What kind of education or training is required to have a career in the cannabis industry?

The educational requirements are all position-dependent, although most of them require one to have a bachelor's degree in some related field, such as horticulture, chemistry, business, or marketing. Specialized training or certifications in cannabis cultivation, extraction, or any other related area are also quite valued.

Is previous experience with cannabis necessary to work in the industry?

While personal experience with cannabis can be helpful it is not necessarily required for all positions. Indeed, many roles such as accounting, marketing, or security can tap into talent and experience gained from other industries. However, some more hands-on roles like budtending or cultivation really prefer people that have prior knowledge about cannabis.

What's the typical salary range for cannabis industry jobs?

Salaries within the cannabis industry vary greatly, depending on the specific position that one is applying for and the location. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for cannabis jobs in the U.S. sits at $58,971 per year as of May 2021. That number reaches as low as around $30,000 for entry-level retail positions and shoots over $100,000 for high-level management or technical roles.

Are there opportunities for advancement/growth with the cannabis industry?

Yes, the cannabis industry only continues to grow, and within it, there are many opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Entry-level positions like budtending or trimming could lead to management roles, while expertise in a specific area of the industry, like extraction or cultivation, might open up opportunities for consulting or entrepreneurship.

What are some of the biggest challenges associated with working within the cannabis industry?

One of the most important challenges the cannabis industry faces is that its regulatory environment is changing very fast and is highly complex. Cannabis businesses must be compliant with thousands of different laws at the state and local levels that not only often conflict with one another but are also changing very frequently. With this view, the industry, in relation to a formerly illegal substance, stands stigmatized and legally at risk—risks that need very careful handling.

Emerging Careers in the Booming Cannabis Industry

With more and more states and countries legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, growth couldn’t be better in this industry. Due to the fast growth, new career opportunities are opening up to any interested person who wants to join this dynamic field. One may delve into cultivation, extraction, retail, or marketing—however one desires to pursue a career path in the cannabis industry.

Chris Dorcey

Inheal Editor

Post date

September 3, 2024

Time to read

5 mins 56 secs

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

The cannabis industry is in a period of very dynamic growth, creating a wide array of new career paths
Top areas for cannabis careers include cultivation and processing; retail and distribution; marketing and branding; and various support roles
Successful cannabis professionals combine specialized skills and knowledge with a passion for the plant and the industry
Career paths within the industry may only increase as the industry evolves and matures, hence promising a plethora of opportunities for careers to be made in this exciting field.

Cannabis Industry Growth

A Grand View Research report has projected that the legal cannabis market will reach $73.6 billion by 2027. It is an 18.1 percent compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2027. As more and more states and countries go on to legalize cannabis, the industry shall surely continue with its very fast growth, providing even more jobs.

Some of the critical growth statistics of the cannabis industry: The global legal marijuana market size was valued at USD 17.7 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.1% from 2020 to 2027. Based on a study conducted by Grand View Research, the U.S legal cannabis market will reach $23.4 billion in sales by 2022.

2021 Legalized medical marijuana in 36 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and adult recreational use in 15 states and D.C. by NORML
According to New Frontier Data, the cannabis industry is projected to nearly double the number of new jobs in the U.S. through 2020—up to almost 300,000.

Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Careers

One of the most basic areas in the cannabis industry is cultivation and processing. This involves the growing of cannabis plants, harvesting buds, and processing them to get various products. Some key careers in this area include:

Grower/Cultivator: Plants, tends to, and harvests cannabis crops. Needs knowledge of horticulture and the needs of cannabis plants, in particular.

Trimmer: Trims and manicures harvested cannabis buds in preparation for sale. Requires attention to detail and manual dexterity.

Extraction Technician: Runs specialized equipment to extract cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, from cannabis plants and create concentrated products like oils and waxes. Requires some knowledge of chemistry and lab procedures.

Edibles Chef: Prepares cannabis food products, such as baked goods, chocolates, beverages, etc. Requires culinary skills; dosage knowledge for cannabis is an added advantage.

Cannabis Retail and Distribution Careers

With the increasing availability of cannabis, professionally working in retail and distribution is another burgeoning area of interest. Some of the important careers in this area are:

Budtender: A budtender is someone who works at a cannabis dispensary, conducts customer service, and gives recommendations on products. This job requires interpersonal communication skills with extensive knowledge about strains and cannabis products.

Dispensary Manager: A manager in charge of the daily running of the cannabis dispensary: inventory management, staff supervision, and making sure that operations are done in compliance with the regulations. It calls for business managerial skills with knowledge about the cannabis sector.
Delivery Driver: Delivering cannabis products to the customer’s houses or their places of business. This requires a clean driving record and the ability to pass background checks.
Compliance Officer: Ensuring that a cannabis business stays within the bounds of the law and relevant regulations. Requires knowledge of the relevant legal requirements and attention to detail.

Cannabis Marketing and Branding Careers

Effective marketing and branding are essential because this industry is highly competitive in the cannabis sector. Key careers in this sector include:

Marketing Manager: Develops and executes marketing campaigns and strategies necessary to promote a cannabis brand or product. Requires creativity, strategic thinking, and knowledge of marketing channels.
Social Media Manager: Manages a cannabis brand’s outlook in social media through engaging content and keeping the followers at bay. This requires good writing skills, with experience working on social media platforms.
Graphic Designer: At a cannabis brand, this includes visual assets such as logos, packaging, and advertisements. Requires design software proficiency and an understanding of branding principles.

