Are you looking for a way to get into the cannabis industry?
Budtending offers a satisfying career to anyone who loves marijuana and is eager to help others unlock its many health benefits.
Budtenders advise customers who stop by a cannabis store and help patients choose the products that are right for them. Many get access to industry trends and play a crucial role in the cannabis economy.
It can be tricky figuring out where to start with budtending, especially if marijuana is fighting legal issues in your state.
Luckily, we’ve got the next steps for you here. Read on for insight into how to become a budtender today!
1. Know Your Stuff
As a budtender, you’ll be a valuable resource for anyone walking through the door of your cannabis shop. Customers will turn to you for recommendations and advice of any kind. For example, Glaucoma or Menopause.
Thus, it’s important to build your product knowledge. This may feel overwhelming at first, but take your time and start with what interests you.
Learn more about how hemp or cannabis is produced in general. You may want to read up on how it is grown in your home state. Practices may vary across jurisdictions, so it’s important to know the law.
Understand the ins and outs of cannabis cultivation. If you can, stop by a cannabis farm in your area and talk to a guide there about how cannabis is produced.
Remember, medical cannabis is not recreational cannabis. The two are different in so many ways.
You’ll want to understand how medical cannabis works, namely the types and forms of extractions and applications. For this part, you could reach out to a medical practitioner in your area.
Talking to a medical cannabis doctor can help you wrap your mind around the full range of cannabis products out there. You’ll want to know how each of these products is produced and what they are used for.
You may already have a green card that gives you access to medical cannabis products. This can give you the hands-on experience you need to build your knowledge of cannabis products.
You can also talk to family members and friends who use medical cannabis. There are additionally lots of valuable books out there for your own self-education.
2. Understand the Industry
Cannabis products are one thing. The industry itself is yet another.
The industry is constantly shifting as states and districts release new laws about the use of medical cannabis. You should definitely build your knowledge of the industry and its role in your community.
But also keep tabs on its trends and changes. You can do this by following prominent groups on social media.
There are also a lot of blogs and websites out there with information on the cannabis industry.
You’ll find that these news bites can also help you with your product knowledge. This is especially the case if you read up on scientific papers published in reputable journals.
3. Develop Your People Skills
When it comes to how to become a budtender, you’ll need to put in some work developing your people skills.
As a budtender, you are the face of a medical cannabis shop. You’ll be engaging with people on a regular basis.
It helps if you already have an inclination for helping or managing people.
If you can, build work experience in areas that require you to work regularly with customers.
You can also practice your people skills with close friends. Read up on honing customer service skills so that you can feel confident engaging with medical cannabis patients.
4. Find a Mentor
An industry mentor is your key to success if you want to learn how to become a budtender. Someone who’s already in the field can help you hone your own knowledge base.
They can also actively share their experiences and give you the tips you need to get a leg up in the industry.
A mentor can answer those questions that the Internet can’t supply, especially when it comes to industry trends and product updates.
Your mentor will also be the first of many valuable contacts. Building a network in the cannabis industry is an excellent first step toward becoming a professional budtender.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Baby Steps
Last but not least, take your time as you work towards a career in the cannabis industry.
You may not be able to secure a budtending position right out the door. But it’s definitely possible to locate other positions that can help you work your way up to full-time budtending.
For example, you may be able to shadow or intern for a medical cannabis practitioner. Locate a local practitioner and see what options exist for you in this department.
Some medical cannabis dispensaries also enable internships or cashier positions. Either of these can help you get your foot in the door.
What’s more, an internship or cashier role can help you cultivate even more knowledge of the industry.
This will be invaluable when it comes to building your resume, preparing for an interview, and developing the skills you need to be a top-notch budtender.
Learn How to Become a Budtender Today
If a career in the cannabis industry is beckoning you, it’s important to listen.
Budtending gives you a chance to share your marijuana knowledge with the world and help people find the solutions they need for better health.
When it comes to how to become a budtender, start by building your knowledge of the industry and its products. Develop your people skills so that you can feel confident in your ability to direct customers to the right products.
Most importantly, build your network by finding a mentor or starting out with a lower-tier position.
There are many markets outside of Colorado where you can start looking when the program matures like, Australia, Utah, and Florida.
At Quantum 9, we take pride in our premium cannabis and hemp consulting services. We work with businesses and patients across the globe in an effort to give everyone the resources they need.
Questions or thoughts about budtending, medical cannabis, or permits? We’re here to help. Reach out to us today for a conversation!
