Wait, that's a real job? 8 surprising cannabis careers

You know about budtenders, cultivators, and extractors. But have you heard of professional joint rollers? Cannabis sommeliers? Waste management specialists?

Yes, those are real jobs. 

The cannabis industry has evolved far beyond the early days of legalization, creating specialized career paths that even those familiar with the space don't realize exist. These aren't your typical cannabis-adjacent roles. They span a wide range of skilled professions, many of which are hands-on and in high demand.

We tapped people in these careers to get insights into what they actually do, what surprises them about their work, and how these roles are helping professionalize the industry.

And maybe even inspire your next career move.

Cannabis chef

What cannabis chefs do

Cannabis chefs are exactly what they sound like — professional chefs who cook with cannabis. They blend high-end artistry skills and cannabis science to develop and create edibles, gourmet foods, and culinary dishes that are precisely infused with cannabis and perfected for consumers to enjoy. 

Most cannabis chefs are contracted to cater private events or parties or host exclusive cannabis dining experiences. There are also dual-role chefs who are hired primarily for regular meal prep, but have the added skill of infusing cannabis into food for special occasions.

Enter Chris Binotto. He's been recognized as a two-star Michelin chef, Forbes five-star rated chef, and James Beard Award winner in Los Angeles, where he owns Embers & Ash and Cannabis Supper Club, and directs culinary operations at multiple Los Angeles restaurants.

He launched Cannabis Supper Club in 2017 alongside his friend Marc Leibel. The business provides exclusive dining experiences, often hosted in secret locations, where guests are served curated multi-course meals infused or paired with cannabis.

“My brand and myself have been on the forefront of elevating cannabis events and constantly setting new standards of what the industry could and should look like. Community, artistry, sophistication,” Binotto says.“We're showing the world that we're not all couch-locked stoners.”

Binotto adds that the most surprising thing he's learned as a chef in the cannabis space is that there are still many boundaries that need to be pushed.

“From clever cannabis integration in the food, to a fun 'champagne' (smoke) toast, there are so many ways to create an incredible cannabis experience.”

To become a professional cannabis chef, Binotto recommends building a strong culinary foundation first, then expanding your knowledge of infusion techniques, dosing expertise, and understanding of strain effects. 

Cannabis sommelier/Ganjier

What cannabis sommeliers do

They're like wine sommeliers — but for weed. Ganjiers are certified cannabis experts who use their senses, product knowledge, and refined palate to pick up on the traits that make a cannabis product stand out. They sample cannabis and assess its look, smell, taste, and overall quality, then give growers detailed feedback to help them fine-tune their product and strengthen their brand.

California-based Sarah Jain (The Hash Sommelier, Culinary Hash Pairing Expert), who has been a hash sommelier for nearly a decade and graduated with the first class of the Ganjier program with Green Flower in 2021, says a typical day as a cannabis sommelier is “anything but typical.”

Her work might include:

• Testing different rosin and melt to determine food pairings
• Sampling hashes for quality control
• Traveling to judge hash competitions in exotic locations
• Planning and executing high-end fine dining culinary hash pairing dinners

Jain says her work also involves a lot of science and research —something most people don't think about when she gives a pairing demonstration.

"It's a fun and flavorful experience, so a lot of people have initially written off what I do as a gimmick until they experience it firsthand for themselves,” Jain says. “That's why I try to include a bit of education when I am guiding them through the pairing process, so they can understand what is happening is more than just a delicious mouthwatering experience, but that we are actually doing a science experiment in your mouth."

Want to become a cannabis sommelier? You'll need ganjier certification, culinary or fragrance experience, compliance knowledge, and a commitment to never stop learning. Think wine sommelier meets mad scientist meets your favorite budtender's most knowledgeable friend.

Cannabis buyer

What cannabis buyers do

They're the pros who source products for dispensaries, following rigorous quality standards and purchasing processes. They make sure the store has the right cannabis products at the right time for the right price, all while staying legal and competitive.

Emmanoel “Menuu” Hallak, director of purchasing at Wellgreens Dispensary, which has locations across California, says cannabis purchasing is at the core of building a trusted cannabis retail brand.

