Explore: Some Cannabis Industry Jobs You May Not Know About

Cannabis Industry Jobs You May Not Know About

With the increasing number of states legalizing cannabis, cannabis industry jobs are growing at a tremendous rate. The industry saw 32% job growth in 2020 and currently supports over 428,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the United States. 

Between the 27 states that have legalized medical cannabis and the 11 states that have legalized adult-use cannabis, over $25 billion dollars worth of cannabis products were sold in 2021. Despite the economic hardships of 2021, the cannabis industry had  annual job growth of 27% or higher for the fifth consecutive year. More than 100,000 new cannabis jobs were created in 2021 alone. 

Cannabis is a career field that is predicted to grow significantly in the coming years. In terms of the industry’s future outlook, it is projected that by 2025 the cannabis market in the U.S. will reach nearly $45 billion dollars annually.  

However, this is merely a quarter of expected revenue from the cannabis industry once it is legalized at the federal level. Furthermore, a report from Leafly projects that when cannabis becomes legal nationwide, it will support as many as 1.75 million jobs in the U.S. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with higher levels of education earn more and have a lower unemployment rate than workers with less education. 

Earning a degree in cannabis can not only propel you into a booming industry, but it can also help give you a competitive edge when seeking cannabis jobs. Entering the cannabis industry equipped with a degree focused on the study of cannabis signifies to employers that you have industry-specific knowledge and are truly invested in pursuing a career in the cannabis industry. 

Cannabis is a Career

Cannabis is a career that goes well beyond farming and cultivation roles. 

Some entry-level cannabis jobs that may sound familiar include warehouse manager, budtender, and cultivation assistant. 

However, there are actually a wide array of cannabis jobs that require a variety of skill sets. The nearly half a million jobs that the cannabis industry currently supports include both direct jobs, like cultivation and retail sales, as well as ancillary roles that support cannabis sales, such as human resources, product development, and regulatory compliance. 

Skills and experience in marketing, retail, and distribution are applicable in a variety of fields, including the cannabis industry. Below are five careers in cannabis you may not have known about.

1. Inventory Manager 

Inventory managers oversee tasks pertaining to receiving and distributing cannabis products. Responsibilities may include monitoring inventory levels, ensuring products are compliant with state regulations and laws, and managing vendor relationships.

2. Social Media Manager 

Social media managers are responsible for attracting new customers and engaging current customers by strategically utilizing social media platforms. Responsibilities may include researching relevant trends that can help increase brand awareness, creating engaging written and visual content, and monitoring social media accounts and managing responses to comments or direct messages.

3. Field Brand Supervisor 

Field brand supervisors are responsible for promoting and educating customers on a variety of cannabis products. Field brand supervisors may also manage the sales representatives who work on the floor of a retail store. 

4. Franchise Development Coordinator

Franchise development coordinators maintain brand standards and may develop marketing plans. They often collaborate closely with marketing and communications teams for ongoing brand support. Franchise development coordinators may also oversee both digital and print content.

5. Buyer Coordinator

Buyer coordinators oversee various operations, such as placing and planning orders and scheduling deliveries for parts and supplies. Buyer coordinators also work with vendors to negotiate pricing and determine delivery times.

Cannabis jobs are quite varied, and the cannabis industry is experiencing increased demand for knowledgeable and experienced employees. There are many types of roles for job seekers with all kinds of backgrounds, strengths, and skill sets.

Attending college for cannabis can help you determine which career path is right for you and provide you with specific knowledge about, and experience in, the cannabis industry. By earning a degree in cannabis, you will learn the language and nuances of the field and can equip yourself with an academic credential that can make you stand out from other aspiring cannabis professionals. 

A cannabis degree can help pave the way for an exciting, fast-paced career with lots of opportunity for advancement. As legalization expands, and more and more people seek careers in the industry, a cannabis degree can help you achieve the cannabis career that’s right for you.

Earn a Cannabis Degree at LIM College

LIM offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in The Business of Cannabis. Graduate with real-world experience and begin your cannabis career with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Courses are created and taught by industry professionals. Learn from the best in the business, including, as of Fall 2022: Dasheeda Dawson, City of Portland Cannabis Program Manager; Branding Bud Consulting Group founder David Paleschuck; Michael Zaytsev, author of The Cannabis Business Book; Wei Hu, Esq., founding partner of MRTA Law, P.C., and many more.

Interested in learning more about our bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in The Business of Cannabis? 

Ready to start your career in cannabis?