Budtender

An employee working at the counter of a cannabis store. Budtenders are responsible for guiding consumers on the effects, benefits, and overall experience of cannabis products. Although they generally have no medical training, these employees at marijuana dispensaries serve as important guides for the use of cannabis products, tailoring their service to customers and patients at all levels of experience.

What is a budtender?

The term «budtender» is a blend of the word « bud » (the flower of the cannabis plant) and the word «bartender.» The term originated because the role of a budtender in a dispensary is similar to that of a bartender in a bar.

In March 2018, the term «budtender» was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, which traced the word’s first recorded use to 1997.

What is the job description for a budtender?

Typical requirements and responsibilities

A budtender job description typically involves a number of responsibilities within the dispensary. The role generally includes:

• Serve as the face of the clinic and welcome clients
• Facilitate the sale
• Educate customers about a variety of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, and concentrates
• Stay up to date on new products, strains, and changes in the law
• Stay up to date on new products, new strains, changes in regulations, and industry trends in order to provide the best possible service to customers Weigh and package products as needed
• Make recommendations on cannabis products based on customer requests
• Maintain up-to-date information on patients who use medical cannabis and the relevant records (if it is a medical dispensary)
• Advise clients on safety precautions to take when using cannabis
• Verify customers' identities and documents
• Assist with various clinic operations, including operating the cash register and maintaining hygiene standards

Facts about the profession

In 2018, the median annual salary for a budtender in the United States was $32,000. Most dispensaries require staff members to have a clean criminal record.

Do you need a medical license to work in a clinic?

Many states require budtenders to obtain special authorization to work in the cannabis industry, such as a cannabis worker permit (as in Oregon) or a license (as in Colorado).

How do you become a budtender?

Although a budtender is considered an entry-level position and offers many opportunities for on-the-job training, most dispensaries look to hire staff members with substantial product knowledge.

Buddenders must have a thorough understanding of the types of cannabis strains and products available on the market, how different types of products are used, the various methods of consumption and the proper use of each, the different chemical compounds present in the cannabis products they sell, and information on responsible dosing.

Bartenders who are familiar with the cannabis industry may also be able to offer advice on cultivation, information on local and national regulations, as well as insights into medical marijuana products commonly used to treat the symptoms of various conditions.

Do you have to be 21 to be a budtender?

Currently, there is no industry-wide certification program for »budtenders.« The minimum age requirement in local jurisdictions ranges from 18 to 21. There are a number of certification courses and certifications available online, but the quality of these programs varies.