A Day in the Green Rush: My Experience Working at Hyrba
Morning sunshine streams through the fog as I make my way to work at Hyrba, one of the most respected cannabis dispensaries serving San Francisco’s western neighborhoods. As a budtender at this community fixture, every day brings new faces, questions, and opportunities to educate visitors on the evolving world of cannabis.
7:30 AM: The Morning Routine
My alarm goes off early, giving me enough time to enjoy a peaceful breakfast before catching the N-Judah from my apartment in the Inner Sunset. The commute to our Outer Sunset location is quick, letting me watch the neighborhood wake up through the mist that often blankets this part of the city.
8:30 AM: Arrival and Setup
When I arrive, our manager is already there, reviewing inventory and preparing for the day ahead. Before opening, we have a brief team huddle to discuss:
- New products that arrived yesterday
- Any regulatory updates we need to be aware of
- Daily specials and promotions
- Community events we’re participating in
We take pride in our knowledge, so staying updated is crucial. Working near neighborhoods like the Richmond District and Parkside means we serve a diverse clientele with varying needs and experience levels.
9:00 AM: Doors Open
As soon as we open, our regulars start coming in. There’s the older gentleman from Outer Richmond who uses our CBD products for arthritis, the young professional from Parkside looking for something to help with sleep, and the local artist who finds certain strains enhance creativity.
Each interaction requires a personalized approach. I’m not just selling a product—I’m helping people find what works best for their specific needs, always adhering to compliance regulations and age verification.
12:00 PM: Lunch Break
During my break, I often walk to a nearby café in the Sunset District. This neighborhood has transformed in recent years, with the cannabis industry bringing new economic activity. I chat with other local business owners who’ve noticed how dispensaries like Hyrba have helped revitalize certain blocks with increased foot traffic.
1:00 PM: Afternoon Rush
Post-lunch is typically our busiest time. Customers from all over—Inner Sunset, Richmond District, even downtown workers heading home—stop by. Some know exactly what they want, while others rely on our guidance.
Today, I help a first-timer who’s nervous about trying cannabis. I walk her through different consumption methods, explaining the differences between flower, edibles, and tinctures. The look of relief on her face when she finds a low-dose option that feels approachable makes my day.
3:00 PM: Inventory and Learning
During a slower period, I help update our inventory system and spend time researching new products. The cannabis industry evolves quickly, with innovations in cultivation techniques, extraction methods, and delivery systems constantly emerging.
We take continuing education seriously at Hyrba. Today, a representative from a California-based cultivator is coming in to educate staff about their sustainable growing practices.
5:00 PM: Evening Wind-Down
As the workday winds down, we prepare for the after-work crowd. These customers often have more specific questions about how certain products might affect their evening routines, sleep quality, or social activities.
I notice more visitors from the Richmond District today—word has spread about our new line of locally-sourced edibles.
7:00 PM: Closing Time
After a thorough cleaning and inventory check, we close up shop. Before leaving, we have a quick debrief about the day’s sales, customer feedback, and any issues that arose.
As I head back home through the misty Outer Sunset streets, I reflect on why I find this job so fulfilling. Beyond the obvious perks of working in an exciting industry, there’s something rewarding about helping people navigate their cannabis journey safely and knowledgeably.
Working at Hyrba isn’t just about selling products—it’s about being part of a community, educating consumers, and helping normalize cannabis as a wellness option for adults who choose it.
Tomorrow, we’ll do it all again, continuing to serve our neighbors from the Sunset District to Richmond and beyond with the knowledge, care, and respect they deserve.