When you visit an UpTop dispensary, you’re greeted by a Budtender, a professional salesperson who has expert knowledge of different strains of marijuana, cannabis products, different delivery methods, and even product efficacy.
Budtenders can provide invaluable advice for your medical marijuana purchase. In fact, the retail workers at a marijuana dispensary represent just one of the many important careers in the legal cannabis industry.
Blazing Growth in the Marijuana Industry
The U.S. cannabis market was valued at $13.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% from 2023 to 2030. Reports show that spending on legal cannabis is expected to grow 14% in 2023.
As more states legalize the medical and recreational usage of marijuana, more jobs are created to support the industry. Estimates show 108,000 new jobs will be created in the cannabis industry in 2023. New York State, which is in the process of issuing licenses to businesses to sell recreational marijuana, is expected to create 63,000 jobs in the cannabis industry by 2025.
Careers in Cannabis
Different states will have different legal requirements for business owners and employees working in the cannabis industry. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has licenses and regulations for adult-use Marijuana Establishments and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers.
Indeed has pulled together a list of the 15 highest paying jobs in the cannabis industry. Here are a few careers you might not have considered when thinking about jobs that exist in the cannabis industry:
Chemist (National average salary: $77,501)
Chemists research and assess how the compounds from marijuana interact with and affect human body systems. They also experiment with these organic compounds to understand how different methods of ingestion create different effects and what the biochemical makeup of plants is between different strains. A chemist also works with growers and lab technicians to test plant products for safe levels of THC and to ensure chemical compounds meet government regulations.
Agronomist (National average salary: $68,031)
An agronomist is an expert in the science of soil management and the production of field crops. Agronomists in the cannabis industry work with cultivators, growers and field technicians and monitor the health and growth of crops. They evaluate cultivation practices, oversee production teams and integrate techniques for planting, cultivation and harvesting. Their knowledge and expertise are vital to improving crop health, yield and quality.
Brand Manager (National average salary: $62,316)
Like any industry, businesses in the marijuana industry need marketing. Brand managers manage marketing processes and an organization’s brand, products and public image. Marketing professionals create awareness for their brand to connect with and attract potential customers.
At UpTop, we are ready to help you learn more about cannabis and other cannabis products. Our supportive and knowledgeable Budtenders are just one of many roles at our dispensaries. Visit us online or at one of our Massachusetts dispensary locations. We hope to see you soon!
