Loving weed may be a good place to start, but as the cannabis industry grows, so do the responsibilities and qualifications for becoming a budtender.

Many people walk into a dispensary knowing just what they’re looking for, but more often than not the customer wants products to help them sleep, give them more focus, or perhaps they come in with a list of symptoms and seek your professional opinion. This is where your friendly, experienced budtender comes in.

Each state differs when it comes to the laws about legalized cannabis. It is important to know what the state you’re working in allows and doesn’t at licensed dispensaries. Ensuring proper compliance and maintaining the integrity of the dispensary is of the utmost importance. You can read more about New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management here.

Ace Rowe, a product specialist in the medically legal state of Missouri, created a mantra for budtenders called the three E’s: elevate knowledge, empathize with customers, and keep education at the forefront. Combining the three E’s with your passion for cannabis creates a perfect recipe for success.