The cannabis industry in Oklahoma is thriving, offering plenty of job opportunities for those interested in becoming budtenders. With over 2,000 dispensaries operating statewide, the demand for trained medical marijuana budtenders continues to grow.

If you are looking to start your career as a budtender in Oklahoma, this guide will walk you through: 

Budtenders in Oklahoma work in medical marijuana dispensaries. They guide customers through legal cannabis products, walk customers through effects of cannabis strains, and ensure that the store stays in compliance with cannabis medical marijuana laws and regulations before, during, and after a sale. 

So, how do you secure a job in the Oklahoma medical marijuana market? Here is your step-by-step guide! 

First make sure you meet the basic requirements – no one wants to waste time looking for a job they cannot get due to regulatory requirements. To qualify for a dispensary job in Oklahoma, you must:

All dispensary employees must obtain an OMMA Employee Credential, issued by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). You can either wait until you get a job in a dispensary, then immediately apply – or apply before you get a dispensary job. However, you cannot work in a dispensary unless your application has been submitted, is pending, or your OMMA credential has been issued.

Although Oklahoma does not require formal budtender certification, most dispensaries prefer to hire trained professionals. Getting certified can help you:

Budtending requires strong customer service skills, so make sure to emphasize any retail experience you have. Highlight key skills such as handling cash transactions, engaging with customers, managing inventory, and upselling products. Use specific examples and action words to make these skills pop on your resume and ensure your experience stands out at a glance.

Add any cannabis classes or certifications you have earned to your resume (including our FREE Medical Cannabis Class!) Taking the time to learn about what makes cannabis medicine can help you stand out against your competition! 

Online applications can be competitive, so don’t be afraid to get out there in person. Walk into local hemp shops and dispensaries, introduce yourself, and ask about job openings. Networking face-to-face can leave a stronger impression than a digital application, helping you build connections in the industry that may lead to job opportunities.

Starting a career as a budtender in Oklahoma offers a unique opportunity to be part of Oklahoma's growing cannabis industry. By building customer service skills, understanding Oklahoma's medical marijuana laws, and gaining knowledge about products, you’ll be prepared for success.

For anyone serious about this career, our FREE Medical Cannabis Class provides valuable insights to help you thrive as an Oklahoma budtender!