7 In-Demand Cannabis Jobs for 2021
If you're interested in joining the cannabis workforce, check out our guide on 7 in-demand cannabis jobs for 2021. ‘Whirlwind' is one way you could describe 2020 in the cannabis industry. From record-breaking cannabis sales to cannabis legalization across several states, 2020’s industry growth is a sign of things to come.
1. Cannabis Cultivation
Cannabis farms are the lifeforce of the industry. All flower and derivative products start off as seeds. Small-batch and large-scale cultivation facilities are always looking for growing assistants, trimmers, and other cultivation workers to keep plants healthy and flowering.
As more dispensaries open and state programs start-up in 2021, the need for cannabis cultivation will increase. If you want to work in the cannabis fields, you must know the proper growing techniques and how to manage the equipment, which varies by growing environment.
2. Cannabis Retail
In the 2020 election, 5 states approved cannabis legalization initiatives, a remarkable victory for the cannabis industry. While some programs can take years to get off the ground, a few states are expected to start recreational retail sales by the end of 2021.
Medical and recreational dispensaries can employ up to a dozen employees (or more) in customer service, administrative, inventory, quality assurance, and security positions. Regardless of your job, all retail employees must have strong customer service skills.
Budtenders, in particular, must be extremely knowledgeable about products, strains, and their medicinal uses. Only then, can budtenders educate customers and help them make an informed purchase for their wellness needs.
3. Marijuana Dispensary Manager
At the head of retail operations, a dispensary manager manages the day-to-day operations of a dispensary. With the rise of recreational retail in 2021, management positions will be in high demand, especially for those with previous management and retail experience.
Managers must display exceptional leadership skills to keep employees happy, productive, and compliant with state regulations. In addition, managers must meet monthly sales goals and track inventory and profits.
4. Cannabis Extractor
In 2021, cannabis extraction will keep gaining a greater market share over traditional flower products. In many medical-only states, smokable cannabis products are prohibited. Not to mention, many health-conscious consumers are turning toward edibles, topicals, and tinctures for a healthier alternative to smoking.
Cannabis extraction jobs require special training, science degrees, and laboratory experience. Technicians use flammable solvents and operate high-pressure systems, all under strict fire and building codes. One wrong move could lead to an explosive disaster.
Because of the inherent danger of working in a lab, technical skill required, and high demand for concentrates, extraction jobs can earn some of the highest salaries in the industry.
5. Marijuana Delivery Driver
Stay-at-home orders and establishment shutdowns made getting cannabis in 2020 that much harder. Luckily, most cannabis programs were declared essential and open for business (with some restrictions). Curbside pickup and delivery options surged to reduce the spread of the virus.
In 2021, we expect delivery driver jobs to keep rising. As some states declare stricter distancing measures, medical patients and recreational users will continue to rely on the convenience and safety of ordering online for home delivery.
6. Cannabis Human Resources
An increase in cannabis employment will require a reliable human resources team to find talent. Human resource coordinators are in charge of screening applicants, setting up interviews, and onboarding new employees.
In a world where most new entrants into the industry don’t have direct cannabis experience, HR must sift through resumes and cover letters to find a team member that fits the bill. Cannabis industry certification is an increasingly acceptable form of education for job applicants.
7. Cannabis Infrastructure Management
In order to scale operations, businesses need the proper infrastructure management team to increase profits and decrease losses. From accountants to inventory managers to IT support, staying accountable for financial and supply chain data is critical.
As an expert in your field, you’ll help business owners oversee certain business operations to remain compliant. These marijuana jobs can work in-house or as an ancillary service. In 2021, managing the back-end of infrastructure operations will be top of mind.
Cannabis Industry Certification
Get the competitive edge you need to land a job in the industry by pursuing cannabis industry certification from Cannabis Training University.
Learn up-to-date regulations, trends, techniques and fundamentals of the cannabis industry from cultivation to extraction to retail and more. Learn at your own pace from professionals in their respective fields.
As unemployment rates rise due to the pandemic, some sectors of the cannabis industry continue to hire at a fast-pace for entry-level and advanced positions. Cannabis was already the fastest-growing industry in the nation. In 2021, industry growth will continue at a blazing fast speed.
