Budtender Job Explained: What is a Budtender?

I started to smoke weed when I was 15 and I always wanted to do something related to the cannabis industry, this is why becoming a budtender seemed like the perfect fit for me. Talking about cannabis, and helping them to find the right products, is supposed to be my dream job: to be a budtender.

I was a little bit confident that my customer service skills, attention to detail, and especially passion for cannabis make me a strong candidate for this role. I was excited to join the industry and be a part of the growing movement to legalize and normalize the use of cannabis. This is why I collected all my experience that someone can need to become a budtender.

What Budtenders Do

Basically, the budtender’s role is to assist the customers at dispensaries. They are specialized to give advice on cannabis strains, consumption methods, and retail purchases. I mostly concentrate on that my customers have a safe and enjoyable cannabis experience, as I do. I always do consider what dosage levels are “responsible.”

Starting out in an entry-level position, I eventually rose to the position of head of dispensary operations. Over the years, I gained extensive knowledge and experience in the industry through my experimentation with various cannabis products and methods of consumption. I attribute my success to my keen interest in industry trends and my proactive participation in trade shows, networking events, and cannabis product seminars. It is also essential to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in cannabis laws in order to maintain legal compliance in this rapidly evolving industry.

How to Become a Budtender?

First of all, you must be at least 21 years old. Even if it is related to cannabis, it is very important to have a criminal record. I only had a high school diploma and no one asked for more. I searched for the courses and chose THC University. Because this program offered me the chance to learn more about cannabis. After I got my certification, they helped me to find employment opportunities. I found my job myself but my other friends were able to take part in a job fair at the end of our training period.

In addition to my practical experience in the industry, I also invested in my education by completing some of GreenCulturED’s online cannabis certifications and courses. These courses allowed me to expand my knowledge in a variety of areas, including strain identification by sight and smell, and the creation of edible recipes. I found that these certifications were extremely valuable assets on my CV and during job interviews, as they demonstrated my dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest industry best practices. Overall, I believe that these courses were a valuable investment in my professional development and helped set me apart in the competitive cannabis job market.

After I passed the interview and we made the contract with the dispensary, then I had to complete a basic cannabis training program before I start working. And i was completely ready to start my career as a budtender!

After successfully passing the interview and securing a contract with the dispensary, I was required to complete a basic cannabis training program before starting my new role as a budtender. I still remember that day. I was completely ready but so excited.

Budtender’s Salary

I was living in California, where cannabis is known a little bit more expensive than average. My salary at that time was around $40K/year. But in general, the salary of a budtender varies depending on where you live, what type of dispensary you are working in, and also the size of the dispensary. Now, as someone who is hiring budtenders, I can definitely assure you that the most important factors are the budtender’s level of experience and education.

Where can I find Cannabis Industry Jobs?

  • You can check job posting websites such as Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn. These websites often have listings for positions including budtender roles. It is a good idea to regularly check these websites and set up alerts for new job postings that match your desired criteria.
  • You can also search for budtender jobs on the websites of cannabis companies and dispensaries in your area.
  • Networking with professionals in the industry can also be a helpful way to learn about job openings and opportunities.

Effective Budtender Resume

When I first applied for a budtender position, I started by using a standard resume template and filling in my relevant work and education experience. However, I knew that I needed to stand out in order to be considered for the role, so I took the time to do some research and find ways to enhance my resume. I listed all of my cannabis-related certifications and highlighted my personal experiences with cannabis, as well as the customer service skills that I had developed through previous sales roles. I believe that it is always important to educate oneself on the industry and include any relevant education or certifications on a resume when applying for jobs in any industry. By doing so, you can showcase your passion and dedication to the field and demonstrate your preparedness for the role.

Cover letter for a budtender’s resume

Cover letters are so important that I never check the resume if there is no cover letter attached. Your cover letter should be related to the position you are applying for, and show how much you want the job.

My cover letter was like this:

Dear …,

I am writing to express my interest in the budtender position at … . As a passionate and knowledgeable cannabis enthusiast with experience in customer service, I am confident that my skills and experience make me an excellent fit for this role.

I have always been drawn to the cannabis industry as a smoker and have made a point to stay up-to-date on the latest products, trends, and laws. In addition to my personal experience with cannabis, I have also completed several cannabis-related certifications, including the … program through GreenCulturED. These courses have given me a strong foundation in the industry and prepared me to assist customers in finding the right products to meet their needs.

In my previous role as a salesman, I developed strong customer service skills and a track record of exceeding sales goals. I believe that my ability to connect with customers and my enthusiasm for the industry make me an asset to your team.

I am excited about the opportunity to join … and contribute to the success of your dispensary. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, …

What Questions I am Asking During the Interview for Budtenders

These are the questions that I use during a budtender job interview:

  1. Why do you want to work in the cannabis industry?
  2. What do you know about our company and the products we offer?
  3. How do you handle difficult customers or situations?
  4. What is your knowledge of different strains of cannabis and their effects?
  5. How do you handle conflicts or discrepancies in inventory or orders?
  6. How do you educate customers on the safe and responsible use of cannabis products?
  7. How do you handle transactions and handle money accurately?
  8. How do you handle sensitive or personal information about customers?
  9. What do you hope to achieve in this role and how do you see yourself progressing within the company?

These are just a few examples that I use to start the interview. Sometimes I can ask some specific questions depending on the needs and priorities of our company and sometimes the requirements of the role. For me the most important thing is to see the passion of the candidate.

Budtender Training on Cannabis Products

During my budtender training program, I was one of five who were preparing to begin working as budtenders. Our training covered a wide range of topics, including the basics of cannabis, strain identification, and how to use all the other products sold in our dispensary. The trainers expected us to be knowledgeable about the various types of marijuana, their effects, and the various ways they can be used. We were also taught how to make product recommendations to customers based on their preferences, needs, and budget. Overall, the training program provided me with a comprehensive introduction to the role of a budtender and it was nice to be warmed before starting immediately in the dispensary.

What is a budtender license?

In California, there is no license required to be a budtender, it is enough to be older than 21. However, in some states, like the state of Nevada, budtenders are required to obtain a license or get some specific certifications in order to work. These requirements are can have a specific set of requirements that must be fulfilled before one can be eligible for it.

The requirements for obtaining a budtender license are as follows:

1) The individual must have been a resident of that state for at least six months

2) They must be at least 21 years old

3) They must not have any felony convictions or arrests

4) They can’t have any misdemeanor convictions or arrests that would prevent them from being eligible for this license, but they will need to provide documentation proving this.

Budtender Awards

The Budtender Award is typically given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional customer service skills, a thorough knowledge of cannabis products and their effects, and a strong commitment to the industry. The criteria and process for selecting recipients of the Budtender Award may vary depending on the organization or company presenting the award.

I am proud to have received the Budtender Award during my time working in the industry. Receiving it was one of my highlight of my career and I am grateful for the opportunity to have made a positive impact on the lives of my customers.”

Conclusion

Working as a budtender is a great way to get started in the cannabis industry. If you’re interested in becoming a budtender, be sure to meet all of the qualifications and complete any necessary training before applying for jobs. Once you have everything you need, you’ll be well on your way to starting an exciting new career!