How to Become a Budtender in Pennsylvania

Are you interested in learning how to become a budtender in Pennsylvania? If so, our career guide covers everything you need to know about working in a dispensary. We’ll teach you the cannabis laws of your state and the requirements needed to work in the industry.

What Are the Cannabis Laws in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana use, but not recreational use. Possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable with up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Some cities have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis. The following cities have decriminalized up to 30 grams:

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Harrisburg
• State College
• York
• Erie
• Allentown
• Bethlehem
• Lancaster
• Steelton

In April 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill legalizing the medical use of marijuana. Patients must have one of the 23 qualifying conditions to be eligible.

Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program prohibits smoking cannabis flower and edibles. Patients can buy cannabis flower for vaping purposes only. Additionally, medical patients are not allowed to grow weed at home.

Interested in becoming a patient in the state? Check out our blog post on how to apply for a medical cannabis card in Pennsylvania.

Despite patient restrictions, the state’s medical cannabis market has tremendous success. In 2023, cannabis sales in Pennsylvania's medical marijuana market saw significant growth. The state recorded a total of $4.9 billion generated by dispensaries.

One poll reveals that almost two-thirds of Pennsylvania residents approve marijuana legalization. Recreational cannabis legalization will create a boom in dispensary and budtender positions.

Pennsylvania Budtender: Job Description & Requirements

Pennsylvania’s budtenders help patients find products that can provide them with relief. Budtenders must be knowledgeable about the plant, how it’s used, and how it can ease a wide range of conditions.

Budtender Responsibilities:

• Greet all patients in a warm and friendly manner
• Provide an excellent customer experience
• Answer patients’ questions
• Suggest cannabis products for patients
• Manage cash register and POS system
• Maintain the work area clean and organized
• Manage customer phone calls
• Work well in a team atmosphere
• Adhere to medical cannabis laws

Budtender Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High school degree required; college degree preferred
• Prior customer service and retail experience
• Cannabis experience preferred
• Must pass a background check and get fingerprinted
• Must have a flexible schedule

How to Become a Budtender in Pennsylvania

Budtending applicants in the state must be 21 years or older to apply for the job. Once applied, they must also pass a criminal background check and get fingerprinted. Medical dispensaries look for applicants with previous retail or cannabis experience.

Don’t have any retail or customer service experience? Apply for a non-cannabis related position to become more hireable. Even just six months on the job can give you a good idea of what to expect in a dispensary. Dispensaries, of course, are a different ballgame.

A resume should include transferable skills from your previous employment. Don’t forget to add any cannabis training you’ve gone through. Also, include a short and informative cover letter to show off your personality.

You can find open budtender positions in online job boards. Input a variety of job titles into the search bar including:

• Patient Care Specialist/Associate
• Sales/Dispensary Associate
• Wellness Advisor/Guide
• Herbologist
• Cannabis Sales/Patient Consultant

For those who want to make their resume stand out, cannabis dispensary training can help. Cannabis training can help you understand the intricacies of working in the industry.

Cannabis training can give you the knowledge needed to help customers on the sales floor. You also get the confidence needed to ace the interview. Budtender training also prepares you for any other job in the industry.

How Much Do Budtenders Make in Pennsylvania?

Budtending positions are available on a part- or full-time status. The average salary for a budtender in Pennsylvania is about $15 per hour. Generally, budtenders in Pennsylvania get paid between $14 and $16 per hour.

Budtenders may also receive job perks such as health, vision, and dental insurance. Budtenders may receive store discounts, overpay, paid sick time, flexible schedules, and paid time off.

Where to Find Budtender Jobs in Pennsylvania

As of 2024, Pennsylvania has 177 licensed cannabis dispensaries. This number reflects the state's robust medical marijuana program, which continues to grow and expand. Each dispensary is permitted to operate up to three separate locations, further increasing accessibility for patients across the state​

You can find budtenders jobs all across the state. Some cities have more dispensaries than others. If you’re looking to find cannabis work, check out the following cities:

• Chambersburg
• Philadelphia
• Danville
• Harrisburg
• King of Prussia
• Montgomeryville
• Brookville
• Cranberry Township
• New Castle
• Steelton
• Duncansville
• Shamokin
• York
• Clinton
• Pittsburgh

Budtender Training in Pennsylvania

Becoming a budtender in Pennsylvania has never been easier. Don’t have previous cannabis experience? Enroll in CTU’s online marijuana college to learn everything about the plant. Learn how it’s grown, processed, sold, and everything in between.

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.