MED Badging Requirement in Illinois

Become a certified IL Dispensary Worker

The cannabis industry is growing. With two states – Maryland and Missouri - joining the growing list of states who have legalized the retail sale and use of recreational cannabis in 2022.

With the growth and expansion of the industry comes new job opportunities for those eager and ready to work in the cannabis industry.
 
If you are ready for a career in the cannabis industry, but struggling to get started, keep reading. In this article, we will answer your questions about:

1.      How to get a job a dispensary

2.      Budtender Certification in Illinois

3.      Illinois Budtender License Requirements

If you’re not sure if the industry is for you, we have resources to help you determine if you’re a good fit for the cannabis industry.

How to get a job a dispensary

Once you’ve decided that the cannabis industry is right for you, your next question is probably, “How do I get a job in the cannabis industry?”
 
Most newcomers to the industry, a dispensary job is the perfect starting point! Not only are most dispensary jobs entry-level positions, but dispensaries are a great opportunity to learn more about the cannabis industry from seed-to-sale.
 
Dispensary jobs give you the opportunity to expand your cannabis knowledge and learn everything you need to know about the industry.

Because most dispensaries are always hiring, finding a dispensary job is not difficult. However, each state will have varying licensing requirements before you can legally work in the cannabis industry. Before you apply, make sure you meet the minimum requirements to work in your state’s cannabis industry.  

If you’re certified to work in the Illinois cannabis industry, check out the ICTC job board, for open dispensary positions in the Illinois cannabis industry.

Budtender Certification in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal background check, and complete the Responsible Vendor Training to become a certified budtender or cannabis industry worker.

Everyone involved in the handling or sale of cannabis or cannabis-infused products including dispensary workers, managers, growers, and owners must be badged certified by the state of Illinois to work directly with cannabis in Illinois.

To obtain your budtender certification in Illinois, you must complete annual responsible vendor training.
 

Illinois Budtender License Requirements

Becoming licensed to work in the Illinois cannabis industry is simple if you meet the minimum requirements. If you meet the minimum requirements, you can apply for a badge to work in the cannabis industry.
 
All industry workers in Illinois must be:

• 21+
• Pass a federal background and criminal check
• Obtain Responsible Vendor Training

Once you are certified in the cannabis industry, you will receive your badge. Each dispensary will have have an agent in charge of managing badging, but it is the responsibility of the worker to stay up to date on their certifications.

You will need to renew your badge within 5 days of the badge expiration date to give time for a renewal to process. If there is a lapse in your badging, you will be legally unable to work in the cannabis industry, so be sure to stay on top of trainings and renewal to stay within compliance.

Resources for Working in the Cannabis Industry

If the cannabis industry is right for you, don’t waste anymore time! Get yourself certified to work in the cannabis industry now!
 
For additional resources for your cannabis career journey, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for tips for getting into the cannabis industry and open positions.

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