Requirements To Become A Cannabis Trimmer

Our cannabis career guide breaks down the requirements to become a cannabis trimmer, one of the most coveted entry-level jobs in the industry. Cannabis trimmers are the unsung heroes of the cultivation sector. Even without any direct experience, you can land this job.

There are more jobs than ever in the marijuana industry, including as a cannabis trimmer, who is important to creating a successful end product. The cannabis trimmer is essential to the harvesting process since it is better to trim cannabis flower buds manually instead of using machines.

If you want to break into the cannabis cultivation space, you can start as an entry-level cannabis trimmer and work your way up to become a master cannabis grower or even start your own business , while enjoying pay of up to $300 a day!

Job Duties: Harvesting and Trimming

During the harvest season, the cannabis trimmer carries out the next essential step of pruning the cannabis flower buds. As a cannabis trimmer, your responsibility is to get the flower buds ready to be shipped and sold in marijuana retail shops. Trimmed flower buds must meet the brand’s specific guidelines, including:

• No shaving
• No crows feet
• No visible stems

Cannabis trimmers can trim about 1.5 to 2 pounds of flower in an 8-hour shift. There are various trimming techniques used, but the main ones are wet trimming and dry trimming.

• Dry trimming: Cannabis is harvested and allowed to dry until it reaches the desired moisture content. Then, it is trimmed.
• Wet trimming: Cannabis is harvested and immediately trimmed of its fan leaves. Then, it is allowed to dry.

During the trimming process, the cannabis flower buds go through a manicuring process in which theyare separated from the excess foliage. The cannabis trimmer is also expected to prune the marijuana leaves, if necessary, throughout the cultivation process, so they can be more exposed to light.

Cannabis trimmers wear disposable gloves to prevent layers of kief, the resinous trichomes mainly found on the flower buds, from building up on their fingers making it impossible to use scissors. Trimmers use very sharp shears so that the cannabinoid and terpene concentration remains intact.

Trimmers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing their work area. This includes wiping down the trimming table, sweeping the area, removing trash, and organizing the tools.

Trimmers may also be tasked with packaging products for cannabis stores. Packaging can include weighing the product, packaging it in child-proof containers, and properly labeling it, all while doing it in a speedy and accurate manner.

Cannabis Trimming Businesses

If you want to land a job as a cannabis trimmer, you do not have to work directly with a cannabis cultivation facility. There are companies that offer support to cannabis farms in the scope of trimming, packaging, and other related services.

Many of these support businesses expand to hire full- or part-time cannabis trimmers. In most cases, the jobwill tend to be entry-level, at best.

Job Requirements

Job requirements for trimmers vary by company. Cannabis cultivation facilities and support companies have certain job requirements for trimmers such as:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must pass a background check
• Must have an open and flexible schedule
• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred but not necessary)
• Previous trimming experience (preferred but not necessary)
• Must be able to lift, carry, and balance up to 50 pounds
• Knowledge of cannabis plant anatomy and strains (preferred)
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, reliable, and punctual
• Ability to obtain a permit as a cannabis worker (if applicable) and you must have this before you can start the job as a cannabis trimmer
• Must be able to prove that you have dependable transportation since some of the sites cannot be accessed by bus

Career Advancement Opportunities

If you want to advance from an entry-level cannabis trimmer to a master grower, you may have to consider marijuana industry training. In addition, you need years or decades of experience working in a cultivation facility and managing a team of employees to be considered for a head grower job.

A master grower has to know how to trim cannabis, at the very least, and also has to have a high level of expertise in every part of the cannabis cultivation process from planting seeds to harvesting flower buds.. Becoming a grower’s assistant or supervisor is a step between being a trimmer and earning a master grower job.

In addition, a cannabis trimmer job can be a good entry point into retail and manufacturing sectors. Prior cannabis industry experience can look good on your resume if you are applying for an entry-level budtender or packager job.

Pay Rate and Benefits

On average, cannabis trimmers can make between $12 and $15 per hour. Most cannabis trimmers can make up to $300 daily (or more), which is not bad for an entry-level position.

Trimmers are sometimes paid by weight in pounds and so the more work done, the more money will be made to secure a higher income. But the work is laborious, repetitive, and technical, and often long hours are expected.

Cannabis trimmers benefits vary by company but can include:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

How to Get a Cannabis Trimmer Job

If you want the best chance of getting hired as a cannabis trimmer, here are a few tips to make your job hunt easier.

• Research: Research as much as you can about the cannabis industry and your state and local laws. Make sure you are eligible to work in your state’s cannabis industry. Check out cannabis blogs, books, and other educational resources to better understand the industry you plan on entering.
• Get certified: While there are no certification requirements for becoming a cannabis trimmer, getting certified at a recognized cannabis school can give you a competitive edge over other job applicants. Cannabis Training University can help.
• Gain job experience: If you don't have any direct job experience and still, you canwork in a cultivation job outside of the industry first. Even if you don't have job experience, having the right soft skills can make you an attractive job applicant.
• Network: Attend local industry events to meet with business owners who may be hiring cannabis trimmers. In addition, set up a professional LinkedIn profile to connect with business owners and industry employees.
• Apply: Look for cannabis trimmer jobs daily on major job boards such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or even Craigslist. Also, check cannabis-specific job boards for cultivation jobs.
• Create a resume and cover letter: Create a unique resume and cover letter for every job you apply to. Go through the job ad and make sure to include the specific skills and experience they are looking for if you have it.
• Follow up: Follow up a week after the job interview and a week after that for a final time if you don't hear back. Showing persistence can put you in a good light.

Landing a Cannabis Industry Job

It might not be as easy to break into the cannabis industry without experience or a certain skill set. However, a cannabis trimmer can do so on an entry-level basis with the intention of acquiring training and learning on the job.

With outside training and hands-on job training, you will be able to advance to a higher rank so you can earn more income.

If you want to have a better chance of landing an entry-level cannabis job, cannabis industry training can help. Cannabis Training University is the most renowned online cannabis school in the world. Getting a high-quality cannabis education has never been easier or more affordable.

Benefits of enrollment at CTU include:

• 100% legal worldwide
• 100% online
• 12 weeks of 24/7 access
• In-depth lessons and videos
• Access to e-books by the Guru of Ganja, Ed Rosenthal
• Brand new programs
• More course content than any other cannabis school
• More graduates than all other marijuna colleges
• More CTU students in industry jobs than all other cannabis schools

Visit the Cannabis Training University to learn about our Master of Cannabis program.