As the cannabis industry continues on an upward trajectory, more exciting job opportunities are opening up in marijuana dispensaries across the country. One of the most popular positions on the retail side of cannabis? Budtending. Learn more about this position and how to grow it into a career.
Are you interested in turning your familiarity with cannabis into a full-time profession? You may consider becoming a professional budtender. The ideal budtender becomes the backbone of a cannabis dispensary, displaying a wealth of knowledge on cannabis products, maintaining a full understanding of cannabis regulations, and exuding a positive, professional attitude. Bonus points for those who have former retail experience and a passion for cannabis.
So, what makes a successful budtender? Becoming knowledgeable about state laws and regulations within the cannabis industry is important. Additionally, every budtender needs to understand elite customer service, recommending cannabis products to suit a customer’s individual needs. Budtenders are brand ambassadors for a dispensary that sells products from various cannabis vendors, including buds, edibles, concentrates, and even clones for home and commercial growing.
In this guide, we will be discussing a budtender’s primary duties and how you can get started as a budtender in the state of Colorado.
What Is a Budtender?
A budtender is a customer service expert who specializes in cannabis knowledge , and is tasked with recommending the right cannabis products to each customer. As budtenders are essential to the cannabis industry, the position is becoming more competitive in states where cannabis is legal, including Colorado.
If you’re a Colorado-based dispensary owner looking to hire local budtenders, consider working with Hemp Temps, a full-service cannabis employment agency, matching knowledgable budtenders with cannabis businesses across the State of Colorado.
Job Description
Like the majority of customer service positions within the retail industry, a budtender in the cannabis industry is client-facing most of the time. As a budtender, one must interact with customers daily and learn about their preferences to achieve ultimate customer satisfaction. The best budtender is friendly, communicative, personable, and knowledgeable.
While ensuring customers have a safe, pleasant shopping experience, a successful budtender will share their passion for cannabis and knowledge about trending cannabis products. Budtenders know how to recommend responsible doses of high-quality cannabis products that match a client’s preferences. Budtenders typically have an in-depth understanding of terpenes, grow methods, ethical sourcing, and the other factors that go into buying great weed – not just the THC percentage.
Daily Tasks
In addition to customer service and cannabis knowledge, a budtender will need to perform several administrative duties while working in a dispensary. A budtender’s essential duties may include:
- Managing inventory
- Keeping records of products
- Reaching product sales goals
- Marketing on social media
- Following state compliance
- Securing customer identification
- Organizing store products
Average Pay
So, how much can you make as a budtender?
According to Glassdoor, as of 2021, American budtenders earn an average of $32,966 per year or $16.91 per hour. Many dispensaries also offer the option to tip, so budtenders may make extras in tips and gratuity.
How To Become a Budtender in Colorado
Hoping to work as a budtender in the first legal recreational cannabis state, Colorado? To work as a Colorado budtender, you’re required to become a state-licensed cannabis worker by obtaining your Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) Badge.
MED Badge
To get a MED Badge in the State of Colorado, you must:
- Be 21 or older,
- Prove your Colorado residency with a Colorado Driver’s License or ID,
- Get your fingerprints taken at a third-party location,
- Complete and submit an application form to the MED offices in Lakewood, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, or Longmont,
Keep in mind that if you’re applying to work at any cannabis dispensary in the State of Colorado, you’ll also need to include a photocopy of your MED Badge with your job application.
Finding a Job
With the cannabis industry evolving rapidly, budtending is more prevalent than ever.
Looking for a part-time or full-time budtending role in the cannabis industry? Hemp Temps is here to be a helpful industry resource, matching Colorado-based cannabis dispensaries with expert budtenders. We offer budtenders who deliver quality services while maintaining a complete understanding of the cannabis industry.
Now that you know how to become a budtender, Hemp Temps will help you get started so you can advance in the cannabis industry with ease. To apply, visit our website here.
Additionally, follow or connect with Hemp Temps on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to get the latest cannabis news in Colorado.
