The cannabis industry in Canada has seen massive growth over the last few years since its legalization in 2018. Not only is the Canadian cannabis industry reaching a large customer base within national territory, but there’s also potential for expansion into other countries, especially if the U.S. legalizes cannabis at the federal level.
This industry growth and increasing demand for cannabis products means that companies in the cannabis sector are looking for talented candidates that can help them carry out their operations smoothly and safely. If you’re looking for an interesting job in a fast-paced environment, then cannabis organizations could be a great option. Before you start sending your resume out, you’ll want to know what qualities you need to work in the cannabis industry in Canada, what employers are looking for, and what you can expect from a cannabis-related job.
Warehouse and production jobs in the cannabis sector are quite different from positions in other industries. Firstly, cannabis products are highly regulated — meaning that certification and strict compliance are a priority for employers and workers alike. The Canadian cannabis industry is also evolving every day, so employees that can adapt to changing regulations and ways of working are very important to employers.
Luckily for you, we’ve gathered some valuable insider knowledge that’ll help you determine if you’re a good fit for the cannabis industry and what you can do to stand out as a top candidate. Let’s jump right in!
Cannabis job seekers need: attention to detail
If you’re a meticulous worker who follows processes closely and pays a lot of attention to detail, you could be a perfect candidate for a variety of jobs in the cannabis industry. Making sure things are done correctly is fundamental for cannabis employers, especially when their warehouse, production and distribution positions need to adhere to industry guidelines and government regulations.
Job seekers who have previously worked in the hospitality industry are often perfect candidates for the cannabis industry, as they already have the skills needed to make sure their work is neat, orderly and clean!
Cannabis job seekers need: good physical health
Warehouse jobs in the cannabis industry can be physically challenging at times, so you might need to be in good physical condition for some positions. Working on your feet for extended periods of time, lifting heavy loads and walking or driving between different areas of a warehouse complex can be tiring, so you should consider what kind of work you’ll be doing and ask yourself whether you’re willing and able to handle it. When applying for a job, make sure you know exactly what your responsibilities will include, and ask your potential employer to clarify if you’ll be expected to carry out hard physical tasks regularly.
Cannabis job seekers need: to tolerate the smell of cannabis
Some people love it, others hate it, but the smell of cannabis will likely be part of your everyday work life if you land a job in the cannabis industry. If you think this will be a problem, or if you have a low tolerance for strong odours in general, talk to your recruiting manager to better understand how this might affect you and your ability to perform at work.
If you think you’ll simply not be able to function in this kind of environment, then there’s no easy way to say this: working in a cannabis warehouse or production facility is probably not for you!
Cannabis job seekers need: to understand cannabis regulations
As we’ve already mentioned in this post, the cannabis industry is subject to strict regulations and laws. That means cannabis employees must follow guidelines and rules to make sure the product is safe, clean and legal. This applies not only to warehouse and production roles but also to positions in marketing and administration within cannabis organizations.
The Cannabis Act of 2018 outlines a number of regulations that restrict youth access to cannabis, ensure product safety and quality and prohibit the promotion of cannabis products to certain demographics, among other things.
It’s a good idea to inform yourself about the Cannabis Act so that you fully understand the reality of companies operating in this industry. Not only that, but you should also research your province’s regulations. For example, the province of Alberta requires additional qualifications for cannabis workers. Knowing your province’s rules will prepare you for when you apply for a job at a cannabis company, and it will give you a head start in your place of residence.
Cannabis job seekers need: soft skills
If you’re applying for a job as a forklift operator or something similar, then you’ll need to have a specific set of hard skills to land the job. But even if you’re looking to get hired as a general warehouse worker, you’ll want to develop your soft skills, too.
Cannabis production is made up of several moving parts and interdependent processes that work together to deliver a high-quality final product to the customer. That’s why candidates with strong collaborative skills are often successful in the cannabis industry. If you work well as part of a team, learn from others easily and are great at supporting your colleagues when things get tough — then you’re probably a good collaborative worker.
Another important soft skill for cannabis sector employees is adaptability. The cannabis industry is growing and changing constantly, so if you can quickly step into a variety of roles, learn new protocols and don’t shy away from a challenge, you can start showing off your adaptability skills to your potential cannabis employer!
Cannabis job seekers need: passion
Now that you know what skills and requirements you might need to work in the cannabis industry, it’s time to see if you tick the last box on this list. Are you passionate about working in the cannabis sector?
The cannabis industry is expanding into uncharted territory, so employers are looking to hire people who are passionate and excited about taking part in this brand-new sector of the Canadian economy. Do your research, talk to people in your network and think about how interesting it would be to land a job in a developing industry that’s full of growth and potential!
If the idea of a job in a cannabis company gets your heart pumping, then you should probably think about applying to some jobs! Take a look at our online employment board where we have cannabis jobs available all over Canada!