Becoming a Budtender: What You Need to Know

Being a budtender is more than being able to bag herbe with a smile. cannabis dispensaries expect their employees to be knowledgeable about the product. If this seems like an ideal job for you, make sure you know all there is cannabinoids, terpenes, strains, and the ECS before applying. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of becoming the perfect candidate.

Imagine being in a bar, but instead of choosing between different types of alcohol, you get to choose from different cannabis strains. If you’ve ever been to a Dutch coffeeshop, you have an idea of what this experience is like. In the United States, millions of people enjoy similar experiences when they visit dispensaries. Customers have serious choice when it comes to strains and types of cannabis (bud, extracts, edibles), and it’s the budtenders who make this system work.

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What Is a Budtender?

A portmanteau of “bud” and “bartender”, a budtender is a dispensary or cannabis shop worker who serves customers from behind a bar or till. The employees in this position act as a bridge between customers and the various cannabis-based products available. However, budtenders are not just retail shelf-stackers; depending on their training, some of them are among the most knowledgeable cannabis experts you’ll ever meet.

Many budtenders are expected to not only take inventory and fulfill other point-of-sale duties, but also answer questions, make recommendations, and educate customers about the complex science of cannabis.

Not only do budtenders provide cannabis to the general public, but they also educate them on informed decisions and finds products that would be best for them. With so many different levels of experience, it’s hard to know what THC or CBD actually is. Budtenders act as a helping hand to get users acquainted with cannabis on a deeper level than just smoking it.

In the United States, Budtenders make an average of $14.52 per hour with some states, such as California, paying up to $17.64 an hour. Other benefits of this position include dental insurance and wages that fluctuate depending on the region.

How to Become a Budtender

Fewer budtender positions are available outside North America, but if you reside in Canada or the United States—or have the option to work there—you’re fortunate.

Although you may be familiar with cannabis, you cannot assume that you know everything there is to the job. To succeed in this role, advisors should have comprehensive knowledge of cannabis science and how it affects the body. Familiarity with many strains is also essential so that accurate recommendations can be made to customers. Keep reading for more insight into what is required for this position, as well as its limitations.

Are You Curious Enough?

The most important thing you need for this job is a desire to learn about cannabis. You also have to be willing to stay updated on the latest information so that you can give your customers the best service. They will see you as an expert, and even if you feel like a fraud at first,you’ll quickly gain all of the knowledge that you need.

Bro Science Won’t Cut It

It’s no secret that some people declare themselves experts on cannabis without really knowing what they’re talking about. This so-called “bro science” promotes a lot of misinformation and misunderstandings about marijuana. To be the best budtender possible, you need to go beyond these simplistic paradigms and have a true understanding of the topic. We encourage you to explore the following topics in more depth:

The entourage effect

The theory of the entourage effect posits that cannabis’ effects are more pronounced when all of its different constituents are present. For example, early research shows that cannabinoids like THC and CBD are amplified by terpenes ( molecules responsible for a plant’s fragrance and effect). Though terpenes are recognized for their importance in the cannabis high, much of the research surrounding the entourage effect is still inconclusive and comes from cell studies. Cell studies may give us some insight, but real-world placebo-controlled trials would be needed to really understand how effective this is. In the meantime, look at the available research, try different combinations to see what works better for you, and avoid speaking about this topic as if there are absolutes.

“Strains” aren’t that important

New cannabis users may lean on strains as a way to make sense of all the choices available. Some strains get you high, others get you stoned, and some lie in the middle ground. However, the souche classification system isn’t that reliable. Two buds with the same strain name from different dispensaries can have vastly different chemical profiles.

In addition, dispensary names are generally determined by marketing strategies rather than the strain’s chemical profile. This makes it difficult for consumers to know what they’re purchasing. Some dispensaries have started using chemovar and chemotype classifications, which more accurately describe a strain’s chemical makeup. We recommend that everyone learns the basics of this system.

