The cannabis industry has a lot of layers, including proper customer service. The best way to gain cannabis knowledge is to do it from someone with qualifications, and that’s exactly what budtenders are there for. The term budtender is made from the word bud, also known as cannabis flower, and the word bartender, someone who works in the customer service industry. Here’s everything you should know about budtenders and why they are important.
Why We Call Our Customer Service Experts Guides Instead of Budtenders?
Budtenders are one of the essential roles of the cannabis industry, as they have direct interaction with the customers. A classic role of a budtender consists of working in retail, selling, and informing potential customers about cannabis products. While their role involves working in retail, it is much more complex. And at some dispensaries, like at The Artist Tree, budtenders are called guides.
The Artist Tree reinvented the traditional concept of cannabis retail, blending it with art, community, and culture. Each location is an interactive art gallery-inspired space, with compassionate guides who share knowledge and fuse cannabis retail with creativity and wellness. The Artist Tree is more than a regular dispensary, offering a special, experience-focused cannabis shopping. That’s why the customer service experts are called guides, there to assist you throughout the experience.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Budtender/Guide?
Every reputable, licensed cannabis dispensary has a customer service expert. The job description includes helping both beginners and seasoned connosuers in various ways, including:
- Knowledge of local laws and regulations regarding cannabis
- Verifying the identification of each customer
- Educating consumers on cannabis products (flower, pre-rolls, edibles, etc.)
- Educating consumers on various consumption methods
- Facilitating the sale and operating the cash register
- Explaining the common terms like terpenes and cannabinoids (THC, CBD)
- Showcasing different strains
- Helping customers pick out the right cannabis product for them
- Keeping up with new product releases
- Keeping the dispensary clean and organized
Not all dispensaries are the same, so the duties can vary depending on the state laws and regulations, operating style, the scale of the business, and the type of licence.
Traits of a Good Budtender/Guide
Budtenders should have all the traits of classic sales associates, including good communication and listening skills, the ability to multitask and solve problems, and the ability to adapt to every customer and their needs. But product knowledge is an essential aspect of being a good budtender, and a passion for cannabis and the cannabis industry is also a plus. Giving the customer a good retail experience is what matters most at the end of the day, especially for beginners and first-time buyers who might feel intimidated by the dispensary. That’s where a compassionate guide comes in and helps with the choices.
Qualifications for This Role
Since cannabis laws and regulations can vary depending on the state, in some places, budtenders need to obtain a special work permit to qualify for the cannabis industry. Other than that, the budtender roles are considered an entry-level position, but having extensive knowledge and passion for the cannabis industry is needed in order to do a proper job as a budtender. A lot of dispensaries nowadays offer budtender training and education for their employees, there are also third-party options as well. If the person decides to seek out this kind of education, it’s important to get it from a certified place, both for medical and recreational purposes.
While there are lots of serious responsibilities that come with budtending, it’s a desirable job for cannabis connoisseurs, especially for those who love to work with people in a dynamic setting. Find your nearest dispensary and get familiar with the wide selection of cannabis products.