So I've hit the millennial jackpot: my employer, hot off the success of our latest client's campaign, decided to jump headfirst into a brand new niche.
Now we're doing digital marketing for the marijuana industry.
I know what you're probably thinking – that I have the most fun job in the world?
(Yeeeeah, I probably do.)
As saturated as the market is, there's still a lot of blurred lines and confusion regarding the legalities surrounding marijuana because it can differ wildly from state to state. I love working in the cannabis industry, but ask any of my colleagues and they will agree that that it can get downright confusing when you're acting as a perfectly law abiding citizen in one part of the country and a criminal in another simply by lighting up a joint.
If that doesn't deter you, and you're still interested in working for the lucrative marijuana industry as well, consider applying for any of these entry-level positions the next time you find yourself job hunting:
1. Budtender
Arguably the most popular or well-known job, a budtender is a dispensary worker that helps sell recreational or medicinal marijuana products. These highly sought-after jobs are extremely competitive and require great customer service skills. Be prepared to be knowledgeable about the different uses and effects of the products you're selling.
Many people who visit a dispensary for the first time are shy to ask their budtender questions, but a great budtender is one who is happy to answer questions and help the customer find the best product for them.
2. Delivery Driver
As app-based marijuana delivery services pop up on every corner, the growing need for delivery driver jobs means that anyone with a driver's license and a vehicle can join the cannabis industry! A good marijuana delivery driver is trustworthy, works efficiently and most importantly of all – ALWAYS DRIVES SOBER. (Seriously, don't smoke and drive. You can get a DUI and endangers everyone on the road around you.)
3. Baker
Are you a chef or baker? Do you appreciate the tastier things in life, and also like to get stoned on the weekends? Meld your two loves together in a perfect recipe for your next career: a baker for marijuana-infused goods. Many people who are hesitant to smoke marijuana are perfectly happy ingesting their THC or CBD in the form of an apple caramel lollipop, or even a yummy chocolate chip cookie. Cooking with marijuana is an art, so if you're looking to compete with the best of the best in cannabis baking, start practicing recipes. You may find yourself getting offers from local dispensaries who want to carry your product!
4. Cannabis Marketing
As it turns out, there's a lot more to cannabis marketing campaign than telling everyone to "try out this sick new hybrid, bro!" Cannabis SEO is a unique field, given that there are strict laws to deter marketers from accidentally showing their advertisements to individuals under the age of 21, and it's all too easy to accidentally break Facebook's Terms of Service by posting anything that skews towards "selling marijuana online."
If you want to get into cannabis branding or marketing, consider looking for a reputable digital marketing company that has a good track record of representing dispensaries and is looking for an entry-level SEO specialist! Speaking from experience, working in the cannabis SEO field is super fun.
5. Industry Advocate
Despite being a tough job, cannabis advocates are more necessary than ever given today's political climate and current reform. An individual who is not afraid to be outspoken, passionate, open to starting tough conversations, and not easily fazed by angry dissenters would be perfect for this job.
In fact, anyone working in any job within the marijuana industry would appreciate having more cannabis advocates, given that it is an industry that still faces plenty of stigma and controversy.
Are you a new graduate interested in joining the cannabis industry? Are you a seasoned professional who is pining for an exciting career change? Despite the confusing grey area that this sector of the market offers, I highly recommend anyone passionate about pot to consider joining this booming pot-friendly workforce.
