The cannabis industry has grown astronomically over the years, especially since many pharmaceutical companies started infusing CBD and THC in their products for the therapeutic effects that they provide. As is usually the case for any industry with a massive surge in public interest, the number of jobs in the cannabis industry has also grown incredibly.
In this article, we explore some of the kinds of jobs available in the cannabis industry and how you can make a career in weed marketing, manufacturing, and lots more.
5 High Paying Careers in the Cannabis Industry
Below is a list of five (5) high-paying careers in the cannabis industry.
1. Cannabis Consultant
Becoming a cannabis consultant can be very rewarding both financially and existentially. Cannabis is still a volatile legal subject in many states, and every manufacturer or major cultivator of cannabis needs someone to guide and advise them on things like regulation and industry compliance.
To become a cannabis consultant, you should consider obtaining a certificate in cannabis control from a reputable institution. Lots of cannabis consultants typically have a law background, but anyone can become a cannabis consultant.
The salary range for this role is about $85,000 to $151,000 per year.
2. Dispensary CFO or COO
The cannabis industry is still new and growing very rapidly, and it is hard to find a chief financial officer (CFO) or chief operations officer (COO) with cannabis experience. However, this presents an opportunity for anyone with experience as a CFO from another industry to find a high-paying job in the cannabis industry.
Many canna companies are in desperate need of someone to help manage their operations and finances and are willing to pay handsomely for the right talent. A typical salary can go as high as $125,000 a year.
3. Cannabis Extraction Technician
Any business in the cannabis industry involved in making any product that requires the infusion of specific cannabinoids with other products needs a cannabis extraction technician. Since most companies typically hire only a handful of cannabis extraction technicians, they are usually willing to pay well for their services.
To become a cannabis extraction technician, you need to have a science background or acquire knowledge of cannabis extraction methods by seeking hands-on training, staying informed on regulations, networking, and obtaining the right certifications to keep you ahead.
You can start by applying for entry-level positions, and the more years of experience you have with cannabis extraction, the higher your salary is likely to grow.
You can expect a salary range of $75,000 to $125,000 per year for this role.
4. Botanical Specialist
It is impossible to talk about the cannabis industry and not talk about its growing operations since the quality of cannabis obtained depends largely on the growing and extraction process.
As the regulations for cannabis cultivation and extraction have continually become stringent over the years, it has forced the cannabis cultivation process to become more sophisticated. This means talented botanical engineers and specialists are being paid very well to help grow and maintain high-quality cannabis that meets the conditions set by the regulations of a state or country.
Some of the job positions include R&D Grower, Native Production Grower, Cultivation Manager, Cultivation Technician, and many more.
Botany specialists in the cannabis industry can earn as much as $100,000 per year or more, depending on the company.
5. Software Developer
This list would feel incomplete without talking about one of the highest-paying jobs of this current age – software development. The best part about being a software developer in the cannabis industry is that you don’t need to have specialized knowledge about the industry to work in the industry.
Both small-scale and large-scale cannabis businesses require the services of a software developer to ensure that their products reach consumers as efficiently as possible. It’s usually a big plus if you are a cannabis enthusiast and have knowledge of the industry in terms of regulations, product types, and lingos. This makes it easy to work with you.
The salary range for software developers in the industry typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 a year, depending on your skill level and the size of the company.
Top Seven (7) Jobs in the Cannabis Industry
Apart from the high-paying jobs in the industry, many other jobs in the cannabis industry pay just as well and might be more easily accessible to anyone trying to break into the industry.
1. Cultivation Jobs: The Fertile Hands Behind Cannabis Growth
- Cultivation Technician: This role is responsible for the day-to-day care of cannabis plants, including providing optimal lighting and growth conditions.
- Master Grower: This person oversees the overall cannabis cultivation process and has expertise in horticulture.
2. Processing and Extraction Roles: Transforming Cannabis into Products
- Extraction Technician: Extraction technicians specialize in extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis using the best possible extraction methods to retain cannabinoid integrity.
- Edibles Chef: This person is typically in charge of creating new recipes of cannabis-infused products to suit customer needs.
3. Quality Control and Testing: Ensuring Safety and Industry Compliance
- Quality Assurance Specialist: The job of this person is to ensure that the processes and products developed by a cannabis company meet regulatory standards. They are usually in charge of testing and quality control.
- Cannabis Tester (Budtender): Budtenders typically work directly with customers at the dispensary and offer recommendations and information about cannabis products. They typically have a deep understanding of cannabis, its effects, strains, and lots more.
4. Retail and Sales Positions: Connecting the Consumers to their Favorite Products
- Dispensary Manager: This person oversees the day-to-day operations of a cannabis dispensary.
- Sales Representative: This role is in charge of promoting and selling cannabis products. They typically work with retailers and customers in some cases.
5. Ancillary Jobs: Critical Support for the Cannabis Ecosystem
- Compliance Officer: Compliance officers ensure that every product developed and sold by a company adheres to the strict regulatory standards for cannabis both at the local and state levels.
- Marketing Specialist: Marketing specialists create and implement marketing strategies for cannabis brands to ensure sales and profit.
6. Technology and Innovation Roles: Breaking the Limits of Tech in Cannabis
- Cannabis Software Developer: Cannabis software developers help to create applications and platforms that help to control and maintain the production process of cannabis, as well as the sales of cannabis products.
- Cannabis Research Scientist: Research scientists are at the forefront of exploring both the therapeutic and recreational uses of cannabis, contributing to the growing knowledge of cannabinoids and their effects.
7. Security and Compliance: Safeguarding the Industry
- Security Specialist: Cannabis products are typically high-value products, which means every company requires security specialists to help secure and protect cultivation facilities, production areas, dispensaries, and transportation vehicles.
- Transportation Coordinator: Transportation is an essential aspect of any business, including a highly volatile one like the cannabis business. So, it makes sense that there is a high demand for people responsible for the safe and legal transportation of cannabis products.
The Future of Cannabis Jobs
The cannabis industry continues to evolve as more countries and states continue to legalize it and develop policies that help to protect the average consumer and cannabis manufacturers alike. This also means that the job opportunities will continue to grow and become more sophisticated in requirements.
So, you can be sure that everyone from sustainability experts and cannabis-focused attorneys to human resources professionals and event planners will continue to be in high demand as long as this meteoric trajectory continues in the cannabis industry.
As you contemplate your career path, consider just how much fun it will be to work in an industry that is ever-growing and is filled with passionate and hardworking people.
As the legalization of cannabis continues to spread, so will the canvas of opportunities for those seeking to start a meaningful career in this booming industry.
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