E v e r y o n e wants to be a budtender. But you all know you can’t just dispense weed to the customers then dispense it to yourself in a “one for you, one for me” kind of manner, right? In all seriousness, this booming industry is growing faster than dispensaries can keep up, so if you’re really interested about becoming a budtender, we have a few suggestions that just may get you that hazy dream job!
If you’re wondering what a budtender is, please click that little X in the top menu of your screen. Just kidding, we all have to learn eventually. The first physical contact you have with someone once you enter a medical and/or recreational dispensary is called a budtender. Kinda like a bartender, except instead of tending to the tequila and drunken bar goers, they tend to chronic and YOU. You may run into budtenders who come off as stoners, but those are typically the most knowledgeable budtenders around! Anything you need to know about medical and recreational marijuana, they are the ones to ask.
If you want to become one of these amazing tenders of bud, you should definitely take some time out to visit some dispensaries and ask thorough questions to shop owners and other budtenders (without being a creeper). Ask other budtenders how they got started in the industry, and if they have any advice for you. After you visit a few shops, you’ll definitely get the sense that many budtenders are very personable and carefree, as they are the ones who are on the front lines, dealing with the actual customers all day. That being said, if you’re customer service friendly, you already have a foot up in ze game!
How can you become a budtender if you don’t know anything about bud? Getting familiar with local and national marijuana names, state and federal laws, measurements and prices will impress any hiring manager. If you’re already familiar with marijuana accessories and the extended list of concentrates as well as the list above, why tf aren’t you tending to bud as we speak!?
Now, there is a bit of schooling you’ll have to do in order to gain your qualification, but don’t fret! It’s not as bad as it sounds. You can find several companies offering budtender certification courses for those interested in working in the marijuana industry, but nothing on a national level as of yet. Be sure to ask for hiring stats on those who have already gained their qualifications from the company you’re considering.
You’re all set.
By Shameika Ejiasi
