You may be a marijuana critic, but one undeniable fact is that the substance does have several benefits. Whether it is the medicinal or recreational marijuana, the benefits are clear, and it should be a debate based on the risk-benefit ratio. Several states have realized the importance of marijuana leading to its legalization. Such countries now enjoy economic benefits associated with the industry projected to hit $13.3 billion in the US in 2020. Pot can be a source of employment as well as revenue. Here are the lucrative job created by the marijuana boom

• Cultivation director

Marijuana is one cash crop with handsome returns that should be commercialized. Even though it is called weed, hemp requires specific conditions to grow optimally and give good produce. You have to carry out tillage practices and proper harvesting to ensure you get a bumper harvest. As such, large scale farming of cannabis will need a horticulturist to provide direction on the appropriate farming techniques. Besides, the director of cultivation should have managerial qualities since this is an intensive investment. The head grower will be responsible for planting, harvesting and monitoring the farm. This is a well-paying job in the states where medical marijuana is legal. Several companies are hiring qualified persons to take up this position.

• Marketing jobs

Marketing is a crucial strategy in any business. You have to get your products in the market and make people believe that they are the best. The development of legal status in marijuana use has created a job for marijuana marketing agencies that seek to publicize the products. With the services of a good agency, you can be assured of better returns.

• Cannabis extraction technician

The required person for this job should be knowledgeable in botany and chemistry extraction methods. High level of expertise is required to ensure the extraction of high-quality marijuana. The individual should be able to distinguish the different species of cannabis from the look. They use solvent extraction techniques to obtain the active ingredient in Cannabis; THC. After extraction, the specialist will do quality control by determining potency and concentrations. An extraction scientist working in the marijuana industry can earn up to $125,000 annually.

• Consultant

There is much information that is still unclear about marijuana use both for recreation and medical purposes. You can take up this opportunity by specializing in the field and delivering valid information about the product. Answering peoples questions about using marijuana will earn you employment in hospitals or a private clinic. Knowing the state laws coupled with marijuana knowledge will make you a six-figure salary without many struggles.  Business owners will also form part of your client base if you work in private practice.

The legality of cannabis is a complex topic, and laws are changing every day. Knowing the law is key, and many people who use or sell cannabis may need legal aid. 

For example, you may have been pulled over for driving under the influence of marijuana. A drugged driving charge can impact your license or your business if you plan to run your own dispensary or other related business. A Chicago DUI lawyer or other legal adviser in your area may be more popular than ever when it comes to sorting out up-to-date laws. 

Cannabis users may also find themselves struggling to deal with state laws if they’re injured in a car wreck. A car accident attorney in Columbia, for example, may be vital for a cannabis user who’s accused of driving impaired and causing part or all of the accident.

• Dispensary manager/Budtender

Marijuana shops are mushrooming all over in states that have legalized its use. One of the regulations requires that they have an officer in charge of the operations. You can take up a job as a chief operating officer or a chief financial officer in the shop and get fortunes overturned with a retirement benefit at the end of your tenure. The dispensary manager is responsible for overseeing cultivation processes, accounting services as well as other managerial roles in the company. Certified public accountants are preferred candidates in the business.