With the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 19 states and DC, the role of a budtender has become more critical than ever. Cannabis dispensaries are now looking for employees who are knowledgeable about the plant and can provide customers with accurate information about the products they are selling.
Yet, if you are looking for budtender cannabis jobs, being a good budtender requires more than just knowing the difference between Indica and Sativa. To excel in this role, you need to have a deep understanding of the plant and its effects on the human body. On top of that, you should understand cannabis dosing, master cannabis strains, and know how to spot fake or low-quality buds.
Read on for our tips on how to become a better budtender.
Know the Science Behind Cannabis
To be a good budtender, you need to know the science behind cannabis. Learning about its history, chemical components, the similarities and differences of CBD and THC, and the effects of different cannabinoids will give you a better understanding of what the plant can do for your customers.
Those looking for a budtender job should know the medical benefits of cannabis and its potential to help patients suffering from illnesses like cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, and more.
Study the latest research that shows how cannabis can be used to treat various illnesses and conditions. This knowledge will help you steer customers away from buying products they do not need and towards ones they do.
Learn About Cannabis Strains
Being a budtender requires knowing your products inside out. You should be an expert on every strain on your dispensary’s shelves. It includes their THC and CBD content, what makes them unique, how you can use them, and the effects different doses can have on the human body.
Understanding the origins of the strains you sell, their chemistry, and their therapeutic benefits will help you make better recommendations to your customers.
For example, suppose a client says they are looking for a cannabis strain that will help them to relax at the end of the day. In this case, you will know to recommend a strain with high amounts of CBD and low THC. Conversely, if they want something with a little more kick, you can recommend one with higher amounts of THC.
Understand the Dosing
It often takes a while for amateur cannabis users to get a handle on how much cannabis they should consume. Additionally, many beginners do not grasp what effects weed can have on them.
Working budtender jobs, you will have to predict how much your customer can handle. For instance, if they have never tried cannabis before, you should suggest a smaller dose of a weaker strain. Then, they can come back to you and report how the product affected them, which will help you predict their future needs.
Know How to Spot Low-Quality Products
Unfortunately, even after cannabis has been legalized in most states, there are still many products you should avoid. This is because they are either low quality or made with harmful chemicals.
If you are looking for a budtender job, you need to know how to spot these products — whether from their appearance, taste, or smell.
If the cannabis flower you want to purchase has an unpleasant smell, you should realize that it might be moldy and look for a different product — preferably from another supplier.
The same goes for unusual appearance. If the color of the leaves is off or the cannabis breaks apart into a fine powder with minimal effort, it is a clear sign that it has already outlived its usefulness. In the end, even hemp has an expiry date.
Be Friendly
Being a budtender is more than just being an expert on the plant. Customers want to be greeted by a friendly face and someone willing to take the time to help them. The ability to build rapport with any customer at the dispensary is an essential soft skill to have.
As a budtender, you are a brand ambassador for your dispensary, so you need to make the customers feel welcome while also staying knowledgeable about the products you sell. You will get customers who are brand new to cannabis products, so learn to be patient with them and explain the basics of cannabis. A part of your role is being an educator for the canna-curious, and being a friendly one customers stay loyal. The cannabis dispensary experience as a whole is what keeps customers coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
Working as a budtender is a great way to enter the cannabis industry, especially if you love marijuana and want to learn more about it. It can be the beginning of a long adventure during which you will uncover more secrets about this unique plant.
Even if you are just starting out, it is crucial to know everything about the plant and how it can affect the human body. Study the specific strains, their properties, what dosing is safe, and how to spot low-quality products. It will help you become a better budtender.
Additionally, you will want to learn how to deal with a variety of customers. You need to be able to answer any questions they might have and make them feel welcome at all times. Otherwise, you may struggle to close a deal. We wish you the best of luck in your journey or role as a budtender!
Guest post by Julia Anderson
