Meet Our Team
My name is Erica Plumb, I am one of the owners of Preserve Oregon.
My Professional Cannabis Career began in 2016 when we began plans for what we now know as Preserve Oregon Cannabis Boutique.
The pursuit of the perfect location took some community effort. After being beaten out by the corporate
big guys, a couple of times, we knew we needed to press on with the vision. A friend of ours (now part of
our legal team), sent us a lead for a space located on Miller and Commercial St. in South Salem. Those of
you familiar with the history of the area may remember this location as the Paperback Exchange.
Originally opened in 1956, they closed permanently in 2011.
This historic space was built in 1901. It was vacant for years before we took hold, to not only Preserve a
piece of Oregon but to bring the foundational message along, Preserve, the Good Stuff! Fast forward to
2017 when we met the owner to discuss the terms and conditions, with a handshake and verbal
commitment we were in business! We will forever be grateful to the owner for taking a chance on us.
Within a year, we had created a home for Preserve Oregon. The building needed a lot of work,
being built in 1901 she had her own set of challenges, but we knew the history, we could see the charm,
and feel the warmth.
We officially opened our doors in Nov. 2018. Although we originally sought out locations in Oregon City
and Silverton for our initial shop, I am pleased we landed in Salem, OR. I was born and raised in
South Salem. I graduated from South Salem High in 2001. From there, I moved to Corvallis to pursue my
Psychology degree. After working in that field, I decided to change directions and graduated with a
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oregon State University, as well as a degree in Business
Administration from Western State University. My parents are local business owners and a passion for
community and growth has always been a part of me. We could tell from the existing shops in town that
the bar had yet to be set. We were here to fix this! Salem was a great fit for our mission. Our mission to the customer:
Fun facts about me:
-I have a huge crush on my children’s father, Shane. He owns and operates Indo Supply Co, a Cannabis
Production company here in Oregon. They produce flowers for the open market. We have been
together for over 10 years and our love only gets better. We have two daughters that light up our world.
-I love nature and the idea behind Preserving it.
– I have two kitty cats, Romeo and Jules. Romeo is a very social Bengal and Jules is the sweetest rescue kitty around.
– In addition to Preserve Oregon, I am an active Real Estate Broker here in the Willamette Valley. I work
to bring buyers and sellers together to achieve their goals. This is year 9 being licensed in Oregon.
-Huge Foodie! Love to try new places and recipes. Always searching for great ingredients and inspiration
in the kitchen. Tacos, I see you, Yes you have my heart.
– Fave sport to play is Basketball.
I love to travel!! The farthest place I’ve been. Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Through this career in the cannabis industry, 5 years in, I feel so fortunate to work with the most
supportive partners, amazing vendors, a truly committed team, loyal customers, and a supportive
community. I have met countless individuals and heard so many stories of success, relief, hope, and
good fortune, that it fills our store and our hearts with a warmth you can feel from the moment you
walk in. I am forever thankful that we can connect with our customers and community daily and take
part in their stories. We enjoy what we do, and it is a huge blessing life has presented. Thank you to each
person who has supported us, drove the extra mile, and skipped past the corporate shops to choose us
as your safe space. We wouldn’t be here without you.
_______________________
Are you from Oregon?
Oregon Born and Raised.
Why Do You Love Cannabis?
I’ve always told people that weed is like my coffee. It keeps me motivated and soothes my soul.
First time using Cannabis?
My first experience trying cannabis was in 1997, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Nothing glamorous, we smoked out of a Pepsi can that had been fashioned into a pipe. We were at a playground in a covered area, and a little paranoid about heading back home!
Favorite activity while high?
I love to be outdoors and soak up nature all around. I also like to clean or get things done.
Favorite Munchies?
Fruits
What do you recommend for beginners?
For those new to cannabis, I’d recommend a low-dose edible, starting low and slow, or a low-THC flower, in a water piece.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon what should people know?
We will do our best to provide a welcoming, friendly, atmosphere, where you can feel comfortable calling upon us to answer questions or guide you to new products. You will find Oregon’s finest vendors on our shelves. We are locally owned and operated and are not supported by any outside funds.
