5 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Landing a Job in the Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry is hot right now, and set for billions of dollars of growth around the world over the next few years, as more and more nations embrace the plant medicinally and recreationally.

Perhaps you’re a regular smoker, or maybe you have never touched a joint in your life – it doesn’t really matter. Cannabis is serious business, and getting ‘high’ on the job is not an option; unless, of course, you plan on being a taster and sampling products.

To work in the world of marijuana, you’ll need to be dedicated, keen to learn, and, if you plan on working in a dispensary, great with customers. Sound good? Here are five ways that you can boost your chances of landing that dream job.

#1. Stay up to Speed with Cannabis Research

Cannabis research is moving at lightning pace. This is because after decades of prohibition, scientists are finally getting the chance to study the herb in detail. Now that we know the phytocannabinoids in cannabis function in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), researchers are starting to narrow down which conditions cannabis has therapeutic benefits for. And 21^st century cannabis science is also showing the effects of specific components of marijuana, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

In short, there’s a lot to learn, and demonstrating a keen interest in the plant itself, and also its history, will stand you in good stead with any potential employer. Keeping abreast with what’s happening and the constantly changing facts about cannabis means you’ll be bringing value to the company you work for.

#2. Browse Online for Jobs

If asking around at dispensaries hasn’t yielded anything, then scour the internet for work instead. LinkedIn is superb for networking, and there are plenty of job boards where cannabis-related jobs are listed. This is also great if you’re open to moving to a new location, as a quick search will throw up vacancies all around the country.

#3. Adopt a Professional Approach

While you may enjoy partaking in cannabis in your spare time, you don’t want to present yourself as a stereotypical stoner at a job interview. Even though it may show that you’re enthusiastic about the industry, stoners have also picked up a bad – albeit sometimes unfair – reputation for lacking motivation and being unreliable. These aren’t the attributes you want a prospective new boss to pick up on.

When applying for a cannabis-related role, treat it like any other and act professional. Display a good knowledge of cannabis, and talk about why a business would benefit from bringing you on board, rather than about all the experience you have getting baked. Ensure that your CV is free of spelling errors and has meticulous grammar, and steer clear of using any cannabis slang. Don’t pretend that you know everything about weed, even if you think you do, and always come across as humble and keen to learn. Getting familiar with the increasingly popular non-intoxicating CBD oil will also strengthen your credentials.

#4. Establish How You Can Best Use Your Skills

We get it, you really want to work with marijuana. But there’s no point applying for a job as a cultivator if you have never grown the plant before. It’s essential to identify the general skills that you have before you even think about applying for a job.

For example, if you’re great with words, advancing your skills and seeking a job as a cannabis copywriter could be your route into the industry. Or if you’re a pro at customer service, applying for jobs as a budtender may be your way forward.

Don’t be too worried if you haven’t got any experience working with cannabis. As the scene is still in its relative infancy, most people applying for roles will be in the same boat. It’s more important that you have high-quality, transferable skills.

#5. Persevere

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and if your ideal job doesn’t magic itself up in front of you straight away, don’t be disheartened. The industry may be booming, but you shouldn’t think of it as a way of getting rich quick. If you really want to be successful in this area, find out how you can bring the most value and persist. Those who maintain their honesty and integrity will not only get where they’re headed, but they’ll enjoy the process and final destination, too.

Final Thoughts

Working in cannabis sure is great fun, but it’s hard work, as well. Providing you take an enthusiastic and serious approach, you’ll come across as credible and appealing to possible employers.