing tactic. You don’t need high THC to enjoy good flower. That misconception only changes through education.”

Rodney is especially passionate about clean cannabis and thoughtful cultivation. He’s quick to explain the difference between growing styles:

• Sungrown cannabis receives natural sunlight and environmental exposure, often resulting in richer terpene profiles and smaller, more intentional harvests.

• Indoor grows operate in controlled environments, typically yielding larger plants but requiring significantly more energy.

“At the end of the day, clean cannabis should always be the priority—for both brands and consumers. This plant is medicine, and it deserves to be treated as such.” When it comes to brands he works closely with, Vitabudz stands out.

“They take those classic old-school NY strains and merge them with modern growing methods to meet the standards of today’s market—a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. Clean gas, every time.”

He appreciates the intentionality behind the details, too. From metrocard-inspired mylar bags to NYC-themed strain drops. “It’s heritage with intention.”

Looking ahead, Rodney’s advice is simple but powerful: “So going into 2026, take time to do your own research. Learn your brands. Know your farmers. And remember: COAs don’t always tell the whole story.”

From the “dungeon” to the dispensary floor, Rodney reminds us that cannabis isn’t just product; it’s people, trust, and education.