Brie Howard has built her place in cannabis through connection.

The Bud & Mary’s sales representative is outgoing, quick to laugh, and even quicker to make someone feel welcome. She often introduces herself as “Brie, like the cheese,” a line that has become part of her identity and taken on a life of its own.

Friends, family members, and even people she has just met have called her a “ray of sunshine.” Howard does not shy away from that.

“I wear my joy with pride,” Howard said.

That joy is part of the way Howard moves through the cannabis industry, but so is intention. Her work is rooted in relationship-building, education, and the belief that people remember how they are treated.

Howard grew up in southwest Missouri, studied musical theatre, traveled the world, and entered cannabis through retail before moving into brand and sales work. Today, she manages the western side of Missouri for Bud & Mary’s, helping build partnerships for the company as it grows in the state.

For Howard, cannabis is personal. After being diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome as a teenager and living with chronic pain, cannabis became a tool that changed the way she understood relief, education, and access.

Her work now combines all of those pieces: the performer’s confidence, the traveler’s curiosity, the educator’s patience, and the friend’s instinct to make room for others.

We caught up with Howard for a deeper look at her story, her work with Bud & Mary’s, and the women who continue to shape her path in cannabis.

For people just getting introduced to you, tell us who you are.

“I’m an outgoing, bubbly woman with a zest for life. To many people, I introduce myself as ‘Brie, like the cheese,’ and it has been hilarious to watch that name take a shape of its own and become part of who I am. I see the world through rose-colored glasses, and I have often been called a ray of sunshine by friends, family, and even people I have just met. I wear my joy with pride and live by the quote, ‘I’m just happy to be here.’ That is also what my first tattoo says.

“Fun fact: I can do a stellar Jennifer Coolidge impression.”

Where does that love of people come from?

“I love people, and I was heavily influenced by my sweet grandmother. She used to say, ‘A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.’ She taught me about getting to know each person as an individual and taking the time to learn their stories. You never know who might need a seat at your family Thanksgiving.

“My mother is also a successful leader in the field of medical simulation, and she taught me the importance of education and thoughtfulness toward health care. That has impacted the way I still view cannabis today.”

How have your roots shaped the person you are today?

“I’m originally from Springfield, Missouri, and grew up going to school in a small town called Willard. While I was there, I learned the importance of building community, and I still carry those lessons of intentional relationships, meaningful conversations, and loving empathy for everyone around me. I left Springfield when I graduated high school and went to Lindenwood University in St. Charles to pursue a BFA in musical theatre. I really believe theatre teaches so many life skills: public speaking, confidence under pressure, finding creative solutions, dedicated teamwork, handling rejection, thorough preparation, active listening, and a deep sense of empathy by building characters whose lives are different from your own.

“I moved to Kansas City two years ago when I accepted the job at Bud & Mary’s, and I have loved every second of exploring this unique town. I live downtown, and I get to meet people from all walks of life here.”

What are you passionate about outside of cannabis?

“After I graduated with my BFA, I decided to buy a one-way ticket to Europe and see what the world had to offer on the other side of the Atlantic.

“I lived in London for six months and backpacked around the rest of the continent for the remainder of the year. I then headed to Australia for three months and later traveled South America before heading back to Europe to visit friends and family. I have been to 22 countries and counting, and I have stories to share for a lifetime. My dream is to one day live abroad again, hopefully helping to grow a budding cannabis industry in a different country. I take my passport with me everywhere I go, just in case. I also have a half sleeve of tattoos that are national and state flowers of some of the places I have visited and loved. Each one is a unique piece created by women in those countries or states, and they are all signed by the artists.

“I spend most of my free time surrounded by the people I love. I often host girls’ nights at my home, and I enjoy cooking and trying new restaurants in Kansas City.

“This year, my goal is to see every museum in Kansas City, and there are a surprisingly large number of them. I’m a lifelong learner of history, cuisine, and culture. If I’m not spending time with friends or family, I’m most likely watching a historical documentary and fangirling over the cool facts I learn to anyone who will listen.”

What song or album is on repeat for you right now?

“It really depends on my mood and the time of day.

“During the workday, you can usually find me listening to classical music. Johann Strauss II has the best, upbeat waltzes that both energize and calm my system.

“When I’m getting ready for the evening, I’m usually blasting musical theatre showtunes. If you see me drive by passionately shouting in my car, it is 100% ‘Hamilton.’

