Budtender of the Month: Kris Middleton of Little Leaf
May 21, 2026
The best part of Kris Middleton's day is when a customer comes back.
Not to browse. To report in. To share that the recommendation worked, that it was exactly what they needed. For Kris, a budtender at Little Leaf in Stratford, those moments are the whole point.
Little Leaf is the only independently owned and operated cannabis store in Stratford, and Kris has been part of the cannabis world since the 1970s. She brings that depth of perspective to every conversation on the floor, along with a straightforward belief that every customer deserves real guidance, without judgment.
That's the approach that earned Kris Middleton CannSell's Budtender of the Month recognition for May 2026. We asked her to share what drives it, and what the future of this industry looks like from the floor of a small-town dispensary.
Why are you passionate about your role?
"Having been involved in the cannabis world since the 70’s, I am finally glad that we can have the conversation with our clients to determine what their wants & needs are and offer advice, educate and recommend products that could be helpful for them....without judgment. There’s nothing better then having those clients come back excited to share that our recommendation was helpful and just what they needed!!"
What is your number one tip for your colleagues on how to excel in their roles
"Never hesitate to help and support each other- it always strengthens the team! We are a small dedicated team at Little Leaf, which is the only independently owned & operated Cannabis Store in Stratford. Our owners and staff are amazing; always available for advice and information to assist and guide us."
If you could have any other role in the industry, what would it be and why?
"If I were younger, my feelings would be different as the possibilities in this industry seem endless! At this stage in my life, I am content and more than pleased to work in such a welcoming, positive environment, meeting and helping people deal with life, whatever comes their way!"
Nominate a budtender
Kris has been part of this industry longer than most. The fact that she's still showing up, still learning, and still getting excited when a recommendation lands — that's what great cannabis retail looks like.
Know someone like that? Nominate them for CannSell's Budtender of the Month. Every great budtender has a story worth telling. Explore our training courses to get certified in cannabis retail.
Do you know a budtender who shows up with that kind of knowledge, care, and commitment? Nominate them for CannSell's Budtender of the Month program. We'd love to share their story.