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Are you interested in learning how to become a budtender in Oregon? Getting a job in a dispensary is a great first step into a rewarding career in the cannabis industry. Our guide teaches you Oregon cannabis laws, budtender requirements and responsibilities, and tips to make your resume stand out from the rest.

What are the Cannabis Laws in Oregon?

Oregon allows for the purchase of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes. Adults 21 years of age or older and qualifying medical marijuana patients can possess, grow, and buy marijuana. Marijuana can be purchased at an Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) licensed retail location.

Adults can grow up to four plants per residence. Adults can possess one ounce of usable cannabis in public, eight ounces of usable marijuana at home, 16 ounces of a cannabinoid product in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid form, five grams of concentrates, and ten marijuana seeds.

A medical marijuana patient can possess up to six mature plants, 24 ounces of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of a medical cannabinoid product in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid form, 16 ounces of concentrate, five grams of an extract, four immature plants, and 50 seeds.

Learn how to apply for a medical marijuana card in Oregon here.

Oregon Budtender: Job Description & Requirements

Budtending positions in Oregon are available for part-time and full-time employees. Generally, budtenders, also known as retail sales associates, are responsible for welcoming customers, helping them choose a product, and checking them out. Budtending job responsibilities include the following:

  • Greet customers
  • Recommend cannabis products to customers
  • Cash handling
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment
  • Fill online orders
  • Update online menus
  • Manage inventory and label merchandise

Budtender requirements include the following:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age or older
  • Prior dispensary experience is preferred
  • Job applicants must have a valid OLCC Marijuana Worker Permit
  • Must be able to pass a background check and have a clean criminal record
  • Must have a flexible schedule
  • Previous retail and customer service experience
  • POS experience is a plus
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to stand, walk, and lift 25+ pounds
  • Must be friendly, outgoing, and dependable
  • Must have excellent verbal, communication, teamwork, and organization skills
  • Must have knowledge about cannabis products, strains, and effects

How to Your Budtender License in Oregon

If you want to get hired as a budtender in Oregon, one of the first things you need to do is obtain a Marijuana Work Permit from the OLCC’s website. Anyone working for a cannabis producer, processor, wholesaler, or retailer must obtain a valid marijuana worker permit.

Applying for the marijuana worker permit is easy. Start by reviewing the educational materials provided in the form of a glossary of important cannabis industry terminology. After reviewing the glossary, you are able to take the test. In order to pass, applicants must obtain a minimum score of 70 percent. If you pass, you’ll be issued a Certificate of Completion with a certificate number.

After passing the test, you can register for a marijuana worker permit account. You will receive an email from NICUSA with a link to verify your identity. Verification must occur within 24 hours of receipt. Complete your application and upload your valid photo ID and Certificate of Completion.

The NICUSA and the OLCC will email you when your marijuana worker permit is ready to be issued and the background check comes back clean. The email will indicate a change of status on your application.

All you need to do is log in to your account and click on “Pay for my Application by Credit Card.” The marijuana worker permit fee is $100. After paying, you’ll be able to print your marijuana worker permit and work in Oregon’s marijuana industry.

How Much Does a Budtender Make in Oregon?

Oregon budtenders make about $12 an hour on average. Budtender salaries vary by dispensary location and job experience. Budtender pay in Oregon ranges from $11.75 to $15 an hour depending on experience. Budtenders also enjoy bonus and commission pay, as well as tips and store discounts.

Where to Find Budtender Jobs in Oregon

If you’re looking for “budtending jobs near me,” you’re in luck. Oregon has more dispensaries per capita than any other state in the country, about 16.5 dispensaries per 100,000 residents. Within the state, Portland, Eugene, Medford, Salem, and Bend stand at the top with the most dispensaries per capita.

If you want to get hired as a budtender check out the cities above or the following for dispensary positions:

  • Cannon Beach
  • Beaverton
  • Rockaway Beach
  • Milwaukie
  • Talent
  • Lincoln City
  • Tigard
  • Florence
  • Happy Valley
  • King City
  • The Dalles
  • Woodburn

If you’re a Portland resident and want to work in some of the best medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries, check out our blog post on the most popular retail locations in the area. Here’s a quick list of the Portland dispensaries covered.

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  • Cannabliss and Co.
  • Electric Lettuce
  • Jayne
  • Americanna Rx
  • Archive
  • Serra
  • Parlour Cannabis Shoppe
  • Bridge City Collective

Budtender Training in Oregon

Budtender training is not required to work in the marijuana industry, but can help you stand out from the competition. Job applicants must be knowledgeable about the cannabis industry, strains, consumption methods, and effects. If you’re looking to brush up on the fundamentals of cannabis or learn from the ground up, sign up for CTU’s online budtender school.

CTU offers multiple courses covering cannabis cultivation, cannabis cooking, cannabis laws, cannabis medicine, cannabis extraction, and cannabis careers. Our comprehensive curriculum takes you through every aspect of the cannabis industry from cultivation to retail. Our budtender training can help you get your foot in the door of the industry and walk through with confidence.

Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
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.

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