Thinking about becoming a budtender? Whether you're just starting out or trying to level up in the cannabis industry, you’ve likely come across a “Budtender Certification” program.

But is it something you actually need? And more importantly—will it help you get hired or make more money?

Let’s break it down.

In some states, yes. States like Illinois, Alaska, and New York have mandatory training or licensing requirements before you can legally work in a dispensary. These often include registering with the state and completing state-approved courses.

👉 To find out if your state requires mandatory certification, search:

“[Your State] cannabis dispensary employee requirements site:.gov”

This will take you straight to your state’s government site and give you the most up-to-date info.

Even if your state doesn’t require a license, optional certifications can still give you a major edge.

An optional budtender certification is a training program designed to teach you what you need to know to succeed in a dispensary. There are okay training programs everywhere...and there are some GREAT ones. 

✅ An okay optional program will teach you the basics of cannabis.

✅ A great optional program will teach you how to sell marijuana—helping the store make more money, and helping you earn more in tips.

✔️ Product types: flower, edibles, vapes, concentrates, tinctures, and more

✔️ Strains and effects: understanding indica, sativa, hybrid, and beyond

✔️ Sales training and upselling techniques

✔️ Customer service skills

✔️ Compliance and responsible selling

✔️ Medical vs. recreational use

✅  Real-world scenarios to practice answering customer questions

✅  Techniques to build customer trust and create loyal regulars

✅  How to boost average ticket size through smart upselling

✅  Confidence training to help you speak clearly and sell with ease

✅  A mailed framed certificate and pin so you look professional and feel proud

✅  Resume and job search support to help you actually get hired

Start today in a GREAT program with our FREE Medical Cannabis Class! 

Some states require budtender certification to work in a dispensary. Others don’t—but training that teaches you how to sell cannabis will help you get the job, grow in your role, and make more money. The more confident you are with products and recommendations, the better your tips—and the more value you bring to your shop.

Take that first step. Start your FREE Medical Cannabis Class and show them you're not just interested—you’re already putting in the work.