Jun
The phrase ‘budtender’ may sound like some Frankensteined phrase or cannabis colloquial term that has no real meaning, but these crucial cannabis connoisseurs are the lifeblood of the marijuana industry!
With legalization officially instituted across multiple regions in North America, including all of Canada and select states in America, the cannabis industry as a whole has experienced a substantial surge in innovation, including amongst the job market within it.
As such, the role of the budtender was born to comprise individuals with knowledge and a passion for cannabis and all its splendours.
You may have noticed that the word ‘budtender’ sounds a whole lot like the word bartender.
Well, there’s a reason for that!
The two positions share many similarities surrounding expertise, advice and customer service, albeit in two separate contexts and industries.
If you haven’t already guessed it, today we’re talking about what a budtender is, their role and responsibilities, and signs to look out for when detecting a good or bad one.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
What is a Budtender?
It doesn’t take a Sherlock Holmes level detective to deduce that budtender is a clever combination of the words ‘bud’ and ‘bartender.’
Much like their alcohol-disposing equivalent, budtenders perform many of the same responsibilities, except within the world of weed.
A budtender serves as a fountain of knowledge regarding all things cannabis, from distinct cannabinoid and terpene profiles of specific cannabis strains to cannabis concentrates and which edibles would work best for you.
In addition to having a comprehensive understanding of weed and weed products, budtenders also help provide individual advice to customers.
They frequently provide tips on what they think would be the best fit given consumers’ specific needs or desired effects or outcomes.
That said, it’s also vital to highlight that, while they may provide insight, a budtender is in no way a medical professional. As such, while they may be able to give you advice, it should not be taken as gospel.
Budtenders also tend to be involved within the recreational and medical marijuana communities. If you’re looking to try something new or are a newbie to weed, they’re a great resource for learning about cannabis products available in a dispensary.
What Does a Budtender Do?
Budtenders are the customer service and sales reps of the cannabis industry. They serve as the happy faces you see whenever you go to purchase at a dispensary.
In this digital age, they are also now available via live chat on many mail-order marijuana websites, including Buy Low Green!
Their primary role is to provide insight, advice or helpful information surrounding the specific cannabis products of a dispensary, including the genetics and different properties of cannabis strains, the potency and appropriate dosage levels of cannabis concentrates, and much more.
Additionally, budtenders may also perform roles relating to packaging and weighing cannabis, dispensary upkeep, record keeping and the general sale of weed products.
Signs of a Good Budtender
In any industry, excellent customer service is always a key advantage to a business, and there are a few key indicators to look out for when distinguishing an average budtender from a great budtender, including:
They Know What They’re Talking About
One of the most important things to notice when interacting with a budtender is how knowledgeable they are about specific cannabis products in their dispensary and the community and industry as a whole.
Ultimately, if you’re coming to someone for advice or insights, you want them to know what they’re talking about, right?
An inexperienced or unknowledgeable budtender may answer questions with incorrect or ill-informed information, which could either warp a customers’ impression of a given product or lead them into unsavoury situations, such as a green out.
That said, extensive knowledge of weed products allows budtenders to accurately dole out reliable insights regarding appropriate cannabis strains or products that would work best for customers.
However, again, we’ll state that budtenders are not medical professionals.
While they may be able to provide recommendations for cannabis strains or products with medicinal properties, they are not privy to answering specific medical cannabis-related questions.
They’re Attentive
While knowledge is arguably one of the most important attributes, the delivery of this information can be just as important.
In this sense, while budtenders should be knowledgeable, the sign of a good one will be someone who goes the extra mile to consider a client’s individual needs and ensure that they are met using the information and expertise at their disposal.
This skill requires consistent upkeep regarding the latest trends, up-to-date information on products, and being well-informed about the cannabis industry.
They’re Patient
No one likes to feel rushed. In this way, another sign of a good budtender is patience and understanding with customers, regardless of how long their selection process or line of questioning takes.
The cannabis world is filled with customers of all experience levels, from newbies looking to start low with their tolerance level and need more advice to seasoned tokers who require a bit more oomph to get them where they want to be.
A good budtender is someone who can provide the necessary guidance and insight for these newcomers while also providing more high-brow expertise to more experienced users.
A Big Round of Applause for Budtenders!
No matter if you call them the face, customer service experts or backbone of the cannabis industry, there’s no denying that budtenders play a pivotal role in the cannabis community.
Whether they’re sharing valuable insights, doling out advice, telling you about products, or what have you, budtenders are a reliable resource for newbies and cannabis connoisseurs alike.
So, if you encounter an above-average one, be sure to extend your thanks for all the things they do to set you on your merry marijuana way!
Have fun and, as always, happy toking!
