How to Get Marijuana Reviewer Jobs

Marijuana reviewer jobs are some of the most coveted positions in the industry. What could be better than trying out the latest cannabis products and writing an honest and reliable review afterward?

There are many ways you can become a marijuana product reviewer. From starting your own blog or YouTube channel to joining an industry publication who will pay you to review products, there's no shortage of ways to get marijuana reviewing experience.

What Is a Marijuana Reviewer?

It is safe to say that marijuana reviewers have some of the most fun jobs in the industry. Only recently have major publications hired dedicated cannabis enthusiasts to speak candidly about new products and strains on the market.

In 2015, The Oregonian was one of the first major newspapers to place a job ad looking for a freelance marijuana reviewer. Since then, the job has become more commonplace in the industry.

Most marijuana reviewers start their careers as self-made bloggers or YouTubers. In this space, reviewers can knowledgeably talk about products they buy or ones they receive in exchange for product and payment from the brand, affiliate income, or ad revenue.

Ultimately, this job requires an expansive knowledge about the industry, consumption methods, products, and the latest developments and technologies. It is up to a reviewer to deliver deep insight through engaging content and educate consumers about the latest products.

Marijuana Reviewer Jobs Responsibilities

Cannabis reviewers don't just smoke weed all day. Smoking weed and consuming cannabis products is just part of the research. All the while, they may need to take lots of notes on their experience and later translate them into an engaging review.

Marijuana reviewer jobs require a variety of skills to attract an audience and keep it. In some cases, marijuana reviewers may be in front of a camera and must have an engaging and friendly personality to keep users from clicking onto a different video.

If working for an industry publication, they may receive a regular shipment of cannabis products from different brands. You may need to review different strains, vape cartridges, topicals, edibles, tinctures, and more.

Cannabis reviewers may work in-house at the company headquarters or publication’s newsroom. The job may also be remote and offer you a flexible schedule, as long as you meet the deadlines and communicate with your editor and writing staff.

As a marijuana reviewer, you are tasked with carefully considering every component of a strain or product. If you're reviewing a strain, you'll have to consume it multiple times to get a thorough understanding of its aroma, flavor, and effects. You'll also be doing research on its genetics, breeder, and cultivation information.

If you review cannabis products such as edibles and extracts, you will consider their taste, effects, and other important factors that consumers want to know.

For this gig, you will have to  have a complete understanding of the different types of products from simple distillates to high-terpene full-spectrum extracts (HTFSE) such as terp sauce.

A cannabis product review may include the following components:

• Short description of the product
• Product features
• Pros and cons of the product
• Product rating (of the entire product or specific aspects) on a scale from 0 to 5 or 0 to 10

Qualifications to Become a Marijuana Reviewer

While this job may be seriously in demand, not everyone is cut out for it, no matter how appealing it is. Reviewers must not just be daily cannabis users, they need to have a firm grasp of the industry, its products, and the audience.

If applying for the job at an online or print publication, applicants are recommended to have at least a Bachelor's degree in journalism, english, or a related field. In addition, experience working at a college or local newspaper can increase your chances of getting hired.

Marijuana reviewers must also live in a state that has legal cannabis. They must also meet the minimum age requirement needed to use, possess, and buy cannabis in the state. Generally,  the minimum age requirement to buy weed is between 18 and 21 years of age.

Even without a relevant degree, you can still work your way up toward a career as a marijuana reviewer on your own. You can start your journey from scratch by creating your own blog, affiliate website, or Youtube channel.

As a blogger and influencer, you must be a captivating writer and/or on-camera personality who understands how to create online content (blog posts, newsletters, videos, social media posts, emails, etc).

In addition, you will need at least basic social media and SEO knowledge to promote your articles and get them to rank on major search engines, respectively. Youtube creators must know how to create, edit, and upload videos.

In the beginning, bloggers and online creators may need to contact companies directly to set up a partnership or affiliate relationship. Keep in mind, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires media content creators to disclose when they are working with a brand sponsor.

Due to federal regulations, shipment of THC products between states is not legal. Generally, bloggers may receive CBD products or cannabis paraphernalia to review.

Marijuana Reviewer Jobs Salary

Cannabis reviewer salaries vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of publication you’re writing for or if you are self-employed. If working at a major publication, your salary will be determined by your education, writing experience, and job performance.

At large industry publications, full-time cannabis reviewers can earn anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000 per year. In addition to the salary, they may receive free cannabis products or reimbursement for their purchases.

If you're taking the self-starter approach, your income will depend on the amount you receive from brand collaborations, affiliate income, and ad revenue. Bloggers can earn as little as a few bucks per month or as much as six figures annually.

Ultimately, your success as a marijuana reviewer will depend on your personality, motivation, knowledge, and relationships with brands. While this position may sound like fun and easy money, you must have a hard-working and professional attitude to make a living as a cannabis reviewer.

Become a Master of Marijuana at Cannabis Training University

Do you want to turn your passion for cannabis into a full-on career? Do you have the writing chops necessary to build an audience from scratch? Are you ready to put yourself in front of a national audience?

If you want to have what it takes to become an exceptional marijuana reviewer, enroll in Cannabis Training University’s online marijuana training program.

CTU provides students of all skill levels from all over the world a comprehensive curriculum covering the most important aspects of the industry. Get 12 weeks of access to the online curriculum available 24/7 so you can learn at your own pace.

Join thousands of other students who have received industry certification from the most renowned cannabis college in the world.