Meet Our Budists
The Budist community is led by a diverse group of cannabis experts, or “Budists”, which includes certified Ganjiers, cup judges, journalists, tastemakers, and connoisseurs. Each brings unique perspectives and qualifications to the community, helping to ensure that people from all walks of life find the best cannabis products for their needs and use cases. Our team of Budists write long-form reviews that highlight the intricacies and use cases of each product, touching on attributes such as Aroma, Flavor, Appearance and Effect. They also use a 100-point system to rate each product, which offers a more nuanced approach than the 5-star system, putting cannabis on par with internationally recognized rating systems used for wine, beer, chocolate and coffee.
Alex Scherma
Alex Scherma is a Certified Ganjier and culinary innovator based in Humboldt County. Known for crafting refined plant-based dishes and curated cannabis pairing experiences, Alex blends a deep understanding of cannabis processing and sensory evaluation to celebrate terroir and craftsmanship. His adaptable pairing matrix reflects years of study in extraction and cultivation. Through community events and culinary storytelling, Alex uplifts the legacy of Humboldt's farmers and flora, challenging conventional thinking around cannabis, cuisine, and culture.
Amber Senter
Amber Senter is a cannabis entrepreneur and veteran with over 20 years in marketing and project management. As CEO of MAKR House, she oversees strategy, fundraising, product development, and advocacy. A co-founder of Supernova Women, she champions equity for communities impacted by the War on Drugs. Amber previously served as COO of a prominent Oakland dispensary, securing the city’s first on-site consumption permit. Her work bridges business and social justice, shaping inclusive cannabis policy.
Caleb Chen
Caleb Chen is a cannabis researcher, educator, and advocate of plant genetics and cultural preservation. Founder of The Highest Critic, Caleb curates reviews and news from the frontlines of cannabis culture. A Certified Ganjier and cannabis cup judge, he champions soil-grown cannabis and the preservation of landrace genetics. As a research assistant for Cal Poly Humboldt’s Cannabis Studies Lab, he supports the Legacy Genetics Grant. Caleb’s work bridges science, legacy, and global storytelling.
Camran Hussain
Camran Hussain, known as "Yung Slabby,” is a cannabis curator and event producer whose journey began during California’s Prop 215 era. He managed Terp Town, a delivery service focused on craft concentrates, and co-founded Cosmic Supper Club, a fine dining experience centered around solventless pairings. Post-pandemic, he launched Cannabis Culture Club, expanding experiential education and storytelling in the plant space. Camran brings years of sensory experience and community cultivation to the table.
Chris Carr
Christopher Carr is a Santa Cruz-based educator, advocate, and host of The Cannabis Connection, a radio show focused on cannabis science, culture, and policy. He advises Santa Cruz County and serves as Co-Chair of Community Prevention Partners. A guest lecturer, competition judge, and lifelong activist, Chris is deeply rooted in the Compassionate Use Act era. His work champions cannabis education, equity, and compassionate access across California.
Christina Cassidy
Christina Cassidy is a San Diego-based sociologist and cannabis educator with over 25 years of experience. Known as a “stoner mom” and trusted voice in the community, she’s passionate about cannabis normalization, terpene education, and women’s visibility in the industry. Christina serves as a bridge between casual consumers and the cannabis curious, offering informed, relatable guidance rooted in advocacy and lived experience.
Christina Wong
Christina Wong is a culinary cannabis innovator and founder of Fruit + Flower Co., a lifestyle brand exploring the intersection of food, travel, and cannabis. Based in Los Angeles, she hosts the Fruit + Flower Unfurled podcast and co-hosts Mogu Magu, highlighting AAPI voices in the plant world. Christina’s work has been featured in Thrillist, High Times, and Cherry Bombe, making her a celebrated figure in canna-culinary storytelling.
