Cannabis is exceedingly accepted in the U.S. It is legal in more states than not these days. This translates into more access for medical patients, novel adult-use products, and a growing industry. Many have preconceived notions about what it is like to work in weed, and some are spot on. However, other beliefs about the cannabis industry are pure misconceptions.
Here are four myths about working in the cannabis industry debunked.
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Myth #1: Cannabis employees are stoned all the time
Most weed outsiders assume that the people who work in the industry are high all day. Many cannabis workers are consumers or patients, but that does not mean they are stoned on the job. In fact, some positions require their workers to stay sober to complete tasks and stay in compliance.
Others may believe that because employees in the cannabis space are also consumers, they are lazy. This myth has been disproven time and time again. The idea is based on the belief that weed can cause sluggishness. While cannabis can cause fatigue, the feeling is temporary. Sluggish work from cannabis use only happens when consuming on the job, which few are allowed to do.
The truth is that cannabis industry workers, like workers in any other industry, don’t necessarily even use cannabis. If they do, they certainly don’t use it on the job. In the same way, not every vineyard worker is a drunk, and not every cannabis worker is a stoner.
Myth #2: All cannabis jobs touch the plant
In a business that cultivates and sells marijuana, there’s a tendency to imagine everybody works in the thick of it. However, this is not the case. Like any other industry, weed needs support workers.
Still, cannabis jobs that don’t directly involve growing or selling the plant first are usually not the first thought. There are accountants, human resources professionals, general managers, and even journalists who are part of the weed industry.
Not every cannabis career involves handling the plant. There really is something for everyone.
Myth #3: Every weed business owner is rich
Those who are not educated on the nuances of the cannabis industry often assume that those who own businesses and brands are rolling in money. The reality is that many of those pioneering the weed space are struggling to stay afloat.
The reality is that the cannabis industry is extremely regulated and highly taxed. This translates into high bills to maintain stringent compliance and big tax bills. In some states, dispensaries hand over almost 50 percent of sales to the government.
Not all cannabis businesses are struggling, but many of the family-owned small ones are. California is dealing with its largest sales drop in legalization history, and consumers have never been tighter with their hard-earned dollars. Cannabis dispensary owners and brands are searching for how to capture those bucks just as much as big box stores–but they pay much higher taxes. All this to say, few weed CEOs are rolling in cash. Many are staying nimble to survive an unpredictable and highly fickle industry.
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Myth #4: Cannabis has shed the stigma
These days, more people than ever are exploring what cannabis has to offer. That may make it seem like cannabis is completely destigmatized and mainstream. Unfortunately, that is still not the case. Every state is in its own phase of legalization, and in some, the plant remains completely illegal. With these varying degrees of allowance, it is no surprise that Americans reflect that same spectrum.
While the approval rating is higher than ever, there are still people who believe that stoners are lazy, cannabis business owners are criminals, and more. The stigma is not gone. It just looks a little different. Those who believe in the plant should continue setting a solid example and leading conversations about cannabis. Fighting for fair policies and safe access for patients can also teach people about weed. All of this can combine into a more accepted cannabis industry.
Working in cannabis is a dream for many, misconceptions and all. Anyone looking to start a career in weed should go forth and ignore the myths. It has its challenges, but the cannabis industry is not going anywhere.
