Budding Opportunities: How to Land a Job in Cannabis
As the cannabis industry continues to bloom in New York State, an increasing number of cannabis-related employment opportunities are emerging. If you are looking to kick-start a career in the cannabis industry, here are six tips to help you get your foot in the door.
Tip 1: Identify which sector of cannabis you want to work in.
Before you start your job search, it is important to decide what sector of the cannabis industry you are interested in working in. This will help you to narrow down your focus and find jobs that are a good fit for your skills and interests.
1. Cultivation and Nursery
The ‘Cultivation and Nursery’ sector of the cannabis industry involves growing and harvesting cannabis plants. Cultivation specifically focuses on mature plants while nurseries specialize in the early stages of plant development.
Sample Jobs: Cultivation and Nursery Associates, Trimmer, and Sales Manager.
2. Processing
The ‘Processing’ sector of the cannabis industry helps bridge the gap between cultivation and the final consumer product. Processors are responsible for performing processes like extraction and infusion to convert harvested cannabis into a wide range of cannabis products such as oils, edibles and topicals.
Sample Jobs: Extraction, Infusion, Packaging, Processing Inventory, and Processing Sales.
3. Testing Laboratories and Sampling Firms
The ‘Testing Laboratories and Sampling Firms' Sector play crucial roles in a highly regulated cannabis industry (such as New York State). Sampling Firms are responsible for extracting the required samples from cannabis and cannabis-infused products. The collected samples are then sent to specific testing laboratories to ensure they meet regulatory and quality standards before they hit the market.
Sample Jobs: Laboratory/Sampling, Sales/Marketing Manager, Sampling Director, Technical Director, and Quality Assurance Officer
4. Distribution & Delivery
Once the cannabis is ready for retail, distributors transport the product to sanctioned dispensaries and on-site consumption locations to be sold to the public. Similarly, delivery operators are responsible for bringing cannabis from dispensaries directly to the consumers.
Sample Jobs: Distribution Logistics, Distribution Inventory, Delivery, and Distribution Sales Manager
5. Dispensary and On-site Consumption
The ‘Dispensary and On-Site Consumption’ Sectors are responsible for the retail sale of cannabis to consumers. Individuals who work within this sector must be passionate about interacting with customers, sharing product knowledge, answering product questions, and catering to their cannabis needs.
Sample Jobs: Dispensary Sales, Dispensary Inventory, and On-site Consumption
6. Ancillary Services
Are you interested in working in the cannabis industry, but do not want to handle the plants directly? There is an array of ancillary services that help support the growth of cannabis-related companies.
Sample Jobs: Administrative and Clerical, Sanitation/Custodial, Security/Asset Protection, Equipment Technician, Instructor/Trainer, Human Resources, Payroll, HVAC Technician, IT Manager, Attorney/Legal, Accounting, Marketing, or Government Affairs positions.
When considering different jobs within the cannabis industry, it is important to keep in mind that the levels of expertise and responsibilities can vary greatly. Some jobs may require specialized training and experience, while others may be more entry-level. Be sure to carefully review the job requirements before you apply.
For more information on the types of jobs you can have in cannabis, please visit Cannabis Career Exploration | Department of Labor.
Tip 2: Transferable skills
If you are interested in a career in the cannabis industry, but you do not have any direct experience in the industry, do not be discouraged! Your transferable skills are more valuable than you think. While some jobs in the cannabis industry require specialized skills and training, there are also many jobs that are open to candidates with transferable skills from other industries. However, you will want to gain cannabis industry knowledge to round out your transferrable skills! Whether you have a background in sales and marketing, finance, administration, or operations, your skills can have a practical application within the cannabis sector.
Here is a list of transferable skills and industries that are highly sought after in the cannabis industry:
Example: Veterans are a valuable asset to the cannabis industry, as they are trained in precise documentation. A strong skillset for attention to detail and precise documentation is crucial to maintain compliance.
Example: If you have experience in the food distribution industry, your skills could readily transition to a role in delivery and driving for a cannabis company.
When applying for jobs in the cannabis industry, be sure to highlight your transferable skills and explain how they can be applied to the specific job you are applying for. It is also important to be educated about the industry and to have a passion for cannabis advocacy. Be adaptable and willing to learn new things!
Tip 3: Research, Research, Research!
As you navigate the job market, researching legal cannabis businesses in your area can help you understand the industry and your place within it. Start by googling local dispensaries and other cannabis-related businesses to discover available job listings. If there is a position you are interested in, take a deep dive into the job description to gauge how it aligns with your current experience and skill set.
There is a growing list of available jobs in New York State, check it out StateJobsNY - State Employees: Vacancy List and Cannabis Jobs.
Tip 4: Hit the Ground Running with a Cannabis-Tailored Email and Resume
Before you start applying for cannabis jobs, it is a good idea to ensure that you have a professional email address and resume. Your resume should be specifically tailored for cannabis. This shows future employers that you are serious about the industry and that you've taken the time to tailor your application. It also helps you build your personal brand as a cannabis professional. Take Cannabis Courses to familiarize yourself with the current cannabis terms and experiences and add it to your resume.
Pro Tip: List any legacy experience you have as a hobby or under 'Other Experience' instead of work experience as it was not gained through taxable employment.
Tip 5: Cast a Wide Net: Be Searchable on All the Major Job Boards
There are resources available to you to help you find the job you are searching for. Start by creating or updating your existing profile on employment websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Zip Recruiter with relevant experience to become findable to employers. And don’t forget cannabis specific job boards like Vangst, The Cannabis Job Board, 420 Careers, and Ganjapreneur. To increase your chances of being noticed, applying early can give you the competitive edge you need to land a job interview. We suggest periodically checking each platform and your email to stay updated on potential cannabis career opportunities. Do not contact these businesses excessively, as it takes time for the Companies to go through the hiring process, and you do not want to irritate a potential employer.
Tip 6: Knowledge is Power: Invest in Your Cannabis Education
To work in the cannabis industry, you need to know more about cannabis than just how to use it. We highly encourage you to take online or college courses, such as those offered by reputable institutions like Erie Community College (ECC) or Niagara Community College (NCCC) to broaden your knowledge. You can also find other online classes and services from independent cannabis professionals like SUNY Cannabis Conference and Discovering Cannabis. Another excellent way to learn more about the budding cannabis industry is to attend local networking events such as Cannabis Association of New York (CANY). In addition, you can join free online cannabis communities like On The Revel (Dope People) designed to connect you with like-minded individuals in New York state. These are just a few wonderful opportunities to connect, network, collaborate, and exchange ideas with other cannabis enthusiasts.