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
For those folks within our community that are new to cannabis or perhaps have had poor experiences in the past, I urge you to visit our store, and ask questions. The benefits that can be found within this plant are remarkable. Although many stigmas come alongside cannabis, you will find the community knowledgeable, fun, and motivated.
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Lived in Oregon since ’84
Why Do You Love Cannabis?
I love weed because it helps me relax when I need to, it also gives me a boost of energy when I need that. Helps relieve my anxiety and sciatic nerve pain. Most importantly I notice I laugh more.
Favorite activity while high?
Clean, hike, walk, and being active
Favorite Munchies?
Anything sweet, I have a sweet tooth.
What do you recommend for beginners?
I would recommend an indica cartridge. I find them to have a different high than consuming dabs, smoking flower, or edibles. A less intense high. I also feel a Sativa might make someone racy or panicky.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon what should people know?
I would like people to know our team is very special. Everyone on our team is very knowledgeable about the products on our shelves and the ones that are not. If they don’t know the answers they go out of their way to find it. One of the reasons Preserve is what it is is because of them.
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
Something that is misunderstood about the industry by folks outside of the industry is that owners are very profitable. Due to being not federally legalized at this time, we cannot write anything off. The taxes we pay to the state and federal governments are extremely shocking. Not to mention when someone hears cannabis they charge an arm and leg for services, supplies, etc. Again that can not be written off on your returns. Lots of things will change with the federal legalization of cannabis, this just being one example.
Our Team
Why do you love Cannabis?
I love cannabis because of what it’s done for me. Being from Wisconsin, everyone drinks. Cannabis gave me a healthier and safer way to still be social and let go every now and again. At first, it was just about getting high but now I consume daily for different reasons. Mostly to enjoy food more and stimulate appetite. I use it for social occasions instead of drinking. I use it for anger management and stress relief after a long day. I am always amazed at how this one plant can do so much. Whatever you’re looking to solve, there is a strain for that.
Top 3 favorite musicians/bands?
Oh, this is hard… I have to go with who I’m listening to now. #3 : Stove God #2 : Jazzinuf #1 : America.
First time trying cannabis?
My first time trying to smoke was out of an apple, in someone’s crawl space. Not a basement, a literal crawl space below their house. We all army crawled to a spot where we could sit up and pass the apple. I didn’t get high at all and I was so paranoid my parents would smell me. I changed clothes and drenched myself in Axe body spray… what a time.
What is your favorite activity to do high?
Play disc golf. All day. Everyday.
Favorite stoner food?
Sweet Tart Chewie Ropes.
What products do you recommend to beginners?
Tinctures. For 2 reasons. #1 no smoking. Yes, smoking weed is traditional. But it is still smoke at the end of the day. Smoking less, and still getting your desired effects is KEY for beginners. #2 potency and control of dosing. You can easily measure out a microdose, small dose, big dose, or heroic-sized one! With tinctures, the control is in your hands.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
We are a family-driven dispensary. We all either have fur babies, our kids, or even grandkids. This plant not only helps people but, also puts food on the table for those closest to us. Our owners are Oregonians and this all STAYS in Oregon. Support your neighbor, while buying your weed. 🙂
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
That this is easy. Is it fun? Yes, but is it easy? No. Interacting with thousands of people each month, hundreds of vendor visits, and staying compliant with multiple packages and inventory coming in and out. That’s not even bringing into account the money and tax handling side of things… Most people don’t know but we have a group, whose only job is dedicated to making sure we are compliant and inventory is 100% accurate. We do things the right way, not the easy way. It just happens to be fun too.
Are you from Oregon?
Yes
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
4+ yrs
Why do you love weed?
Cannabis can have so many different smells, looks & effects. It can be so beneficial and can also be a great tool to connect with yourself, others & nature.
List your own Top 3 favorite musicians.
Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Mac Dre.
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
I went on a camping trip with my friends & their family. We made a pipe out of a pop can and smoked after they left the campsite. I took maybe 4 hits and abruptly stood up and walked away from where we were partaking. We then ate some snacks and practiced acting not high in case their family returned. We had tears down our faces from laughing so hard. Eventually we decided to just go off into nature and enjoy the high.
What is your favorite activity to do high?
Be outside in nature
What is your favorite Stoner Food when you have the munchies?
I love cold cantaloupe
What products do you recommend to beginners?
