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What Is A Budtender?

November 23, 2020

Cannabis products are often complex and can induce a variety of effects, unlike regular food and beverage goods. Additionally, every person has a different level of tolerance to cannabis goods because each individual has unique physical characteristics (weight, metabolism, etc.). Therefore, every marijuana dispensary needs an employee who can offer consumers recommendations, guidance, and other forms of information on the business’s products. This type of worker is known as a budtender. This term combines the word “bud” (the flower of the cannabis plant) and “bartender.”

What Does A Budtender Do?

A budtender is supposed to represent a marijuana dispensary. Although budtenders generally do not have any medical training, they provide high-quality advice on which types of cannabis products customers can take given their health status, level of experience, and taste preferences. They are also typically knowledgeable about marijuana laws and regulations. Here is a close analysis of the four main responsibilities of a budtender.

Facilitates Sales & Educates Consumers

One of a budtender’s primary duties involves educating consumers on the form and contents of different types of cannabis products, including edibles, pre-rolled joints, and concentrates. Pre-rolls, for example, can be filled with either popcorn buds (A-grade or B-grade), cannabis flower, or concentrates such as resin and waxes. Meanwhile, edibles are typically infused with canna-oil or canna-butter (or tinctures in the case of liquid edibles). A budtender can provide you with important information, such as the fact that the psychoactive effects produced by concentrates are generally stronger than those generated by edibles or cannabis flower.

Weighing & Packaging Cannabis

A budtender is also generally tasked with weighing, packaging, and labeling cannabis products. This employee must weigh goods in order to determine their cost and package them carefully so that nothing falls out. Most marijuana dispensaries have machinery and other equipment specifically designed for packaging these types of goods. Some of these tools may also be utilized for oil or pre-roll filling.

Staying Informed On New Laws & Regulations

Under federal law, marijuana is still considered a controlled substance, much like other drugs (heroin, cocaine, etc.). At the state level, laws and regulations regarding cannabis use (e.g., medical vs. recreational) often vary. Limits on the amount of marijuana that an individual may possess also frequently vary by state and based on the format that cannabis is sold in (flower, concentrates, etc.).

Additionally, many states have their own laws on how cannabis products should be packaged and labeled. Several of these laws often dictate that packages are required to indicate things such as the dispensary’s registry identification number and statements such as “keep out of reach of children.”

Verifying Identification & Paperwork

Budtenders are also responsible for verifying consumers’ identification (especially in states where there is a minimum age of 18 or 21 for consuming marijuana) and paperwork, in cases where customers are seeking to purchase cannabis products for medical reasons. In these cases, a note from a doctor or other medical professional is often required before making any type of purchase. Additionally, some states such as Oregon only accept certain forms of identification (unexpired driver’s license, passport, U.S. military ID, etc.) for purchasing marijuana products. Be sure to verify your state’s laws regarding valid forms of ID for cannabis-related purchases.

How To Start A Career As A Budtender

Most budtender roles are viewed as entry-level positions. However, to become a budtender, it is beneficial to have some knowledge of the different types of cannabis products that exist, the various methods of consumption, and what dosage levels are considered “responsible.” It may also be helpful to know which medical conditions preclude someone from consuming cannabis.

Reach Out To An Experienced Recreational Cannabis Dispensary

Speak to the experienced budtenders at Pure Oasis in Boston for more information on cannabis products. We are Boston’s first recreational cannabis dispensary. We offer a user-friendly experience that includes highly knowledgeable staff members.

At Pure Oasis, we offer several varieties of sativa, indica, and hybrid marijuana flower, as well as pre-rolled joints, concentrates, and edibles. We also sell many different types of vape pens and accessories. We are dedicated to helping you find cannabis solutions that fit your unique lifestyle.

Regardless of the cannabis format you are seeking, we always recommend beginning with the smallest possible dose, especially if you are a first-time user. It’s important to remember that the intensity of the psychoactive effects that a cannabis product induces depends on several factors, including the amount of THC the product contains, as well as your weight and metabolism, among other things.

Call Pure Oasis today at (617) 420-6837 or contact us online to speak to one of our experienced budtenders.

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