The Top 10 Budtender Skills For Excellent Patient Interactions

In Las Vegas, we always have that “wow” factor that consistently blows tourists away when they visit and premiere customer service is one of the most valuable skills that a budtender can possess to ensure a long career in the cannabis industry.  The valuable skills picked up in this nascent cannabis industry today will assure career advancement, as Nevada regulates marijuana like alcohol, with the passing of ballot question two.

Patience with customers is key when patients are confused and in pain. Try to understand where the patient is coming from with a smile.  Attentiveness means listening carefully to what the patient is saying before you decide to speak.  Clear Communication means talking with the patient directly about the benefits of different types of medicine and not about your new puppy at home. Product Knowledge means knowing what or who to talk to about cannabis products that will best meet the patient’s needs. Positive Language, means changing your words and tone to create more positive feelings in patients.  Instead of saying “We do not have Purple Haze, you should come back in a week or two”, it would be more positive if you stated “We will have Purple Haze in shortly, could we call you when it comes in”.

Acting means putting on your budtender costume, and being cheerful and positive, when patients are negative, demeaning, and rude. Time Management means getting patients what they want in a timely manner.  Patients sometimes want to move quickly through the dispensary, accessing their medicine quickly.  Being aware of how long you are spending with one patient, when many are waiting, will assure a positive experience for all. Remain Calm means remaining “cool” when a patient may be argumentative. Sales Ability  is the ability to meet the patient needs by letting them know about all the products you have available to provide relief for their symptoms.  Confirmation is the ability to end the conversation knowing the patient is satisfied that their needs have been met.  You care about getting it right, you are willing to keep going until you get it right, and the customer is the one who determines you got it “right”.

If you have read this far, you have a willingness to learn, which is probably one of the most important skills for you advancement as a budtender.  Those who do not seek to improve themselves will get left behind by the people willing to invest in their skills. The cannabis community throughout the world will soon know that Nevada dispensaries have some of the most educated staff, capable of providing superior customer service with a smile.