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If you’ve ever visited a cannabis retail shop, you’ve probably talked to a budtender. These are the friendly people behind the counter who help you choose the right cannabis products. They know all about weed, and their job is to help you have a good, safe experience. As marijuana becomes legal in more places, the budtender is becoming a very important role in the cannabis industry.
Let’s take a closer look at what budtenders do, what they need to know, and how you can become one.
What Is a Budtender?
A budtender is like a guide in a cannabis shop. They help customers choose the best cannabis products for their needs-whether it's for medical reasons, relaxation, pain relief, or fun. They know a lot about different strains (types) of cannabis, how each one works, and how to use them.
Budtenders do more than sell weed. They answer questions, make suggestions, and explain how products will make you feel. They’re trained to help people feel confident in what they buy. They also help keep the store running smoothly by talking to managers and helping train new staff.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Budtender?
Budtenders have many jobs during the day. Some of their key duties include
• Checking ID: They make sure customers are old enough to buy cannabis (usually 21+).
• Helping Customers: They listen to what the customer wants and suggest products that will work best.
• Explaining Products: They describe different strains, edibles, oils, and more. They explain how each product is used and how it might affect you.
• Processing Payments: Budtenders use cash registers and computers to check people out and handle transactions.
• Knowing the Rules: They stay up to date on state laws and store policies about cannabis sales and safety.
• Keeping Things Clean and Safe: They make sure the sales area is clean, organized, and safe.
Budtenders often switch between being a salesperson, a cannabis expert, and a customer service helper—all in the same day!
If you enjoy helping people and are interested in cannabis, being a budtender can be a fun and rewarding career. You’ll get to meet new people every day, learn about new products, and maybe even move into a higher role like shift leader or store manager.
To become a budtender, you usually need:
• Knowledge of Cannabis: Understand different strains, how to use them, and what they’re good for.
• Customer Service Skills: Be friendly, patient, and helpful.
• Retail Experience (Preferred): Many stores like hiring people who have worked in stores before.
• Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old in most states.
• Background Check: You should be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Cannabis Worker License (in some states): Some states require a special work permit.
Even if you don’t know everything, many dispensaries will train you. The most important thing is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
In most places in the U.S., you must be at least 21 years old to work in a retail store. This rule is part of the law and helps keep cannabis away from minors. If you’re younger than 21, you can start learning about the cannabis industry or work in related jobs, like at a smoke shop, until you’re old enough.
Usually, no special license is required to become a budtender, but it depends on the state. Some states require you to get a cannabis worker permit. It’s also a good idea to take online courses or attend cannabis education programs to learn more and stand out when applying.
In most cases, you need to pass a background check to work at a retail store. If you have a felony, especially related to drugs or theft, it may be hard to get hired. However, if your record was cleared (expunged), you might still have a chance. Always ask the dispensary about their policies they might allow exceptions depending on the situation.
Applying for a budtender job is simple:
1. Submit your resume on our careers page.
Budtenders play an important role in the cannabis industry. They help customers choose the right products, explain how different strains work, and make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're visiting a dispensary for the first time or you're a regular shopper, a knowledgeable and friendly budtender can make all the difference.