I would start with a little variety of joints. I feel like Flower is the easiest to dose cause you can stop smoking when you start to feel it. Or low-dose edibles.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
We love to answer questions! Put our knowledge to the test. We are happy to share all the cannabis info that we know.
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
It’s not always about getting high. So many people consume or use cannabis to help with one thing or another. Whether it’s to help with sleep, depression, pain, anxiety, PTSD, etc. It is a useful plant.
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Born and raised in Oregon!
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
2-4 years
Why do you love weed?
I love cannabis because of the amazing mental/body health benefits it’s able to create, from pain relief on the body to stress and anxiety relief on the mental side it’s truly a miracle plant, not to mention the amazing cancer-fighting properties it has as well! Just all around an amazing flower!
List your own Top 3 favorite musicians.
Drake, Logic, J. Cole
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
My first time started by hitting a classic gravity bong! I remember being incredibly giggly, happy, euphoric, and just overall positive feelings! Was with friends and was an amazing way to get started!
What is your favorite activity to do high?
I love watching movies or playing games while stoned! It always adds an awesome psychedelic factor to the movies/games! Always makes things more interesting and fun!
What products do you recommend to beginners?
I always love Flower for beginners since you can take less and still feel good effects and easier to gage plus doesn’t last as long as an edible high in case the person doesn’t like the high they get at first.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
I think it’s good for customers to know that our entire store actively uses cannabis including our owners and that we do not carry products that we wouldn’t feel comfortable using ourselves (quality-wise). In this industry, you will find many dispensaries with owners and budtenders who don’t actively consume which means their knowledge of cannabis usually isn’t great and means they are also more willing to carry any cheap product sold to them and I think it’s what makes a big difference at the end of the day between a quality dispensary and a not so quality dispensary.
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
I think people outside the industry truly don’t understand the amount of rules and regulations that go into us being able to sell marijuana to the public legally and the hoops dispensaries are forced to jump through to be able to operate. I think a lot of folks assume it’s just like the alcohol industry and in some ways it is but in many more ways it’s not and is much more complex and I think people get that confused or misunderstood often.
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Born and raised in Salem Oregon!
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
2-4 years
Why do you love weed?
I feel like for me, weed always sparks inspiration and free thinking. It allows me to not dwell on the negatives, whether it be intrusive thoughts, mistakes ive made, or unfortunate events that happen out of our control. The social aspect of weed is also a huge reason why i love it. Sharing your favorite strain with the people you love is always an amazing time full of memories!
List your own Top 3 favorite musicians.
“Young thug, Montana of 300, Lil Wayne.
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
I remember smoking behind a grocery store with my friends for the very first time. I was very excited, kinda nervous. After about 10 minutes or so I was so high my friend and I raced down a giant hill laughing.
What is your favorite activity to do high?
I would say either video games or watching TV shows. And… maybe eating too? Lol
What is your favorite Stoner Food when you have the munchies?
Some warm-ass peaches and chips are always a good choice. And if there are sour gummies in the room they will be eaten indefinitely.
What products do you recommend to beginners?
I feel like dab pens are a great introduction to smoking and also to learning what terpenes work best for your body.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
We as budtenders love the exchange of words and good conversation. Its much easier if we get a good understanding of who’s coming into the store to truly make the best suggestion possible.
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
I believe there’s a stigma of “stoners” or cannabis users being lazy and unproductive. It all comes down to life patterns and what kind of way you want to live! I am surrounded by tons of ambitious and hardworking.
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Born in CA, and moved here when I was 5 with my mom and dad.
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
2-4 years
Why do you love weed?
Cannabis is like a warm hug for your body and mind.
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
I went on a late-night adventure with three friends to get a dub sack by foot – that was over a mile away. We smoked the entire bag using a bong on my best friend’s roof.
What is your favorite activity to do high?
I mostly partake to help with social anxiety, so, basically everything.
What products do you recommend to beginners?
Start with flower – it doesn’t matter what flower or if it’s a Sativa/Hybrid/Indica just start slow from a pipe or joint and work your way up from there.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
We are here to help you! Don’t feel like you need to know exactly what you want before you come to the counter. We are always happy to help you shop the store and answer any questions you have about cannabis, products, and the industry.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
In Oregon we don’t come across a lot of bias against cannabis use anymore, thankfully. I think our next step is limiting the scope of employer’s rights to drug testing for THC.
