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.

Cannabis jobs in Australia are hot. Expect them to grow big in the next few years. You can get a head start in this thriving industry with the right education.

Australia will likely legalize weed in the near future. Many Australians are in favor of legalizing weed and smoke a lot. In fact, Australia’s cannabis use is one of the highest in the world. It’s no wonder that experts predict a cannabis boom.

Australia’s Cannabis Industry

Since 2016, Australia has allowed the medicinal use of cannabis. Since then, the country’s market has taken off like a rocket.

Companies are building new facilities in every corner. These facilities are helping reduce their reliance on weed imports.

These new facilities are making cannabis cheaper for many patients. Affordable cannabis means more patients can find long-term pain relief. Chronic pain is the most common condition authorized for cannabis use.

Australia is the fourth largest medicinal cannabis industry in the world. Australia’s market follows the US, Canada, and Germany.

The legal cannabis market in Australia was valued at USD 88.1 million in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.8% from 2024 to 2030

Australia is close to legalizing weed due to a growing demand. Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) new laws legalized weed. They opened the door for adult-use cultivation and possession.

In 2019, Australia lifted restrictions on cannabis exports. Cannabis companies can sell cannabis products to the rest of the world.

The products sold include oils, patches, lozenges, sprays, and tablets. The government added financial support to grow the industry.  They’re funding six large-scale medical cannabis projects.

Australian Cannabis Laws 2024 and Beyond

Australia’s cannabis laws have been evolving in recent years, with the most significant changes taking place in 2023.

Currently, Australia is one of the few countries to have legalized the medical use of cannabis and its derivatives, allowing patients to access these products through authorized suppliers. The legalization also opened up a range of business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors looking to capitalize on Australia’s growing cannabis industry.

The current Cannabis Act of Australia makes it legal for adults over 21 years old to possess up to 50 g (1.76 oz) of dried cannabis flower for personal use.

Australian residents are also allowed to cultivate up to two plants indoors or four outdoor plants per household for personal use, although selling cannabis outside regulated channels remains illegal.

Additionally, Australia now allows individuals and businesses to apply for licenses that will enable them to engage in production or manufacturing activities related to medicinal cannabis products as well as research and development related activities such as testing, clinical trials, and distribution.

In terms of jobs related to Australia’s new cannabis laws, there are already numerous opportunities available in areas such as cannabis cultivation management, cannabis quality assurance/compliance, extraction technicians, laboratory technicians, dispensary management roles, marketing professionals and more.

With an estimated market size of $7 billion by 2025 the demand for workers across Australia’s cannabis industry is expected to continue rising over the next few years creating even more job opportunities both full-time positions and internships alike!

Furthermore, Australia’s growing acceptance towards recreational marijuana also opens up additional business opportunities.

Those interested in pursuing a cannabis career in this field should take into account all aspects from regulations governing its production process all the way through marketing strategies needed when bringing products into the market.

Want to start a legal cannabis business in Australia?

Get certified from the Australia cannabis college, the only internationally IACET/ANSI accredited cannabis college and learn all you need to thrive in the Australian cannabis market.

Cannabis Employment in Australia

You can find cannabis jobs in medicine to develop new drugs for patients. There are cannabis jobs in scientific research to test the effects of weed.

If you love to grow weed, you can find work in the horticulture field.

Healthcare fields are looking for the best doctors and nurses to prescribe the plant. Production facilities are looking for top entry-level talent.

There are plenty of ancillary jobs to help support the industry. Brands need sales and marketing to advertise the product. They require security companies to protect the product and staff. IT companies set up the computer network that runs the operation. There are many more jobs out there for entry-level employees.

Cannabis Cultivation in Australia

Cannabis cultivation is the backbone of the supply chain. Master growers are in charge of running a pot farm. They manage a team of assistants. These assistants help them during the growing process. Flower trimmers are entry-level jobs for applicants with no experience.

These jobs are a great start to a career in cannabis cultivation. Trimmers remove the buds from the plants during harvest season. They must prune them to get ready for sale or extraction.

Dispensing Cannabis Jobs in Australia

Weed clinics provide patients with medical cannabis. Cannabis pharmacy jobs require an experienced staff of pharmacists.

A secretary can help with desk and office duties in any cannabis business. Pharmacy and dispensary jobs aren’t entry-level friendly. You can gain experience as a secretary. Start getting ready for the impending retail and dispensary boom.

Legal weed will increase the amount of entry-level jobs available. You can work as a budtender in a retail dispensary. You can get a job as a security guard protecting the products and staff. These positions can help you work your way up the retail store ladder.

Cannabis Production Jobs in Australia

Some companies transform cannabis buds into different forms. Patients can buy everything from oils to capsules and more products. Extraction companies work on removing the cannabis oil from the plant. With the oil, they can infuse it into many products for patients.

Production specialists get the product shelf-ready. Extraction technician jobs require experience in the field. Extraction technicians run closed-loop equipment. The equipment removes the cannabinoids from the raw flower buds or trim.

The Australian cannabis market’s future is bright for job seekers. In 10 years, more of these jobs will be available in cannabis.

Where to Look for Cannabis Jobs

There are many places to find cannabis jobs, but through word of mouth is most common. You can find careers on a company’s website and apply then and there. You can find cannabis careers in online job boards including Seek, Cannabis Jobs, Indeed, and Glassdoor.

But, where are the cannabis jobs located in Australia? You can find cannabis employment in large cities and their surrounding suburbs. You can find cannabis jobs in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Sunshine Coast.

For more cannabis jobs, you can try networking with local business owners. To do this, you can attend industry events in Australia. Cannabis companies may be looking for top talent at these events. It’s important to look your best and come prepared to these events.