“Otherwise, I’m probably listening to podcasts about historical events I’m curious to know more about.”

What dish would be the main course of your last meal?

“Handrolls from Kata Nori, Easily one of the best restaurants in Kansas City.”

 

Howard’s interest in people made cannabis sales a natural fit, even if it took her time to embrace the word “sales.” Her work today allows her to connect with dispensary teams, buyers, customers, and brand partners while still leading with authenticity. Like everything in her life, the journey is part of the process, and learning along the way has been the foundation of her success.

Tell us about Bud & Mary’s.

“Bud & Mary’s is a multi-generational, family-owned company named after the first generation of our family, Bud and Mary Nelson.

“Our core values drive everything we do, resulting in the best possible Bud & Mary’s cannabis products and a people-focused approach. At our core, we are empathetic, we are experts, and we are a source of value.

“We were the first to receive a Colorado Cannabis Research License in the United States for cannabis clinical trials, and we continue conducting trials for patients with dementia.”

What is your role with the company?

“As a sales representative, my job is to connect our company with our partners. Whether that is with in-store teams, customers, or decision-makers, I always approach each relationship with integrity and thoughtfulness.

“I manage the west side of Missouri and split my time between the office and the road. Some days, I am conducting meetings, discussing potential partnerships, and growing our current accounts. Other days, I am on the road visiting stores, building brand recognition, and cultivating lasting connections with teams and customers.”

What makes Bud & Mary’s special?

“There is a strong sense of community within our company. We are in five states, and the sales teams across the board are strong and ready to help each other with our expertise in different areas. There is a lot of camaraderie and teamwork that goes into everything we do. In Missouri, we have an all-women sales team, and the three of us work together brilliantly through planning, sharing ideas, and using our skills to help each other grow. Each of us comes in with different backgrounds and knowledge of the plant, people, and business. We are dedicated to seeing one another grow, and that shows in everything we do.

“Batch is our line of vapes available in Missouri, and each piece of hardware was built with the consumer’s health in mind. We exclusively use ceramic-based coils and organic terpenes.

“Fun fact: Our hardware is tested up to 14,000 feet. Even though we do not have elevation that high in Missouri, I often bring this up to show the level of durability our vapes are able to withstand and the rigorous testing we put each piece through.

“We are also dedicated to giving back to the community and partner with a charitable organization every year. With each organization, we launch a new vape flavor and donate proceeds from those sales to their causes. We have worked with more than 50 social impact partners, including One Colorado, Habitat for Humanity, The Susan B. Anthony Foundation, and, most recently in Missouri, Can Play. In August, we will announce our partnership for this year and launch a new flavor in support of their mission.”

What was last year like for you and Bud & Mary’s?

“It has been a wonderful, busy journey. We launched Bud & Mary’s in Missouri in September 2024 and have seen great success with Batch, our line of vapes in 1-gram and 2-gram cartridges and all-in-ones. We have both a Flavors line, with fruity options using botanical terpenes, and a Signature line, which uses cannabis-derived terpenes for cultivar-specific options.

“2025 was our first full year in the state, and we have deeply enjoyed watching our sales grow and accounts blossom. In the past year, we have ridden the waves of the ever-changing industry and dedicated countless hours to forming meaningful partnerships, sponsoring and hosting events, and ensuring upward movement as we continue to grow internally and with our dispensary partners.

“Be on the lookout as we continue to expand our product line this summer.”

What doesn’t the cannabis industry understand about consumers?

“Business ethics matter [to customers]. I have connected with thousands of customers over my four years in this industry, and it is incredible to see how many people truly care about where their products come from and the companies they support through their purchases.

“It is a beautiful feeling to see someone light up when they hear we are family-owned and science-backed. I light up about it, too.

“At Bud & Mary’s, we hope to continue impacting cannabis in a positive way through our medical research, community engagement, and intentional product development.”

Howard’s own cannabis journey began long before she entered the industry. Her experience with chronic pain shaped her view of the plant and continues to guide the way she talks to consumers and patients today.

How did you get into cannabis?

“Four years ago, I moved to a small town in Illinois on a whim. I had known for a few years that I would love to somehow be connected to the cannabis industry, and I was hired on as a budtender for the only dispensary within 30 miles. It was true serendipity. That is where I fell in love with cannabis science and began learning about the ins and outs on the retail level.

