10 Careers in the Legal Cannabis Industry

The legal cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors. Last year, cannabis markets added an average of 280 new jobs per day, according to Leafly’s annual job report. That’s a 33 percent increase in jobs in a single year and marks the fifth consecutive year of job growth greater than 27 percent.

Needless to say, now is one of the best times to choose a career path in cannabis. The legal market currently supports nearly half a million jobs and is only projected to grow more. In the full 2022 report, Whitney Economics also estimates that these numbers only represent a mere quarter of the total potential US cannabis market. In other words, 75 percent of the country’s cannabis demand is still being met by the black market. 

While states continue to legalize marijuana, these figures will only grow. If you want to be ahead of the curve and go down a promising path, then choosing a career in cannabis may be right for you. Even better, the cannabis industry offers careers that involve more than the plant, whether that’s sales and marketing, operations, accounting, or otherwise. While this is not a comprehensive list (as there are hundreds of positions available), we’ll cover 10 popular careers in cannabis.

1) Budtender

Most people are familiar with budtenders. In short, they are the “face” of the dispensary. When a customer is browsing the menu, they are the ones who use their knowledge and expertise to help customers find the perfect product. Because cannabis attracts a broad audience, it’s important for dispensaries to employ an expert that can help answer any question. For instance, some customers may be seeking something discreet and easy-to-use, while connoisseurs may be searching for the newest and most exciting strains. Budtenders need to be able to help everyone from first-time users to seasoned veterans, tailoring the experience to their individual needs. For these reasons, budtenders should be knowledgeable, passionate about cannabis, and love helping others. An outgoing personality and a strong work ethic are the keys to success in this role. Check out our blog for more tips on How to Become a Budtender in Nevada. 

2) Manager

Every store needs a manager – including dispensaries. Similar to other industries, managing requires a great deal of drive, patience, and consistency. For budtenders looking to advance their career, taking on a dispensary management role is typically the next step up the ladder. In this role, you’ll need to run day-to-day operations from coordinating and training team members to serving as a point of contact for customers and members of the community. Along with this, managers also must maintain a thorough knowledge of the dispensary’s products, inventory and stock, and applicable cannabis laws. 

3) Delivery Driver

We are living in one of the best times in history. Why, you ask? Because fresh flower can be delivered right to your doorstep! Nevada is one of the few states that allow recreational cannabis delivery, meaning anyone 21 years or older can order marijuana online. And where there is demand, there needs to be someone who supplies it. Cannabis delivery drivers can make a decent living in Las Vegas and there are plenty of tips to go around. Plus, this entry-level position is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door if you’re planning for a long career in the cannabis scene.  

4) Security

Cannabis attracts a lot of customers and cash, so there needs to be someone there to protect it. Security is a must for any dispensary, and fortunately, these entry-level jobs pay a good price. For this role, candidates must be able to maintain a distinct presence, diffuse any potential conflicts, and remain hyper-aware of their surroundings. Ultimately, the goal is not only to protect the business assets but give everyone inside the dispensary peace of mind. 

5) Cannabis Trimmer

Have you ever wondered why cannabis looks so good in the jar? This is known as ‘jar’ or ‘bag appeal’ – and it’s a serious thing in the cannabis industry. Since most bud comes in glass containers or bags with windows, it’s important to maintain the look of the flower. That’s where cannabis trimmers come in. These professionals are the main force behind preparing marijuana buds for sale. In this role, they must de-fan plants, precisely weigh and record them, trim off any sticks, and maintain the highest standard of cleanliness and organization. 

6) Master Grower

Do you have a green thumb and a passion for cannabis? Becoming a master grower may be the right path for you then. Master growers are responsible for managing the plant’s production cycles. This includes overseeing the harvest, developing methods of cultivation, and recording inventory. Although there are exceptions to every rule, master growers typically require a college education and many years of experience. Most often, these experts start in a lower-level role and “grow” (get it) towards this position. Some may start out as a trimmer, cultivation assistant, or grow technician before becoming the head honcho. 

7) Lab Technician

If you’ve ever read a cannabis label, you know how many numbers and percentages are included on it for one small package. Cannabis is a closely regulated industry, with lots of laws surrounding packaging, manufacturing, and labeling. Because of this, it’s necessary to have lab technicians for testing products to ensure it is safe for consumers. To clarify, testing is done in a lab with various equipment to find the cannabinoids and terpene percentages – not by actually consuming it. Similar to master growers, those who work in the lab typically need a college education. 

8) Cannabis Extraction Technician

Keeping in the theme of science, another role for those interested in the topic would be that of a cannabis extraction technician. These experts use lab equipment, heat, pressure, and solvents to separate cannabis compounds from the plant. Safety is a must for this role, as these professionals work closely with flammable and explosive substances like butane and ethanol on a daily basis. 

9) Social Media Manager

We live in a digital world, which means it’s crucial for brands to maintain an online presence. That’s why the role of a social media manager is growing more and more popular each year. These people are in charge of being the “voice” of the company. They create content, compile campaign strategies, and interact with communities online to build a brand image. Additionally, they may provide companies with advice and guidance on how to enhance their image by monitoring trends and keeping a close eye on competing products.

10) Edible Chef

The cannabis industry is an incredibly diverse field with new opportunities arising year after year. One career that showcases this perfectly is that of an edible chef. These professionals infuse food and drinks, making them commercially available for retail stores to purchase. In Nevada, this specific career is expected to grow even more considering the recently passed bill for cannabis consumption lounges. Under this law, license holders are free to open cannabis-friendly bakeries or anything the entrepreneur imagines. With Vegas hosting a myriad of world-renowned restaurants, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of that spill over to the world of cannabis. 

Looking to start a career in cannabis? Green is always looking for talented people to join our team! Click here to apply. For all additional questions, please contact us here. We’d also love for you to follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest Green products, news, and events.