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Ventura, California
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
1-2 years
Why do you love weed?
I love weed because it helps me appreciate the little things in life, puts me in a right frame of mind, and also alleviates some stress.
List your own Top 3 favorite musicians.
Queen Herby
Watsky
Modest Mouse
What is your favorite activity to do high?
Going on hikes, and being in my garden.
What is your favorite Stoner Food when you have the munchies?
Freshly popped popcorn mixed with Hot Cheetos or French fries with a milkshake.
What products do you recommend to beginners?
“Anything that has more CBD than THC ratio. Wyld strawberry 20:1, Retreats 33:1
For flower I’d recommend a MAC, and/or Runtz.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
We aren’t like any other dispensary!
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
I think the stigma of stoners is still there. Stoners aren’t good people, It’s laziness galore, people who smoke marijuana every day can’t hold down a job and it’s not a career. And the list goes goes on.
First time trying Marijuana.
It was Valentine’s Day of 2009! There was a green dry pipe and a gravity bong we made with a gallon water jug in my friend’s kitchen sink. I didn’t get stoned and I threw up from coughing so much LOL
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Oregon
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
4+ yrs
Why do you love weed?
I like marijuana because it helps me see the world in a different light…literally, everything looks better in green!
List your own Top 3 favorite musicians.
Kid Cudi
Britney Spears
2Pac
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
From what I remember I was just a wee one (early teens) my friend and I stole some of my older brother’s stash. We got the terrible idea from somewhere to make a pipe out of a toilet paper roll and foil paper. All I remember is that I had the time of my life thus far followed by being super paranoid about my mom smelling it and getting caught up. Luckily we never experienced her wrath.
What is your favorite activity to do high?
Anything outdoors!
What is your favorite Stoner Food when you have the munchies?
Cereal and Ice Cream
What products do you recommend to beginners?
I think low-testing joints are great for beginners, you can put it out and relight as you please. All you need is a lighter!
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
We are all a nice friendly and knowledgeable group of people who are excited to help in any way! We have a wide range of products from really affordable up to high end.
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
We’re lazy stoners! Stoners yes, lazy no
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Born and raised here in Salem!
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
1-2 years
Why do you love weed?
Cannabis brings out the best version of me. As someone who deals with a lot of anxiety, cannabis helps calm and ease those feelings. It’s not only medicinal, it brings people together! Cannabis has brought me closer to some of my best friends and forged new relationships that will last a lifetime. I’ll be forever grateful for this plant 🙂
List your own Top 3 favorite musicians.
Don Toliver, Luke Combs, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
I was 18, ended up taking a dab, my friends picked me up and drove out to a field and told me how to use a bong! All I remember was coughing for 5-10 minutes, then the high set in. At that point I was cloud 15, no coming down. We went to DQ to grab blizzards, sat laughed and talked about high school then, I had to go back to my parents. To my knowledge they never picked up on it, but I thought I was gonna get caught at the time. Then the rest is history.
What is your favorite activity to do high?
Play video games or hiking.
What is your favorite Stoner Food when you have the munchies?
Either those gummy nerd clusters or In n’ Out
What products do you recommend to beginners?
One of our house pre-rolls or edibles! A small joint is always good for trial & error. If smoking isn’t your thing, edibles are a great way to get that desired effect.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
The care and dedication this team has is amazing. I’ve never worked with such a strong group of individuals, and I know that we all have the same collective goal. Cannabis should be shared with the world, I believe we do a good job of that!
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
That it’s just a bunch of stoners that get nothing done. Truthfully, a great majority of the people I see use cannabis are using it with the intent of improving or adding to their daily lifestyle healthily. But it’s also much better for you than alcohol!
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Florida boy but, Oregon has been my home since 2007.
Why do you love weed?
For myself I love Mary-Jane because cannabis has been a crucial part of my growth and healing, it has helped me mitigate physical and mental pain without harmful chemicals, and it has been a catalyst for friendship at places where I knew no one or with close friends. The reason I love it for the rest of the world is it has helped so many people in so many ways. Most of all it has helped millions overcome opioid addiction and I believe it will be used for many more medicinal purposes as the research gains further support. Having grown up with pro-legalization parents, and a victim of the drug war myself, I am grateful to see the beginning of the end of this unjust age of prohibition.
