How to Become a Budtender in Ontario

A budtender is part educator, part wellness guru, and full-time cannabis aficionado. It takes knowledge, passion, and dedication to become a successful budtender in Ontario’s burgeoning cannabis industry. A great personality sure doesn’t hurt either.

But exactly what does it take to work in cannabis retail? Do you need a license? What are the requirements for applying for a budtender job in Ontario? What do budtenders do day-to-day?

We answer these questions and more, giving you an insider look at what it takes to succeed in this role. Here’s everything you need to know about how to become a budtender in Ontario.

What Does a Budtender Do?

A budtender’s role is a unique mix of education, customer service, and retail responsibilities. You’re going to be ringing up sales and maintaining the store, but the heart of the job revolves around guiding customers through their cannabis experience. Budtenders spend most of their time interacting with customers, answering their questions, and helping them find the perfect cannabis products to take home. 

Staying informed is also a key part of the job. Learning how to become a budtender involves staying updated on new products and trends in the industry—whether it’s learning about a new strain, keeping tabs on retail regulations, or attending product knowledge sessions.

As our awesome budtender Kierra puts it, “Selling cannabis and cannabis products isn’t much different than your average retail store job. The biggest difference is education.”  

Selling cannabis and cannabis products isn’t much different than your average retail store job.

Image Source: @truenorthcannaco_ | Instagram

What Do I Need to Work at a Cannabis Retail Store?

Working at a dispensary or cannabis retail store starts with an interest in cannabis. Here’s a quick rundown of the qualifications you need:

1. Age 19 or older
2. A CannSell Certification (Yes, you need to be certified to become a budtender in Ontario. More on this later!)
3. Customer service/sales skills

That’s pretty much it! Cannabis knowledge and a heart are all you need. But when in doubt, Lori says, “Go into a store and talk with someone to get their perspective on being in the field.” 

Budtenders love to talk cannabis no matter the time of day, and they’re often your best source for understanding what it takes to thrive in this role. You can check out any True North branch near you and hit up our awesome budtenders for a chat on how to become a budtender any day.

What Makes Someone a Good Budtender?

Learning how to become a budtender in Ontario requires in-depth knowledge of cannabis, sure, but it goes beyond knowing the difference between sativa and indica. It’s a balance of customer service, product knowledge, and empathy. Successful budtenders act as a bridge between customers and the cannabis experience they’re seeking.

According to Kierra, “Budtenders need exceptional customer service while also being effective at retail sales. Knowledge of the plant itself, how it works/affects the body, laws and regulations, and current product offerings are key.” It’s also about listening to your customers, understanding their needs, and offering the right cannabis products that make a difference in their cannabis journey.

Lori adds that “kindness, empathy, and a friendly attitude” are the most important qualities. At the end of the day, your relationship with customers trumps all. While you can always educate yourself on cannabis history, products, and regulations, building genuine connections with customers is what makes a budtender truly great.

At the end of the day, your relationship with customers trumps all.

What Kind of Training Do Budtenders Need?

Anyone who wants to know how to become a budtender in Ontario must complete the CannSell certification program, before their first day of work. This certification prepares you for working in the cannabis industry, and is non-negotiable for aspiring budtenders, store managers, or retail license holders—basically anyone in the cannabis retail space.

CannSell Standard certification covers what you need to know about cannabis, its effects, responsible consumption, and associated risks, so you can serve customers safely and effectively. Applicants can make two attempts to gain a passing score of 80%. If unsuccessful, they will need to pay an additional cost to retake the exam. 

Image Source: @truenorthcannaco_ | Instagram

What Other Training Do Budtenders Go Through?

While the CannSell certification is the only required training program for individuals working in authorized cannabis stores in Ontario, budtenders can also choose to take specialized programs in cannabis studies offered by several colleges and universities in Ontario. 

Learning how to become a budtender is an ongoing process, and most receive training as part of their jobs. Budtenders learn continuously on the job from licensed producers, educational sessions, and personal consumption sampling. This ensures they’re always up-to-date with the latest products and industry developments.

Many budtenders take it upon themselves to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the cannabis industry. Reading up on different growing methods, terpenes, and certain strains plus their effects makes it easier to help customers navigate products.

“With how often things in the industry change, I find it helpful to explore High Buds Club and Spiffy to keep myself informed on all the new products being released,” says True North Brantford budtender Melanie. 

Join the True North Team!

That’s how to become a budtender! True North Cannabis Co. is always looking for awesome budtenders to join our team. With 50+ stores and growing, we’re Ontario’s biggest independent cannabis retailer. 

We welcome both cannabis veterans and those new to the space. Aside from the technical qualifications, all we ask is that you have a:

1. Genuine passion for cannabis 
2. Thirst for knowledge
3. Empathy and a friendly, go-getter attitude

Think you have what it takes? Apply now to join our team!