Colleen King
Colleen King is a sourcing expert, Certified Ganjier, and global competition judge known for her refined palate and cross-industry experience in cannabis and specialty coffee. With a decade-long journey as a medical cannabis patient and deep roots in Latin American sourcing, Colleen brings a sensory-first approach to product evaluation. As founder of Altered States, she’s pioneering immersive cannabis travel and education through virtual reality.
Chase Diffey
Chase Diffey is a seasoned cannabis photographer and reviewer with nearly a decade in California’s cannabis scene. He launched the popular YouTube series Terpy Tuesday on TheCCC420, spotlighting concentrate reviews and education. Now running his own media platform, Chase partners with brands like Team Elite Genetics and Cream of the Crop, producing high-quality visual content. His passion lies in documenting and elevating cannabis culture through photography, education, and creative media.
Ernesto Martinez
Ernesto Martinez, aka Extract_Reviewer, is a concentrate connoisseur and cultivation professional whose cannabis journey began as a Prop 215 patient. In 2019, he launched Extract Reviewer on Instagram to elevate concentrate language and reviews. His work with Phytologie/Molecular Farms helped earn Emerald Cup accolades. As a competition judge and reviewer, Ernesto brings analytical depth and genuine passion to every dab.
Guy Rocourt
Guy Rocourt is a certified Ganjier and the founder of the Guy Rocourt Brand, a new wellness venture rooted in the principles of Clean Label Cannabis. A U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Guy is a 25-year industry veteran known for his leadership in product innovation, cannabis science, and advocacy. As Co-Founder and former Chief Product Officer of Papa & Barkley, he helped grow the company into one of California’s top wellness brands and led its successful acquisition by Mammoth Distribution. Guy advises companies on clean cannabis supply chains and continues to champion transparency and quality in cannabis products.
Jake Kuczeruk
Jake Kuczeruk is a cannabis executive with 20+ years immersed in the culture, spanning business development, mentorship, and investing. He has supported brand growth and innovation coast-to-coast and serves as Vice Chair of NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing Committee. A connoisseur of landrace and old-school strains, Jake fuses legacy knowledge with forward-thinking strategy to advance the industry’s future.
Jakki Hernandez
Jakki Hernandez is a cannabis compliance expert, educator, and health and wellness reviewer for Budist with nearly two decades of experience. She’s led regulatory efforts at major brands like Kiva Brands and served as Deputy Director of OC NORML. Known for simplifying complex compliance landscapes, Jakki empowers teams and consumers alike. Her reviews reflect a deep commitment to product integrity, education, and cannabis reform.
Jamie Evans
Jamie Evans, founder of The Herb Somm, is a trailblazer in cannabis and culinary pairing. A certified sommelier and author of four books, she’s known for hosting wine and weed experiences and demystifying infused beverages. Jamie’s work has been featured in POPSUGAR, Wine Enthusiast, and High Times. Her platform bridges fine dining with cannabis culture, blending expertise and innovation.
Jason Pinsky
Jason Pinsky is a pioneering cannabis evangelist and longtime cultural contributor. Since judging his first High Times Cup in 1994, he’s advocated for medical use and mainstream access. Known for roles at Eaze and VICELAND’s Bong Appétit, Jason overcame opioid addiction through cannabis, deepening his passion for plant medicine. His legacy blends advocacy, media, and personal transformation.
Jeremy Alcock
Jeremy Alcock is a Certified Ganjier, product specialist, and advocate with three decades of marketing experience and a background in cultural anthropology. He completed Oaksterdam’s Commercial Horticulture program and now channels his skills into cannabis education, storytelling, and product evaluation. Jeremy is a regular presence at events, known for his articulate reviews and community-focused branding support. At Budist, he curates SoCal reviews and engages consumers through accessible, high-integrity cannabis education.
Kevin Jodrey
Kevin Jodrey is a world-renowned cannabis cultivator, educator, and genetic preservationist with over 40 years in the industry. Founder of Wonderland Nursery and co-founder of The Ganjier, he helped launch Cookies' R&D facility. A sought-after speaker and global consultant, Kevin is known for championing sustainable cultivation practices and training the next generation of growers and evaluators.
