Are you curious about working at a dispensary and wondering about the age requirements in different states? Navigating the various state laws can be confusing, but this guide is here to help!
We’ll break down the minimum age requirements state by state so you know exactly where you stand as a potential budtender.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- State rules about cannabis regulations for employment requirements and qualifications are ever-changing. Check with your state regarding the requirements for working in dispensaries.
- Twenty-one years old is the minimum age requirement for working at a dispensary in the US. The majority of the states recognize this age as the qualifying number.
- Some states, especially those with medical cannabis programs in place, do employ 18-year-olds, but these workers can’t directly handle cannabis.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Weed Dispensary in the US?
In general, to qualify for a job in America’s cannabis industry, you have to be at least 21 years old. Not only that, you also need to pass a background check that tracks any criminal records like drug offenses or crimes involving violence (which is typically disqualifying).
While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, many states have their regulations allowing its use and sale. This also extends to employment laws, including the minimum age for working at a dispensary.
It’s important to note that regardless of state laws, federal regulations can impact the cannabis industry, particularly regarding financial transactions and interstate commerce. For example, navigating employment in a state-legal dispensary might involve complexities related to banking and taxation.
| Effect of Immigrants Working in the Cannabis Industry Foreign nationals hoping to land US citizenship may want to veer away from working in the cannabis industry as this job record could affect their citizenship application. |
Minimum Age Requirements of Dispensaries Staff By State
The minimum age requirements to work at a dispensary can vary significantly from state to state. In general, most states that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use require dispensary employees to be at least 21 years old. However, there are exceptions, particularly in states where only medical cannabis is legal.
As a rule of thumb, if a state hasn’t stated a qualifying age for working in a dispensary, you are to follow the 21-year-old standard qualifying age in the US.
Let’s look at the per-state employee age qualification for working in a dispensary.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Alaska?
AS 17.38. 070 of the Alaska Department of Labor says cannabis employees should be at least 21 years old. This applies across several branches of the industry, like planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, and selling.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in California?
You can work in a dispensary at age 21 for states like California, provided you meet specific conditions.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, medical dispensaries can employ individuals aged 18, but recreational dispensaries maintain the stricter 21-year requirement. Exceptions like these highlight the importance of understanding specific state guidelines and how they apply to different roles within the cannabis industry.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Missouri?
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services requires all dispensary, cultivation, and manufacturing department workers to be 21 or older.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Michigan?
To work at a dispensary in Michigan, you must be 21 years old or older and willing to undergo a background check.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Colorado?
Colorado’s regulations require anyone who wants to work in the marijuana industry to be at least 21 years old and must pass criminal background checks.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Florida?
You must be at least 21 years old without any criminal record to be able to work at a Florida-based dispensary. Additionally, you need a Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) Employee Identification Card obtained from the Florida Department of Health.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Arizona?
Arizona is notable for its flexibility in age requirements under specific conditions. For instance, you can work in a dispensary at 18 or 19, but you may not directly handle cannabis products until you’re 21.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts needs you to be at least 21 years old to work at a dispensary. You must also never be convicted in the Commonwealth of distribution (and other jurisdictions) of controlled substances to minors.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Oregon?
In states where recreational use is legal, like Oregon, you’d have to be 21. This standard of 21 years often aligns with other age-restricted activities such as alcohol purchase and consumption.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Illinois?
States like Illinois allow 18-year-olds to work in certain roles, particularly those that do not involve directly handling the cannabis products sold to consumers. Such roles might include administrative tasks or technical support roles, providing an entry point into the industry for younger individuals. However, in general, you have to be 21 years old to be able to work to your full potential in a dispensary.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in New Mexico?
The minimum age requirement to step inside the New Mexico cannabis workforce is 21 years old. According to the Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA), no employee or licensee is under 21 years old, even if registered in the medical cannabis program.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Oregon?
Oregon has a comprehensive list of requirements for potential dispensary workers. Aside from being at least 21 years old, the state needs you to complete the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s educational course and submit an application for your ID.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Dispensary in Nevada?
Not anyone can work in a Nevada retail marijuana business. For example, you need to be at least 21 years old to be considered. Also, you can’t have past convictions for drug felonies or violent crimes for the last ten years.
| Important! It’s crucial to stay aware of these nuanced differences. Conventional online job portals or state websites such as DOR Mississippi often have the most current details on employment regulations. Always double-check to ensure you meet the age and regulatory requirements specific to your state. |
Wrapping it Up
Understanding the age requirements for working at a dispensary is crucial, particularly as laws evolve and cannabis becomes more widely accepted. We hope this guide has clarified the minimum age requirements across various states, making navigating your career prospects easier in the cannabis industry.
FAQs
Can an 18 year old work at a dispensary in California?
No.
How old do you have to be to work at a dispensary in Canada?
At least 19 years old.
Can you enter a dispensary at 18 in Michigan?
Yes, but you must bring your Michigan Medical Marijuana Card and a driver’s license or state-issued ID with you.
Can you work at a dispensary at 18 in Arizona?
No. You have to be 21 years old.
