7 Tips For Landing a Job in the Cannabis Industry
Introduction
The cannabis industry is creating more and more jobs every day. Legalization has created a huge market for businesses to sell pot, but also many other related products, including bongs, pipes, rolling papers, clothing and accessories. There's a lot of money to be made. The industry is expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs by 2020. And many of those jobs will be high-paying ones that require specialized skills such as growing plants or cooking with marijuana. But how do you get one of these coveted positions? Here are seven tips for landing a job in the cannabis industry:
Go to your local cannabis events.
Go to your local cannabis events.
If you're a newbie in the industry, going to events is one of the best ways to meet people who can help you get a job. These events will give you an opportunity to learn about the industry and culture of cannabis, as well as its history and science. You'll also be able to network with other professionals who are interested in working in this field.
Do your homework.
Do your homework.
Getting a job in cannabis can be tricky, but it's not impossible. If you want to get a job at a cannabis company, do your research first! Learn about the industry itself: where it came from and how it's evolved over time. Read up on all the latest laws and regulations around its use and sale—and make sure they're legal in your state or country. Study up on different strains of marijuana (indica vs sativa) and how they affect people differently, as well as their medicinal properties when used for certain ailments like migraines or insomnia. Learn about basic science behind different cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBC-A (cannabichromene acid), THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) etc., so that you can have intelligent conversations with your potential employer about what makes each strain unique—and why some may be more beneficial than others for certain conditions/symptoms/ailments that patients might be seeking relief from through consuming cannabis products such as pills/candies/cigarettes etc..
Learn the language of cannabis.
One of the most important things to learn when applying for a job in the cannabis industry is how to talk about cannabis. One of the main reasons that employers look for candidates with relevant experience is because understanding the language of cannabis will help you better understand what kind of work you'll be doing and how it fits into the bigger picture.
What's the difference between hemp, marijuana and CBD? Hemp is not psychoactive, but it can be used to make CBD products. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is what makes you high, while CBD (cannabidiol) has no intoxicating properties at all!
Understand the legal aspects of the industry.
You should also know the laws in the state you are working in and the state you are living in. It's important to know that these requirements vary widely across states, as well as on a federal level. Be sure to familiarize yourself with what is required of employers and employees, particularly when it comes to drug tests, non-discrimination policies, and use of marijuana by employees during off hours.
Practice in a smaller market first.
If you're trying to get your foot in the door in this industry, start in a smaller market first. Once you have some experience under your belt, it will be much easier for you to find work in more expanded markets like Colorado and Washington.
Start by working at a local dispensary or grow operation. There are plenty of these businesses that are looking for help—and they may even pay better than bigger operations! You'll learn how to work with customers and suppliers, as well as how to deal with the laws and regulations of your state or county. You'll also learn how people think about cannabis within their community, which is important if you're planning on opening up an official business later on down the road.
Take weekend or evening classes on cannabis science, cultural history, business and marketing.
There are a lot of opportunities for people in the cannabis industry, and it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of getting one's hands on some weed and getting high. But if you're looking to build a career in this business, it's important to know what exactly you're getting yourself into. The best way to do that is by taking weekend or evening classes on cannabis science (the biology behind growing marijuana), cultural history (how has cannabis changed over time?), business (how does one start their own dispensary?) and marketing (what's effective when trying to sell weed?).
Know your limits and get help if you need it.
If you're going to be a successful cannabis entrepreneur, you have to know your limits and get help when you need it. Whether it's asking for help from your friends and family or finding someone who can loan you money for a startup business, there are always people who will be willing to help if you ask. If you're looking for work in the cannabis industry, try asking:
Your local community (Do they know anyone who works in this industry?)
Your local government (Do they know of any job openings?)
Your school (Does your school offer classes on how to open a cannabis business?)
Your local community college
The cannabis industry is growing quickly, but it's not easy to get a job, especially without experience and connections.
You need a good resume.
You need good references.
You have to be able to get a job.
You have to have a good attitude, willing to work hard and learn new things.
Conclusion
Getting into the cannabis industry is an exciting opportunity, but it’s not an easy one. The rapid growth of the industry has created a lot of jobs, but there are still many more people looking for work than there are positions available. If you’re thinking about trying to get a job in this field, we hope that these tips have given you some helpful guidance on how to do so successfully. As with any new industry or career, it can be difficult to get started and establish yourself. If you take the time to learn about cannabis from all angles and follow these seven steps, however, your chances of finding the right position will significantly improve!
