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How To Become A Budtender

November 16, 2020

Today’s cannabis market offers a wide range of products that generate effects of varying intensity, and it is important to know how to consume these goods safely. Fortunately, every marijuana dispensary has at least one employee who can provide customers with expert recommendations on cannabis products. This type of worker is known as a budtender.

What Is A Budtender?

A budtender is an individual who represents a marijuana dispensary. The term is a combination of the words “bud” (the flower of the cannabis plant) and “bartender.” A budtender’s primary responsibilities include offering advice on which types of cannabis products consumers can try, weighing and packaging products, and checking all customers’ paperwork (for medical marijuana) and identification. You do not need medical training to become a budtender. However, strong interpersonal skills, a friendly demeanor, and a passion for all things cannabis-related are key for this type of role.

Steps To Become A Budtender

Much like the process of becoming a bartender, the one for becoming a budtender involves several specific steps. Here are the four main steps to follow in order to become a budtender.

Product And Industry Knowledge

In order to become a budtender, you must first demonstrate that you have at least basic knowledge of the cannabis industry and the most popular products available for sale. You may acquire this information by either taking professional training courses or by performing independent research. Examples of commonly used marijuana-related terms you should know include cannabinoids and terpenes, (chemical compounds) as well as indica, sativa, and hybrid marijuana blends.

You should also understand the differences between the various consumption methods (smoking, vaping, edibles and concentrates, etc.) and know how to measure products and perform weight conversions. In the case of pre-rolled joints and edibles, you should know what their main components are (popcorn buds and concentrates, canna-butter or canna-oil, etc.).

Keep Up With Cannabis Industry Trends

In addition to having extensive knowledge of cannabis products, you should always remain informed about emerging trends in the marijuana industry. You can do this by reading blogs and magazines and speaking with experts in the business. For instance, many industry leaders have recently said they believe sustainable CBD products (e.g., hemp superfoods and supplements) will become increasingly popular given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Other experts predict there will be a greater consolidation of the industry, as well as a stronger push to create and market products targeted for certain demographic groups (e.g., LGBT Pride Month items).

Ability To Guide Consumers On The Best Choice

A budtender must ultimately be able to clearly explain to consumers what the pros and cons of each option are. Cannabis products come in many different forms and sizes and contain varying doses of THC and CBD (the two primary psychoactive compounds found in the plant). Before becoming a budtender, you should know— – at least on a basic level— – how to guide a customer on what products to choose based on his/her taste preferences and health concerns. A budtender should also remain informed about federal and state laws and regulations concerning marijuana, which often dictate limits on possession and/or cultivation.

Research Your Local Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries

Before deciding which cannabis dispensary you wish to work for, it may be a good idea to research all of the shops that exist in your area. This can help you determine which dispensary has the widest variety of products or the most agreeable workplace environment. To prepare for an interview, you can speak with a budtender at one of your local dispensaries or visit the shop’s website.

Speak To A Professional Recreational Cannabis Dispensary

Reach out to the professionals at Pure Oasis in Boston for more information on how to become a budtender. We are Boston’s first recreational cannabis dispensary and are dedicated to helping customers find products that match their needs and interests. We offer a user-friendly experience that includes knowledgeable staff.

We carry several varieties of sativa, indica, and hybrid marijuana flower, as well as pre-rolled blunts and joints, concentrates, edibles, and vaping and smoking accessories. Our simple-to-read menus also list THC percentages and gradings, so that you can gain a sense of the effect a product will induce. Certain products have been proven to yield benefits such as reduced anxiety, improved sleep, increased appetite, and less pain and inflammation. We always recommend that first-time users begin with the lowest available dose. We also provide entrepreneurship training and development.

Call Pure Oasis today at (617) 420-6837 or contact us online to learn more about our work.

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