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Cannabis Retail Jobs

Our cannabis staffing team is here to help you find your place in the space. There are a variety of cannabis jobs available in the industry right now. Find the work you love to do. Check out our cannabis job board for the latest opportunities.

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Branch Manager

Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA
Our client, a vertically integrated cannabis company is looking for a dynamic Branch Manager to lead our team in Seattle, WA. If you're ready

What are Cannabis Retail and Dispensary Jobs?

If you enjoy helping others find the cannabis products they are looking for, or you’re passionate about marketing strategy and promotion, working in cannabis retail could be your thing. From vapes to edibles, to pre-rolls, and more, you’ll have a hand in connecting consumers to the variety of mind-elevating or pain-relieving cannabis/CBD products out there. Experience in retail or customer service will give you an edge. 

How to Get Cannabis Retail Jobs

Looking for a job at a cannabis dispensary? There are plenty of opportunities in states where medical and recreational cannabis is legal. If you have experience in a similar retail industry, you will have a better chance of getting hired at a dispensary. However, if you have no retail experience, you can still apply for entry-level cannabis dispensary jobs. Our job board is updated daily with opportunities in retail across the nation. You can also sign up for a featured jobs newsletter for a bi-weekly cannabis jobs email and be the first to apply to brand-new opportunities.  

Consider Temporary and Full-Time Opportunities at a Dispensary

If you have little or no retail experience, you can enter the cannabis industry through entry-level temporary jobs. One of the most popular cannabis jobs is that of a budtender. As a budtender, you may work temporary, part-time, or full-time. Also, by working temporary cannabis jobs, you will gain experience in the industry, and get opportunities to make connections that may lead you to a full-time position.  

For those who have retail experience in similar industries, you have a good chance of transitioning to a full-time position at a dispensary. If you worked as a manager or supervisor at a retail store, your skills will align with retail management roles in cannabis. From building rapport with customers to doing inventory checks and training staff, your retail experience from another industry will be transferable. However, knowing about the cannabis plant and products will give you an edge.  

Educate Yourself on Cannabis Products

From cannabis edibles to infused beverages, there are a variety of products in the industry. As the space grows, more ways of consuming cannabis are invented. Therefore, staying ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest and greatest products is essential. Keep your finger on the pulse of what consumers are buying. Also, keep track of consumer data to see the demographics of who’s buying what products. Companies like New Frontier Data have plenty of useful reports for retail professionals. 

Sharpen Your Customer Service Skills

Whether you have little to no retail experience or you’ve been in retail for several years, sharpening your customer service skills can’t hurt. Here are a few ways you can refine your customer service skills for the cannabis dispensary environment:

  • Communicate clearly – Be clear and concise, using your natural tone when talking. Explain the product, but do not overload them with every detail. Lastly, always ask them if you can help them with anything else before ending the conversation. 
  • Empathize with your customers – Put yourself in their shoes, seeing their issues from their perspective. Imagine how the issue or problem makes them feel. Customers are more receptive to suggestions and information when they feel heard. 
  • Use active listening – Approach a customer with the intent to learn something and focus on them. Ask questions as needed to clarify the situation. Then, finish with a quick summary so you both know you’re on the same page. 

Cannabis Retail Job Types

If you have cannabis experience and you’ve worked in retail, a dispensary job may be perfect for you.

Delivery drivers are in extremely high demand in the cannabis industry, typically part-time and for entry-level workers. (Don’t forget: you also need a legal driver’s license.)

Budtenders, named after the friendly bartender, are team members who need a thorough knowledge of cannabis products, an understanding of using cannabis for wellness, sales associate experience, and an understanding of what the labeling on packaging at a dispensary means for customers. For example, what does the THC information mean for them?

There are several management level positions at a cannabis dispensary. These include the general manager who supervises all employees and dispensary activities—and at a smaller startup that may be the only manager. Mid-size cannabis companies often also have a human resources manager who handles staffing. Many larger businesses also have an account manager and possibly an accounting department who manages accounts payable and receivable, and a marketing manager who handles things like ads and social media.

Here are a number of retail and dispensary roles you can expect to find in the cannabis industry.

VP of Retail

Any strategy for short or long-term goals for retail organization falls on the VP. This includes budgeting, annual sales plans, compliance, and expansion. The VP of retail is also responsible for managing profit and loss, as well as inventory. Those with a data-oriented and analytical mind could fill this role nicely. Experience in sales and management will give you a boost when being considered as a VP of cannabis retail.

General Manager

In the role of general manager, you’ll be supervising all the activities of a dispensary, in addition to managing the budtenders and other staff. As a general manager for a cannabis dispensary, it’s your obligation to analyze the business and create effective action plans that bring forth results. If this is one of the cannabis dispensary jobs you’re considering, remember that leadership skills are pivotal to this position. You’ll need to coach and develop the associates at your dispensary, so you’ll have a high-performance team that can deliver.

Budtenders

Playing off the job title of “bartender,” a budtender needs to be personable like the mixologists at your favorite establishment. Thorough knowledge of cannabis goods is a must, as you will answer customer questions and make recommendations every day. You will be the customers’ number one source for making purchases during their time at the dispensary. So, you should also discuss any allergies or issues customers may have. If you have solid experience in sales or customer service, you’ll likely get the green light for a budtender position. Undoubtedly, the budtender role is one of the most popular dispensary jobs.

Courier and Delivery

Many dispensaries offer the convenience of delivery services, so there’s plenty of opportunities for couriers in the cannabis space. The medical marijuana community made the position popular. However, deliveries for recreational cannabis are becoming more common, leading to more cannabis courier jobs. Whether you’re riding a bicycle or driving a car to deliver quality cannabis, you should be punctual and personable. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn tips in this solid part-time or temp position.

2022 Tri-State Cannabis Salary Guide

Salary guide download for the Tri-State cannabis market

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2024 Cannabis Industry Salary Guide

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