He tells us people are often shocked by how data-driven and compliance-heavy the role is.

“It's not just picking products you like,” says Hallak. “It's analyzing market trends, forecasting demand, and managing contracts worth millions in sales each year. The professionalism and attention to detail in this industry rival traditional retail and pharmaceuticals.”

A typical day for Hallak involves reviewing sales data across all Wellgreens locations, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring all products meet strict compliance standards before hitting the shelves.

"It's a fast-paced role that blends retail analytics, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance."

While there are no formal degrees or certifications for cannabis purchasing, Hallak says success depends on a strong understanding of inventory systems and supply chain strategy.

Cannabis packaging designer

What cannabis packaging designers do

Cannabis packaging designers create eye-catching, child-safe, and legally compliant product packaging. From sleek vape boxes to edible wrappers, their work combines creativity with strict regulatory compliance guidelines. 

Pablo A. Cruz, creative director at BLAZR Packaging + Design in Los Angeles, says every design involves hours of brainstorming, from how colors will print on different materials to where each element should go based on folding panels to consumer behavior.

“Most people have a general perspective that designing a package or graphic is as simple as copy-paste, or click, click, save,” Cruz says. But rather, package design demands “hours of thought spent on just the brainstorming and construction of translating a vision into a physical product.”

Cruz says one of the best things about working at BLAZR is that every day is different.

"Being that we have a solid amount of clients with different styles and tastes, we're allowed to bounce back and forth between projects that really push and challenge creativity.

"Most importantly, you need to have patience and good time management,” he adds.

You'll need design chops, packaging production know-how, and a solid grasp of cannabis compliance rules if you're looking to get into package design. Think creative expertise meets legal fine print meets regulations that shift constantly. 

As brands fight for premium shelf real estate and rules vary state by state, cannabis packaging designers who can balance aesthetics with bulletproof compliance are in high demand.

Cannabis waste management specialist

What cannabis waste management pros do

Wait, who's throwing out weed? We're not talking about chucking your seeds and stems, but rather the waste associated with the upstream production of the weed that you buy in dispensaries. 

Cannabis waste management specialists handle the compliant disposal of cannabis waste and byproducts, following strict environmental and legal regulations that most people don't even know exist.

Stephen Stagnaro, the manager of MediWaste Disposal's Cannabis Waste Division in Corona, California, says, “Nothing is typical about the cannabis industry.”

A workday for Stagnaro might include:

• Calling customers to gain new business
• Receiving calls from current customers who have questions or need assistance
• Talking with operations about scheduling emergency services or new services
• Going on-site to evaluate new or existing customer waste needs

Stagnaro has been involved with MediWaste since its founding in 2011, before the company began offering cannabis waste disposal services. 

When MediWaste realized that its standard medical waste services already exceeded Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) requirements, such as proper recordkeeping and a track-and-trace system, it expanded into cannabis waste disposal.

“We then created a couple of different containers specifically for the different cannabis waste streams to be extra compliant and ensure our customers would never have to worry about getting shut down regarding their waste services.”

Examples of cannabis waste include:

• Expired flower, concentrates, tinctures, and edibles
• Cannabis products contaminated by pesticides, mold, or other contaminants
• Topicals and other cannabis products past their expiration date
• Plant trimmings and byproducts from cultivation operations
• Used growing materials like soil, rockwool, and clay pebbles
• Containers and packaging with cannabis residue
• Consumption accessories like used vape pens, capsules, and grinders

Stagnaro also highlights the importance of customer service, adding that he's very personal with all of his customers and gives them his cell phone number so they know they can call him at any time for any reason.

By treating cannabis businesses with the same professionalism as medical waste clients, Stagnaro elevates the cannabis industry — one container at a time.

Hash maker

What hash makers do

Behind every jar of golden concentrate is a skilled technician who turns raw cannabis into high-quality hash. These technicians are called hash makers. This role combines science with craftsmanship, requiring a deep understanding of trichome preservation, temperature control, and processing techniques. 

Hash makers often work in labs or production facilities, using techniques like ice water extraction, dry sifting, or rosin pressing to craft premium products. 

