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budtender

How to Get a Cannabis Job in Colorado

June 25, 2021 by Randy Robinson 2 Comments

If you want to work in marijuana retail sales in the first state to legalize recreational pot, it’s easy. But there’s an application process, complete with various forms and fees. And you must follow and obey all Colorado marijuana laws.

Ask yourself, “Do I really want a cannabis job?”

Before entering the cannabis industry, understand it’s highly, highly regulated. The state and city governments are pretty serious about these regulations and rules – and trust me, there’s a lot of them, and they change all the time. As a badged employee, you must memorize and understand these rules. Failure to comply with the rules can lead to an audit or MED investigation. These investigations can cost a business anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars, so be prepared to operate under a tight ship.

Second, consider the social ramifications. There’s still a lot of stigma around cannabis, and your previous or current job selling marijuana could affect your ability to find work elsewhere. This isn’t a guarantee, but it is something to consider.

Types of Cannabis Jobs in Colorado

budtender weighing out cannabis

If you are 100% positive you want a job in the cannabis industry, here is a list of some jobs you could apply for after you get your MED license.

– Cannabis Trimmer
– Cannabis Harvest and Cultivation Assistant
– Dispensary Budtender
– Cannabis Packager
– Horticulturist
– Sales Representative
– Dispensary Manager / Assistant Manager

If you’re actively looking for a cannabis job be sure to check out local cannabis job listings on ZipRecruiter and Indeed.

Colorado Cannabis Job Qualifications

Because this industry is so carefully watched, only a handful of people qualify to work in the industry. To quality, you must:

– You must be 21+
– You are a Colorado resident and have a drivers license or ID
– Have a relatively clean criminal record, which means no felony convictions in the past five years.
– Owe no outstanding differences to the IRS or to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
– Not be affiliated with organized crime. You’ll be required to provide photos of any tattoos on your body.
– Not be a licensed physician.
– Not be a member of law enforcement.
– You must have your fingerprints taken prior to submitting your application

Apply for MED License

man filling out application

As with any other application process, the first step to getting a cannabis job in Colorado is filling out the application.

There used to be two different types of licenses to apply for; one for “Key Employees” and one for “Support Employees”. This rule changed on January 1, 2020. Anyone who seeks to become an employer of a cannabis enterprise, such as a budtender or dispensary employee, needs to fill out this Employee License Application. The fee is $100 for first-timers and $75 for renewals.

You’ll need to prove that you’re a Colorado resident (which requires a Colorado driver’s license). You can apply without a Social Security Number, but if you don’t have one, you’ll need to fill out a sworn affidavit stating you don’t have a Social Security Number.

The Colorado Department of Revenue provides numerous resources to help you through the application process. For MED Licensing Information click here and for MED Applications and Forms click here. You’ll find a number of different forms and applications depending on what you’d like to apply for, i.e., delivery permit, employee license or hospitality marijuana business just to name a few.

Important note about getting your fingerprints for the MED license.

The Colorado Government says:
“Applicants may have fingerprints taken using a third-party vendor. When submitting your application, please include a copy of your receipt showing you completed your fingerprints by visiting one of the following providers.

– IdentoGo (Service Code: 25YGBJ)
– Colorado Fingerprinting (CBI Unique ID: 9500MAJI)​
– Please see the MED Third-Party Fingerprint Providers page for more information.”

Here are some rules to follow when filling out your application:

1. Stick to black or blue ink, and your writing should be one color from start to finish. In other words, don’t do half of it in blue ink then switch to black ink for the last half.

2. Do not cross out any information you’ve written. You cannot white-out anything, either. If you mess up, you need to start over from scratch.

3. The form must be notarized by a state-licensed notary. Wait until you’ve met with the notary before signing the forms.

4. Whatever you do, tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth on your application. Leaving out required information may result in an automatic and permanent disqualification. It’s better to provide all information upfront compared to facing denial and having to go through an appeal process.

Important Note: If you are renewing your license, you must fill out the renewal application before it expires or you’ll have to go through the entire employee license application from the beginning.

Visit a MED Office to Apply

government building

You’ll need to set aside a day to make a trip to one of the state’s MED offices. It is recommended that you email or call them to make sure they are accepting walk-ins, only doing drop-offs or if you should just mail your application in.

