Women to Watch: Katie Pittman

Katie Pittman started her career in cannabis as a budtender at the end of 2021. She knew cannabis was something she cared deeply about and that it would eventually become a massive industry in Missouri. Katie is currently the Assistant Manager of Hippos Dispensary in Springfield, MO. Hippos is a part of a vertically integrated license with cultivation, manufacturing, and 3 retail facilities in Chesterfield, Colombia, and Springfield.

For Pittman, the move to the cannabis industry was a welcome change of pace, allowing her to embrace her passion.

“In my previous jobs I was really private about my cannabis use. I was afraid of being looked down upon or labeled a ‘pothead’. The cannabis community is so open-minded and accepting of all kinds of different people with different reasons for choosing cannabis. I love how the stigma associated with cannabis is finally becoming a thing of the past.”

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment?

In less than a year I worked my way up from being a budtender, to lead budtender to helping manage the best dispensary in Springfield, and I’m really proud of that.

What’s one thing you want first-time customers to know about cannabis when they leave Hippos?

How to consume safely, With all the different products that are out there on the market, we want to make sure that they leave happy, satisfied, and well-educated about the products they are taking home.

The legalization of marijuana for adult use for Hippos and herself means growth and opportunity. The passing of adult use has allowed Hippos to open their doors to the whole state of Missouri while offering safe and tested cannabis products. We can also add many more to the team, giving job opportunities to locals in the area.

What is it like being a woman in your field?

I work alongside wonderful women that are smart, professional, and have incredible work ethics. I don’t feel like cannabis is a male-dominated industry. However, because cannabis is still so new, we have a wonderful opportunity to create a fair and balanced workplace.