Jeremy Kaplan
The cannabis industry is gigantic. This industry did not even exist in legal form just a few decades ago and now the global legal cannabis market is expected to reach USD 146.4 billion by 2025.
It’s no surprise that an industry that is growing so rapidly also comes with a vast amount of opportunity. As of 2019, legal cannabis has created 211,000 new jobs in the United States.
Jobs in the cannabis industry are available in many areas and no matter what your background, experience or skill set, there is a position out there for you.
Read on to learn about careers in cannabis that are available to you right now. The cannabis industry is waiting for you, and it very well may be the key to success in your future.
Cannabis Industry Jobs: Working With Cannabis
There are many jobs in the cannabis industry that involve working with cannabis directly. Jobs that involve the cultivation, sale, delivery, or packaging of cannabis are quite popular and the need for workers in each of these positions continues to grow each month and year, especially as more states legalize cannabis consumption for recreational use.
1. Master Grower
If you have experience with farming, horticulture, growing cannabis, or other agricultural activities, you might be interested in working towards becoming a master grower. This position pays well but it does require years of experience to achieve.
Master growers are in charge of overseeing a commercial grow and must be experienced in planting, cloning, harvesting, pest control, grow technology, and more. People in this position also must oversee subordinates and must be aware of cannabis laws to ensure compliance. Being a master grower is not easy, but it is a rewarding position, and people who take it on usually experience high levels of job satisfaction.
2. Extraction Technician
Today, a large portion of the cannabis industry is focused on concentrated forms of cannabis products, and in order to offer these at a high level of quality, THC and CBD must be extracted from the plants. An extraction technician works under a master extractor and could eventually advance to that higher-paid position with experience.
Extraction technicians operate equipment that performs extraction and in turn creates oils and other concentrates. They must keep their workspace clean and must test their extractions for potency and purity before sending them to the market.
3. Edibles Chef
Many consumers enjoy consuming cannabis in edible form and there are hundreds if not thousands of different edible products on the market today. These are all made by cannabis chefs, most of whom have graduated from culinary training programs.
Edibles chefs are responsible for creating products that are tasty and attractive to consumers. They also must make sure that the products they create contain consistent quantities of THC and CBD; precision is crucial in this position.
4. Budtender
Budtenders work on the front lines directly serving cannabis consumers. These hardworking individuals work in dispensaries and spend their time answering questions and educating the public about the products their location offers.
This position requires excellent customer service skills. Being a budtender is not easy and many hours on one’s feet can be demanding, but it can also be quite rewarding to match customers with the perfect products for their needs. This is a great way to break into the cannabis industry.
5. Cannabis Courier
Some states allow cannabis to be delivered directly to consumers in their homes, so if you enjoy driving, this could be a great choice for you. Whether you choose to deliver by car or by bike, your customers will be excited to see you at their door. This position is often paid by hourly wage, but some couriers work on commission, and most consumers also tip as well.
Cannabis Industry Jobs: Jobs That Support the Industry
In addition to the above jobs and many others that involve direct work with cannabis, there is also a multitude of jobs that serve to support this growing industry. You may already be employed in one of the following positions; you may find it easy to redirect your efforts to market your services to people who work in cannabis that may need your services.
1. Electrician
Cannabis growing operations have immense needs for able electricians. These locations require special lighting and safe electrical set-ups are crucial due to the use of water in cultivation. Electricians are always in high demand in the cannabis industry and an experienced electrician can do quite well offering his or her services to growers.
2. Attorney
Cannabis law can be complicated and most attorneys are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of this type of law. If you are a lawyer who takes the time to learn about the special laws that apply to the growing and sale of cannabis, you will always be able to find clients eager for your services.
3. Web Developer
Every dispensary needs an easy-to-use, attractive website through which they can market their products to their consumers. Many dispensaries today have online ordering options and due to ever-changing products, their sites need to be continuously updated. Creative and experienced web developers will never run out of business if they focus on marketing their services to the cannabis industry.
4. Security Guard
If you are interested in security, or are retired from the law enforcement field, dispensaries and grow operations would love to hire you to help them keep their locations safe. Dispensaries usually have a lot of cash on hand and are a target for thieves; large grow operations need security day and night as well.
5. Marketing
Most cities and states that offer legal cannabis for medical and recreational use are full of a large number of different companies competing for consumers. As a result, high-quality, creative marketing is crucial to help them stand out. If you have experience in marketing and feel that you can develop great ideas to promote one company over the others, your services will be very valuable to the companies that choose to hire you.
Jobs in the Cannabis Industry Are for Everyone
There is really something for everyone when it comes to jobs and careers in the cannabis industry. No matter what you are able to do, there is something out there for you. Whether you want to continue your current job but add a cannabis-related spin to it, or want to start something new from scratch, you will be able to find something that is just right in this constantly growing field. Good luck!
If you want to read more great articles about careers you should consider, check out the Work section of our site.
