Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries today (pun intended), with over 243,700 full-time positions and a 15% year-over-year increase. With so many opportunities in this sector, you might be considering a career change to cannabis yourself. Before you start sending out your resume, read our guide below to see if a career in cannabis is right for you.
The Benefits of Working in Cannabis
There are thousands of job opportunities within cannabis in fields such as research, recipe development, sales, accounting, and more. New data shows that cannabis jobs could outnumber software engineers by the end of 2020. With this incredible growth comes incredible opportunities for those looking to change or advance in their career.
Outside of the sheer volume of available positions, a career in cannabis offers exciting professional opportunities. Many cannabis companies are still in their early days, meaning you could be joining a team on the ground floor and have the opportunity to make an even larger, more meaningful impact on the organization. Cannabis companies are also more modern in regards to their work-life balance policies, offering more leave time than any other CPG sector.
Consider Your Background
Even though cannabis is a new and growing industry, many of the skills and functions from more traditional jobs are still applicable within cannabis positions. Some of the top skills in desirable cannabis candidates include communication, reading (and legal) comprehension, and basic computer skills. These are all traditional skills from corporate positions that are also useful for a role in a cannabusiness.
When considering a career in cannabis, think about how your specific abilities can be applied to this industry and make you a more valuable candidate. Do you have experience in finance? Since cannabis is illegal on the federal level, cannabis businesses operate as cash only and require the assistance of an accountant (or multiple accountants) to help them manage their income and expenses. Look at the traditional skills you currently have and understand how they could benefit a role in cannabis.
Consider the Nature of the Industry
The cannabis industry is at the forefront of many new technologies, making it an exciting sector to be a part of. Many of the positions created in cannabis are entirely new, and offer the opportunity to learn a great deal while also propelling you in your professional goals.
The fast-paced and evolving nature of this industry is a draw for many people, but it’s not a good fit for everyone. If you are a self-starter who thrives off of being creative in professional situations, then a career in cannabis would be suitable for you.
Do Some Research
It doesn’t hurt to research! Look into the companies you are applying to and look for first-hand accounts from those currently working in this space. Sites like Glassdoor offer insights into the working conditions and management structures of most companies. Look for reviews from those working at your desired company or in your desired position to get a better understanding of what you can expect from the role. (P.S. This is also great to do before an interview with a cannabusiness!)
Working in cannabis will offer many new and exciting experiences for someone who has never been in this industry before. If you are someone who enjoys being challenged professionally, cannabis would be an excellent fit for you!
If you’re interested in making a move to a career in cannabis, Growing Talent is here to help. With more than 25 years in the recruitment space for new verticals, Growing Talent is well equipped to help you navigate this budding industry. We’ll connect you to a network of top minds in cannabis today and help you find your perfect fit within the world of cannabis.