Walking into a cannabis dispensary is like walking into a completely new world. From mom-and-pop owned shops that are very laid back and relaxed to modern dispensaries whose layouts mimic an Apple Store, dispensaries come in all different shapes and sizes.
Did you know there are over 1,000 dispensaries all across the US? With more and more states legalizing medical and recreational use of marijuana, this number is only going to increase, giving more people the opportunity to partake in the benefits of cannabis.
To give you a little more insight into what dispensaries provide, do, and how they do it, we put together some information all about dispensaries and how they’re a great way to get into the cannabis industry! Plus we want to tell you about cannabis insurance and how beneficial it is to those in the industry.
What is a Dispensary?
Cannabis dispensaries exist because federal regulations do not allow the sale of marijuana in regular pharmacies. So a good way to think of a dispensary is by thinking of it as a pharmacy for cannabis products. You’ll find two kinds of dispensaries: medical and recreational. Sometimes a dispensary will cater to both, but sometimes it’s either or.
Before you can walk into a dispensary, you’ll need to have an ID on you stating you are 21+ if seeking recreational items or 18+ if seeking medical products. You must be at least 21+ to work at a dispensary, according to most dispensaries currently operating. You will be asked for your ID before you can walk in, with some dispensaries having further security measures in place for patrons walking through.
In a dispensary you will find all kinds of cannabis products, just be aware that products will be different in one state compared to another. Just because you find one specific item in Oregon doesn’t mean you’ll be able to find that same product in Colorado.
From CBD balms and hemp wicks to vape cartridges and edibles, you’ll find an array of items to choose from at a dispensary. A budtender, aka a dispensary sales associate, will ask you what you’re looking for and help you pick out a few options. The recommendations they give you will be based on their personal experience and reviews from other patrons.
Since 1992, medical dispensaries and recreational dispensaries have blossomed have sprung up all over the United States, with more opening when a new state legalizes medical or recreational marijuana use.
Joining the Industry
There are two kinds of businesses in the cannabis industry—plant-touching businesses and non plant-touching businesses. Dispensaries are considered non-plant touching unless attached to a cultivation plant, since products in a dispensary are already packaged and ready to sell.
Those who are interested in finding a way into the cannabis industry have a great passage when applying to work at dispensary. The best way to learn about a product is to be the expert giving people advice and recommendations on how to use various products.
If you’re thinking about finding a job on the retail side of the cannabis world follow these three tips for success:
Get Experience
You don’t have to have worked in the retail world or have experience growing cannabis to get a job at a dispensary, but it doesn’t hurt to have some background knowledge about the plant and how it is changing the world.
Check out these websites for information on where the industry is today:
- Cannabis Business Times
- 420Intel
- MJBizDaily
- The Cannabis Industry
- Cannabis Industry Journal
- Ganjapreneur
- Green Entrepreneur
- 10Buds.com
Stay On Top of Trends
Policies and trends in the industry are changing every day. Find out what’s going on politically regarding the cannabis world will give you some insight and a leg up during an interview.
Research Your Area
You’re probably in a legal weed state if you’re thinking about joining the cannabis world. You’ll want to do some research regarding the need for budtenders in your area and find out where shops are hoping to open. Maybe a new one just sprouted and they’re looking to gain team members.
Why Does Insurance Matter?
As you work your way through the dispensary you’re at, you might find your way into a position where you’re creating new products. If not that, then maybe you realize a passion for a niche in the cannabis industry and decide to open your own shop or start your own business.
If you decide to pursue this course, you should be well aware of the risks you inherit when taking part in any part of the cannabis supply chain. Whether it’s cultivating, manufacturing, or selling, you’ll need one very important asset to help protect your business from potential risks: cannabis insurance from Insurance Canopy.
Insurance Canopy offers cannabis/marijuana insurance for all cannabis businesse—whether you’re in topical hemp/CBD products, ingestible hemp/CBD, or crop growing and dispensaries, Canopy has the experience to address your insurance needs.
We can cover individuals who do business within the following industries:
- Bakeries & Manufacturers of Cannabis-Infused Products
- Cannabis Consultants
- Marijuana Cultivation Contractors
- Delivery & Distributors of Cannabis Products
- Marijuana Dispensaries
- Indoor, Outdoor, & Greenhouse Cannabis Cultivators
- Laboratories
- Medical Offices
- Private Chef/Instructors of Cannabis-Infused Cooking Classes
- Cannabis Processing Operations
- Retail CBD Stores
- Warehouses
To learn more about cannabis insurance visit Insurance Canopy and apply for a quote today!
