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Check out our job seeker’s guide to Washington marijuana jobs and cannabis careers to learn how to get hired in one of the industry’s most robust markets.

Our guide covers Washington marijuana laws, estimated job count, different cannabis careers, and tips on how to get hired.

What’s the Law?

Washington has been at the forefront of marijuana legalization for years. In November 2012, the state was one of the first to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Medical cannabis use had been legal since 1998.

Under the law, adults age 21 and older can buy and possess up to one ounce of usable cannabis, 16 ounces of edibles, 72 ounces of cannabis in liquid form, or seven grams of concentrates.

Medical cardholders can buy up to three ounces of sales-tax-free cannabis, 48 ounces of edibles, 216 ounces of cannabis in liquid form, or 21 grams of cannabis concentrate.

Cardholders may also grow up to six plants in their home and possess up to eight ounces of usable cannabis produced from these plants.

As Washington’s market introduced recreational sales, both the medical and recreational cannabis market joined forces. As a result, many medical-only dispensaries transitioned to serve both medical and recreational users.

Washington’s list of qualifying medical conditions include:

  • Cancer
  • HIV
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or spasticity disorders
  • Intractable pain meaning pain unrelieved by standard medical treatments and medications
  • Glaucoma (acute and chronic)
  • Crohn's disease
  • Hepatitis C
  • Diseases, including anorexia, which result in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, muscle spasms, or spasticity, when these symptoms are unrelieved by standard treatments or medications
  • Chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Traumatic brain injury

Cannabis Employment Opportunities in Washington

Washington, along with a few other mature markets, is seen as a shining example of the industry’s potential. Washington continues to grow its market at a steady rate.

In 2022, the state brought in over$1.5 billion and supported 23,756 full-time cannabis jobs. The state brought in $509 million in excess revenue.

While other markets may be growing at a blazing fast speed, Washington’s stable growth is good news for those looking to get their foot in the door of the industry.

Some leadership cannabis positions may require many years of relevant work experience or a degree in a related field. Even if you have no previous experience in the cannabis industry, you can find work in one of many entry-level cannabis positions such as budtender or trimmer.

If you’re 21 years of age or older, you can apply to cannabis jobs in Washington. Some jobs may even be open to applicants without a high school degree or college diploma and gaps in their resume.

Dispensary Jobs in Washington

Medical and recreational dispensaries in Washington serve a wide range of customers looking for marijuana flower and infused products. Dispensaries are hiring year-round for part-time and full-time positions as budtenders, assistant managers, dispensary managers, security, reception, and more.

Budtenders, security, and reception are entry-level positions that require strong customer service and teamwork skills. Budtenders are responsible for guiding customers through the vast product selection and making spot-on recommendations.

Salary: $13.50-$15.50/hour

Security guards are essential to retail and cultivation facilities to ensure the security of the staff, customers, and products. Security staff is responsible for validating IDs, monitoring CCTV systems, providing traffic control, and monitoring for various activities.

Salary: $14-$16/hour

Receptionists can be found in dispensaries and other facilities across the industry. Employees must be able to multitask, check-in customers, and perform other administrative tasks.

Salary: $13.50-$15/hour

Cultivation Jobs in Washington

Cannabis producers in Washington grow the marijuana flower needed to power the rest of the industry. Cannabis growers in Washington are hiring seasonal and year-round for part-time and full-time positions as cannabis trimmers or growing assistants.

Entry-level cannabis trimmers are responsible for harvesting, defanning, trimming, and, sometimes, packaging cannabis for sale.

Salary: $13.50-$15/hour

Cannabis growing assistant positions may be temporary or long-term and are responsible for taking care of tasks related to plant health and keeping the cultivation facility clean.

Salary: $13.50-$15/hour

Manufacturing Jobs in Washington

Cannabis edible producers in Washington are hiring kitchen team members who can help produce an assortment of products including chocolates and other confections. Edible makers must scale and mix ingredients, prepare production areas, and assist in packaging.

Salary: $17/hour

Marijuana Ancillary Jobs in Washington

Applicants with experience in almost any job sector can find work in the cannabis industry. Work can be found in marijuana marketing, IT, construction, law, real estate, tourism, media, web development, glass blowing, and so much more.

Cannabis delivery drivers may be hired by third-party logistics firms to transport cannabis products to various locations. Drivers must manage account payment, document transactions and inventory, and have a clean driving record.

Salary: $13.50/hour

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marijuana extraction course - Johanna Rose
Makes $24.50 @ THC +

Where to Find Cannabis Jobs in Washington?

If you live in the state of Washington and want the best chance to get hired as a cannabis worker, head to Seattle. Seattle marijuana jobs are aplenty. Cannabis jobs can also be found in the following Washington cities:

  • Spokane Valley
  • Spokane
  • Olympia
  • Bellevue
  • Enumclaw
  • University Place
  • Everett
  • Lynwood
  • Tacoma
  • Poulsbo
  • Renton
  • Prosser
  • Port Orchard

How to Get a Marijuana Job in Washington

Getting a marijuana job in Washington is easier than you think, as long as you apply to the right jobs and have a relevant resume and cover letter attached to your application. Washington cannabis jobs can be found on job boards such as Indeed, Craigslist, ZipRecruiter, Vangst, and other industry-specific boards.

In lieu of any cannabis industry experience, dispensary and cultivation certification can put you in a better light in the eyes of the hiring manager. CTU offers comprehensive resources on how to create a resume and cover letter and how to prepare for your first cannabis job.

Enroll in Washington Marijuana College

Don’t wait another day for you to get started on your career in the marijuana field. Sign up today for CTU’s world-renowned and online cannabis training program. Learn from pros in the biz about cannabis cultivation, cannabis extraction, cannabis cooking, cannabis laws, cannabis medicine, and finding a job in the Washington’s cannabis market.

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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