“When I heard Missouri had passed recreational sales, I decided it was time to head back to my home state and see what this new market had to offer. I was hired at Feel State, where I really honed my skills in inventory and training, and I was later promoted to be a brand representative for Robust Cannabis.

“The time I spent with those companies was integral to my growth and led me to where I am today with Bud & Mary’s. It gave me irreplaceable knowledge and experience in building partnerships, business ethics, and growing as a person within this brilliant industry.”

Why cannabis?

“For me, cannabis has always been medicinal. At 14, I was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and had my T1 rib removed. Fun fact: I carry the removed rib with me in my purse.

“Since then, I have struggled with severe chronic pain in my neck and shoulders. I had a friend in college who partook in cannabis for medical purposes, and that opened me up to the world of using cannabis for my pain. It changed my life in more ways than I could ever imagine.

“Coming into the industry, I thought, ‘If I could impact one person’s life in a positive way through cannabis, that will be enough.’ Budtending was the first time I was able to recognize the exponential impact we can have on people through this field. I view it like this: I could teach one person about terpenes and shift their perspective on the how and why of consumption. They might then go and tell their loved ones and change their perspective, and the impact of one conversation could change the life of countless people we might never meet ourselves.

“That is what continues to drive me every day.”

What does cannabis mean to you?

“It has given me a sense of community and belonging.

“Not only has cannabis helped me medicinally, but it has taught me what it truly means to be a stoner. It is a way of life that looks different for every person we encounter.

“I have built lifelong friendships throughout my years in cannabis and have been given opportunities that were previously unimaginable to me.

“This field has given me the ability to be the weed fairy of my friend group and beyond.”

What belief about cannabis did you once hold that you no longer believe?

“Growing up in a small town in southern Missouri meant cannabis was still heavily seen as a plant that would do more harm than good.

“I was, admittedly, very afraid to try it for the first time and dedicated years to working through my own internal judgments that were passed on to me.

“I had to unlearn the reefer madness propaganda, but that has now given me a very personal perspective to share with those who still see cannabis through a negative lens.

“I have used this part of my story to help educate others who are curious but may have had the same negative mistruths taught to them.”

What was a pivotal moment in your career?

“Getting hired at Bud & Mary’s fully changed my life.

“The company was just coming into Missouri, and I was given an opportunity to move to Kansas City, which had been a dream of mine since coming back to Missouri, and take on a role that I could continue growing in for years to come. The team at Bud & Mary’s saw me, believed in me, and gave me the opportunity to learn and develop professionally and personally. Being a natural extrovert with a love for people, I had been told I would be great in sales from the time I was a child. I found myself resenting this, because my love of people is based in a genuine desire to get to know and learn from them, not to get something out of it.

“It has been a beautiful learning curve for me to see that I can build deep, meaningful relationships with our partners and be able to sustain strong, lasting business decisions while preserving my authenticity.”

 

Howard’s product preferences reflect the way she thinks about cannabis overall: through experience, education, flavor, and function.

What are your top three favorite cannabis products in the industry right now?

“Right now, I am enjoying Batch’s Durban Poison vape. It is not a strain we see often here in Missouri, so I feel beyond lucky that we carry it.

“I am primarily a flower girly, and I just got the Pinyati from Scout & Seed, which I have been smoking in my favorite bong from Queen City Hippie.

“For edibles, nothing beats the Honeybee Toasted Coconut and Sea Salt milk chocolate bar. During the winter, I will pop a piece of the Honeybee Peppermint chocolate into hot chocolate and enjoy the ride.”

What are your top three favorite cultivars?

“Durban Poison. The heavy terpinolene energizes me without the anxiety and helps me lock in when I need it.

“California Raisins. Robust kills it with this cultivar. It has a strong terpene profile and gives me a relaxing high unlike anything else.

“Girl Scout Cookies. This was the first cultivar I tried and researched because I loved it so much. A cross between Durban and Kush makes it a match made in heaven.”

Do you have a favorite terpene?

“Terpinolene, no contest. This terpene is a great recommendation for a boost of focused energy without the heart-racing that might creep in with a limonene-heavy cultivar.”

 

For Howard, being a woman in Missouri cannabis has meant finding community, learning from others, and occasionally having to prove that warmth and expertise can exist in the same person.

What is it like being a woman in your field?

“Incredible.

