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Preparing for a career in Michigan Cannabis
Preparing for a career in Michigan Cannabis: What do dispensaries look for in a new hire?
MALLORY DWORTZ FOR MICHIGAN GREEN STATE
Michigan dispensaries are some of the many in-state companies looking to take on new employees. A thriving and rapidly growing section of Michigan business, the cannabis industry seems to be as starving for staff as our other service-focused establishments. One study found that one in five Michiganders used cannabis in 2020, a figure that points to a clear demand for a robust weed workforce. But—in this highly-regulated realm of marijuana—is claiming one of these open entry-level positions a tall order for the everyday applicant? We’ve taken a dive into Michigan Cannabis job postings, gathering insight into what these growers and store fronts are looking for in their next budtender, sales associate, and customer service rep. In a survey of 10 mitten state marijuana positions, there are several obvious factors at play. A background check, minimum age of 21, and interest in keeping up with state cannabis laws are three common denominators for nearly every job available. Customer service is also at the forefront of many of these open positions, highlighting the importance of a friendly, outgoing applicant with the ability to stand for the occasional long period of time. So far, if you’re a smiley adult marijuana enthusiast (without any felonies on your record), you’re the perfect fit for any Michigan Cannabis position. To add another popular bullet point, education can also play a factor. Seven out of ten job postings referenced for this article list a high school diploma or GED as a requirement for hire—all of which are sales floor/budtender options; although, not every customer-facing position emphasizes education as a must (see Mount Pleasant’s High Life Farms). Money handling skills are frequently mentioned as a bonus for certain sales positions, and the ability to roll up your sleeves and do some heavy lifting is expected for many an aspiring marijuana worker. “Have they worked at a dispensary before?” said the friendly voice at the other end of the Pharmhouse Wellness phone. I asked what their business initially looks for when reviewing applicants for hire. Grand Rapids’ only 100% locally owned and operated dispensary, this Michigan cannabis provisioning center certainly considers experience first. Of course, a brand new applicant with no background in marijuana is likely still qualified. “We look at customer service experience, have they worked in a high volume environment, do they have knowledge of strains or cannabis in general.” Regardless of your history with this industry—much like many other small businesses, large companies, restaurants, and more—experience is preferred or a plus, but not required. In the process of researching and writing this article, six out of ten positions were removed from Indeed. Six openings were filled in a little over a week—indicating that those “urgently hiring” labels on job search platforms are in fact an honest representation of dispensaries’ intentions. Essentially, cannabis companies are in need of new staff members, and they’re willing to shape a budding employee in their own leafy green image, allowing for those of us with no official experience to break into this ever-growing realm of marijuana. So what should you, as a new applicant, do to prepare yourself for the world of Michigan Cannabis? Be able to pass a drug test (THC excluded), lean into your outgoing side, and have a passionate desire to learn. This is learning at its finest. These brands are looking for customer service employees with a knowledge of (or at least a desire to know) their products. From varying strains to the effects of different delivery systems, there is only
one surefire way to broaden your first-hand marijuana experience: smoke weed. I know, what a chore. Urb Cannabis in Monroe, Michigan specifically mentions the importance of exploring their products, as it allows you to better advise prospective customers. “Do you hire people who don’t use marijuana, or do you prefer employees invested in trying your products?” I asked Pharmhouse Wellness. “We encourage employees to try our products. That way they can better inform our customers; that’s what we prefer.” “That’s what I thought you’d say.” With gentle laughs coming from both myself and this bubbly Wealthy Street dispensary, we parted ways as I assured, “I’ll definitely be coming in to try some for myself soon.” In a slightly different approach, Lume Cannabis CO in Iron Mountain, MI is searching for a budtender with whom they can develop a lasting relationship. They crave an employee who will eventually know their specific offerings inside and out. If you’re willing to make a long-term commitment, and want to explore your employer’s many marijuana goodies (for research…or for fun), these are sought-after qualities that may make you stand out in a hearty crop of applications. I also can’t emphasize enough the importance of calling or stopping in. It’s one thing to purchase from any old storefront—you’ll get high either way, of course—but it’s always best to get an idea of the environment in which you’d be working. The upbeat energy I received from Pharmhouse Wellness not only made me want to splurge on some fancy preroll, but also solidified them as somewhere I’d like to apply if I were on a marijuana job hunt. Depending on what you’re looking for in a career in cannabis, also consider reading previous employee reviews on your chosen application portal. I tend to use Indeed, and historically, not every company’s comment section is flooded with glowing remarks. In fact, some reviews have even left me apprehensive as a customer—let alone a future staff member. Let’s review. If you’re looking to fill one of Michigan’s many open dispensary positions, you should… • Emphasize any experience you have in the industry • Highlight your customer service and cash-handling experience • Embrace your most outgoing self • Brush up on your knowledge of Michigan Cannabis
Laws • Be 21 and able to pass a background check • Be comfortable standing • Check on your ability to lift up to 30lbs • Do some research on the places you’re applying (educational requirements, atmosphere, employee reviews, etc.) • Be ready and willing to try some great new cannabis products! Good luck out there, and enjoy our whimsically shaped state’s booming marijuana business.
did you know? December 2021
finished the year off with another record in adult-use marijuana purchases with about $135 million in sales in Michigan. (Michigan Regulatory Agency)