Public Relations Specialist: Oversees the reputation of a cannabis brand and its media presence by writing press releases, pitching stories, and handling crisis communications. It requires the candidate to possess excellent communication skills and media savviness.

Other Cannabis Career Opportunities

Other than those mentioned above, there are several other ways one can build his/her career in this sector. Some further options include:

Cannabis Lawyer: Provides legal planning and representation for cannabis businesses through the intricate and evolving landscape of regulation. Requires a law degree with knowledge of specific cannabis laws.
Cannabis Accountant: Responsible for managing financial reporting, tax compliance, and other accounting needs for cannabis businesses. This requires an accounting background and knowledge of the cannabis industry regulations.
Cannabis Security: Responsible for providing security to cultivation facilities, dispensaries, and transportation operations dealing with cannabis. Requires physical fitness and completion of security training.
Cannabis Educator: Teaches courses or workshops on the various elements of cannabis, from growing to cooking, and even on the history and culture of the plant. This requires teaching skills and very in-depth knowledge about the subject matter.

Skills and Qualities to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry

There are specific skills and qualities that could help professionals looking to succeed in this fast-moving cannabis industry:

Adaptability: The cannabis industry is fast-moving, both in terms of regulation and innovating new techniques. Professionals have to be able to adapt quickly and learn fast.
Attention to detail: Most jobs within the cannabis industry require a high attention to detail. Whether managing compliance, cultivation, extract creation, or ensuring that only high-quality products leave the facility.
Interpersonal skills: One has to deal with the customers, colleagues, and sometimes even business partners; therefore, communication and interpersonal skills are strong.
Passion for cannabis: Professionals having interest and liking towards cannabis can help them stay self-motivated in work.

Breaking into the Cannabis Industry

If you want to get a foothold in the cannabis industry, here are some steps to help you get started:

Researching the Industry: Know all the facets of the cannabis industry, from the science of a plant to legal and regulatory landscapes.
Identify your niche: Think about the kind of skill base, interests, and experience which might be useful in various roles for the cannabis industry.
Network: Join professional organizations, attend industry events, and meet people already working in the field.
Get experience: Seek out internships, volunteer, and entry-level positions in your area of interest.
Educate yourself: Stay up-to-date with industry happenings through news sources, attending conferences, and further education.

Cannabis Industry Resources

These are some helpful resources for those looking to learn more about careers within the cannabis industry.

Cannabis Industry Association: National trade association representing the interests of the cannabis industry
Leafly: Online resource for Cannabis Information and News including Job Listings
Green Flower Media: Online education platform offering courses and certifications in various aspects of the Cannabis Industry
Women Grow: Professional Network for women in the Cannabis Industry, offering Events, Education and Resources
National Cannabis Industry Association: Industry association for cannabis businesses; works to reform federal policy

Conclusion

The Cannabis industry represents, for one seeking a dynamic and rewarding career, a vast array of opportunities. From hands-on roles in cultivation and processing to creative positions within marketing and branding, the ways to apply one’s skills and interests within this very fast-growing field are literally endless.

With more and more countries and states legalizing cannabis, this exponential growth in the industry can be expected to continue creating more jobs and opportunities well into the future. If any of this interests you and joining the latest industry is important to you, now is the time to learn about the many career paths available in this interesting world of cannabis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of education or training is required to have a career in the cannabis industry?
The educational requirements are all position-dependent, although most of them require one to have a bachelor's degree in some related field, such as horticulture, chemistry, business, or marketing. Specialized training or certifications in cannabis cultivation, extraction, or any other related area are also quite valued.
Is previous experience with cannabis necessary to work in the industry?
While personal experience with cannabis can be helpful it is not necessarily required for all positions. Indeed, many roles such as accounting, marketing, or security can tap into talent and experience gained from other industries. However, some more hands-on roles like budtending or cultivation really prefer people that have prior knowledge about cannabis.
What's the typical salary range for cannabis industry jobs?
Salaries within the cannabis industry vary greatly, depending on the specific position that one is applying for and the location. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for cannabis jobs in the U.S. sits at $58,971 per year as of May 2021. That number reaches as low as around $30,000 for entry-level retail positions and shoots over $100,000 for high-level management or technical roles.
Are there opportunities for advancement/growth with the cannabis industry?
Yes, the cannabis industry only continues to grow, and within it, there are many opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Entry-level positions like budtending or trimming could lead to management roles, while expertise in a specific area of the industry, like extraction or cultivation, might open up opportunities for consulting or entrepreneurship.
What are some of the biggest challenges associated with working within the cannabis industry?
One of the most important challenges the cannabis industry faces is that its regulatory environment is changing very fast and is highly complex. Cannabis businesses must be compliant with thousands of different laws at the state and local levels that not only often conflict with one another but are also changing very frequently. With this view, the industry, in relation to a formerly illegal substance, stands stigmatized and legally at risk—risks that need very careful handling.

Disclaimer

The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. FDA has not evaluated statements contained within the blog. Information on this website or in any materials or communications from Inheal is for educational/informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions, correct dosage or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

by Chris Dorcey

A connoisseur of cannabis creativity and true contemplation with more than 20 years of experience, Chris extracts deep thoughts from getting lightly baked and shares his wandering mind. He blends cuisine and cannabis culture into nutritious, delicious recipes and insights for other hemp lovers.