8 Best Tips on Working in the Cannabis Industry

Interested in working in the cannabis industry?

Well, we’re a little biased, but we think it’s an awesome industry to be a part of!

And if you’re someone who’s passionate about all-things cannabis — so passionate that you want to have a career in this industry — then we say, “Go for it!”

In fact, we’re having a career fair on February 9, so if you’re interested in working for Essence Cannabis Dispensary, scroll down to the end of this post and check out the details.

But before you do that, we invite you to continue reading this post so that you can learn the 8 best tips for working in the cannabis industry!

1. Craft a Mission Statement

A mission statement?

We know that sounds pretty formal, but mission statements aren’t just for corporations and non-profit organizations. Anyone can create a mission statement. And we highly recommend that you create one for yourself.

Why do you want to join the cannabis industry? Is there a particular job position you’re looking for? Why do you think you would be great hire for that position?

These are questions you should be able to answer, if for no other reason than your interviewer will be asking you some variation of these questions.

Crafting a mission statement means figuring out why you’ve chosen this industry, your ultimate goals, and how you mean to achieve them.

Here’s one example of a mission statement: “I’m committed to using my passion for cannabis science and customer service to help people find products that will improve their health and sense of well-being.”

Write out your own mission statement. You can phrase it any way you want; nobody has to see what you’ve written. The most important thing is that you’re able to articulate it to yourself and to others when necessary.

2. Identify Your Strengths

This goes hand-in-hand with your mission statement. Your strengths are basically your superpowers – the unique gifts and skills that you bring to the marketplace.

Maybe you’re the ultimate salesperson. Maybe you have a knack for cultivation. Maybe you’re good at absorbing a lot of information about cannabis and explaining it in a way that makes sense.

Knowing your strengths can not only help you find a suitable starting position, but it can also shine a light on your potential career path.

Make a list of 10 strengths that you have. They don’t have to be industry-specific either. They can be personality strengths like dependable, motivated, creative, sense of humor, etc.

3. Educate Yourself

Anyone who’s worked in the cannabis industry will tell you that there’s always more to learn. New studies, new research, and new products are released on a near-daily basis.

If you already know a lot about cannabis, great! Now expand on what you know!

If you don’t know a lot about cannabis — only that you’re intrigued by the industry and want to be a part of it — that’s okay too. There’s plenty of ways to learn more.

Use Google or YouTube to find informational articles and videos. Visit your local library and check out all the books they have on cannabis. Read industry blogs and magazines. Join online groups. Talk to people in the industry and ask them what resources they’d recommend.

4. Research the Companies You Want to Work For

Do you really want to stand out when you go in for an interview?

Do your homework on the company beforehand.

Check out their website. Follow them on social media. Learn everything you can about what products they make and sell.

Identify their mission statement, and see where their mission statement dovetails with your own.

If you go into the interview with an informed sense of who the company is and why you think you’d be a good fit for them, you stand a much better chance of getting hired.

5. Network

Going to networking events — conventions, luncheons, grand openings, Meetup groups, etc. — can be nerve-wracking.

In fact, many people are turned off by networking events because they feel like they have to put on a fake smile and pretend to be someone they’re not in order to get a job or a job lead.

Let’s be clear: the point of a networking event is not to get something from someone else. If you go into a networking event with the intention of “landing a job lead,” you’re putting way too much pressure on yourself.

The point of a networking event is to network. It’s about meeting people. Plain and simple.

Just go in with the intention of getting to know like-minded people who are as passionate about cannabis as you are.

If all you do at a networking event is just introduce yourself, tell people what you do–without trying to sell yourself–have a genuine conversation with them, and hand them your business card when the conversation is over, you’ve done the bare minimum.

And you never know what opportunities might come from that type of interaction…

6. Follow Industry Trends

The cannabis industry is growing and evolving rapidly. There’s lots of innovation taking place in cultivation, manufacturing, and the tech side of things. You’ll want to stay up-to-date on all those trends.

And if you’re interested in becoming a budtender, we definitely advise that you keep up with the latest product trends.

While it’s important to see what people are writing, posting, tweeting, and Instagramming about, it’s also a good idea to talk directly with your customers. Pay attention to their likes and dislikes as well as which of your products are constantly selling out.

7. Obey the Law

Cannabis is still a Schedule 1 substance, and even though it gains wider mainstream approval by the day, we shouldn’t take any of that progress for granted.

It’s vital that we all respect our local laws and demonstrate to our communities and politicians that cannabis legalization is working.

Breaking those laws doesn’t just reflect poorly on the individual; it’s bad for the industry as a whole.

But a more immediate consequence of breaking the law is that if you’re convicted of a cannabis-related offense, you’ll wind up with a criminal record that could dissuade a future employer from hiring you.

Think about it: how excited would you be to hire someone who got caught smoking cannabis behind the wheel of a car?

8. Be Professional

As a cannabis industry professional, a lot of people are counting on you: your customers, your fellow employees, and your employer.

Please don’t show up to work intoxicated.

We’re not saying you can’t be relaxed or comfortable or joke around when it’s appropriate. As far as our dispensary is concerned, we want it to be an enjoyable experience for both the customers and the people who work there.

So be comfortable. Be relaxed. Be yourself. And be professional. Come in with a clear head and a willingness to help others.

Whether you’re a budtender, a grower, a sales rep, or an IT specialist, just remember how lucky we all are to be working in this industry. Cannabis is a legit business now! Let’s treat it that way!

Want to attend our career fair on February 9? Here are the details:

Career Fair Details:

Date: Saturday, February 9

Time: 9 AM – 5 PM

Location: Industrial Event Space I 2330 Industrial Road, Las Vegas, NV 89102

We are in search of individuals with a passion for cannabis and a commitment to excellence to join our growing team. Ideal candidates will be people and service focused, with the necessary team-minded, communication, and interpersonal skills to represent our company and its core values. We are looking to fill the following positions:

• Store Manager
• Assistant Store Manager
• Shift Manager
• Lead Team members
• Dispensary Team members
• Cultivation Technicians

For eligible employees, our company offers a unique total rewards package that few cannabis companies can match, including competitive pay, insurance coverage for medical, dental and vision care, paid vacation & selected holidays, employee referral and employee discount program.