You will need to think of creative ways to find companies that are hiring. For instance, you can build up your online presence to show off your skills. This helps you connect with those in the industry who may be hiring. You’ll have to work on developing your work skills by getting work experience. Cannabis education is important for companies to see.

Australia Cannabis College

As Australia’s cannabis market expands, the competition will heat up. Enroll in CTU’s online cannabis college to learn more about the plant. Not only will you learn your local laws, but you’ll find your place in the industry. Don’t wait any longer to start learning everything you can. Start your marijuana classes today to find a rewarding career!

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.

If you live in the Golden State and want to get your foot in the door of the cannabis industry, check out our guide on how to get California dispensary jobs. From budtenders to receptionists to security officers, a retail operation requires a knowledgeable and compassionate staff.

To learn how to impress hiring managers and have the right qualifications, keep reading.

California Dispensary Jobs

Whether you’re planning on working for a medical or recreational dispensary (or both), there are plenty of exciting entry-level and advanced jobs for the taking. Here are just a few of the most popular dispensary jobs in California.

Budtender

Budtenders are the knowledgeable and friendly salespeople that help customers find the perfect product for them. Budtenders must be aware of the different strains, products, and regulations. Previous customer service and cash handling experience are preferred.

Average salary: About $19 per hour

Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers transport purchases from the dispensary to a patient’s or customer’s home. A clean driving history and a driver’s license is required. Drivers must verify customer IDs and deliver purchases in a timely manner.

Average Salary: About $18 per hour

Receptionist

Receptionists must be friendly, organized, and reliable. They must check-in patients and customers, verify IDs and documents, answer phones, and other administrative support tasks. Receptionists will welcome customers and deliver exceptional customer service.

Average salary: About $19 per hour

Security Officer

Keeping employees, customers, and inventory protected is the name of the game. Monitor for suspicious activity on video and during perimeter checks. Security officers are in charge of identifying threats and preventing theft.

Average salary: About $23 per hour

Dispensary Manager

Hire staff. Run day-to-day operations. Manage expenses, inventory, and scheduling. It’s all in a day’s work. Plus, you have to keep operations compliant to retain your retail license. Dispensary managers must have previous management and leadership experience.

Average salary: About 79k per year

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in a California Dispensary?

Under state law, all cannabis industry employees must be over the age of 21 to work at a dispensary or other cannabis business. Whether you work in a medical or recreational store, you must meet this minimum age requirement.

What Are the Legal Requirements to Work in a California Dispensary?

California does not have any legal requirements (besides the minimum age requirement) to work in a cannabis dispensary. Businesses are not required to perform criminal background checks on employees.

However, some companies require you to pass a background check. Some dispensary training is required for certain employees.

Do You Need a Permit to Work in a California Dispensary?

In California, you do not need a work permit to work in a medical or adult-use dispensary. However, an employer must issue you a laminated or plastic-coated ID badge, which you must wear at all times while engaging in commercial cannabis activity.

What Are the Training Requirements to Work in a California Dispensary?

California does not have any employee training requirements for most dispensary employees. However, one supervisor and one employee must successfully complete a Cal/OSHA 30-hour General Industry Outreach course. In addition, an account manager must complete the required track-and-trace system training.

California Dispensary Job Qualifications

Job qualifications vary by job, company, and location. Here are some of the most common qualifications California dispensaries look for:

• Driver’s license
• High school diploma or GED
• Must pass a background check
• Open availability/flexible schedule
• At least 1-year experience in a similar position
• Cannabis industry experience (preferred)

How to Get a Dispensary Job in California

Cannabis job opportunities in the state are more accessible than ever. If you’re interested in getting hired in a medical or recreational dispensary, here’s a step-by-step process on how to land the job:

1. Know the industry: Be aware of state and local regulations. Stay on top of product trends. Read up on books, blogs, forums, and other resources about the plant, its uses, and the many different strains and products. Develop a passion for learning.
2. Get certified: Gain industry certification from a reputable and renowned cannabis training program. Online industry training is a convenient and affordable way to gain a complete understanding of the industry and where you can fit in.
3. Gain experience: Show off transferable skills from previous jobs or look for work in a similar non-cannabis industry job.
4. Create a resume and cover letter: Craft an easy-to-read and thorough resume and cover letter. Cover your work history, education, certification, languages, and other skills that make you good for the job.
5. Research dispensaries: Check out the careers section of a dispensary’s website or look for jobs on general job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter or cannabis-specific job boards.
6. Network: Join online groups. Attend trade shows. Polish your LinkedIn profile. Reach out to employees and business owners themselves when you’ve developed a strong background and are ready to get hired.

Where to Find Dispensary Jobs in California?

California allows for the legal sale of cannabis across the state, but municipalities can ban commercial activity within its jurisdiction.

In fact, two-thirds of the state’s municipalities ban cannabis businesses. Cities and counties may also limit the type of business (medical, recreational, retail, testing, etc.) that is allowed.

Here’s a snapshot of locations in the state with the most cannabis job opportunities:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Oakland
• Sacramento
• San Jose
• Long Beach
• San Diego
• Palm Springs
• Santa Ana
• Santa Rosa
• Port Hueneme
• San Leandro
• Santa Barbara
• Irvine
• Mendota
• Pasadena
• Vista
• Grover Beach
• Berkeley
• Moreno Valley
• Goleta
• Santa Cruz

California Cannabis Dispensary Training

If you’re interested in joining the Golden State’s cannabis industry, cannabis industry certification can help your resume stand out. Enroll in Cannabis Training University’s online cannabis school to learn about the industry as a whole and how to start your career in any legal state or country. Here’s to a green and prosperous future!

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.