T........s

I went to The Syndicate specifically asking for strictly Indica products because I have severe anxiety and only use Indica to help with sleep, appetite, and pain relief. I made that very clear to the budtender before spending over $100 plus a tip. When I got home and tried the products, I immediately knew something was off. I checked the packaging and every single item I was sold was labeled as a hybrid, not straight Indica. I called the store and explained the situation, and instead of acknowledging the mistake, the manager tried to tell me their hybrids were “basically Indica” because they were made from Indica strains. That is not the same thing, and it’s not what I asked or paid for. To make matters worse, during the conversation, the budtender actually asked me what the difference was between a true Indica and the Indica-hybrid product I had smoked. I explained that it simply was not the same experience or effect for me medically. Instead of trying to understand my concerns, he then asked if I had “any other adjectives” to describe it, which felt dismissive and insulting given that I was already upset and trying to explain why the product was not appropriate for my anxiety and medical needs. What made this even worse was that I checked their online menu and they DID have actual Indica options available. So it felt like I was simply sold whatever they wanted to move instead of what I specifically requested. I was then told over the phone that I could come back for an exchange or refund as long as the unopened products were returned. When I arrived, the story suddenly changed. Because one product had been opened, the manager claimed that product alone supposedly cost almost the entire amount I spent, and that the other items were “discounted,” which was never explained during the purchase. I ended up getting only part of my money back and was left stuck with products I cannot use. The most upsetting part was the treatment. I was spoken to dismissively, treated like I had done something wrong for asking for the products I originally requested, and when I asked for the manager’s name, he refused to provide it and literally waved me away from the store. I became so visibly upset and hysterical outside of the business that another customer approached me and asked if I could grab something for him from inside. I told him I was no longer welcome in the store, and this complete stranger handed me a bouquet of roses and said, “I don’t know what you’re going through, but I hope this makes you feel better.” To that man, thank you so much. Your kindness meant more than you know in that moment, and it truly did help. For medical and anxiety-related consumers, strain type matters. Hybrid is not the same as Indica, and customers should not have to argue to receive what they specifically asked for. I left feeling disrespected, ignored, and taken advantage of as a low-income customer who was simply trying to purchase medicine that works for me.