Florida operates a medical-only cannabis market. This means that only registered patients with a valid medical marijuana card can legally purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries. Recreational (adult-use) cannabis remains illegal.

However, certain hemp-derived products—like Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC—are legally available to adults 21 and older. These are sold in smoke shops, wellness stores, and online retailers. That said, they are not part of Florida’s regulated medical cannabis program, and working in those shops is not the same as being a budtender at a licensed dispensary.

If you’re interested in working directly with patients in a licensed setting, you might be asking: How do I become a budtender in Florida?

This guide breaks down what medical dispensaries look for, what Florida law requires, and how to get hired—even if you’re just starting out.

Typical budtender responsibilities in Florida include:

🟢 Verifying patient credentials and medical cannabis cards

🟢 Explaining product options—such as flower, tinctures, capsules, and topicals—based on a patient’s needs

🟢 Recommending dosage methods and helping new users feel comfortable

🟢 Following Florida’s medical marijuana compliance rules and product limits

2. Pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting -  certain offenses may disqualify an individual from employment in the medical cannabis industry

3. Be hired by a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC)

4. Complete employer-provided training to ensure you understand compliance, safety, and product guidance

Budtenders are employed by MMTCs licensed by the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). While the state doesn’t issue individual employee licenses, dispensaries are held to strict regulatory standards—and they expect staff to be well-trained and compliant.

🔗 Visit Florida’s OMMU website for current regulations

🟢 Take a budtender certification course – It’s not required, but it gives you a competitive edge

🟢 Highlight relevant experience – Retail, customer service, pharmacy tech, or healthcare experience all translate well

🟢 Learn cannabis basics – Be able to talk about cannabinoids, product types, and safe usage

🟢 Research the company – Understand their product menu, values, and approach to patient care

🟢 Apply with professionalism – Create a clean resume, include a short cover letter, and follow up

🟢 Compassionate and professional

🟢 Comfortable talking about medical conditions and symptoms

🟢 Quick learners who can absorb complex cannabis knowledge

🟢 Reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable with compliance rules

🟢 Passionate about helping patients feel better

Even though it’s not legally required, having a budtender certification can help you land interviews faster, especially in competitive markets like Miami, Orlando, or Tampa.

Get started for FREE in our Medical Cannabis Class! 

These shops often sell:

🟢 Delta-8 and Delta-10 vape carts and edibles

🟢 CBD oils, tinctures, and capsules

🟢 Topicals, beverages, and other wellness products

Although these stores don’t require a state-issued permit to work, they still seek knowledgeable staff who can answer customer questions, explain product differences, and recommend options based on effects and preferences.

💡 Understanding the medical benefits and effects of cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10 can make you a stronger job candidate—especially as more customers come in looking for wellness-based alternatives.

Get started for FREE in our Medical Cannabis Class!