How to Become a Budtender in New Mexico

Do you need a license to be a budtender? Here’s our guide on how to become a budtender in New Mexico. Don’t let the state’s rural setting fool you.

The Land of Enchantment has legalized both medical and adult-use cannabis.

If you want to get in on the action by working in a pot shop, here’s what you need to know.

New Mexico’s Weed Industry

Medical cannabis has been legalized since 2007 in New Mexico. It was legalized through the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Act. To purchase medical cannabis you must be 18 years or older, have a recommendation from a censer physician and have your med card.

The state legalized recreational cannabis on June 21, 2021, allowing adults 21 years and older to posses up to two ounces of cannabis or equivalent in other forms. On the same date home grown cannabis became illegal.

On April 1st 2022 the state started selling to adult-use customers. In their first year cannabis sales reached over $300 million.

New Mexico Budtender: Job Description & Requirements

Budtenders are, first and foremost educators. As a budtender, you are responsible for providing compassionate and exceptional customer service to patients.

Duties can include welcoming patients and verifying their identification. Once you’ve signed in a new patient, you can take their orders, process payments, and answer any question they may have.

As a budtender, you may recommend and select strains and product types for patients depending on their needs. It’s up to you to clearly communicate the differences between product types and strains. You’ll need to explain their effects and different delivery methods to patients. All the while, you must adhere to HIPAA guidelines.

Budtenders must also maintain a clean and organized work area. They must restock merchandise on the sales floor. When new inventory comes in, they help unpack and label merchandise, if needed. If you want to become a budtender in New Mexico, here’s a list of requirements you may need to meet before applying:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Friendly, outgoing, and dependable
• 1-2 years of retail sales/cash handling/point of sales (POS) experience
• Excellent computer, written, and communication skills
• Must pass a state and national background check
• Reliable transportation
• Great attention to detail and time management skills
• Flexible hours/availability, willing to work evenings and weekends
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a bonus

How to Get Hired as a Budtender in New Mexico

In order to work in a New Mexico dispensary, the dispensary shop must complete a Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) License Identification Card Request for every new employee. To obtain an MCP license ID card, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a state resident and have a state ID. Some employers may accept out-of-state applicants.
2. Complete and pass a state and national background check. State background checks are available through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for $15 plus the cost of a notary public and postage. For national background checks, Sentrylink.com offers affordable service for $19.95 plus taxes.
3. Complete state HIPAA training and certification. Classes are 1-2 hours long and end with an exam. Class prices vary between $20 and $50.

If you’re serious about working in the industry, it’s important to have a good resume and cover letter. Weed education and training can help boost your credentials.

Work experience in a similar field such as retail, sales, or customer service jobs can help. Finally, showing your focus, passion, and determination in your interview can help you succeed in the industry.

How Much Does a Budtender Make in New Mexico?

Budtenders in New Mexico can make between $12 and $17 per hour. On average, New Mexico budtenders can make $14.66 per hour. That’s the same as the national average. Benefits include employee discounts, health insurance, parental leave, and paid time off.

Where to Find Budtender Jobs in New Mexico

New Mexico has more than 100 dispensaries across the state. Santa Fe ranks high among other pot cities in terms of stores per capita with 5.9 per 50,000 residents. It has 10 shops with more to come.

Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Las Cruces have plenty of pot shops. Store chains like Ultra Health have penetrated rural communities to reach every patient and provide pot shop jobs statewide.

Online Budtender Training

Ready to start your weed career in New Mexico? Enroll in CTU’s online budtender training. Our curriculum covers the fundamentals of working in a pot shop and more. Learn everything from weed cultivation to using pot as medicine.

Do you need a license to be a budtender? Weed certification can make your resume stand out among the rest. Sign up for CTU’s online weed college today!

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.