So, you’re interested in working in Utah’s rapidly growing medical cannabis industry as so many of us are. Going forward, there are, and will be many different parts to play. Among the more popular of them is the highly sought after role of Medical Cannabis Pharmacy Agent, or Budtender.
You may be asking yourself, “How do I become a medical cannabis pharmacy agent in the state of Utah?”
Salt-Baked Photo
Utah medical cannabis patient and Salt Lake City resident, Gannon O’Malley, eyes the flower selection at Beehive Pharmacy with help from pharmacy agent, Aubrey Mack.
First, check the source, which in this case amounts to visiting the Utah Department of Health website for the particulars. Here’s a quick breakdown.
According to the UDOH website, a Utah Medical Pharmacy Agent is any employee of a medical cannabis pharmacy (with the exception of pharmacists and physicians). Before you begin work, pharmacy agents must first register through the Electronic Verification System (EVS) on the Utah Department of Health website.
Important note, at this time, the state requires potential agents to first be offered work at a legitimate establishment in order to be issued a medical cannabis pharmacy agent card. Weird, but okay.
Then, it’s time to fully absorb the Medical Cannabis Pharmacy Agent Certification Information document. There’s lots of great information in there, so prepare yourselves for a lengthy, but informative, ride.
Finally, here are this state’s current requirements for becoming a Medical Cannabis Pharmacy Agent direct from the UDOH website:
A qualified medical provider (QMP) cannot be registered as a pharmacy agent. To be registered as a pharmacy agent, or budtender, an individual must:
- Pass a national criminal background check by demonstrating that they have not been convicted under state or federal law of a felony or, after December 3, 2018, a misdemeanor for drug distribution.
- Provide the name and location of the pharmacy where they seek to act as an agent.
- Pay an application fee.
- Comply with a certification standard established by the department.
It seems like it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date and informed about state requirements and practices when it comes to medical cannabis regulations.
Looking for a cannabis job in Utah’s Green Scene? Job searching in this emerging industry isn’t quite different from looking for a job in a more traditional field. The usual methods apply: networking, referrals, and even job search sites can help find your dream job. Following some of the new companies in the state on social media can also give you a head up on available openings, and also give you a direct route of communication with employees.
Salt-Baked Photo
Salt Baked City’s strain reviewer, Larson Quick, chats with pharmacy associates while making a purchase at WholesomeCo Cannabis located in Bountiful.