Lakewood Office
1707 Cole Blvd., Suite 300
Lakewood, CO 80401
Email: [email protected]

Colorado Springs Office
PO Box 15128
Colorado Springs, CO 80935
Email: [email protected]

Grand Junction Office
632 Market Street, Suite G3
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Email: [email protected]

Longmont Office
275 South Main Street, Suite 101
Longmont, CO 80501
Email: [email protected]

If they are accepting walk-ins, it is usually on a  first-come, first-served, so try to show up early. Bring all relevant forms, including your Colorado-issued driver’s license, proof of residency (a utility bill usually works), a Social Security Card, and any other documents related to your arrest history, criminal records, etc.

You must also make your application payment upon your office visit. The offices will only take cash, money orders, and personal checks.

And that’s pretty much it! If you qualify, you should find out that day. Your badge is good for two (2) years, and once you have it, you can apply to work at any licensed dispensary, retail store, MIP, or grow operation in Colorado.

Have fun, and best of luck!

Filed Under: How-To's and FAQ's Tagged With: budtender, Cannabis Industry, Cannabis Jobs, Colorado, Dispensary Jobs, Marijuana Jobs, Marijuana Retail, Medical Marijuana, Recreational Marijuana

How to Get a Cannabis Job in Oregon

January 19, 2017 by Zoe Wilder Leave a Comment

What it Takes to Work in Cannabis in Oregon

Recreational Cannabis Workers must now obtain a “Marijuana Worker Permit”

Currently, Oregon has two legal cannabis markets; recreational and medical. While the recreational market is quickly becoming vastly larger there, working in a recreationally licensed business requires a “Marijuana Worker Permit” issued by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). To obtain a permit, workers must study, take an exam, pass a background check and once passed, pay a $100.00 fee. Working at a medical business, those regulated by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), existing under Oregon’s nearly 20 year old medical marijuana program (OMMP) doesn’t require a permit, but some employers may complete a background check, and some may insist on hiring permit-holding workers only. In Oregon, state law prohibits employers from checking an applicant’s credit history.

Criteria

To apply for an OLCC marijuana worker permit, applicants must be 21 years of age or older and head to the Marijuana Worker Permit page on the OLCC’s website to register, verify identity, study for the exam, take the online exam, pass the application process, hear from the OLCC, then pay, print the permit, and look for work. An OLCC marijuana worker permit is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed. Applicants may be disqualified for any number of reasons. These are listed under the “Marijuana Worker Permit Denial Criteria” section (page 62) among the 89 pages of rules outlined in the OLCC’s General Requirements Applicable To All Marijuana Licensees. Various prior felony convictions are typically cause for denial, although some marijuana offences are accepted. Other prerequisites and intricacies are listed in the rules.

Employees of marijuana producers (growers, etc.), processors (extract makers, edible makers, etc.), wholesalers (distributors), or retailers (dispensaries, etc.) must obtain a permit to work. This includes the coveted position of budtender among Oregon’s growing number of recreational dispensaries. Lab employees and research certificate employees are exempt from the permit process.

Employees may lose their permits for misconduct. The online exam and study guide trains permit holders on the various rules regarding work conduct, like recognizing visibly intoxicated customers and denying them service, not being intoxicated on the job, learning to correctly use the state’s Cannabis Tracking System (CTS), and more. Conduct infractions could cause penalties and fines for both the employer and employee, including revocation of their worker permit. More information on this can be found in the study guide.

In Oregon, the OLCC also oversees regulated alcohol sales and a similar permitting process applies to workers serving alcohol in bars, restaurants and event venues with liquor licenses. Currently, under Oregon law, licensed businesses can not sell or serve alcohol and cannabis under the same business license. While recreational cannabis is open to consumers 21 or older, public consumption of cannabis remains illegal in Oregon.

People age 21 or older looking to obtain a Marijuana Worker Permit in Oregon may head to the OLCC website to register and apply.

Filed Under: How-To's and FAQ's Tagged With: budtender, Cannabis Industry, Cannabis Jobs, Dispensary Jobs, Marijuana Jobs, Marijuana Retail, Medical Marijuana, oregon, Recreational Marijuana

How to Get a Cannabis Job in Washington State

January 19, 2017 by Zoe Wilder 1 Comment

What it takes to work in Cannabis in Washington State

Recreational Cannabis Workers should come prepared with retail sales experience and a knowledge of cannabis

Currently, Washington has two legal cannabis markets; recreational and medical. The medical market in Washington State is slowly phasing out and the recreational market is actually expanding at the moment. The state sets the number of retail cannabis business licenses issued, that number has recently increased from 334 retail dispensaries to 556 across the state.