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
The first time I tried weed was at a Diggable Plants concert in the mid-90s. Two girls in the crowd were passing a joint in front of me. I tapped one on the shoulder and motioned to ask for a hit. I only took one hit and handed it back but, I couldn’t stop smiling the entire night but, I wasn’t that stoned. The first time I got properly stoned was the next time I tried it. I was with a group of friends in a friend’s cargo van with no seats. We parked behind a billboard by the interstate. It was dark in that van. My friend Amy handed me a 2′ Graphix plastic bong. I took one hit, coughed for 15 minutes, and went silent. My entire body was tingling like every cell in my body was being infused with THC. 20 minutes later I had forgotten I was in a van with friends. My friend Amy asked if I felt weird, I said “I felt weird…..before.” and Amy and everyone else laughed. Amy had a witch’s cackle and I thought there was a witch in the van. Ever since I have found it fits me like a glove.
What is your favorite activity to do high?
Walking and exploring the forests and creeks with my dog Charlie. I get very in tune with nature and the sounds and colors become more vivid.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
The biggest thing about Preserve is they truly care about their staff and their product. When I worked there I felt like I was a part of a family. Even still when I walk in they know me personally and I feel very welcome and appreciated. I notice that almost everyone who walks in feels the same way. Preserve is more than a dispensary, they’re a part of the community.
Devin the Designer has been developing Preserve’s website since he first began his web design and graphic design business in 2019. Preserve has been a loyal client ever since. Devin has added content, written blogs, and vendor entries, made edits, and maintained the website since he built it. Devin’s design business has evolved and is now called Flying Squid Design. He works within the cannabis industry and other small business ventures. His dedication to going above and beyond is fueled by his passion for helping small business owners realize their dreams. His favorite part is the business relationships developed from working with his clients and knowing they are thrilled with his work.
You can take a look at his portfolio at FlyingSquidDesign.com
Are you from Oregon or somewhere else?
Oregon- Eastern Oregon (Hermiston)
How long have you worked in Cannabis?
4 years +
Why do you love weed?
It’s a great stress reliever and pain management tool and it’s constantly teaching me about new experiences and life. As well as teaching me about others around me.
List your own Top 3 favorite musicians.
Drake
Suicide Boys
Kings of Leon
Tell the story of you trying cannabis for the very first time.
I admit I didn’t try Cannabis until I was 21. I was playing college soccer at a school in Vancouver WA and I had come from a very small town where cannabis was frowned upon. As athletes trying to become D1 or get any type of scholarship we were told if we tried it cannabis would just ruin our chances of success. Shortly after joining my new squad, I was doing yard work as a side job for some extra money. My friend/teammate and I took a break and she took out a small pipe and loaded up a nice bowl. She took a fat rip, exhaled, looked at me, and smiled. She asked me if I ever smoked and If I’d like to try. I hesitated a bit and took the pipe and said To myself why not? For the next 2 hrs straight we pulled those weeds like our life depended on it. I was so in the zone I didn’t even realize I was like that because I was “stoned”. The next day we smoked before we had to do our timed 2-mile run for soccer that we had to do every Monday. Let’s just say I ran my best and got my best mile time yet. Since then I’ve incorporated and learned cannabis can be a great tool for athletes while training and for recovery. It’s been an awesome journey so far!
What is your favorite activity to do high?
Anything active or outdoors/ socially smoking with friends.
What is your favorite Stoner Food when you have the munchies?
Chips: Cheetoes, Full meal: my homemade enchiladas verdes.
What products do you recommend to beginners?
Drops gummy with the 20-piece servings is perfect for starting slow. If you wanna smoke I’d recommend a nice hybrid that’s smooth and mellow.
Before coming to Preserve Oregon, what should customers know about us?
There is no stupid question! Don’t be afraid to ask what you want to know or if you don’t understand. We have a product for everyone and anyone!
In your own opinion, what is something misunderstood about cannabis or the cannabis industry?
Cannabis has many faces. And that most people are seeking some type of relief whether it be for Pain, stress, anxiety, depression the list can go on. We’ve come along way from calling it a “drug”.
