budtender

The cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing market segments in the world - that means a boom of jobs, and lots of applicants joining the Green Rush.  Whether you're already working as a budtender & want to plan your next career move, or you're not yet working in cannabis but you want to be, it can be daunting to try to break into such a new & unique industry.  We'll cover tactics to set yourself up for success during job interviews, what research you should do to stand out, and where you should look for opportunities in cannabis.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Things you Should Know to Get a Job in the Cannabis Industry” from Testing & Terpenes Magazine

Federally-backed cannabis research is extremely limited, and its plant material can only come from a single farm in Mississippi at this time. That farm has come under fire for failing to represent the actual cannabis on the market - in fact, their leader says there is "no good reason" for THC percentages beyond 8%.  This article examines how current federal research is failing cannabis consumers, the application of different THC percentages, and how they relate to changing consumer preferences.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Head of only Federal Marijuana Farm thinks 8% THC Marijuana is ‘Extremely’ Potent” from Marijuana Moment

As more illnesses are attributed to cannabis vaping devices, the FDA and other governing bodies are starting to get involved. The cannabis industry needs to respond to protect consumers, and testing labs are leading the charge before new regulations make it mandatory. We’ll cover two articles looking at the current state of the vaping crisis, including actions from regulators to identify the culprits behind these illnesses and what labs are doing to increase transparency on cartridge ingredients.
Two Articles Discussed
[1] “FDA discloses criminal probe into vaping health crisis, putting added scrutiny on cannabis industry” from MJ Biz Daily
[2] “Marijuana labs adding tests targeting vitamin E acetate in response to vaping health scare” from MJ Biz Daily

We further expand on recent reportings of vaping illnesses and deaths by discussing what consumers should look out for, considerations for processors, questions Budtenders might get asked, different cannabis extraction methods and full spectrum vs distillate vs isolate for vaping with Emma Chasen.

Numbers for illnesses and deaths possibly caused by vaping are increasing. Why this is happening has yet to be fully discovered. Our guest is Emma Chasen, we discuss an overview of reported cases, science of potential causes, current regulations on cartridge ingredients and other key points for clarity on what is happening with vaping.

Reports of additional illnesses and deaths possibly linked to vaping have surfaced in mainstream media.  With Vitamin E Acetate, an ingredient in many cartridges, being identified as a potential culprit, the cannabis industry needs answers.  We’ll discuss an article provided by cannabis educator Emma Chasen with the latest updates on this developing story.  
One Article Discussed
[1] “Vitamin E chemical is ‘key focus’ in vaping illness investigation, health officials say” from CNN

A breaking news report by the CDC details a rise in illnesses related to vaping.  With the popularity of extract cartridges, this could become a major concern for the cannabis industry.  We’ll review what the science currently says, what symptoms people are reporting, and what precautions consumers should take to protect their health.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Mysterious Vaping Illnesses have Industry on Edge” from Green Entrepreneur

There are whispers in the industry that the minor cannabinoid CBG could be the "next big thing" in cannabis medicine. In this episode we’ll give an overview of CBG’s currently identified medicinal properties, conditions it may help treat, and why you may not see many high-CBG products on the market just yet. 
One Article Discussed
[1] “So What is CBG Anyway?” from Green Entrepreneur

The group of people that can probably be helped the most by cannabis, are also the ones battling the most stigma. Whether it’s working in the industry or using cannabis to find relief for medicinal needs, much needs to be done to normalize the plant and provide accepted access to older adults. In this episode we share Baby Boomers insights from working at dispensaries.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Make my Budtender a Baby Boomer” from Forbes

Cannabis can relieve anxiety, but it can also cause anxiety, why is that? Is it solely from consuming too much THC? Which Terpenes play a role in relieving anxiety? This episode provides clarity for Budtenders to help Customers looking to relieve anxiety.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Terpenes and Anxiety” from Terpenes & Testing Magazine
KEY TERMS
Anxiolytic [(chiefly of a drug) used to reduce anxiety]
Etiology [the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condition]
Agonist [a substance which initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor]
Antagonist [a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another]

Many Budtenders are running their Dispensaries social media program. Building a social media audience is one of the best ways to get brand exposure and develop loyal customers. However having that account removed after all that money and effort can be frustrating to put it lightly. We discuss the cannabis landscape on social media & big tech.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Big Tech Buzzkill: How Silicon Valley is Failing Cannabis” from Dope Magazine

A powerful story of transformation - tune in to hear why our guest left a job in Texas making $90k per year to start over as a Budtender in Oregon. Discover the path he traveled and challenges he overcame to find that “happy place” in life :)

There are more Cannabis Brands than ever, making the job of Brand Rep increasingly difficult. Budtenders must not only stay informed on new brands, but also on a constantly evolving knowledge base of Cannabis Science.

Today’s guest talks education and training for both of those critical roles in the industry. Learn how Brand Reps can break through the noise getting into new dispensaries and how Budtenders can stay well informed while providing the best customer experience possible. We are joined by Bridget Gavin, Founder of Symbiosis Cannabis Education.

Getting the right cannabis product at the right price for the best experience possible is everyone’s goal. However buying the highest THC % for the lowest price might not be the best option for your Customers. In this episode we discuss how your Customers can get the most value for their dollar.
One Article Discussed
[1] “If you’re Buying your Weed Solely Based on THC Level, you’re Doing it Wrong” from Medium

The ability to create a positive customer experience ultimately makes or breaks a dispensary. There are many nuances to selling cannabis which make it challenging. This episode discusses strategies to ensure a positive customer experience.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Budtender Customer Service Tips” from Marijuana Marketing Xperts

Upselling your customers correctly can be a challenge. If done wrong it can lead to a negative customer experience. In this article we discuss strategies for upselling that your customer will enjoy! If done properly it can increase revenue at your dispensary and your own pay as well.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Top 10 Tips to Upsell your Customer at your Cannabis Dispensary” from Marijuana Retail Report

Discussing why dispensaries struggle and what strategies can turn that struggle into success.
One Article Discussed
[1] “Why your Dispensary Needs Budtender Sales Training” from MJ Hybrid Solutions