11 Tips on How to Break into the Cannabis Industry

How To Get Into The Cannabis Industry: 11 Tips

The cannabis industry is booming. It is estimated to be at 52.5 Billion!

If this isn’t an incentive to jump into this budding industry (no pun intended!) then I don’t know what is.

Most people tend to associate cannabis jobs with positions such as budtenders or growers.

However, opportunities in this industry are much more abundant than you might think.

Furthermore, the cannabis industry is vast and thus needs a whole array of professionals from software developers, chemists, writers, cultivators, and of course sales professionals. These positions are just the tip of the iceberg.

In fact, there is most definitely a position in this industry for you.

Just take a look at any of these potential job openings listed on Sativa University for cannabis related jobs!

You’re in the right spot if working in cannabis is a dream job for you.

These are 11 tips that will help you get started on your cannabis dream career.

#1 Starting with Self-Awareness

You should ask a few questions before applying for any one position.

What are you most passionate about?
What are your talents?
Which environments are most conducive to your success?
What are your personal goals?
What inspires and motivates you?

Unleash your creativity and discover your deepest thoughts through activities such as journaling or mind mapping.

Give some deep thought on where you can best use your talents.

Additionally, what can you offer this industry in terms of unique perspectives or contributions?

It’s time to get creative and think about what ideas you are able to offer to a potential job.

#2 Do your Homework

Are you looking for a specific cannabis company to work for?

Visit their website and find all the information you can find on Google. Explore as much as possible.

Furthermore, find out more about the company’s mission, team, and values. No two businesses that are exactly the same.

Learn more about the company’s challenges and current needs so that you can better understand your potential contributions while offering value, rather than just asking for a job.

#3 Examining the Legalities

Cannabis legalization is complex.

However, there may be fewer restrictions depending on the profession you are looking into.

Take, for example, ancillary cannabis opportunities like:

Marketing
Web Design
Graphic Design
Writing
Event Planning
Consulting
Accounting
Legal
Plus many more!

If you aren’t “touching” the plants directly, there are fewer legal precautions to be aware of.

However, be cautious though as regulations are not universally applicable and vary from state to state.

Moreover, look into the legality in your state and see what’s feasible for you.

#4 Attending Industry Events

Cannabis is a close-knit industry. This is largely due to the persistent advocacy and activism of many people across the industry.

Furthermore, this space has seen people come together to fight local, state, federal, and international restrictions.

This industry was built off of their hard work.

However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities for newcomers!

Many cannabis-based businesses are looking for outside talent.

You can land yourself an opportunity if you have a genuine curiosity and passion for the plant.

Furthermore, meeting the people behind these companies will help you establish a relationship.

Additionally, being present and active in the cannabis community will be immensely helpful as well.

Demonstrate that you are serious about making a positive impact within this community.

It’s not quite entirely about getting the job, but rather it’s about putting yourself out there and making connections.

#5 Searching Online Job Boards

Did you know that you can search online for employment opportunities in the cannabis industry using job boards such as Indeed and Monster?

Additionally, LinkedIn is another great resource.

Yes, not every job will be posted online. Yet, there are more job listings than you might think.

Here are some of the current positions you can find listed:

Cannabis Licensing Manager
National Sales Account Executive
Human Resources Director
Operations Assistant
Budtender
Social Media Intern
Extraction Technician
General Manager – Dispensary
eCommerce Manager
Insurance Agent
Business Development Specialist
Compliance/Licensing Officer

These jobs are just a small fraction of what could be available.

In addition, to find nationwide opportunities, you can leave the location field blank when searching. While many positions may be available in multiple locations across the country, it is a good idea to look at more than one.

Furthermore, there are many remote jobs in the cannabis industry.

Also don’t forget about researching your potential employer. It might sound too good to be true, so finding validity for a company is imperative. This industry is still in its infancy so there is little oversight.

Be aware of any potential red flags and listen to your gut instincts.

#6 Volunteering Your Time Within The Cannabis Field

Volunteering is an excellent way to put your talents into practice, and make long-term connections within the industry.

It shows potential employers and colleagues that you are passionate about this plant and what it can do for consumers.

Remember, the key here is finding ways to add value to your current position.

Furthermore, volunteering your time can help build trust. Even if you have never worked for a cannabis-related company, you can still volunteer for an advocacy group to get some related experience. You can make a big difference with just a few hours of effort.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and find out who is working towards cannabis reform in your local area.

#7 Use a Cannabis Staffing Agency

If you are interested in entering the cannabis industry, as mentioned, an online job board can be a great place to start.

This is a friendly reminder to check out Sativa University’s job board.

In addition, another option for finding job openings in the cannabis industry is checking out a variety of cannabis staffing agencies.

A staffing agency is a company that specializes in matching you with a certain type of related business. They can help you find current and relevant opportunities.

These are some agencies you should consider within the cannabis industry:

Viridian Staffing
Ms. Mary Staffing
THC Staffing Group
Vangst Staffing
HempStaff
Cannamed Talent Solutions

These agencies are experts in matching the right candidate with the right employer, which can help you save time and effort in your job search.

Moreover, a staffing agency could be a great option if you are in need of some help on your job search.

#8 Leveraging Virtual Networks

Are you worried that your location might limit your job search efforts?

While living in a legally cannabis permitted area will allow you to seek out more opportunities for employment, cannabis is a global industry.

You can interact with this community regardless of your zip code.

A great way to make connections is through virtual networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Additionally, we have discussion groups you can join on our website. Also, check out our social media to join our cannabis community!

A simple introduction message or even just a ‘hello’ can help make a lasting impression.

Furthermore, you’re bound to find your niche if you spend more time within the cannabis community.

#9 Framing Your Experience

A variety of skill sets are needed to ensure the future of the cannabis industry.

Each of us have something to offer to the world of cannabis.

Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, work on what strengths you do have.

Have you perhaps been in accounting for at least 20 years? Great!

You could help a cannabis company with its taxes or bookkeeping.

Are you an expert in graphic design? You could be a specialist in creating logos and websites for cannabis-related businesses.

Moreover, no matter what your passions may be, there is space for it in the cannabis industry.

#10 Taking Action

It is important to keep an open mind when looking for a job in the cannabis industry. Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. Take risks, be vulnerable, and ask questions.

Find out how to make the most of the resources and tools available to you. Additionally, make a daily list of things to do and then follow up.

Furthermore, cannabis is a great gateway and opener tool for all of us. There are so many amazing opportunities within the cannabis industry.

#11 Practicing Perseverance

Do you want to make quick money or add real value to your potential employer?

Cannabis is an exciting, yet challenging industry. There will be many hurdles to overcome, as well as some great rewards.

Remember, it’s not about being “in” on the next big thing. Building this industry involves shifting paradigms and sharing truths.

Be one step closer to launching a career or business in the cannabis industry by signing up for our online and in-person courses.

What are your thoughts on working within the cannabis industry? Let us know in the comment section below!

How To Get Into The Cannabis Industry: 11 Tips