Bud Tender Job Explained: What is a Budtender?

A budtender's role is to help all customers - novice and veteran - navigate the wide world of recreational cannabis consumption. While the word budtender comes from a blend of the words "bud" and "bartender", a budtender's job is more complex than that of a bartender's. Successful budtenders have intimate knowledge of their store's inventory and can speak to the different nuances within each product and strain. They work with customers to recommend the best product based on customer preferences. They might ask the customer when the last time was and how often they consume cannabis or what they want to feel after consuming cannabis, so they can suggest the best product for that customer. Budtenders are also familiar with the different cannabis accessories (pipes, vaporizers, etc.) as well as the wide range of smokeless edibles, concentrates and tinctures and can speak about the different methods and modes of cannabis consumption.
 
Hygiene and customer safety is a crucial part of the budtender's role. When handling products budtenders should use the same guidelines as the food industry - wear gloves or use tongs when touching product and tie back hair to prevent it from ending up in the customer's purchase. Budtenders will also ensure that the building and the dispensary itself meet health inspection and fire safety standards. The marijuana being sold has to be accounted for from seed to sale so that it can never be sold on an illegal underground market and it must be weighed and packaged safely and accurately.

Budtenders are passionate about cannabis and stay on top of industry news, important holidays and events. They include this element of culture and passion in their interactions with customers which creates a rich and meaningful dispensary experience. They'll often stay informed about latest scientific studies as well as the legal system's requirements.

Budtenders provide guidance and educate customers about cannabis products, so their customers will have an safe and enjoyable cannabis experience.