Criteria

To work as a budtender in Washington, workers must be 21 years or older and apply for the job directly to the hiring business. At this time, no permit is required. Individual hiring processes depend on the hiring business. Some employers may require a criminal background check, however prior marijuana convictions are typically exempted by employers. Retail dispensaries may favor candidates possessing a knowledge of Washington’s medical marijuana program processes. The medical program is overseen by the Washington State Department of Health and requires medical facility customer liaisons to obtain a Medical Marijuana Certified Consultant certification.

In Washington state, it is against the rules to speak of cannabis’ therapeutic benefits at a dispensary, so other knowledge like growing practices and a deep understanding of the shops various vendors is an excellent start. Recreational shops see a lot of “newcomer” customers looking for knowledge to guide their first time buying legal weed, and the Medical Marijuana Certified Consultant certification process includes a 20 hour training program that teaches workers what they can and cannot do when selling retail marijuana.

This certification is not a prerequisite for working in recreational cannabis in the state, only at medical shops, but the certificate can be very helpful in getting hired at a retail dispensary.

Positions at retail pot shops in Washington State include: budtenders, shop key holders, shift managers, greeters, and more. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Washington State recreational cannabis retailers see a lot of business and these jobs are coveted, so applicants should be prompt and professional and never show up to work intoxicated.

Retailers typically prohibit consumption during the shift, and the law prohibits smoking cannabis on premises or in any public place or space. Expect to handle lots of cash and be good at counting and making change. Budtending shifts can be high paced, so anticipate lots of time on your feet, and repetition explaining various methods of consumption and the differences between various forms of cannabis…to customer after customer, for hours on end.

Tips

A knowledge of computers and POS systems is helpful. Bringing upbeat vibes and a good spirit to the interview and your daily job is certain to help get a foot in the door. High volume customer service, with a smile, is the name of the game.

Currently, under Washington law, licensed businesses can not sell or serve alcohol and cannabis under the same business license. While recreational cannabis is open to consumers 21 or older, public consumption of cannabis remains illegal in Washington.

People age 21 or older looking to work in Washington should check out Craigslist and search the job listings for “cannabis” to explore a number of opportunities in their desired city or town: https://seattle.craigslist.org/search

Filed Under: How-To's and FAQ's Tagged With: budtender, Cannabis Industry, Cannabis Jobs, Dispensary Jobs, Marijuana Jobs, Marijuana Retail, Medical Marijuana, Recreational Marijuana, Washington

How to Select Fine Cannabis for Smoking

October 11, 2016 by Zoe Wilder Leave a Comment

New to buying legal weed? Let us guide you.

Considering cannabis prohibition is just now slowly fading away, frequenting a dispensary is a unique and remarkable experience. It’s pretty amazing to browse among varied display cases filled with generous selections of cannabis flower, topicals, concentrates and edibles to purchase. Welcome to the wonderful world of legal cannabis. The following tips will help you make the most of your dispensary visit.

Plan Ahead

Some dispensaries focus on flower. Other shops spend more energy curating concentrates or edibles. Each one is unique. Unless you want to spend the day bouncing from one place to the next (which you could most certainly do), it’s best to call ahead and ask questions: What’s in stock? Is there a wait? How much am I allowed to purchase during my visit? Also, sites like Yelp, Merry Jane, Leafly and Weedmaps are great resources. They list dispensaries nearby, hours of operation, menu items and customer reviews.

Don’t Assume the Product is the Same at Each Dispensary

Cannabis is a dynamic plant. Every harvest is different depending on growing conditions such as techniques used, the environment or soil it was grown in, and the weather of the region. Rather than simply focusing on the strain name, also look at the grower, harvest date, terpene profile, and cannabinoid ratios. It’s all of these variables working together in conjunction with your own physiology that determine cannabis’ effect. Ask your budtender for recommendations based on these factors and your desired results.

Ask “How Was it Grown?”

Select fine cannabis

There’s a common misconception that outdoor is inferior to indoor-grown cannabis. Yet, for some, there’s little substitute for cannabis cultivated in nature, underneath the powerful rays of the sun and the glow of the moon, surrounded by various forms of plant life, insects, worms and birds. This is still a rare practice as many municipalities require growing operations to be out of sight from the public. Cannabis requires a lot of light, so it’s also advantageous in some climate regions to use man-made techniques to reproduce environment and skirt the seasons in order to yield more crops per year. Because of this, just like common fruit and vegetable farming, cannabis is grown a variety of ways. From greenhouses to warehouses, artificial lighting to sun-grown, varying methods yield differing calibers of cannabis. Some growers use synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides while others use nothing but nature. While most legal states have pesticide-use limits in place, both the standards and enforcement vary from state to state. Since Organic Certification is a product of the U.S. federal government, it isn’t available to any cannabis producers under the law. Even if you see it advertised, true organic certification doesn’t actually exist in the industry, yet. Instead, look for grassroots certifications like Clean Green and Patient Focused, these are meant to assist farmers in using sustainable, biodynamic and overall, “organic-style” processes. Knowledgeable budtenders will be able to tell you how each product was grown and produced.

