Top Cannabis Industry Careers in 2020

The cannabis industry is booming! Despite the fact that marijuana remains illegal in most countries and in many parts of the United States, the legal cannabis sector continues to grow and shows no signs of slowing down. For those looking to build a career in the cannabis industry, there are plenty of job opportunities—from entry-level positions with average pay (like budtenders in dispensaries) to high-paying roles for skilled professionals (such as cannabis regulatory attorneys or business administrators).

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular careers in the cannabis industry.

Website Designer/Manager

As the cannabis business grows, so does the number of websites serving this entrepreneurial field. Not only do cannabis producers need their own websites, but so do investors, equipment manufacturers, fertilizer suppliers, and more. Creating and maintaining these websites requires specialized knowledge and professional skills, making this a promising career path for the near future.

• Job responsibilities:
  • Building cannabis-related websites tailored to the specific business.
  • Maintaining the website and resolving technical issues.
  • Daily site management, including posting articles.
• Required experience:
  • Companies typically look for candidates with relevant education and skills. Experience with websites in other industries is also valuable. Having a portfolio of sites you’ve developed—especially for companies—is a big plus.
• Average salary:
  • $40,000–$65,000 per year, depending on experience, the quality of your previous work, and client budgets. If you own a web development firm focused on large cannabis enterprises, you can earn significantly more than an entry-level developer.

Marketing Director

Cannabis companies need to market themselves, and that’s where the marketing director comes in. Competition is fierce, with hundreds of companies promoting their brands. A talented marketing director is crucial for success in this environment.

• Job responsibilities:
  • Growing the client base through marketing efforts.
  • Implementing various marketing strategies (social media, websites, advertising).
• Required experience:
  • A marketing degree is a plus but not required. Experience in marketing and a clear business strategy will give you a significant advantage.
• Average salary:
  • $55,000–$75,000 per year.

Dispensary Manager

Every dispensary and marijuana retail store needs a manager. This person not only consults with customers and handles sales but also oversees the sales floor and ensures staff are performing well.

• Job responsibilities:
  • Selling products.
  • Supervising staff and monitoring their performance.
  • Understanding relevant laws and regulations.
• Required experience:
  • Requirements vary, but education and business management experience are often important, even if not directly related to cannabis.
• Average salary:
  • $70,000 to $100,000 per year.

Cannabis Extraction Specialist

Skilled work in labs extracting THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids requires a range of abilities and is well-compensated. Developing therapeutic concentrates and other high-potency extracts involves advanced technology, and these specialists often work with hazardous chemicals.

• Job specifics:
  • Scientific knowledge is essential. Many employees have doctoral degrees, as the risk of injury from chemicals is high. The risk is much greater for amateurs attempting extractions at home than for trained scientists in professional settings.
• Required experience:
  • Requirements depend on the company, but it’s difficult to get this job without the proper education.
• Average salary:
  • $75,000 to $125,000 per year.

Other In-Demand Cannabis Industry Jobs

• Recruitment Consultant: Part of the HR team, these professionals focus on finding talented people to help cannabis businesses grow. They handle recruiting, interviewing, and hiring the best in the industry.
• Quality Assurance Technician: Responsible for monitoring the quality of cannabis products, including CBD items, smoking products, packaging, and more. They track changes in product quality over time to ensure continuous improvement for customers.
• Patient Care Assistant: Clinic workers help patients with conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more to manage symptoms using cannabis products. They assist with planning, follow-up, education, and support to improve patients’ quality of life.
• Copywriter: Creative professionals with strong communication and writing skills are needed to write website articles, marketing materials, correspondence, and more. Copywriters find ways to communicate product value to a broad audience.
• Facilities Manager: Responsible for developing, planning, and implementing projects within the company.
• Purchasing Manager: Manages inventory and orders to ensure a steady supply of raw materials and products, supporting the company’s financial goals. They work with wholesalers and manufacturers to guarantee timely delivery and efficient business operations.
• Chef: With the rise of CBD and cannabis-infused foods, marijuana has entered the culinary world. Chefs in many countries are learning to use the therapeutic and wellness properties of cannabis, and those with experience in cannabis cuisine are increasingly in demand.

Conclusion

If you want to enter the cannabis industry, it’s important to be prepared for its ongoing development. Look at the careers available in Canada to get an idea of which roles will be in demand in the U.S. and worldwide as more countries legalize marijuana.

As the number of job openings grows, so will expectations for skills, experience, and industry knowledge. Naturally, competition for the highest-paying positions will increase, so if you have the opportunity, start gaining education and experience now to be ready when a job opens up. Many universities and colleges are already creating programs to help you make the most of future opportunities.