3 Hacks Every Dispensary Employee Should Know
What budtenders, inventory managers, and dispensary employees should know about working in the cannabis industry
The cannabis industry is growing at a rapid pace, and it's no longer just a job for those who love the plant. If you're looking to get into the cannabis industry, here are three hacks that will help you succeed.
Working in a dispensary can be just as challenging as it is rewarding. Budtenders and inventory managers and dispensary employees have to be knowledgeable about their products, but they also need to know how to handle the day-to-day operations of the business.
1. Know your product.
The most important thing for any dispensary employee to know is their product. As a budtender, it's your job to be able to answer questions about the strains of product available in your dispensary, as well as their effects and what different strains may be good for. You should also be able to recommend certain products based on how they affect you personally (i.e., "This Sativa makes me feel energetic and creative"). Be careful on making medical claims - stick to your experience and guide from there.
2. Be friendly and welcoming.
Cannabis users want an experience they can enjoy while they're shopping — one that doesn't feel like they're being judged or scrutinized by the person behind the counter. Dispensary employees need to make sure they're being personable with every customer who walks through their doors, introducing themselves by name and asking how they can help them today (or whatever day it is). Sprinkle a little bit of your sparkle with each interaction.
3. Compliance or bust.
Once you’ve created a welcoming environment, it’s time to focus on compliance. The federal government has been cracking down on medical dispensaries since 2013 — and many states have followed suit. Even though the U.S. Department of Justice said in 2014 that it wouldn't go after cannabis businesses that were following state laws, there are still plenty of reasons why you should be compliant with state law:
Fines are expensive and PUBLIC. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission regularly posts infractions on the website of COMAR(The Code of Maryland Regulations). Stay in compliance by making yourself an expert at what the code is - you can find it here: https://mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/law.aspx
If you break the rules, you will lose your job!
Rules in the heavily regulated cannabis industry must be followed.
An industry badge is a gift and a curse - for some. You have access to work in the industry while also holding onto precious state property. It can also give some a crazy sense of power but before you hook up your friend…ask if your job is worth it.
All in all, discovering the hack for being a better employee is all up to your ultimate goal. How are these tips? Add yours below and let us know where you are in the industry!
Cannabis is a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S. alone that is growing by 20% every year. The cannabis workforce has over 210,000 employees!
There are countless opportunities to get a career in this exciting industry, but you should know what you're getting into before diving in
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about entering this new and growing field, with tips on how to break into the industry TODAY!
