Heads up, students: The cannabis industry is hiring summer interns (and you don’t have to be a consumer)

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The cannabis industry is worth more than $20 billion, and that number is only expected to grow. Companies are hiring more people, making more money, and taking on a bigger role in the economy. As a part of that, they are also posting more opportunities for cannabis jobs.

If you’re a student living in a state where cannabis has been legalized, you have a unique opportunity. You can get experience in a young, growing industry expected to boom in the near future.

Many companies in the industry are looking for interns. And no, you don’t have to be a consumer to work with weed (though it’s not discouraged, either). These internships focus on a wide range of fields, meaning you can find opportunities in marketing, technology, writing, and more.

Finding a summer internship as a student is difficult as it is, and finding an internship in a budding industry (no pun intended) is even more daunting. So we did some of the work for you. We scoured the internet to find out what types of cannabis internships are available in 2022.

RELATED: These are the highest-paying jobs in the cannabis industry

Here are the most common types of cannabis internships we found:

1. Dispensary intern

Dispensary management is one of the newest career options on the market, and if you work at the right dispensary, it can pay well. These people do more than just manage a store. Often, they are also experts in labyrinthian legalities. They know what they can legally say about the dispensary, about the marijuana, and who they can hire. Plus, like a bartender, they know what products to recommend to every type of customer.

If you’re eligible, you may find an internship to help these people run their stores. You’ll get experience in managing retail, and learn the intricacies of cannabis law and “budtending” at the same time.

RELATED: What is a budtender? And how do I become one?

2. Social media intern

One of the most popular kinds of internships is as a social media manager. These are people who directly communicate with customers online. They manage the social media presence of dispensaries, and may even learn marketing strategies for SEO or funneling audience members.

Best of all, since social media is exclusively online, many of these internships allow you to work from home. As long as you have a good internet connection, you should be able to help manage a company’s social media accounts. And you can branch out into other marketing roles, like becoming a brand management intern.

RELATED: “High” aspirations: 5 cannabis jobs you never knew existed

3. Tech intern

As the industry grows, cannabis companies are experimenting with new ways to approach people. Some are even developing apps and new kinds of technology to help people find strains that work best for them. Technologically-oriented interns may be able to help develop these kinds of tools.

They can also help manage the information technology that supports popular dispensaries. With this kind of experience, students can learn about point-of-sale technology and networking in a retail store. Being a cannabis tech intern is a unique experience for anyone studying engineering or computer science.

4. Editorial intern

Anyone who writes about weed (like us) can tell you that millions of cannabis stories are out there — all any aspiring writer needs to do is find them. Because of the recent uptick in cannabis legalization in the US, a growing number of cannabis publications have popped up across the country, and many of them need writers, editors, and copywriters.

Students interested in writing and editing may be able to intern for an online cannabis publication. Through this role, they will usually help create compelling stories focusing on marijuana law, business, and culture.

They may become a cannabis-focused legal writer, equipped with a deep understanding of drug law. Or, they may become health writers with a focus on the endocannabinoid system. Like any industry, all an aspiring cannabis writer needs to do is make connections and stay updated on the industry’s latest trends.

Gain experience at a cannabis internship

As a fair warning: Cannabis jobs can be hard to come by, and so prospective employees need to keep their résumés competitive. The best way to do this is by finding relevant internships. Through these roles, you will be able to stand out from the crowd and develop the skills these companies need. Then, enjoy an incredible career in a promising industry.

Good luck!

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