With the legalization of cannabis in various parts of the world, the industry is experiencing a surge in growth. As the industry expands, so does the need for talent to support this growth. However, the cannabis industry faces some unique challenges when it comes to hiring, especially when it comes to compliance with regulations. In this blog, we will discuss how to prioritize compliance and experience when hiring in cannabis.

Compliance Is Key

Compliance is one of the biggest challenges facing the cannabis industry, and hiring an experienced team is essential to ensure it is done correctly. The regulations governing the cannabis industry are strict and are frequently changing, so it’s crucial to have employees who are familiar with the laws and can ensure compliance.

When hiring, prioritize candidates who have experience working in highly regulated industries, such as pharmaceutical or healthcare. These candidates may have experience dealing with complex regulations and can help ensure compliance in the cannabis industry. It’s also crucial to provide employees with adequate training and keep them updated on changing regulations.

Prioritize Experience

Another challenge facing the cannabis industry is the lack of experienced candidates due to the industry’s relative infancy. Without a dedicated pool of experienced workers, it can be challenging to find candidates ready to hit the ground running. Prioritizing experience is essential to ensure you are hiring the most qualified candidates.

One way to address this problem is to look outside the cannabis industry for qualified candidates. For example, former employees of specialty retail stores, such as Apple or Best Buy, have sales experience and customer service skills that may translate well to the cannabis industry.

Additionally, targeting retired military personnel could be a valuable asset to your business since military personnel often have leadership experience, strong work ethic, and problem-solving skills.

Look for Passion

Another way to identify potential candidates is to look for those who are truly passionate about the cannabis industry. Passionate employees will be more invested in the company’s success and are more likely to work hard to ensure they’re successful in their role. Employees who work in the cannabis industry with a genuine passion for the plant and all its derivatives are frequently well-suited to the position.

Look for candidates who have a in-depth knowledge of the cannabis plant, products, and industry. Additionally, consider looking for candidates who have a history of attending industry events, participating in community events, and taking an active role in the growth of the industry.

When hiring in cannabis, it’s crucial to prioritize compliance and experience while searching for passionate employees. Given the industry’s regulatory landscape, compliance should always be at the forefront of the hiring process. By prioritizing experience and passion along with compliance, businesses can build a talented team that can adapt to the constantly evolving cannabis industry. Finally, provide ongoing training and opportunities for career growth to motivate the team and instill team spirit.