Don’t Touch the Flower

Once the budtender pops the lid off a delicious batch of cannabis, the temptation to grab a bud may be strong. Resist the urge. Instead, use your eyes to examine the offering before you. If you’d like to take a closer look, ask for assistance. Most dispensaries are equipped with magnifying glasses and tongs so you can examine the flower without placing your hands on it. Remember, this is people’s medicine and should be kept contaminate-free. Not to mention, you’ll want to take great care when handling cannabis or you’ll knock the glittery, tasty and potent trichomes off, diminishing both its efficacy and all the hard work of the harvester.

Examine the Smell

It’s ok to take a very large whiff of a sample. Just don’t pick it up or put it in your nose. Cannabis should smell potent from, at least, a few inches away without having to break a bud open. If you’re having difficulty detecting it’s odor, it’s most likely getting stale. Your budtender should be able to guide you toward the various odors of the strain. The essential oils that produce them are largely responsible for its effects. Like aromatherapy oils, the essential oils or “terpenes”  in cannabis produce unique effects. When vaporized or smoked, orange and lemony citrus smells can contribute to relaxation and focus, while sweet lavender and peppery smells can contribute to sedation. Strong pine and eucalyptus smells can induce energy and help you breath more deeply. Of all the plants in the kingdom, cannabis has the unique ability to express huge amounts of varying terpenes. This is largely why we’re able to use cannabis for such a wide range of effects. Avoid musty or moldy smelling batches, and nugs that smells like dirt. Cannabis that smells like freshly cut grass may look interesting but is indicative of an overabundance of chlorophyll from improper curing and makes for a harsh smoke. Smells like funk, skunk and fuel are often praiseworthy and desirable.

Study How it Looks

Cannabis should look fresh. The colors should be vibrant; green, orange, pink, red, purple, blue, and black are all totally acceptable and often highly desired, but the buds should be void of brown and burnt yellow spots caused by chemicals and overexposure to light. Every grower has their preference for how they trim away cannabis leaves from the bud of the plant. Trim greatly affects cannabis’ appearance, and oftentimes its price. Rounded nugs that look uniformly like tiny Christmas trees can be an indication of automated machine trimming, used in large-scale cannabis harvests. Hand-trimmed cannabis typically has well defined pistils, also known as hairs, extending outward, and an abundance of glistening, frosty trichomes. Neither should contain seeds or stems. Their presence typically means the harvest was rushed to market. Smoking stems and seeds isn’t very tasty and you’ll want to avoid combusting them completely. If you see mold or insects, choose something else.

Make Your Selection

As you narrow down your top picks, consider mixing it up. Many dispensaries allow you to purchase grams, even half-grams. This enables you to try a number of different strains from a number of different producers. It can be fun to experiment with them and find your favorites. Some dispensaries even offer prepackaged tasting flights. Many of them also sell specialized journals for keeping track of the various nuance of your favorites so you know for next time.

Don’t Smoke Right Outside the Dispensary

Dispensaries are not places to consume, yet. It’s possible that one day we’ll see legal cannabis smoking lounges and cafes, but as it stands now, none exist. Most cities have some form of clean air ordinance which keeps people from smoking indoors, including vaping. Cannabis dispensaries, especially, are under scrutiny and must obey state and local laws. This usually means no consumption on the premises, including the sidewalk and parking lots. Doing so may earn you a ticket as well as one for the dispensary. It’s best to consume where you absolutely know it’s allowed.

Store Your Buds Properly

Once you’ve completed your dispensary visits, you’ll probably have at least a few grams to keep at home. Store your bud in airtight containers. Countless hours of work went into obtaining, planting, nurturing, harvesting, trimming and displaying your cannabis; it’s a good look to keep it pristine. Too much dry air will make your bud brittle and weaken the volatile terpenes responsible for making your cannabis smell and taste so great. Use a container with a kief-catcher to accumulate trichomes that shake off into dry-sift hash. Cannabis humidors with relative humidity control like the Cannador are great for budding connoisseurs.

Filed Under: How-To's and FAQ's Tagged With: budtender, dispensary, Fine Cannabis, flower, guide, Retail Experience, Selection

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