Nicholas Tanem (aka Nikka T), owner/operator at Denver-based Essential Extracts (which he says is the first legal hash company in the U.S.), is an entrepreneur and consultant who travels between his research and development facilities across the U.S.

He's also an active DJ and hash judge at competitions.

“You can oftentimes find me DJing at a well-known international festival or event, judging a cup in the islands, teaching on our Ganjier campus in Southern Humboldt County, California, or consulting for a lab or large-scale cannabis operation.”

One thing Tanem says surprises people about his approach to hash making is his attention to detail.

“People are initially surprised by my extreme OCD, until they realize it is imperative in creating the cleanest possible products in the space.”

Employers typically look for hash makers with hands-on experience in extraction or cultivation, a solid understanding of cannabis anatomy, and knowledge of lab safety and compliance protocols. A background in chemistry, botany, or related fields is also a plus.

And while Tanem points out that working in cannabis is not easy, thanks to the challenges and disarray within the cannabis industry, he encourages those interested in entering the field to educate others on hash, normalize hash consumption, and take initiative. 

“This industry is still fresh.”

VP of compliance

What compliance executives do

Think cannabis is just about growing and selling? Nope! Compliance executives are the unsung heroes keeping multi-million dollar cannabis operations from getting shut down by regulators. In an industry where a compliance violation can revoke your license and tank your business, these executives are worth their weight.

A cannabis VP of compliance doesn't just read regulations — they're crystal ball gazers who anticipate regulatory shifts before they happen. They're building compliance programs from scratch, conducting internal audits across multiple states, and serving as the bridge between legal teams and government agencies. When new cannabis laws pass, they're the ones translating complex legal jargon into actionable company policies.

The role demands serious credentials: typically a bachelor's degree minimum (JD or MBA preferred), plus experience navigating highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or finance.

Examples of compliance employers in the cannabis world:

• Multi-state cannabis operators (MSOs): Large-scale cannabis companies operating across multiple states
• Vertically integrated cannabis companies: Businesses controlling multiple stages from cultivation to retail
• Cannabis cultivation and processing facilities: Large-scale grow operations and manufacturing plants
• Cannabis retail chains: Multi-location dispensary operations
• Cannabis distribution companies: Wholesale and logistics operations
• Cannabis testing laboratories: Quality control and compliance testing facilities
• Cannabis extraction and manufacturing companies: Concentrate and edibles producers
• Cannabis investment firms and holding companies: Financial entities with cannabis portfolios
• Cannabis consulting firms: Companies providing compliance services to the industry
• Ancillary cannabis businesses: Packaging, security, and equipment companies serving cannabis
• Cannabis real estate companies: Specialized property management and development firms

Professional joint roller

What professional joint rollers do

Ever wonder who rolls all of the joints you see in dispensaries, at events, and for brands? That would be a professional joint roller. But it's not as easy as it sounds. A professional joint roller has to have dexterity and perform their job with precision and speed to ensure all of their joints are uniform and flawless. It's a specialized skill that's in high demand, so if you have a knack for rolling one up, this might be the job for you. 

Depending on the employer, joint rollers may roll hundreds or even thousands of joints per day, often under strict time and quality controls. 

Some rollers are also responsible for infusing joints with concentrates or kief, which requires additional care and consistency. 

If you're good enough, you could even be a private roller for a high-profile person. Artists like Snoop Dogg, Waka Flocka Flame, and Wiz Khalifa have famously hired personal joint rollers, with some reportedly paying six-figure salaries for the convenience. Certain brands even feature their joint rollers in marketing campaigns, highlighting their craftsmanship as part of the product's appeal.

While qualifications vary, most professional joint rolling jobs require strong hand dexterity, a solid understanding of cannabis, and awareness of packaging and compliance standards. Knowledge of strain types, potency, and how different grinds affect the smoking experience can also set a candidate apart in this competitive niche.

An ever-growing industry

The cannabis industry offers a wide range of specialized career opportunities beyond the familiar roles in cultivation and retail. From creative designers to compliance experts, these careers highlight the industry's rapid evolution and ongoing growth. And this is just the beginning — the field is full of unexpected paths for those ready to explore more.