“There is a strong community of women in the Missouri cannabis industry. It is something I have heard people commend us on when they come to visit from other states’ markets. We are also very lucky to have We Are Jaine, an organization that has dedicated countless hours to uplifting and connecting women in our field.”

What challenges have you faced that men in the industry may not generally deal with?

“Overall, I have been very blessed by the community here.

“There have been moments when I have felt like I had to earn a spot at the table in conversations that may have come easier for some men in our field. Especially as someone who is naturally bubbly and lighthearted, I have felt like I had to Elle Woods my way into earning respect and being seen as an equal colleague.

“Thankfully, I know who I am at the core of my being. I know the level of expertise and education I bring to the table, and I am willing to put in the work to gain the trust of our partners.

“What, like it’s hard?”

Who is a woman, inside or outside the industry, who has shaped how you lead or work?

“Where do I even begin? My mother shaped my love for continued education and medicine. My grandmother shaped my view of people and how to love well. My older sister has a beautiful entrepreneurial spirit that inspires me every day.

“In the industry, my colleagues, Natalee Fitzgerald and Allison Tippett, are powerful women who encourage me and have taught me what it truly means to be a team. Kimberlee Kesterson has shown me that anything is possible through passion and dedication. Stephanie O’Donnell gives the best, most energetically healing hugs I have ever had in my life and has been someone I can look to for inspiration and love. Tess Cornwell is a supportive friend and colleague and has helped me see my own potential. Adrienne Krantz uplifts me and has connected me with people who have given me countless opportunities. Kassie Ferrero is an undeniable powerhouse in our field who has welcomed me in with open arms and given me the opportunity to continue developing as a professional.

“I have so many brilliant, strong, thoughtful women in my life that I could write a novel on this question alone.”

What advice would you give other women in cannabis?

“Be brave. You deserve to have your voice heard. You have a community here that needs your input, your perspective, and the certain je ne sais quoi you bring to the table. If you are on a path of self-growth and discovery, learn everything you can from those who walked the road before you. There is a place for you here.”

 

Howard’s leadership style is grounded in optimism, but it is not passive. She is motivated by people, growth, and the idea that relationships can become a force for both business and community.

Where do you find inspiration?

“I find most of my inspiration in the people around me. I learn from their stories, insight, and the lessons they have learned along the way. I am inspired by people who are great at their craft. Whether that is in arts, business, sports, or thoughtful storytelling, I love to see others thrive.”

What motivates you?

“I am motivated by my love for the world and the people who inhabit it. I want to see people doing well, going on great adventures, and living their lives true to themselves and what they love.

“I am a friend above anything else. That is my favorite role in life. To sit with someone and offer support, encouragement, and create lasting memories is what guides me every day to continue growing so I can pour that love into the people who have poured into me.

“Also, knowing I will get to explore more of the world through traveling is a great motivator for me.”

What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

“I was recently elected to the board of We Are Jaine. I have been inspired by this organization since I entered the Missouri market, and having the opportunity to grow with them in this next chapter is something I am indescribably grateful for.

“I am incredibly proud to be a part of We Are Jaine and to see how we will continue to uplift and connect the community of women in our industry.”

What is the best professional advice anyone has ever given you?

“Be kind to everyone. You never know who is going to be in a position to help you grow along the way and offer more opportunities down the line.

“Knowing business is an important aspect of our jobs, but understanding and connecting with people is where you really start to see growth.”

What legacy do you hope to leave in cannabis?

“If I could prewrite my future cannabis epitaph, it would read like this: ‘A friend to all and a force of good.’

“I hope the legacy I leave in our industry is that we all belong here. There is space for everyone at the table, and no matter where you came from, you can find a niche that makes sense and fits you.”

Is there anything else you want readers to know about you, your work, or Bud & Mary’s?

“If you ever have questions, need an introduction, or even just a listening ear, I am here. I am dedicated to helping others grow, and I am open to anyone who wants to reach out and connect.”

 

Howard’s story is one of movement: from home to abroad, from Missouri to Europe and beyond, from retail to sales, and from personal experience with the plant to a career built around helping others understand it.

Through Bud & Mary’s, We Are Jaine, and her relationships across cannabis, Howard is helping show that joy can be professional, kindness can be strategic, and sales can still be rooted in care.

For Howard, the work is about products, partnerships, and growth, but it is also about something simpler.

Making people feel seen.