The advent of recreational and medical marijuana has opened up an entirely new field of jobs, including that of the budtender.
Arguably the face of the cannabis industry, budtenders are incredibly crucial to customer experience in dispensaries and mail-order marijuana services.
And yes, we know, budtender sounds a lot like the word bartender, but those similarities exist for a good reason.
In fact, the two jobs are actually quite similar in nature. However, at the same time, they are far from the same thing. Confusing, right?
To help you better understand what a budtender is and its role in the cannabis industry, we’ve taken the time to create a guide on budtenders, with both the good and the bad.
So, let’s jump right in!
What is a Budtender?
As you have probably already guessed, the term budtender is a clever fusion of the words bud and bartender.
After all, what better way to describe someone responsible for knowing the ins and outs of each cannabis strain and the cocktails of different cannabinoids that come with each one?
For the less cannabis savvy who simply don’t have the time to research and study each and every strain that may suit their needs, budtenders serve as a fountain of knowledge on which they can rely.
They work directly with their customers to provide insightful advice, information, and tips on whichever cannabis products may come to mind.
Though being a budtender requires no formal medical training, many budtenders have gained their experience through trial and error and personal experiences with cannabis.
Having enjoyed a long relationship with a variety of cannabis products, budtenders will be able to draw upon their own knowledge and experiences to help others quickly find their footing in their own cannabis journey.
What do Budtenders Do?
Budtenders are the face of the cannabis industry.
Their role is mainly a customer service-based one with a heavy focus on providing helpful information and advice regarding the genetics and effects of medical marijuana and other cannabis products.
Though the exact responsibilities of a budtender may vary from dispensary to dispensary, their roles may involve a variety of things including, packaging and weighing cannabis, record keeping, the upkeep of the dispensary floor, as well as the sale of cannabis products.
In most dispensaries, the budtender is the main point of service.
How Does One Become a Budtender?
One of the benefits of becoming a budtender in Canada is that there are no qualifications except for being of legal age to consume cannabis, a clean criminal record, and willing to learn about cannabis itself.
While one can peruse the web for certification courses, many dispensaries will provide the appropriate training as a launchpad for novice budtenders.
Due to the customer-facing nature of the job, it is also helpful to have some experience in customer service and possess an enthusiastic outlook towards the job. Experience with cannabis in terms of personal use is also considered an asset.
Signs of a Good Budtender
Coming across a good budtender can turn what would usually be a good experience into a great one.
As the main point of service of most dispensaries, a good budtender will have the following qualities:
Attentiveness
Good budtenders are knowledgeable of cannabis, but they are also aware of each client’s individual needs and will be able to ensure that their needs are met.
This consideration includes up-to-date knowledge of products, trends in the cannabis industry, as well as a keen eye on the demand for different cannabis products.
Knowledgeable
Budtenders aren’t just there to process the transaction. They’re also hubs of knowledge for any newcomers to the cannabis scene.
Their extensive knowledge of cannabis products allows a budtender to accurately recommend the appropriate strains and products to their customers.
That said, budtenders serve as educators of cannabis and are not doctors. Therefore they should avoid any medical related-questions regarding cannabis.
Patience
A good budtender will have the virtue of patience.
Their job entails interacting with a vast array of both novice and experienced customers and should be ready to answer any cannabis-related question at a moment’s notice.
That said, a good budtender will also be able to help many novice customers enter the world of cannabis with a willingness to help and guide them properly.
Personable
As with any other customer service role, a good budtender is a pleasure to do business with.
Their personable attitude should make buying, learning, and inquiring about cannabis something to look forward to.
How to Spot a Bad Budtender & What to Do
For the novice smokers out there, it isn’t enough to simply take the advice of a budtender behind the counter just because he or she holds the title.
Not knowing how to differentiate a bad budtender from a good one can lead to negative experiences and sometimes even green-outs.
Make no mistake about it. A majority of budtenders are usually quite caring about their customers and will provide intelligent recommendations. However, there are also bad budtenders that can leave a sour taste in your mouth.
For the novice smokers out there, here are some of the ways you can identify a bad budtender:
Lack of Product Knowledge
This is a major sign of a bad budtender.
As the face of each dispensary and the cannabis industry as a whole, budtenders are designed to have extensive knowledge on all cannabis-related products. They should be able to relay that information to the customer.
A budtender that is unprepared to answer your questions or is simply ill-informed about each strain’s intricacies may relay false information that can warp the customer’s view on each strain.
To be a good budtender, there must be a healthy balance between customer service skills and knowledge of the products at hand.
Neglecting Customer Needs
While selling cannabis is obviously the main goal of the business, especially to cover expenses and keep the place running, it should not come at the expense of the customer’s experience.
A bad budtender may rely on coercion rather than actually correctly identifying the needs of the customer. They may push cannabis products on you without inquiring about your needs or recommend high THC doses even when the customer is a novice smoker.
The danger in this is that this type of incompetence may result in newcomers greening-out and having a terrible experience due to overconsumption.
Under the Influence While on Duty
Make no mistake about it. Dispensaries are businesses set in place to sell medical marijuana. The budtenders behind the counter are there to share their cannabis knowledge and expertise.
However, that does not mean they should be stoned on duty. The cannabis laws in place have set up clear guidelines detailing the use of cannabis in the workplace.
Needless to say, being stoned may impair certain senses and thought processes, and being stoned at work is simply a no-go.
Budtender – A Vital Role
A budtender is an integral part of cannabis culture.
In the case that you come across a good one, show some appreciation and congratulate them on a job well done.
However, equally as important, if you come into contact with a bad budtender, be sure to let the dispensary know.
Ultimately, a budtender is there to make purchasing weed a pleasurable experience. They are in place as the best resource for novice and experienced tokers alike and are a pinnacle part of the cannabis community that should be happy to help with all of your weed needs.
Happy shopping!
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