When you walk into Dark Matter Dispensary in Sunland Park, NM, there’s a good chance you’ll be helped by Tracy Martinez, a two-time nominee—and last year’s winner—of Budtender of the Year by SE Magazine.
A Recognition That Means More Than a Trophy
In 2023, Tracy was honored with the Budtender of the Year award, and she’s nominated again in 2024. For her, the recognition isn’t just about accolades—it’s about validation for doing what she loves:
“It’s not just a job for me. This is passion. I deliver an experience.”
Her award even sat by her register until it broke (she’s getting it replaced soon), but it’s what it represents that matters: trust, professionalism, and care.
More Than Customer Service—It’s a Personalized Wellness Experience
Tracy isn’t just trying to sell you something off the shelf. She’s there to listen, understand your goals, and help you find what works best—whether that’s calming anxiety or exploring a new method of relief:
- She asks the right questions.
- She offers follow-ups and feedback loops.
- And she genuinely wants patients to come back feeling better.
“I don’t want to just hand you something. I want to know—did it work for you? If not, let’s figure out what will.”
Why Awards Matter in the Cannabis Space
With more dispensaries opening in New Mexico, having a nationally recognized, award-winning budtender on-site sets Dark Matter apart. It signals to patients that education and experience are priorities, not afterthoughts.
Tracy reflects on her earlier experiences as a customer:
“I’ve been to dispensaries where the budtender didn’t know anything. I’d say, ‘I have anxiety,’ and they’d just hand me something strong. That’s not helpful.”
Now, she uses her platform to advocate for:
- Responsible product guidance
- Patient safety
Accessible education for all levels of cannabis experience