How to Become a Budtender

As cannabis soars in popularity each year, there’s a growing need for fresh talent in the industry. Fortunately, there’s plenty of opportunities to pursue, such as working inside a retail dispensary, at a cultivation or production facility, a testing lab, or even working with specific brands. 

If you’re unsure which is the right path for you, one of the best positions to start your career in cannabis is budtending. While you may have to work an entry-level position temporarily before you can budtend, mastering customer service and sales in a retail shop will provide you with a great amount of industry experience and product knowledge. Additionally, these positions will allow you to network with industry professionals. Each dispensary will vary in its specific requirements, but here are some general tips on how to become a budtender in Nevada.

What is a budtender?

The first step to becoming a budtender is learning about what they do. In short, they are the “face” of the dispensary. Budtenders use their knowledge and expertise to help customers with their needs, such as answering questions or helping them find the perfect strain. 

Cannabis attracts a broad audience, so it’s important that dispensaries have an expert who can help them navigate the menu. For example, some customers will want an uplifting or euphoric experience, while others need a sleep aid. Some may seek something discreet and easy-to-use, while connoisseurs may be searching for the latest and greatest.

As a budtender, you’ll help everyone from first-time users to seasoned veterans, tailoring the experience to their own individual needs. Because of this, budtenders must 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.

Understand the role and responsibilities

The role of a budtender encompasses many aspects of operations such as sales, service, safety measures, and promotion. As mentioned above, a large part of budtending is helping educate customers. Budtenders are forever-learning as the industry grows its arsenal of products and equipment. 

From strains to terpenes to consumption methods, there’s a vast number of ways one can enjoy cannabis. A budtender must be open to all experience levels and know what to recommend based on their needs. 

Along with this, the budtender also facilitates sales. This includes verifying proper identification, operating the cash register, and stocking products as needed. For these reasons, having retail experience can help. 

Check the job requirements

Budtending is an entry-level position, so it does not require a college degree or prior experience with cannabis – although it is preferred. To become a budtender, you must be 21 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). Along with this, you must have a clean criminal record with no felony offenses. 

Each dispensary will have its own specific qualifications, but generally speaking, here are the additional requirements for budtender jobs in Nevada: 

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must not have been convicted of a felony offense
• At least one year of experience in a relevant field (cash handling)
• Knowledge about the cannabis industry and its products
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods
• Must have an open and flexible schedule
• Ability to use a cash register, digital scale, and other technology 
• Must be able to obtain a cannabis agent card – we’ll discuss this one later. 

Follow Cannabis Job Boards

After learning about the role and its requirements, it’s time to apply! You can find cannabis jobs in Nevada by researching different dispensaries or job board sites like Glassdoor and Indeed. Most job board sites can even notify you every time a new position is listed. 

Applying directly on dispensary websites may also earn you some brownie points. As of September 2021, Nevada has 86 dispensaries in operation. You can use sites like WeedMaps to find locations near you, which will lead you to their website, where you can find different job opportunities. 

At Green, we are always looking for talented people to grow our team. You can apply on our Careers page. 

Preparing for the interview

Once you’ve applied, be on the lookout for follow-up emails or calls to set up an interview. During the interview, you’ll have time to learn more about the company and tell them about your own experience. In preparation, it’s beneficial to already have some background knowledge on cannabis laws, popular items, and some of the science behind cannabis.

Information like this is vital to budtending because it’s how you’ll be able to assist the customers. Our blog can help you spruce up your knowledge on things like cannabis terminology, strain types, and how to read a cannabis label. 

Agent Card Application

If you want to start working as a budtender, you’ll need a Marijuana Agent Card. Similar to how restaurant jobs need a food handling card, a Marijuana Agent Card is required for cannabis industry workers. 

The application is $75 (for new and renewals), and they are valid for one year. To apply, you must undergo a background check, submit fingerprints, and include a copy of your passport photo, government-issued identification, and signature. Typically, you will get your temporary card within 10-14 days of submitting your completed application. The permanent card will arrive in about 30 days.

It is not required to have a Marijuana Agent Card prior to applying for budtending positions. However, if you are hired, it will be required before your first day of employment. 

Have any additional questions? We’re happy to help. Simply contact us online. Looking to work for Green? Join our team and submit an application today!