There is a growing trend in the cannabis industry–and that trend is jobs! From extraction to sales, the booming cannabis industry has a lot of positions open that are perfect for someone looking to get more acquainted with the versatile plant. As cannabis is a relatively new industry, people who qualify for specialist and management roles can expect to command impressive salaries. Here are just some of the numerous roles that are available in the industry.
1. Entrepreneur
If you have big ambitions and love playing an influential role in the cannabis industry, why start a cannabis business? There are many different types of cannabis businesses, including companies that provide education about cannabis use; grow companies that sell seeds and buds; and dispensaries or retail stores that sell packaged cannabis products to consumers.
You should develop a solid business plan and familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the cannabis industry before beginning your venture. Basic knowledge of the cannabis laws in your state can also help you to avoid making costly mistakes. For instance, the requirements for a New York dispensary license differ greatly from that of California. Finally, you must ensure that you have adequate sources of funding.
2. Lab Technician
Being a lab technician in the cannabis industry can be fun for someone who loves science. One of the tasks of a lab technician is to use specialized machinery to extract oil from the cannabis plant and refine it to create a substance that can be used in a variety of products. Lab technicians may also test cannabis products for purity, quality, and cannabinoid levels.
A lab technician must be very organized and pay a high level of attention to detail because accuracy is crucial. A bad lab technician can end up contaminating products, hurting consumers, and harming the reputation of the company that they work for. Lab technicians should have lab experience and at least a college-level degree in chemistry or microbiology.
3. Dispensary Sales Associate
This role is on the front lines of the cannabis industry. Dispensary sales associates meet with customers and help them determine which products to purchase. In addition, they help educate the customers on the different uses for each kind of product. This is a very customer-facing position so it is important that an associate is friendly, outgoing, and a people person.
The qualifications needed to land a job in a dispensary include the ability to communicate clearly and work well with others. You must have enough knowledge of the different types of cannabis products available so that you can be helpful to customers and effectively promote your products. Experience in retail sales or customer service will also set an applicant apart from others.
4. Cultivation Technician
Cultivation technicians work in a grow facility to ensure that cannabis plants are healthy and thriving. They monitor the plants’ growth cycles and ensure the plants receive the proper amount of sunlight, water, and fertilizer to achieve optimal growth and quality. They are additionally responsible for keeping the facility clean and preventing the spread of disease and pests.
Poor harvesting techniques can ruin an entire batch of plants. Cultivation technicians execute the harvest process to produce the highest-quality product possible. The qualifications required to be a cultivation technician include a thorough understanding of cannabis plants, a strong background in horticulture or plant science, and preferably experience working in grow facilities and various environments.
5. Grow Manager
The grow manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a grow facility, including monitoring the activities of the workers and making sure that everything runs smoothly. The grow manager must also make ensure that the facility strictly complies with all local laws and regulations that deal with the production and transportation of cannabis.
The grow manager is responsible for hiring and training new cultivation staff as necessary, as well as handling disciplinary issues when necessary. To become a grow manager, candidates must have experience in a grow facility and an in-depth understanding of the cannabis product production process. They should ideally possess strong leadership and project management skills, and the ability to motivate and inspire employees.
6. Medical Sales Representative
The medical sales representative position is a great job for someone who loves a challenge and has a talent for persuasion. In this position, you will work closely with doctors and other medical professionals to educate them about the benefits of medical cannabis. You have to encourage them to recommend your company’s cannabis products to their patients.
To be a successful medical sales representative, you need to have good communication and organizational skills as you will be setting up meetings and appointments with potential clients and attending events that build your professional relationships. You will benefit from a talent for sales and marketing. Note that many medical sales representatives are commission-based so you only earn as much as you manage to sell.
We hope that this article has helped you learn more about career opportunities in the legal cannabis industry. The demand for workers in the cannabis industry continues to grow as the market for cannabis expands but competition can be steep for some positions. Whether you are looking to start your own business or work in an entry-level position, there is sure to be an option that is right for you.