How to Work in a Dispensary in Michigan

Do you want to know how to work in a dispensary in Michigan? Michigan’s highly competitive retail market means dispensary owners are looking for top talent to help customers. Whether you’re a first-time pot worker or you’re already working in the industry and want to work in a dispensary, our guide helps you get the job you want.

Michigan’s Pot Industry

Michigan has one of the fasting-growing adult-use markets in the country. In just seven short months since its start, sales have gone up from nearly $7 million during the first month to more than $39 million in May. Marijuana Business Daily predicts the state’s market growing to $1.9 billion to $2.4 billion by 2024.

While the state has many job openings in a variety of sectors including cultivation and manufacturing, retail is one of the most highly sought after jobs in the industry. As more communities choose to opt into commercial pot, more pot shop jobs will pop up. It’s a great time to get on the ground floor of a growing adult-use market.

Dispensary Jobs in Michigan

To work in Michigan’s weed industry, you need to be 21 years of age or older. You must undergo a criminal background check. Most pot shops will require you to have a high school diploma or GED. Relevant work experience is preferred.

Budtender

As a budtender, you’re in charge of helping customers (adult-use or medical) find products that can meet their unique needs. You’ll have to stay on top of product and industry trends. You will need to know how to use the point of sale (POS) system. You’ll need to check IDs, manage inventory, weigh and label products, and keep the facility clean.

Pay: $12-$16/hour

Administrative Assistant

A dispensary’s administrative assistant is the first person you see when you walk through the door. They warmly greet you with a smile and notify security and budtender personnel when someone arrives. They check their information to ensure they’re compliant. They're also in charge of answering the phones.

Pay: $13-$14/hour

Security Guard

Security officers monitor all areas of the store including the entrance, parking lot, and security footage. Apart from monitoring security threats, you’ll be greeting guests and checking them into the shop. If necessary, you’ll manage crowd and traffic control to streamline the shopping process for personnel and customers.

Pay: $12-$15/hour

Inventory Manager

Inventory managers are responsible for managing all inventory related activities at the shop. They keep track of accurate inventory counts. You must ensure the constant availability of inventory to the sales floor. Inventory specialists require a strong attention to detail and exhaustive record-keeping practices.

Pay: $20/hour

Dispensary Manager

Entry-level dispensary employees can work their way up to lead, supervisor, and manager roles. An assistant manager can earn between $17 and $20 per hour. A dispensary manager runs the entire retail operation. That includes hiring and training staff, as well as driving up sales. Managers must be leaders who can motivate and direct all staff.

Pay: $50-$70k/year

How to Get Hired in a Michigan Dispensary

1. Get Work Experience

Are you passionate and knowledgeable about weed? Are you missing relevant work experience in retail and customer service? Sometimes, the best way to get your foot in the door is to work in a similar retail job in a non-weed field. You can also work in a different area of the industry and then make a lateral move to a weed shop.

2. Rewrite Your Resume

Once you have the right work experience and weed education, you can start writing a resume specifically for the job you’re applying for. Think of the skills retailers are looking for. Include transferable skills in a way that shows how important you were to the company.

3. Get Educated

If your resume is missing a bit of substance, you can consider enrolling in a cannabis education program or course. While courses vary in quality and price, CTU offers a wide range of course pillars that cover the entire industry. Weed education is necessary, but it could pay off to stand out from applicants without this training.

4. Attend Events

Industry events are where you can go to meet business owners or staff that know of open jobs. Don’t hesitate to let them know you’re looking for work in a weed store. Ask questions about when they expect to be hiring and other qualifications needed to work in a pot shop. As always, come looking presentable and competent.

5. Apply

Search in online job boards or on local trade publications for jobs. Since dispensary workers have a high turnover rate, it’s better to check daily for new openings. Make sure to include your resume and cover letter with your application. Feel free to follow up with the hiring manager after a week or so if you don’t hear back.

Michigan Dispensary Training

CTU provides aspiring pot workers with the training they need. Our cannabis certification courses gives job applicants in-depth training. Learn the essentials of pot cultivation, weed cooking, cannabis medicine, and, of course, dispensary training. Completion of our program looks great on a resume and can make all the difference.