Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Jobs | pharmacy jobs and more

As the cannabis industry has matured, there has been an explosion in all sectors of the job market. Not only have we seen a massive increase in the number of cannabis jobs available, but also the types of jobs available. Ten or fifteen years ago, most jobs in the cannabis industry were dispensary jobs, which required a certain level of courage due to the murky legality of the Nubile market. Early budtenders, for example, often found themselves on the front lines of robberies and federal raids armed with little more than a baseball bat and a bolt.

Boy are things changing.

The cannabis industry now supports nearly 500,000 jobs and generated $25 billion in revenue in 2021. Because cannabis is a particularly diverse industry, there are many job opportunities. Between the cultivation side, business side, sales and consumer-facing positions, a new wave of unique jobs has become available, with positions to suit all skill levels.

The changing cannabis market

“I think the biggest change we’ve seen in the cannabis job market is just the maturing of different roles,” said Kelsea Appelbaum of Vangst, a cannabis industry recruitment platform. “Five years ago when I came into the industry, a lot of the jobs were really straightforward and lacked a lot of depth.”

Applebaum continued, “What I mean by that is that people haven’t understood the intricacies of cannabis. They felt that a truly generic approach to recruitment was important. For example, a cultivator was just a cultivator. Businesses didn’t appreciate the skill, subtlety, and passion that actually goes into being a strong cultivator. Now I think companies actually know what they’re looking for.”

As with any burgeoning industry, the benefits of cannabis jobs are offset by equally unique downsides. The market is volatile. Things are always changing, and the lack of federal legality still poses a number of challenges, particularly when it comes to banking, which can be frustrating for those new to the industry.

When asked about her advice for aspiring cannabis workers, Applebaum said that thick skin is a must. “If you’re frustrated by hearing no, you probably shouldn’t be in this industry. It’s really important to build resilience early in the job hunt.”

“There are a lot of misconceptions about what cannabis is and what exactly people do with cannabis. Oftentimes, people looking for work in the cannabis space spend months or even years looking for a job because the perfect job may not even exist.”

She concluded: “The best advice I have is to keep a positive attitude and be supportive of your community. I think the best jobs do indeed come from natural opportunities, and the best way to get involved with cannabis is by supporting various advocacy groups at the local level. This could lead to a fantastic career start.”

Here are some cannabis jobs to consider if you want to break into the industry.

Entry-level positions in the cannabis industry

If you want to get your foot in the door, consider these positions.

Grower

Grow technicians—commonly known as “trimmers”—are responsible for efficiently hand-trimming buds while ensuring high-quality cannabis leaves the grow facility. This is usually an hourly position, but an important one, as hand-cut flowers far outweigh flowers processed with a mechanical clipper.

Having good skills: Attention to detail, consistency, ability to stay focused for hours

quality manager

The role of quality manager is to ensure quality at every step of production. As a quality manager, you may oversee product and environmental testing, internal product releases, product recalls, product returns, and product labeling in accordance with government regulations, and be the liaison for internal brand procedures and processes.

Having good skills: Attention to detail, organization, flexibility, basic math skills

Specialist in edibles

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

The edibles specialist oversees the kitchen and maintains high standards for product development, formulation, dosage, finished product and cleanliness. Some roles may include leading a production team.

Having good skills: Time management, organization, consistency, cleanliness

sales representative

A sales representative focuses on selling a company’s range of products or services. They often have a consumer-facing position, also activating stands in pharmacies and running demos.

Having good skills: Communication, perseverance, storytelling, active listening

packager

Packers are primarily hourly positions responsible for the accurate packaging of cannabis into pre-weighed containers and pre-rolled joints.

Having good skills: Attention to detail, consistency, focus

delivery driver

A delivery driver delivers cannabis products directly to consumers from a licensed retailer or dispensary. While delivery drivers are often hourly workers, they usually have the option of tipping.

Having good skills: safe driving (of course), customer service, navigation, time management

Higher-level roles in cannabis

Do you already have initial experience in the industry or have you worked in comparable positions in senior positions? Consider these options in your job search.

Vice President of Retail Operations

In his senior position in retail, the VP of Retail Operations is responsible for leading retail store teams and ensuring each store is equipped with the right infrastructure, policies and standard operating procedures to provide an optimal customer experience.

Having good skills: written and verbal communication, leadership, personnel management

extension ladder

The cultivation manager oversees the operation of all cultivation facilities, directs cultivation teams and establishes standard operating procedures to achieve production goals.

Having good skills: Flexibility, project management, people management, technical knowledge of cultivation systems and regulations

Sales manager

In his senior position in sales, the sales director develops a company’s sales strategy across all operating zones – state by state, regional or national.

Having good skills: Teaching ability, motivational speaking, leadership, strategic thinking

laboratory manager

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for all post-harvest processes, such as performing chemical analyzes for harvest time, processing, and establishing operating procedures for extraction.

Having good skills: Collaboration, problem solving, deep understanding of security protocols and regulations, prioritization