A budtender is an employee who represents and works for a cannabis dispensary. The term is the combination of the words “bud” (cannabis plant flower) and “bartender.” This stems from the fact that a budtender’s roles and responsibilities are similar to a bartender, though within a dispensary. Budtenders educate users about the benefits, effects, and overall experience when consuming cannabis products.
They are not necessarily medically trained but are equipped with knowledge and expertise in various cannabis consumption methods. Other responsibilities include greeting customers, facilitating sales and other transactions, keeping themselves updated with new strains, products, laws, and other industry trends, and verifying customers’ identification. Before one can work as a budtender, some states require special authorization, such as a marijuana worker permit. Being a budtender is an entry-level position but requires extensive knowledge of all kinds and forms of cannabis products.
