Starbucks is again changing their stores and dress code – maybe it is time to go to a more fun workplace?
For some, their look reflects who they are, even at work. There is a small uprising at Starbucks for a change in the dress code and front line employees are complaining. It leads people to asses where they are with employment? Perhaps time to consider changing jobs and thinking of cannabis? Working at a marijuiana dispensary offers a unique entry point into one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Whether passionate about cannabis, interested in retail, or seeking a new career path, dispensaries provide a range of roles, competitive pay, and opportunities for advancement.
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Despite the industry’s laid-back reputation, professionalism is key when applying for a dispensary job. For interviews, business casual attire is recommended: clean shirts or blouses, slacks or dress pants, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid jeans, shorts, short skirts, or anything too revealing. Ties and suit jackets are optional but more appropriate for management roles. Personal grooming is important—hair should be neat, and heavy fragrances should be avoided. Research the dispensary’s culture and match your attire to their environment could be a smart move, but when in doubt, dress more conservatively to make a strong first impression.
Dispensary jobs span from entry-level to management, with pay varying by position, experience, and location. The most common entry-level role is the budtender, who assists customers, recommends products, and ensures compliance with regulations. Budtenders typically earn around $36,000 annually, with hourly rates averaging $25.40, but ranging from $15.38 to $37.98 depending on the state and dispensary.
Other roles include:
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Inventory Specialist: Manages stock and compliance, earning about $55,137 per year.
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Security Guard: Ensures safety, with salaries starting at $38,294.
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Compliance Specialist: Oversees legal adherence, starting at $89,600.
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General Manager: Runs daily operations, with salaries from $78,900 and up.
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Retail Specialist: Focuses on customer service, earning $40,000–$80,000 depending on experience and location.
Specialized positions such as extraction technicians, cultivators, and edibles manufacturing specialists can also be found, with salaries ranging from $33,000 to $140,000 or more, depending on expertise and responsibility.
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The cannabis industry is rapidly expanding, offering significant room for growth. Entry-level employees can move up to supervisory or management roles, or transition into specialized areas like compliance, inventory management, or even cultivation and product development. Many dispensaries also offer temporary or contract positions, which can be a stepping stone to full-time employment.
Certifications or permits may be required, especially for budtenders and security staff, and requirements vary by state. Gaining experience in a dispensary can also open doors to higher-paying roles in cannabis business operations, marketing, or even ownership for entrepreneurial-minded individuals
