TABLE OF CONTENTS
Are you interested in finding work in one of the country’s biggest cannabis markets? Washington state employs thousands of full-time cannabis workers in various sectors, including cultivation, processing, retail, and more. Learn how to get marijuana jobs in Washington state.
If you want to have the best chance at finding an entry- or senior-level role in a Washington state cannabis company, our guide can help. We cover the government requirements needed to work in the industry, different job types, and how to break into the industry.
Market Overview: Washington State
Washington state legalized medical cannabis use in 1998 and recreational use in 2012.
- Possession:
- Medical: Up to 3 oz flower, 48 oz edibles, 216 oz topicals, or 21 g concentrate
- Recreational: Up to 1 oz flower, 16 oz edibles, 72 oz topicals, or 7 g concentrate
- Distribution:
- Medical: From caregiver to patient and at dispensaries
- Recreational: Must be purchased from a dispensary
- Cultivation:
- Medical: Up to 6 plants per patient; 15-plant limit per residence
- Recreational: No home cultivation
- Unlawful:
- Possession of 28-40 g of flower: Misdemeanor
- Possession of more than 40 g of flower or second offense: Felony
- Distribution of any amount: Felony
- Cultivation of any amount: Felony
For the latest cannabis regulations, visit Washington state’s medical and recreational cannabis program websites.
What Are the Government Requirements to Work in Washington State’s Cannabis Industry?
Government requirements for cannabis employees vary by state.
- Minimum age: 21
- Legal requirements:
- (Certified Medical Marijuana Consultant only) $95 fee
- (Certified Medical Marijuana Consultant only) Completed application
- Valid proof of age
- Training requirements:
- (Certified Medical Marijuana Consultant only) 20-hour program and CPR training
- Card: No card issued
For the most up-to-date government requirements, refer to Washington state’s Department of Health website.
Cannabis Jobs in Washington State
Washington state is one of the leading job markets in the country. As of January 2022, Washington state employed 22,516 full-time cannabis workers and ranked ninth in total cannabis jobs per state.
Whether you have no experience or plenty of it, there is a spot for you in the cannabis industry. Consider these popular cannabis jobs in Washington state.
Retail
- Budtender: Assist customers with purchases, provide recommendations, and maintain the sales floor stocked.
- Inventory associate/specialist: Inventory count of products, maintain the stock room, and responsible for incoming and outgoing deliveries.
- Receptionist: Greet guests, collect customer information, and handle clerical duties.
- Dispensary manager: Run the day-to-day operations of a dispensary, manage staff, and resolve customer complaints.
Cultivation
- Trimmer: Harvest mature cannabis plants, trim stems and leaves of buds, and package flower products for sale.
- Grower’s assistant: Clean and sanitize the cultivation facility, set up equipment, and assist with other plant care activities.
- Head grower: Oversee all aspects of the cultivation facility, breed new plants, and troubleshoot garden issues.
Processing
- Packager: Weigh, label, and package flower, extract, and infused products.
- Extraction technician: Operate extraction equipment, produce a wide range of extracts, and remove contaminants from cannabis extracts.
- Extraction manager: Oversee the daily operations of an extraction facility, maintain safety and compliance, and troubleshoot extraction issues.
- Kitchen assistant: Set up and clean kitchen and equipment, prepare ingredients, and assist with other kitchen duties.
- Edibles chef: Develop new infused products, cook with cannabis, and create different infusions, including baked goods, savory treats, and beverages.
Ancillary
- Sales
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Real estate
- IT
- Law
- Distribution
- Security
- Tourism
- Staffing
- Research
How to Get Marijuana Jobs in Washington State?
If you want to land a cannabis job in Washington state, here are a few tips to get you on the right path.
- Earn cannabis experience: Do you have any relevant soft or hard skills? Consider working in a similar position outside of the industry or volunteering at local cannabis advocacy groups.
- Do your research: Are you eligible to work in your home state’s cannabis market? Research the rules and regulations for your state and determine employee eligibility requirements.
- Get industry training: Although industry credentials are not required to work in the industry, they can look great on a resume and teach you what you need to know to work in the industry.
- Create a resume and cover letter: A cover letter and resume display your skills, education, and work history.
- Network: Attend local and national industry events to meet employees and business leaders who may be hiring.
- Apply for jobs: Set job alerts on job boards to apply as fast as possible. Cannabis jobs may be growing, but the industry is competitive.
- Land the interview: Prepare by going over commonly asked interview questions and preparing a few questions of your own to see if the company is a good fit for you.
- Start your dream career: If hired, you can work up to a more advanced role or start your own business.
Start Your Cannabis Career Today!
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Fred Hernandez
Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.