Getting a Cannabis Career in Washington
Until recently, the vast majority of people thought having a cannabis career meant having a shady, under-the-table job or working in a top-secret grow operation, but times have drastically changed. Today, the cannabis industry is the fastest-growing industry in the country, giving thousands of people jobs every year. And, as medical marijuana becomes normalized and recreational cannabis consumption continues to become legal in more states, cannabis careers will continue to become available at a rapid pace.
If you’re considering a cannabis career in Washington, you have a lot to look forward to. The industry is expected to skyrocket in growth within the next few years. This means there will be plenty of cannabis careers available for those with all levels of experience and knowledge.
Whether you’re seeking an entry-level cannabis career or want to pursue a high-paying position, you will find a long list of possible cannabis careers to choose from.
Types of Cannabis Careers
People are often surprised to discover how much variety there is when it comes to cannabis career options. Regardless of where you’re at experience-wise, educational background, or education, your cannabis career search can turn up a myriad of good-paying job openings in the cannabis industry.
Below are just a few kinds of cannabis careers you can choose from when you’re working in the cannabis industry.
1. Budtender
Working as a budtender in a dispensary is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door of the fast-paced cannabis industry. Because a budtender is an entry-level position, those who are fairly new to cannabis can get hired on if they are the right fit for the dispensary.
As a budtender, you will be directly working with the public, interacting with the dispensary customers as they shop for the products they need. Strong customer service skills are essential, as are interpersonal skills. One of the biggest perks of working as a budtender — in addition to working with cannabis and getting employee discounts on product — is the sense of achievement you will get from helping customers learn about cannabis and find the best products for their needs and preferences. You will be helping people find the products that improve their life. Fulfilling, right? Definitely.
Related: So You Want to Become a Budtender
2. Dispensary Manager
After getting a wealth of experience as a budtender, the next cannabis career step is dispensary manager. Don’t have dispensary experience? That’s okay. Even if you’ve never worked in a dispensary, you can use retail management experience to transition into the cannabis industry.
As a dispensary manager, you will be serving as the face of the brand. Your interactions will range from consumers and vendors to inspectors and law enforcement. With this cannabis career, you are responsible for ensuring the daily operations within the dispensary adhere to state regulations and stipulations.
Dispensary manager is an excellent cannabis career to take as a great way to gain management experience and earn higher pay (and sometimes benefits).
3. Dispensary Security Guard
Cannabis is where the big bucks are at, which means dispensaries are fully prepared to pay well for security. Dispensary security guards maintain the safety of both people and products, protecting against theft and other problems. For those with experience in security, military, or law enforcement, a dispensary security guard may be a great cannabis career option.
4. Cannabis Marketing
One of the highest-paying cannabis careers is the role of marketer, and these positions are in high demand. Depending on where you live in Washington and the state cannabis laws, a career in cannabis marketing could involve either business-to-business marketing or business-to-consumer marketing. For many people looking for a cannabis career, the ability to do this job remotely is a major benefit.
One of the most popular cannabis careers in marketing is that of cannabis influencer. Learn how to become a cannabis influencer here.
5. Cannabis Consultant
Cannabis is a complicated industry, especially when the state regulations change on an almost daily basis. Cannabis consultant involves providing expertise in an area of the industry to dispensaries and other cannabis companies, advising them on a myriad of topics related to their business.
You will need high qualifications for this cannabis career, but it’s one that pays very well and is always in demand.
6. Director of Cultivation
Dispensaries and other cannabis companies have to source their product from somewhere, and that’s where the director of cultivation cannabis career comes in. If you have a degree in horticulture or have extensive experience growing legal cannabis in a professional capacity, applying to be a director or cultivation could land you a high-paying career. As director of cultivation, you will manage a team of cannabis growers and work closely with law enforcement and inspectors.
7. Cannabis Cultivation Worker
If you want a cannabis-touching role in the industry, but don’t have the experience to be a budtender or director of cultivation, then you may want to consider the cannabis career of cultivation worker. This is a great place to start as you work your way up in the industry. Generally, cannabis cultivation workers start out as a trimmer, then transition through a variety of jobs until they reach Assistant Grower and higher.
8. Cannabis Lab Technician
The cannabis industry relies heavily on laboratories that analyze the quality and safety of cannabis products for consumers, which makes this a high-demand job that is rapidly expanding. Cannabis lab technicians analyze cannabis product samples for everything from contaminants to cannabinoid concentration, providing consumers with the assurance they are consuming safe products that live up to the advertising expectations.
Another type of cannabis career in a laboratory is extraction technician. Cannabis concentrates are popular among consumers, but they require a specialized extraction process done by a trained professional. This high-paying job requires scientific knowledge and skill, and extensive knowledge of cannabis.
9. Cannabis Chef
If cooking is your passion, then being a cannabis chef may be the dream cannabis career for you! Skilled chefs and bakers with a deep understanding of cannabis and the legalities of the industry can spend their days inventing cannabis edibles for companies, events, and private consumers alike. This is one of the more creative cannabis careers available and is worth pursuing if you have a passion for the culinary arts.
Which cannabis career are you most interested in starting? Share with us down in the comments!
Disclaimer: Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana. Marijuana, in any form, should not be used by individuals that are pregnant or breastfeeding. Marijuana is intended for use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product may be unlawful outside of Washington State.
