How to Be a Budtender in New Hampshire

If you want to learn how to be a budtender in New Hampshire, our budtender guide gives you a complete rundown of the job's description, requirements, and salary. We'll also give you step-by-step instructions on how to become a patient care advisor, even without any previous cannabis industry experience.

Industry Snapshot: New Hampshire’s Medical Cannabis Program

Cannabis is legal for medical use but not adult use. In 2013, New Hampshire legalized the medicinal use of cannabis for chronic or terminal diseases and debilitating conditions.

In 2017, the state decriminalized cannabis. While the state is small and has a limited medical and job market, we expect promising growth over the next few years.

Budtender in New Hampshire : Job Description & Requirements

Budtenders, known as patient care advisors in New Hampshire, help qualified patients and caregivers by answering all of their cannabis-related questions and guiding them through the purchasing process.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to state regulations to maintain a compliant workplace
• Complete patient orders and sales using point-of-sale (POS) inventory tracking
• Help maintain a stocked and clean store
• Educate patients about the potential benefits of each strain and product
• Use the seed-to-sale record-keeping system to maintain patient records and inventory

Qualifications

• Previous hospitality, retail, or customer service experience (preferred)
• Strong computer and cash handling skills and experience using point-of-sale software
• Flexible schedule and ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Exceptional problem-solving skills
• Motivated and outgoing with a positive attitude
• Knowledgeable and passionate about medical cannabis

Legal Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must pass a background check with no disqualifying offenses
• Must pay a $48.25 fee for the background check
• Annual training

Orientation

Within the first 7 days of employment, alternative treatment center (ATC) employees will receive a tour of the ATC and an orientation that includes training on the following:

• The ATC’s confidentiality policy
• The duties and responsibilities of the budtender job
• Employee security policies, including personal safety and crime prevention techniques
• Emergency procedures, including a disaster plan with procedures for fire or other emergencies
• Procedures to ensure accurate record-keeping, including inventory protocols, as applicable
• Alcohol, tobacco, and illicit-drug free workplace policies

Training

All employees will receive initial and annual training relevant to their job. In addition to the training required, ATC employee training will include:

• Knowledge of all ATC policies for security and tracking the sale of cannabis
• Maintenance of qualifying patient and designated caregiver records
• Knowledge of all labeling and dispensing requirements
• Patient educational materials

Minimum Age Requirement to be a Budtender in New Hampshire

All medical cannabis employees must be at least 21 years of age to work in the industry.  Medical cannabis patients must be 18 years of age (or minors with legal consent) to get a medical card in New Hampshire. However, anyone under the age of 21 cannot work in a cannabis establishment.

How Much Do Budtenders in New Hampshire Make?

Average base salary: $36,343

In New Hampshire, budtender salaries can range between $32,367 and $40,538, depending on the alternative treatment center, the applicant’s experience, and other qualifications and skills relevant to the job.

Where to Find Budtender Jobs in New Hampshire?

Currently, New Hampshire has 5 active alternative treatment centers. If you want to find work as a patient care advisor, the alternative treatment centers are as follows:

• Prime Alternative Treatment Centers of NH, Inc.
  • 380 Daniel Webster Highway, Unit C, Merrimack, NH 03054
• Sanctuary ATC
  • 568 Tenney Mountain Highway, Plymouth, NH 03264
  • 234 White Mountain Highway, Conway, NH 03818
• Temescal Wellness, Inc.
  • 367 Route 120, Unit E-2, Lebanon, NH 03766
  • 26 Crosby Road, Units 11-12, Dover, NH 03820

In 2019, the State Legislature authorized 2 new centers to increase patient access.

HB 335 allows for two new dispensaries: one run by Prime ATC in Region 2 (Hillsborough and Merrimack counties) and the other run by Temescal Wellness in Region 1 (Belknap, Strafford, and Rockingham counties).

How to Get Hired as a Budtender in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's medical cannabis program is very limited at the moment. With only 5 dispensaries, there are only a handful of open budtender positions at a time.

If you want to have the best chance of getting hired by an alternative treatment center or a dispensary in any other legal state, here's how you can get started:

1. Research the industry: Look up the latest New Hampshire cannabis laws to find out what it takes to join the industry. Stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments by reading cannabis blogs, books, and other industry resources.
2. Enroll in an online marijuana school: Enroll in Cannabis Training University’s online budtender training. Learn everything you need to know to speak knowledgeably with patients about the different strains, products, and effects of cannabis. Plus, learn about other important cannabis topics including the following:
   1. Cannabis laws
   2. Cannabis growing
   3. Cannabis medicine
   4. Cannabis cooking
   5. Cannabis extraction
   6. Cannabis careers
   7. Cannabis business
3. Build your job skills: Not everyone has direct cannabis experience. Start by finding work in a customer service or retail position to get the right transferable skills to work in a dispensary. As long as you are outgoing, friendly, and professional, you can easily get the necessary job skills to become a budtender.
4. Create a resume and cover letter: A budtender resume and cover letter showcase your skills, qualifications, and personality to help hiring managers understand you better.
5. Apply: Make it your job to check job boards every single day or set alerts to tell you when a new job is available.
6. Interview: Don't hesitate to follow up one week after you apply and a week after that for the last time if you don't hear back. If you get the interview, go over common interview questions to be prepared.
7. Complete a background check: If you get hired, you'll need to complete a background check to ensure you have no disqualifying offenses before you start working.
8. Start your new job!: If you meet all the legal requirements, you're ready to start helping patients find the relief they need.

Online Training For Budtender in New Hampshire

Are you interested in working in New Hampshire's medical cannabis industry? Do you want to be prepared for adult-use legislation over the coming years in your state?

Enrollment in Cannabis Training University’s online budtender training is the best way to get your foot in the door of the industry.

CTU’s online cannabis education is available worldwide to students of all skill levels. Learn about the science of cannabis, marijuana laws, how to grow cannabis, how to find a job in the industry, and so much more!

Start your journey toward a cannabis career today!