The endocannabinoid system

For cannabis newbies, it seems logical that strains are a practical way to narrow down the many options. Some strains make you high, some get you stoned, and others lie somewhere in between. However, classification by strain isn’t always accurate. For example, two buds with the same strain name from different dispensaries can have completely different chemical profiles. Strain names are more often driven by marketing strategies than chemical profiles, which doesn’t give the consumer much information about what they’re buying. However, some dispensaries have started to rely on chemovar and chemotype classifications instead, as they better describe a strain’s chemical profile. If you’re interested in this system, we recommend learning its basics.

Budtenders Aren’t Doctors

As a budtender, you will face many customers who want advice on medical cannabis relief. Even though it can be tempting to provide unlicensed information or give suggestions that go beyond your scope of authority, resist the urge! These patients are already under the care of medical professionals. If you overstep your boundaries, it could bring about serious consequences for both you and your dispensary.

Top-Shelf Customer Service

Although you may be extremely knowledgeable, you won’t make a positive impact on consumers unless you have exceptional customer service. This involves making genuine connections with people, being respectful, listening to their needs, and understanding what they want. Many novice cannabis users will need guidance on different methods of consumption, dosage levels, and where to begin.

Know Compliance Laws and Regulations Inside Out

Dispensaries are highly regulated. Customers have purchase limits, and all products must be sealed in child-proof packaging before they leave the dispensary. However, your dispensary also has a responsibility to train you properly regarding these regulations. The reality is that the cannabis industry is even more strictly regulated than alcohol–especially in some parts of America–so any failure to comply can quickly lead to joblessness.

Common Questions Budtenders Are Asked

As you begin to send your CV and cover letter to various dispensaries, here are some answers to common questions customers may ask so that you’re prepared.

 Do I have to smoke cannabis?

If you’re new to cannabis, you may not realize all the ways it can be consumed – smoking, vaping, sublingual application, etc. Furthermore, THC effects differ based on how you consume it. For instance, sublingual is fast while oral takes longer but leads to stronger effects.

What are THC:CBD ratios?

Explain to customers that there are two main types of cannabinoids: THC and CBD. Then, go on to explain how different varieties are bred to produce different concentrations of each. For example, THC-rich varieties focus largely on psychoactive effects, while CBD-rich cultivars tend to have more clearheaded effects. There are also varieties with equal or varying ratios of CBD and THC, which offers the benefits of both cannabinoids. It’s worth informing novices that most CBD-heavy strains will not contain enough THC to deliver the classic cannabis high.

What’s the difference between sativa and indica?

First, ask your students how they understand these terms. Many people have come to believe that these labels accurately describe the effects of a strain. Take this moment to put your educator hat on. Explain the importance of terpenes, and how the chemical profile of a variety, not the morphology (physical characteristics), chiefly impacts the effects.

How much should I take?

Keep in mind that you are not a physician. There are no formal regulations for cannabis use, and the plant affects individuals diversely based on numerous factors, including metabolism. With this being said, offering general tips should be acceptable. To play things cautiously, suggest to people that they begin with quick-acting methods of consumption, such as vaping or smoking cigarettes, and direct them to move forward one hit at once.

How to Prepare Before Visiting a Dispensary

• Maybe you don’t dream of working as a budtender, and that’s okay! However, it can still be beneficial to understand what you’re walking into when entering a dispensary as a customer. It may feel strange or even scary the first time around, but here are some tips to help ease your anxiety:
• Before you enter a cannabis dispensary, do your research so that you can be better informed than the average customer. Not all budtenders have comprehensive training, and some might try to sell you products based on what would benefit them instead of what would actually address your needs.
• Budtenders are more likely to be chatty and friendly if you approach them with respect. You might just turn a quick trip to the dispensary into a great learning experience.
• Please handle our products with care- remember that you’re not the only one who will want to use them. If possible, let the budtender describe the aromas and effects or ask for a sample before making your purchase.

Are You a Future Budtender?

If you become a budtender now, you are essentially setting yourself up for a successful future in the cannabis industry. You get to be part of the development process and learn about all different aspects of cannabis. This will give you an edge if/when you decide to branch out into other areas of the industry, such as entrepreneurship or commercial growing.