If you’re looking to take the first steps toward a career in the cannabis industry, you logically want to set yourself up for success. But what does that look like?

At Grass Roots, we strive to be a business where we take people’s health and wellness seriously — and where we have fun. That’s a careful balancing act, and one that can also help guide your path toward joining the industry!

Whether you’ve already applied for an opening or are simply getting a good idea of what’s needed for a career in the industry, we have some guiding tips that can point you in the right direction.

Tip 1: Be Professional
Although the environment we work in is quite relaxed and many places don’t have dress codes, remember that your first impression (and the ones after that) are incredibly important.

“It’s important to remember that this is still a profession and an industry in which people can have a fulfilling career,” says Elisha Millan, Founder and Owner of Grass Roots. “No matter what position you’re applying for, don’t forget to be professional in your application period. Apply the same level of concern working for this type of business as you would any other corporation.”

This includes coming into your interview with a professional mindset, dressing cleanly, and practicing good hygiene.

Tip 2: Do Your Research
While knowledge about the products and first-hand experience with them is a positive, you also need to be prepared for your interview. Long before the day of your interview, invest time in learning about the industry, its origins, and how it operates today.

This includes a good understanding of cannabis aristocracy, including Raphael Mecholuam, who is considered the father of cannabis research, and Ed Rosenthal, a leading expert on cannabis horticulture.

It’s also a good idea to be well-versed in laws related to the cannabis industry, both within your own state and all border states.

Tip 3: Know the Basics
Research is also a good place to start when it comes to understanding the basics related to cannabis and the industry. Before going to a first interview, you need to be able to thoughtfully answer questions related to how things work.

That means building a solid knowledge around questions like:

• What is the top cannabis plant pest?
• What temperature is best for dabbing hemp shatter vs. hemp resin?
• How do vape pens work?
• What are the differences between hemp and marijuana?

Not knowing the basics is a common mistake.

“People will come to an interview not prepared to answer in-person questions like ‘How would you describe this pipe?’ or ‘Tell me about this strain,’” Millan says. “They don’t come prepared with good technical knowledge; they just know they’re good smokers and think mistakenly that will give them an edge.”

Tip 4: Consider Applicable Certifications
One way you can enhance your knowledge around the cannabis industry and how it works is to pursue certification from legitimate institutions.

While you can certainly land on some less-than-credible “educational” resources online, there are also many programs — like those from Trichome Institute and Oaksterdam University — that are thoughtfully designed to prepare those working within the industry.

These programs can provide meaningful information about cannabis and its effects, new advancements within the industry, and relevant legal guidelines.

Tip 5: Show You Take Things Seriously
This may be our most important piece of advice. Your mindset and the interview can help set you apart from others who are applying for the same position.

“Come into the interview with the mindset of the ‘career,’ not a ‘job,’” Millan says. “Indicate your willingness to invest in your own personal education outside of the workplace. I like to hear people sharing their knowledge with statements such as ‘I read a book about X’ or ‘I did some research into Y.’ This shows that the person realizes that learning in this industry is constant, and that you need to be catching up on the latest information all the time.”

We’re passionate about helping our customers achieve their health and wellness goals. Would you like to join our team? Start here.