Budtenders are the heart and soul of cannabis. They don’t just tend to the “buds” themselves but the entire dispensary, including the customers who step through the doors and the day-to-day operations that keep our industry alive.
Budtenders and other cannabis retail positions made up nearly half-a-million jobs in the United States in 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in American history. On top of this, budtender jobs tend to pay significantly more than standard retail gigs, with more opportunities for growth within the organization. Read on to learn how to become a budtender and how receiving your budtender certification may be easier than you think.
Budtender Training 101
At this time, there is no federal standard for budtender certification. Some states and individual dispensaries have created expectations for prospective retail employees, including receiving budtender certification through the Certified Cannabis Budtender (CCBT) exam.
This budtender training covers areas such as cannabis uses, how to trim bud, point of sale (POS), inventory requirements, and the dreaded metric database system. Additionally, this national certification informs employers, clients, and customers that you know how to tend bud to the highest standards of the cannabis industry.
While some dispensaries incorporate their own training and tests, obtaining a CCBT budtenders license will help you prepare for everything that comes with working at a dispensary. This is especially important for answering customers’ questions and concerns about strains, uses, potencies, and consumption methods.
Benefits of Becoming a Budtender
On average, jobs in the cannabis industry pay 11% more than the U.S. median salary. Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing job markets and shows no signs of slowing down, especially if pot is ever legalized federally. Because of this, budtending is more than just a great job for a steady income — it could become your next full-fledged career. Other dispensary jobs you can grow into include cultivation and management.
Who Can Become a Budtender?
While specifications vary by state and dispensary, candidates must generally meet the following qualifications to become a budtender:
- Be 18 years or older (or 21 in many states)
- Be a legal resident of the state they are working in
- Pass a background check
- Pass a criminal record check
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or applicable document
On top of these specifications, most dispensaries prefer candidates with multiple years of retail experience. Candidates should also have computer skills, mathematics skills, social skills, reliable transportation, and a flexible schedule. While cannabis experience or knowledge is usually preferred, budtender training can often fill the gaps.If you’re interested in becoming a budtender or simply expanding your knowledge of cannabis, then you should visit the Harbor House Collective. Our budtenders are deeply knowledgeable in different cannabis strains, uses, and procedures and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
