Ravon Williams

In October 2020, fresh out of college and facing a pandemic stricken job market, I found myself in a new city with few opportunities. With street prices for weed skyrocketing, I started shopping at dispensaries, where I saw an unexpected opportunity. After sending out countless applications, I landed a role at Bud’s Goods & Provisions, a startup that marked my entry into the cannabis industry. Now, I’m often asked, “How do I get into cannabis?” Here’s what I’ve learned.

Why So Many Want In

The cannabis industry has always had a certain allure, but now that it’s legal and mainstream, it’s not just about consumption, it’s about career potential. Lifelong consumers see it as a way to get paid to work with something they’re passionate about. It’s like a foodie becoming a chef or a sneakerhead working at a shoe store. While many start as budtenders, there are countless paths for breaking into the industry, and with over 400 establishments in this state, there are plenty of opportunities. 

Different Ways Into the Industry

Retail (Dispensary Jobs)
Budtending is the most visible role in cannabis. Dispensaries are always hiring budtenders, managers, inventory specialists, and security. Joining a startup can fast-track your growth in the industry as you’ll learn compliance, product knowledge, and customer service, all of which are essential for moving up.

Cultivation
For those who love growing their own weed, cultivation is a dream job. Many home-growers walk into dispensaries hoping to land budtender roles, but if you’re passionate about growing, consider joining a cultivation team. It’s one thing to grow at home, but doing it on a large scale requires understanding plant science, environmental controls, and scaling production. It’s a side of the industry many overlook, but it’s crucial and fulfilling for those who enjoy nurturing the plant.

Manufacturing and Production
If you’re into making your own edibles, the production side might be for you. Roles like extraction technicians, edible makers, and packaging specialists are all essential in turning raw cannabis into the consumables people love. This side of the industry requires creativity, compliance, and attention to safety standards.

Wholesale
Sales reps and account managers keep the supply chain flowing. Many people in this field either work their way up within the industry or come from other sales-heavy industries like alcohol. With commission on the table, there’s plenty of money to be made here.

Adjacent Industries
The cannabis industry isn’t just about working with weed. There are many opportunities in marketing, technology, legal compliance, and media. Social media coordinators, content creators, and graphic designers are crucial to getting the word out for dispensaries and brands. If you’re more tech-savvy, platforms like Dutchie and Flowhub need people to help run point of sale systems. And, if you’re passionate about cannabis laws, there’s always a need for lawyers and compliance officers to keep businesses in line with state regulations.

Challenges to Keep in Mind

The industry is competitive, with oversaturation meaning more job opportunities but also more candidates. Licensing is another challenge, particularly for those looking to start their own business. Massachusetts has strict regulations, and the process can be expensive and complicated. The legal restrictions vary by state, affecting businesses more than job seekers, but knowing the landscape is crucial.

Building a Career in Cannabis: Tips for Success

Networking is everything in cannabis. Strong relationships will help you move between jobs and climb the ladder. Education is also key, whether through certifications or staying updated on regulations. Appreciate every step of the journey, starting small as I did can help you gain valuable ground-floor insight as you progress.

Finding Your Path

There are many ways into the cannabis industry—budtending is just the most obvious. Whether you’re into sales, growing, media, or compliance, there’s a place for you if you’re passionate and willing to put in the work. Breaking into the industry isn’t always easy, but with persistence and the right mindset, you can carve out a fulfilling career.