How to Get Your Budtender Certification in Oklahoma: Requirements & Best Training Options
Oklahoma’s cannabis industry is growing fast, and dispensaries need knowledgeable, well-trained budtenders to assist medical patients. If you want to work in an Oklahoma dispensary, you must meet state requirements, including obtaining an OMMA Employee Credential.
However, simply meeting the legal requirements isn’t enough to land a top dispensary job. Since Oklahoma’s cannabis industry operates under medical cannabis laws, having a strong understanding of medical marijuana is the best way to stand out and increase your earning potential.
Our FREE Medical Cannabis Class covers medical marijuna in Oklahoma and more!
However, simply meeting the legal requirements isn’t enough to land a top dispensary job. Since Oklahoma’s cannabis industry operates under medical cannabis laws, having a strong understanding of medical marijuana is the best way to stand out and increase your earning potential.
Our FREE Medical Cannabis Class covers medical marijuna in Oklahoma and more!
Do You Need a Budtender Certification to Work in an Oklahoma Dispensary?
The short answer: You must obtain an OMMA Employee Credential, but a budtender certification can give you a major advantage.
OMMA Employee Credential Requirements (Mandatory)
To legally work in a dispensary, Oklahoma requires all cannabis employees to apply for an OMMA Employee Credential through the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA).
To qualify, you must:
✅ Be 18 years or older
✅ Provide a government-issued photo ID
✅ Complete a state background check (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation)
✅ Attest to a national background check
✅ Submit a recent photo (taken within the last six months)
✅ Pay a $30 application fee (+ processing fees)
✅ Be employed or seeking employment at a licensed dispensary
OMMA recommends applying early since background checks take time. If your application contains errors, you’ll have 30 days to correct them before it’s denied. Read the details of the OMMA requirements in Senate Bill 1704 and log into the OMMA portal to apply for the credential here.
Budtender Certification (Optional but Recommended)
While Oklahoma does not require a budtender certification, most dispensaries prefer certified candidates over untrained applicants.
Start your Oklanhoma budtender certification FREE here!
A Budtender Certification provides the skills and knowledge dispensary owners look for, including:
✔ Cannabis strains, terpenes, and product effects
✔ Medical cannabis benefits and dosing
✔ Dispensary compliance and regulations
✔ Customer service and sales strategies
Start your Oklanhoma budtender certification FREE here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need experience to work in an Oklahoma dispensary?
No, but prior retail, customer service, or sales experience helps. A Budtender Certification can make you more competitive.
How much do budtenders make in Oklahoma?
The average salary is $15-$18 per hour, plus tips. Experienced budtenders and managers can earn $40K+ per year.
Is there a test for the OMMA Employee Credential?
No, the credential is a state licensing requirement, not a certification exam. However, some dispensaries may require training or certification before hiring.
Can I work in a dispensary while waiting for my OMMA credential?
Yes, you can work while your OMMA Employee Credential application is pending, as long as you’ve already submitted it. However, if your application is denied, you must immediately stop working until a new application is approved.
Start your journey to becoming a certified budtender in Oklahoma in our FREE Medical Cannabis Class!
Start your journey to becoming a certified budtender in Oklahoma in our FREE Medical Cannabis Class!
