Daily Inspiration: Meet Lori Hirsch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Hirsch.

Hi Lori, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Grew up in Morristown New Jersey in the 70s & 80s and knew from a young age I was a cannabis enthusiast before actually being exposed to the plant. It felt innate and natural from day one. My journey began in June 1980 when my relationship with the lords kale sparked, and I haven’t looked back with any regrets. With the stigma so strong during that time growing up you mostly lived in secrecy and shame. Always dreaming and wishing for the day I could live my authentic self, while long awaiting a future world that was yet to exist.

30+ years later, and many chapters experienced, including semi professional junior tennis player to the fashion industry to the television industry and now finally the regulated cannabis industry. In this fourth chapter I’m not only living my genuine self, I’m happier than I’ve ever thought possible. Having wrapped up a 6+ year position last year with Papa & Barkley as Head of Education and Inside Sales I’ve created a consulting company elevating & strategizing for other like minded & transparent cannabis brands focusing on education and budtender training. At the same time I’m also a Budist Critic & Competition Judge which allows me to have a seat at the same table with some of the most respected & influential cannabis experts as we help standardize the industry similar to wine.

How I got here is beyond me so I’m thinking extreme passion, coupled with strong determination, and a great network of like minded souls are the ingredients to my secret sauce. I’m living proof dreams are obtainable if you want something bad enough. It makes me giddy to think I’m living my dream, mentoring others, educating others and pouring goodness back into the universe every day. How lucky am I!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is a rollercoaster so of course there were many ups & downs throughout my life & professional careers. But when it comes down to my career in cannabis the ups & downs haven’t been as difficult or bumpy. There’s many directions one can take in the cannabis industry, and I look at it as a blank canvas with many endless opportunities available. Finding your place and direction can take time and process of elimination of what you don’t want to do is a critical part. Lessons I’ve learned along the way is that pressure is a privilege and victory belongs to the most tenacious. Always keeping that in mind keeps my fire burning and passion alive.

It started out smoothly when I transitioned from the television industry to budtending at Med Men that continued through the next half a dozen years at Papa & Barkley. I can’t say it hasn’t been challenging the last year but I also don’t want to sugar coat a difficult time our industry is undergoing. Strict rules & regulations, politics and greed has made future opportunities fewer and farther between, but when also faced with job scarcity that’s when we can hopefully rely on our trusted network as resources to pull us through. Thankfully, I’ve created a vast network of incredible like minded individuals which is one of the reasons I’m very grateful to be part of this wonderful ecosystem whether it’s smooth or struggling.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Wearing the moniker Bongcierge, I’m a respected cannabis educator and wellness advocate with a deep-rooted background in both media and plant medicine. After transitioning from a 30-year career in television to cannabis in 2018, I quickly rose from Budtender to National Brand Educator and later Head of Education at Papa & Barkley, where I led hundreds of demos and trained thousands in California and across the country. I’m also a Budist Critic & Competition Judge, Speaker, and active participant on multiple industry panels. Known for my thoughtful approach to consumer education, I’ve produced award-winning content, developed impactful training programs, and built lasting partnerships throughout the industry.

My current projects include Blue Sage THC, The Pairist, ILGM, Budist and Hiii Magazine where I continue to champion quality, regenerative cannabis brands that are making a difference. A cannabis sommelier in training and a regular at industry events, I offer my consulting services to help brands define their voice through curriculum, community, and core values—always with an emphasis on authenticity, education, and connection. My profound influence in the cannabis industry is undeniable, serving as an inspiration to many and a source of valuable knowledge for years to come.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
When I was a young girl every Wednesday night after my mom got home from work we would have mom & daughter time together. She would take me into town and we’d have Chinese food at our favorite restaurant, go shopping and then cap the night off at my favorite candy store Golds. These memories are something I’ve carried with me my whole life and give me warm and nostalgic feelings and I cherish them always.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hirschlori
• Facebook: Lori Hirsch
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-hirsch/
• Other: https://www.budist.com/authors/lori/

Image Credits
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Darrell Peach