Employment in the cannabis industry jumped from around 110,000 workers in 2017 to 160,000 full-time employees in 2018. The industry is expected to continue growing for the next five years and beyond.
Looking at these numbers, you might come to the conclusion the cannabis industry is a good one to keep an eye on. If you’re searching for a new career, you might be wondering how to get into the cannabis industry.
Our guide will walk you through some of the requirements for getting a job in this growing industry. We’ll also help you understand why a career in the cannabis industry might be right for you.
Know What Roles Are Out There
Since the cannabis industry is growing so fast, there are available jobs at every level. Some roles will require years of experience and advanced college degrees. Others are entry-level positions, perfect for students or people entering the job market.
There are different kinds of cannabis companies. Producers, for example, want to hire specialists in horticulture and botany. They also have entry-level positions, such as trimmers.
Dispensaries need to hire customer service specialists. Sometimes known as “budtenders,” these entry-level roles can be a great way to get into the industry.
For those with more experience, there are other ways to work at a dispensary. Sales managers, for example, look after the day-to-day operations of the dispensary.
Across all cannabis companies, you’ll find some familiar business roles. Almost every business, for example, is in need of a good bookkeeper. You might also consider roles in IT, marketing, and sales.
In short, there’s no shortage of different roles in the cannabis industry.
The Skills You Need
The next question when you’re pondering how to get into the marijuana industry is what skills you’ll need.
The answer depends on the job you want. A budtender working at a weed dispensary has a different set of qualifications than the CEO.
This industry is still young, and the pioneers have worked hard to make it a legitimate endeavor. There are a few qualities that will make you more attractive to potential employers. They include:
- Honesty
- A strong sense of ethics
- Reliability
- Flexibility
These qualities are important as the cannabis industry continues to make itself legitimate.
Almost every position will also need a few common skills. You can count on the soft skills being important for almost every role in the industry. They include:
- Good communication skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Time management skills
Other skills and qualifications will be specific to the job role.
Getting the Right Education
As the marijuana industry becomes more formalized, people see the need for training. More continuing education courses and university programs are cropping up as a result.
If you’re hoping to get a particular role in the industry, taking a few courses might be a smart move. You can take courses to help you build specific skills for the role you want. You can also take skills-building courses that will help you more generally.
If you’re considering a new career or thinking about a degree, check out what roles require degrees. As we said, cannabis businesses need IT specialists as much as other industries.
Different Methods for How to Get into the Cannabis Industry
Once you’ve checked over your skills, it’s time to brush up your resume. You’ll need it if you want to get into the cannabis industry.
For most jobs, you’ll apply the old-fashioned way. You’ll find a job posting and submit an application. If you want to get a job working at a dispensary, you’ll email your resume and cover letter when responding to a job post.
If there are no open roles at a company you want to work for, you can send an application to their Human Resources team. Freelancers can also find plenty of opportunity by sending in their CVs.
The Importance of Networking
If you’re wondering how to get into the cannabis industry, don’t forget the importance of networking. You never know who you might meet. Reach out to industry employees on sites like LinkedIn.
You can also attend job fairs or apply through cannabis-specific staffing agencies. If there are trade shows in the area, keep an eye out to see if any of the companies you want to work for will be present.
Networking is especially important for those who want to move up in the corporate world. Since the cannabis industry is still so young, there are plenty of opportunities to move up. Begin building your network now and see where your contacts can take you.
Gaining Experience in the Industry
If you want to get into the marijuana industry, one of the best things you can do is start gaining experience now. If you’re still in school or new to the job market, an entry-level position might be your ticket in.
You might start off as a budtender, but in this growing industry, opportunity abounds. You can read more here about how to work in dispensary specifically. A ground-level job could give you the hands-on experience you need to move up in the cannabis industry.
If you’ve worked in other industries, you may already have plenty of experience. For example, someone who worked as a sales director in the wine industry might have a good understanding of how sales will work for cannabis.
Take a few cannabis-specific courses to make sure you have the right knowledge.
Make a Career Switch Today
If you’ve been wondering how to get into the cannabis industry, you now see how easy it can be. There are opportunities for almost every level of experience and area of expertise.
A career switch might be just what you need to begin living life the way you want. Discover more great tips for improving your lifestyle on our blog.
