The cannabis industry is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. While it may have had a bit of a rocky start and be surrounded by some controversy, there’s no denying that this sector could offer an incredibly vast array of opportunities and job roles for people looking to make their mark.
If you’re interested in getting started with an exciting career in cannabis, then you’ve come to the right place! With so many new roles opening up within this exciting field, now is an ideal time to explore how to position yourself for success in the world of marijuana-related businesses. Keep reading if you’re ready to land your dream job and break into the canna business!
Jobs Available in the Cannabis Industry
There are lots of different kinds of jobs available within the cannabis industry, so there’s something for everyone! Some popular job roles include:
- Cultivators: Growers and cultivators help to produce high-quality cannabis strains.
- Dispensary Workers: Dispensaries provide customers (end users) with cannabis products, making them an essential part of the industry. Dispensary workers can find themselves in customer service roles such as cashiers, budtenders, and store managers.
- Extraction Technicians: These professionals are responsible for extracting cannabinoids from marijuana plants to create a variety of products, including oils or tinctures.
- Lab Technicians & Analysts: Lab technicians test samples of cannabis products to ensure they meet quality regulations as well as government (state) compliance regulations.
- Product Developers: Product developers create and design cannabis products with specific effects or uses in mind.
- Transportation & Distribution: These professionals are responsible for safely transporting cannabis products from the cultivator to dispensaries and other businesses.
- Marketers & Salespeople: Marketing and sales professionals are key components of any successful business, and the cannabis industry is no exception. They help to promote and sell marijuana products, as well as build relationships with customers.
What Do Jobs in the Cannabis Industry Typically Pay?
Salaries in the cannabis industry can vary greatly depending on the role and experience of the individual. Generally, budtenders, dispensary workers, and cultivators may earn an hourly wage ranging from $14-$25 per hour. At the same time, laboratory technicians and product developers can expect to make up to $50,000 or more per year.
Transportation & distribution professionals typically earn a salary of around $30-40,000 annually. For higher-level positions such as marketing directors or CEOs, salaries can range into six figures.
What Qualifications Do I Need?
While specific job roles may require different levels of qualification, there are some general requirements that most employers look for when hiring in the industry. Many positions will require you to have an understanding of cannabis laws, regulations, and safety procedures.
Additionally, those looking to work with customers should have strong customer service skills as well as knowledge of various types of marijuana strains and their effects. Lastly, depending on your desired role, you may be required to complete a criminal background check or take classes in horticulture or chemistry.
The Best Way to Apply for Jobs in the Cannabis Industry
The best way to apply for a job in the cannabis industry is by:
- Start by researching the cannabis industry and the companies within it. This will give you an idea as to which roles they may be looking to fill and if those roles match your skillset and experience.
- Network with people in the industry to develop relationships and make yourself known as a credible professional – this can be done through attending events, joining local cannabis organizations, or using online communities such as LinkedIn.
- Apply directly to any open positions that interest you on company websites, job boards, or recruitment sites.
- Follow up with a phone call or email to show your enthusiasm and reiterate why you’re the best candidate.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to potential employers – even if they don’t have an open position, they may remember you when one does come up.
- Consider volunteering in the industry to gain experience and make connections.
- When interviewing, focus on your unique skills and qualifications. Make sure to show that you are passionate about the cannabis industry and have a strong knowledge of relevant regulations.
- Create a detailed resume showing off all relevant work experience, qualifications, and certifications that demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
- Be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position for maximum impact.
The Best Way to Word a Resume for the Cannabis
Because the industry is relatively new in many states and cannabis is prohibited at the federal level, looking for employment is like nothing any job seeker has ever experienced. The industry brings a host of important distinctions people seeking employment should be aware of. Searching for a job in the industry is not as easy as simply searching “cannabis jobs” on the internet.
First, cannabis businesses will not usually use the words cannabis, marijuana, pot or weed in their job posting descriptions. Carefully worded keyword search phrases are critical. In a grow operation, you will want to use industry-specific phrases such as “hydroponic systems,” “greenhouse operations” and “flowering schedules.” For positions processing cannabis, phrases like “clean room protocols,” “potency testing” and “extraction” are best used. People looking for budtender and or dispensary positions should use terms such as “retail operations,” “strain-specific knowledge” and “pipes and rigs.”
If you think you are lacking experience, so is the industry and you don’t have to have a cannabis tech background but rather skills that translate. If you have black market experience, you have what you can refer to as “legacy” experience. Many Cannabis companies will want to know how much you know about cannabis, so list it under “hobbies” instead of “job experience.”
Land Your Dream Job in the Cannabis Industry!
Working in the cannabis industry can be as rewarding as it is challenging. With more states legalizing cannabis, there’s an ever-growing demand for knowledgeable professionals to help chart a path to success. Knowing where to look for job opportunities, understanding the skill sets needed, and staying abreast of regulations in the industry can help lay the groundwork for a successful career working in this interesting business.
Please do not contact MaxQ Technologies for employments opportunities, however you can contact us if you are interested in our Seed to Sale ERP software for the Cannabis industry.
