How To Become A Budtender In Illinois (2022) | ICTC

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How to Become a Budtender in Illinois (2024) India Phoenix • February 2, 2022

How to Become a Budtender in Illinois FAST!

With the ever growing cannabis industry, you may have found yourself daydreaming about starting a new career working with Mary Jane. Who could blame you?

Illinois is in the top ten for cannabis employers in the United States. The legal marijuana industry now has 440,000 full-time jobs! (Marijuana Moment, 2024). And, reports say the industry has created more than 30,000 jobs since 2020 (Forbes, 2023).

By July 2024, the state had already recorded $1 billion in retail sales for the year. (Illinois.Gov, 2024). Job opportunities for budtenders and dispensary managers have people all over the state of Illinois dreaming about dropping their 9-5 for a chance to join the growing cannabis industry. You may be asking yourself, “So how do I get a dispensary job in Illinois?”

The answer’s easier than you might think!

Minimum Requirements for Illinois Dispensary Workers

Working in the legal marijuana industry can be sticky, and not just from the resin on your fingers.

Dispensaries in Illinois have to adhere to Illinois state law and regulations when hiring employees. All employees must undergo annual training and are expected to remain informed about the laws and regulations regarding marijuana sales in Illinois.

While knowledge of cannabis and a history working in customer service or retail will definitely make you stand out as a candidate, there are only a few requirements for Illinois cannabis agents.

To work in for a dispensary in Illinois, applicants will need to:

1. Be 21 or older
2. Pass a federal and state criminal background check
3. Complete Illinois Responsible Vendor Training

Illinois Dispensary Training Requirements

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires that all dispensary workers successfully complete an Illinois Responsible Vendor Training from a state-approved facility within 90 days of employment. Cannabis agents are expected to complete this training every year they work within the Illinois cannabis industry.

Training is available statewide, with in person and virtual options available.

What Dispensary Job is Right for You?

While there are many jobs in the cannabis industry, for those dreaming of working for one of Illinois’s premier medical and recreational dispensaries, there are a few different options available.

Not sure what dispensary job is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of dispensary jobs in Illinois.

Budtender

Budtenders are the bartenders of the marijuana industry. They are cannabis connoisseurs and help customers get the most from their cannabis products. Budtenders are the face of the dispensary and are responsible for creating positive customer experiences.

You might be a solid candidate as a budtender if you are:

• Knowledgeable about cannabis strains and their effects
• Friendly and personable
• Excellent at customer service
• A former retail or service industry worker
• Interested in the cannabis industry and eager to learn more

Dispensary Manager

No one wants a poorly run dispensary. Dispensary managers make sure to keep things running smoothly. From hiring staff to making sure everything is in compliance, a dispensary manager job is perfect for those hoping to work their way up in the cannabis industry. They get to see the ins and outs of how dispensaries operate and work with a network of industry professionals.

You might be a solid candidate for dispensary manager jobs if you:

• Are a strong leader
• Have past managerial experience (retail experience is a plus!)
• Are ready to grow in the cannabis industry

Inventory Specialist

Inventory specialists are the backbone of a well-stocked dispensary. They handle the receiving, tracking, and managing of all cannabis products. Ensuring that the dispensary never runs out of popular products, they play a crucial role in maintaining customer satisfaction and compliance with state regulations.

You might be a solid candidate for inventory specialist jobs if you:

• Have excellent organizational skills
• Are detail-oriented
• Have experience with inventory management systems
• Are familiar with state compliance requirements

Security Officer

Security officers ensure the safety and security of the dispensary, its staff, and its customers. They monitor the premises, manage crowd control, and ensure that all security protocols are followed.

You might be a solid candidate for security officer jobs if you:

• Have experience in security or law enforcement
• Are vigilant and attentive
• Have good communication skills
• Can handle high-stress situations calmly

Compliance Specialist

Compliance specialists ensure that the dispensary adheres to all local, state, and federal regulations. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records, conducting audits, and staying updated on ever-changing cannabis laws.

You might be a solid candidate for compliance specialist jobs if you:

• Have a strong understanding of cannabis laws and regulations
• Are detail-oriented and thorough
• Have experience in compliance or regulatory roles
• Are good at conducting audits and maintaining accurate records

Finding the right dispensary job can set you on a rewarding career path in the cannabis industry. Whether you're passionate about customer service, management, or regulatory compliance, there's a role for you in Illinois’s vibrant dispensary landscape.

How will you stand out?

The cannabis industry is still in its early years. Breaking into the industry can be challenging for newcomers. Standing out in the ever growing cannabis field is necessary to land your dream dispensary gig!

Knowing your strengths and why you stand out as a candidate is essential. Furthermore, you must communicate how those translate into added value to the role you're applying and the team you are joining.

Education gives you an extra edge over your competitors when applying for jobs in the cannabis industry. Get hands-on and find immersive experiences that give you the chance to train in the language and best practices used by industry leaders.

Start Your Cannabis Career Today

Before you can land your dream dispensary job, you’ll need to get the proper training. We offer on-demand training options to start your journey in the wonderful world of cannabis today!

Complete your Illinois Responsible Vendor Training and stay connected. Illinois Cannabis Training Center is here to support you and help get you started on your cannabis career journey today!

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