In a city where some of the most well-capitalized cannabis companies on the planet have struggled to keep their doors open, Worcester’s Alex Mazin has created a homegrown cannabis company that has connected with the local community.
Opened in October 2020, Bud’s Goods & Provisions cut through the noise by presenting Worcester cannabis consumers with a uniquely designed storefront and an in-house line of branded products, successfully competing with publicly traded corporations in terms of both store aesthetics and price points. While conventional industry wisdom was consumers preferred large nuggets of cannabis flower, Mazin realized a business opportunity in marketing to shoppers who were more focused on cost than size, launching a line of affordable flower products featuring smaller pieces of cannabis, branded as Lil’ Buds. Led by Mazin’s perseverance and patience, Bud’s Goods has created more than 100 jobs in Massachusetts, growing with additional dispensaries in Abington and Watertown and a product packaging facility in Lakeville, with Mazin keeping his eyes on future expansion. He hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings as the son of Soviet-born immigrant parents, finding time to make donations assisting newcomers to Worcester and volunteering at local food pantries. – E.C.
What superpower would you most like to have? The superpowers of Dr. Charles Xavier from X-Men.
What is the hidden gem of Central Massachusetts? Classics like New England Roast Beef. I always loved going to that place. Still do.
What piece of advice guides you? My priority is to keep the people around me happy and healthy, so everything else is just a bonus.
Your next goal? Become the country’s largest pre-rolled joint producer