Leah Cerri
Leah Cerri is a Certified Ganjier, seasoned marketer, and cannabis event producer with over five years of experience leading retail marketing, brand strategy, and community engagement. Based in Northern California, she has founded two event companies and produced dozens of experiential activations for budtenders, consumers, and industry leaders. Leah currently organizes monthly networking events for Northern California Women in Cannabis and serves as a judge for The Headstash Bowl and the Mendo Cup. Before entering the cannabis space, she led marketing and events at the director level in the nonprofit sector, managing corporate social impact partnerships with brands like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bank of America. A published writer, Leah’s work reflects her passion for cannabis, culture, and community.
Lori Hirsch
Lori Hirsch is a respected cannabis educator with a focus on wellness and consumer empowerment. Formerly Head of Education at Papa & Barkley, she developed learning programs to help people understand the plant’s healing properties. Lori’s work combines evidence-based insight with personal compassion, making her a trusted voice for health-conscious cannabis users. Through education, she aims to dismantle stigma and build confidence in plant-based wellness choices.
Lucas Indrikovs
Lucas Indrikovs is a cannabis connoisseur with over two decades of experience exploring top-shelf flower. As the creator behind the DanksyIV:XX YouTube channel, he’s known for in-depth product reviews, educational content, and a commitment to consumer empowerment. Lucas has served as a judge for leading cannabis competitions across California and was named Best Judge at the 2024 Farmer’s Cup in San Diego. His expertise spans genetics, cultivation methods, and the cultural history of the plant, and his content is rooted in a belief that cannabis is a personal and multifaceted experience.
Luna Stower
Luna Stower is an award-winning cannabis expert, educator, lobbyist and published journalist with a Master's in Education. Based in the SF Bay Area, she is the Director of Mycology and Retail Education at CHAMPS Trade Shows in Las Vegas and was employee #1 at both Ispire ($ISPR) and Jetty Extracts (Canopy Growth). A Ganjier student, hash competition judge and NCIA Equity Committee Member, she has earned dozens of awards, including Green Entrepreneur's Top 25 Women in Cannabis. Featured in Forbes, Vice and MJBizDaily, Luna delivers expert cannabis reviews on Budist, blending technical insight with cultural integrity.
Matthew Shevach
Matthew Shevach (@bayareaganjier) is a Certified Ganjier, personal cultivator, judge and seasoned cannabis professional with seven years in the legal industry. As a key member of the start-up team at Budist, he currently leads brand partnerships and oversees product operations. Matthew also manages the judging program at Budist and is actively involved in cannabis evaluation development, ensuring rigorous and accurate product assessments. As a Budist Critic, Matthew shares his passion for wellness, craft cannabis and helping others through detailed product reviews and insights. A leader and mentor within the Ganjier community, his mission is to shape the cannabis industry's future by applying his extensive expertise. Based in the Bay Area, Matthew brings over 20 years of experience as an early pioneer in digital advertising and SaaS.
Nathaniel Fox
Nathaniel Fox is a Certified Ganjier, cultivator, educator, and cannabis advocate with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience. Originally from Texas, his early experiences in the traditional market and encounters with criminalization fueled a lifelong commitment to justice and cannabis reform. Now based in California, Nathaniel has deepened his connection to the plant through cultivation, solventless concentrates, and academic research. As a Ph.D. candidate in UCSD & SDSU’s Joint Doctoral Program, he studies cannabis use in historically marginalized communities. His Budist reviews combine personal insight with scholarly rigor, spotlighting the practices, genetics, and ethics behind standout products in today’s market.
Nick Tanem
Nicholas “Nikka T” Tanem is a Certified Ganjier, award-winning extractor, educator, and founder of Essential Extracts - the first licensed hash company to pay taxes in the U.S. A pioneer of solventless extraction, Nikka T has earned over 15 Cannabis Cup titles personally and trained clients who’ve won 100+ more using his techniques. He’s helped build compliant businesses across cultivation, manufacturing, and retail. A celebrated public speaker, DJ, and judge, Nikka T champions cannabis craftsmanship through both culture and science. His legacy is one of innovation, community building, and tireless advocacy for clean, quality cannabis.
