How To Become a Budtender in Mississippi: Full Guide

May 23 / Jenifer Marks, Esq.

Mississippi’s cannabis industry is medical-only, meaning only patients with a valid medical cannabis card can legally access THC-rich cannabis through licensed dispensaries. Adult-use (recreational) cannabis is not legal in the state, and all budtenders must work within licensed medical dispensaries under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP).

While hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are legal and sold in stores across the state, Delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids are illegal in Mississippi. Some retailers may still offer these products, but possession and sale can result in legal consequences under state law.

If you’re wondering how to become a budtender in Mississippi, this guide will walk you through the legal requirements, how to get hired, and how to stand out in the state’s regulated medical cannabis market.

Our FREE Medical Cannabis Class is the perfect way to get started in expanding your knowledge of the medical marijuana market in Mississippi and beyond!

A budtender is a dispensary employee who helps registered medical cannabis patients select products based on their symptoms, preferences, and dosage needs. In Mississippi, budtenders only work in licensed medical cannabis dispensaries—not in CBD shops or gas stations.

Their responsibilities 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 appropriate dosages and delivery methods

✅ Ensuring compliance with Mississippi’s cannabis laws and purchase limits

To legally work in a medical dispensary, you must meet the following requirements:

✅ Be 21 or older

✅ Pass a criminal background check

✅ Apply for and hold a Medical Cannabis Work Permit

✅ Be employed by a state-licensed medical dispensary

Our FREE Medical Cannabis Class is the perfect way to get started in expanding your knowledge of the medical marijuana market in Mississippi and beyond!

All dispensary employees—budtenders included—must register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue to receive an official work permit.

🟢 Apply for a Mississippi Medical Cannabis Work Permit:
Visit the official Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP) website for detailed steps on obtaining a work permit here.

🟢 Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program Regulations:
For comprehensive information on the state's medical cannabis regulations, refer to the Mississippi State Department of Health's official page here.

Getting your permit is just the first step. Dispensary managers look for applicants who are professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Here’s how to stand out:

✅ Take a budtender certification course – It shows you’re serious and job-ready (start FREE here!)

✅ Highlight your people skills – Retail, healthcare, and customer service backgrounds are a big plus

✅ Understand cannabis basics – Know the difference between cannabinoids, strains, and product types

✅ Apply locally – Search job boards, dispensary websites, or drop off your resume in person

✅ Be professional and proactive – Show up prepared, polite, and ready to support patients

While you may see CBD products sold in wellness shops and convenience stores across Mississippi, these stores are not licensed dispensaries, and the staff do not qualify as budtenders.

Additionally, Delta-8 THC is illegal in Mississippi. Despite its presence in some shops, its possession, sale, or use can result in legal consequences. Stick to the licensed medical cannabis program for legal employment and training opportunities in this space.

If you want to learn more about CBD and Delta-8 in Mississippi, start our FREE Medical Cannabis Class today!

You'll learn:

✅ What effects cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBN have on the body

✅ How different products work (edibles, vapes, topicals)

✅ The basics of dosing, safety, and customer guidance