Emerging Careers in the Cannabis Industry

Most people felt that working with marijuana meant a dark side career or a hidden grow operation until the last decade or two, but how times have changed. Cannabis is now the fastest-growing business in the United States, with thousands of new employment created each year.

Do you have any experience with Mary Jane? It's no problem. As established enterprises expand and startups flourish, they will require individuals with the same skillsets as other businesses, ranging from lawyers to web developers to delivery truck drivers. Because the industry is still young, cannabis-specific knowledge isn't always required, and many abilities can be transferred from other fields.

Let's take a peek at some of the cannabis industry's jobs.

Cannabis Consultant

Consultants are usually paid very well, and the cannabis industry is no different. Cannabis is still a legal minefield in many states, and manufacturers need guidance with things like regulations and compliance.

A graduate certificate in cannabis control is an excellent alternative if you want to work as a consultant. You'll be well-versed on the complexity of the cannabis sector, as well as the most recent legislative changes and their implications. This might be an excellent qualification for someone who already has experience in the industry or for professionals such as lawyers who wish to broaden their horizons and cater to this developing market.

Dispensary CFO or COO

As a dispensary CFO or COO, your responsibilities will be to manage cultivation facility operations, manage the dispensary’s accounting department, and supervise financial reporting. You will also be asked to oversee harvesting, processing, and distribution, and improving efficiency by analyzing operations. In addition, you’ll also need to be able to develop and monitor budgets.

Cannabis Extraction Technician

Cannabis extraction technicians are responsible for overseeing the cannabis extraction process. They might be asked to separate different cannabinoids using various methods such as supercritical CO2 extraction or solvents like butane. These technicians can stand to make between $75,000 to $125,000 per year, and play a central role in the industry, so we can only expect the demand to grow.

Botanical Specialist

Cannabis growth ops are extremely sophisticated and have to meet stringent rules as well. Good botanical specialists are paid top dollar to take care of growing tasks and managing warehouses. In addition to looking over the planting, feeding, trimming, and harvesting of plants, they also have to look after supplies and train supervisors. Botanical specialists can earn over $100,000 per year.

Budtender/dispensary tech/dispensary agent

Working as a budtender in a dispensary is an excellent way to get a foot in the door of this fast-paced business. Because it's an entry-level employment, even people who are new to the cannabis industry may be hired if they're a good fit.

You'll be in direct contact with dispensary consumers as a budtender, chatting with them while they shop. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, and you must be prepared to constantly provide excellent customer service. One of the most rewarding aspects of working as a budtender is the sense of accomplishment you'll get when you help consumers discover how to get the most out of cannabis.

 Dispensary manager

As the manager of a dispensary, you'll be the "face" of the company. Customers, vendors, law enforcement, and inspectors will all be part of your daily interactions, and it will be your responsibility to ensure that the dispensary's day-to-day operations are compliant with state rules. Working as a dispensary manager is a great way to obtain management experience while also earning more money and perks.

Sales and marketing

As one of the highest-paying roles in the industry, sales, and marketing positions are in high demand. Depending on where you’re located, and your state’s cannabis laws, a job in cannabis sales and marketing could involve B2B sales, either inter- or intra-state. For many prospective candidates, the ability to do this job remotely is a major draw.

Marijuana edibles chef

If working as a cannabis chef isn’t a dream job, we don’t know what is! Talented chefs or bakers with an understanding of the nature (and legalities) of cannabis can spend their days dreaming up cannabis-infused creations for brands, events, and private clients alike. This is one of the most creatively-oriented marijuana jobs out there and definitely one worth pursuing if you have a love for the culinary arts.

Cannabis business is booming, but it’s picky. People who start now are likely to enjoy a rapid rise through the ranks as the industry grows, and experience in it is at a premium. Getting a good cannabis career now could mean setting yourself up for a great career helping people for decades to come.