Sara Payan
Sara Payan is an award-winning educator, policy advocate, and cannabis consultant with over a decade of experience and 20,000+ hours of public-facing education. Host of the podcast Planted with Sara Payan, she engages high-profile guests—from David Crosby to policymakers like Rep. Jasmine Crockett—in conversations that explore cannabis culture, policy, and access. Sara serves as Vice Chair of California’s Cannabis Advisory Committee and formerly co-chaired San Francisco’s Cannabis Legalization Taskforce. Her work spans curriculum design, industry training, and national media, with bylines in Rolling Stone and appearances in Forbes, High Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Known for blending strategic insight with compassionate advocacy, Sara is dedicated to elevating cannabis literacy and ensuring equitable access to plant medicine.
Rachel Burkons
Rachel Burkons is a hospitality expert and leading voice in culinary cannabis. With a background in the wine and spirits world, she co-founded Altered Plates, a hospitality group dedicated to bridging cannabis with food, drink, and lifestyle. Rachel is also the founder of Smoke Sip Savor, where she curates cannabis-forward experiences and educational content. A strong advocate for sungrown flower and responsible consumption, she currently serves as Head Judge for the High Spirits Awards and is passionate about destigmatizing plant medicine, especially for fellow mothers. Rachel’s work connects cannabis to the everyday pleasures of taste, ritual, and wellness.
Rachelle Gordon
Rachelle Gordon is a seasoned cannabis journalist and the Editor of GreenState.com. Since 2015, she’s reported from the front lines of cannabis culture, covering everything from cultivars and consumption trends to policy and advocacy. Her writing has appeared in High Times, CannabisNow, MG Magazine, and other major outlets. Splitting time between Oakland and Minneapolis, Rachelle brings a nuanced, bi-regional lens to her storytelling. Known for her love of sativas like Silver Haze and Tangie, she infuses her work with a deep appreciation for the plant and a commitment to elevating the voices shaping the modern cannabis landscape.
Scott Reiman
Scott Reiman is a Certified Ganjier and founder of Fog City Cannabis, a personalized cannabis consulting and events company. Based in the Bay Area, Scott specializes in helping new and curious consumers navigate dispensary menus, explore new product categories, and craft elevated cannabis experiences. With a background in customer service and dispensary management at SPARC, he brings a strong foundation in cannabis education and accessibility. Scott favors energetic terpene profiles and enjoys flower, beverages, and edibles. Through digital consultations and curated events, he makes cannabis approachable, demystifying the plant with warmth and expertise.
Wendy Zeng
Chef Wendy Zeng is a cannabis culinary artist, Chopped 420 champion, and founder of Drizzle, a catering company celebrating cultural heritage through elevated cuisine. Based in Los Angeles, Wendy uses her farm-to-table events to highlight cannabis as a powerful ingredient for connection and storytelling. She co-hosts MoguMagu, an AAPI food and cannabis collective, and judges the LA Spirit Awards for infused beverages. With features in High Times, Thrillist, and popular podcasts, Wendy is known for her vibrant green hair and bold flavors. Her work celebrates quality, intention, and the intersection of identity, food, and plant medicine.
Yarrow Lee Kubrin
Yarrow Kubrin is a lifelong cannabis cultivator and the founder of Special Teams Consulting, where he advises on cannabis operations and real estate. Raised on a family farm in Mendocino, Yarrow began trimming cannabis at age 11 and has worked across the legacy, medical, and licensed markets. A verified social equity applicant in San Francisco and Sonoma County, he’s served in leadership roles for multiple advocacy organizations and judging panels, including the Emerald Cup. He also co-hosts High at 9 News, cannabis’ only daily live news show. Yarrow’s work is rooted in legacy values, land stewardship, and community uplift.