Seasoned cannabis professionals know that working in the cannabis industry does not equate to getting paid to get high, as some might incorrectly assume. In reality, working in the cannabis space is not that different from working in any other industry. Consuming on the clock is unacceptable, there is a lot of hard work to be done amidst constantly changing regulations, and, as such, recruiting and working in the cannabis industry comes with its own set of challenges.

It’s no secret that the cannabis industry has been growing rapidly over the past few years, with more and more countries, states, and territories legalizing cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use. As the industry continues to expand, the demand for qualified professionals to work in the industry has also increased.

However, as mentioned above, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding hiring in the cannabis industry. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the top myths and shed some light on what it is truly like to work in the cannabis industry.

Myth #1: Cannabis companies only hire people who use cannabis

One of the biggest myths about hiring in the cannabis industry is that cannabis companies only hire people who use cannabis. This couldn't be further from the truth. Cannabis companies, just like any other business, are looking for qualified and professional employees who can help grow their businesses. They are interested in hiring individuals who have relevant skills, education, and experience, regardless of whether or not they use cannabis.

Myth #2: Working in the cannabis industry is illegal

Another common myth about working in the cannabis industry is that it is illegal. While cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the US and other parts of the world, many states, countries, and territories have legalized the plant for medical and/or recreational use. As a result, cannabis companies operating in states, countries, and territories where cannabis is legal are legal businesses and are subject to the same laws and regulations as any other business. Employees working for these companies are not breaking any laws and are not at risk of prosecution.

Myth #3: The cannabis industry is only for stoners

Another common misconception about the cannabis industry is that it is only for “stoners” or people who are interested in using cannabis. This myth is not only untrue but also harmful to the industry as a whole. The cannabis industry is a legitimate business sector that employs people from all walks of life, including professionals, scientists, marketers, and more. The industry is also heavily regulated, which means that employees are held to high standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour.

Myth #4: You need prior cannabis industry experience to secure a job

This misconception is not entirely accurate, and it can deter some job seekers from applying for cannabis-related roles. While it's true that previous experience can be an asset, the cannabis industry is relatively new, and many employers are still in the process of developing their hiring strategies and onboarding processes. As a result, companies are often willing to train individuals with transferable skills from other industries who are eager to learn and grow within the cannabis sector. Therefore, candidates shouldn't shy away from applying for cannabis jobs simply because they lack specific experience in the industry.

Myth #5: Working in the cannabis industry is dangerous

Another myth about working in the cannabis industry is that it is dangerous. This myth likely stems from the fact that cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, and there is a perception that people who work in the industry are at risk of being raided by law enforcement. However, as we've already established, cannabis companies operating in legal states are legitimate businesses that are subject to the same laws and regulations as any other business. Working in the cannabis industry is no more dangerous than working in any other industry.

Altering the False Beliefs Surrounding Employment Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry offers many compelling reasons to join its rapidly growing workforce, and we urge you not to base your decision on the common myths we've debunked above. Just as cannabis enthusiasts successfully challenged public perceptions of cannabis prohibition, those working in the cannabis industry are reshaping public attitudes toward themselves. They are not idling potheads looking for a shortcut to wealth; instead, they are a dedicated, multifaceted group of individuals seeking financial stability by pursuing their passion for the cannabis plant.

CanMar Can Help You Find Your Dream Job in the Cannabis Industry

At our core, we recognize that the success of any business hinges on the quality of its people. That's why we go to great lengths to carefully screen and thoroughly vet candidates, to ensure that we only present those whose values and qualifications are aligned with your company's needs. Since 2017, we have specialized in placing candidates within the cannabis, hemp and psychedelics sectors and have established strong partnerships within this space.

We do the work, so you don’t have to.

Our specialized Cannabis and Psychedelics Industry Hiring & Recruitment Partners work in specific vertical markets, enabling them to gain in-depth knowledge of individual technical areas and dedicate their time to finding the right professionals for you. If you’re interested in learning more visit our website or book a free consultation with one of our specialists.

Plus, let us help you make your cannabis career dreams a reality by applying for one of our open positions.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the cannabis industry is a legitimate business sector that offers a range of employment opportunities for people with diverse skills and backgrounds. While there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding hiring in the cannabis industry, it's important to separate fact from fiction and approach the industry with an open mind. By doing so, we can help build a strong and sustainable industry that benefits everyone involved.