Are you passionate about cannabis and interested in joining Colorado’s thriving cannabis industry? Becoming a budtender — the front-line expert who helps customers choose and purchase marijuana products — is one of the most rewarding and accessible careers in the field.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to become a budtender in Colorado, including legal requirements, training options, and how DABS Training can help you get certified and job-ready.

What Is a Budtender?

A budtender works at a licensed cannabis dispensary and is responsible for:

• Checking customer IDs and ensuring legal compliance

• Recommending cannabis products based on customer needs

• Educating consumers about THC/CBD, effects, and dosage

• Following strict Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) regulations
  
  

They are part educator, part compliance expert, and part customer service pro.

Step 1: Meet the Legal Requirements

To work as a budtender in Colorado, you must:

• ✅ Be 21 years or older

• ✅ Be a Colorado resident

• ✅ Be DABS Training Certified

• ✅ Obtain an MED Employee Badge
  
  

The MED Badge is issued by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division and is mandatory for anyone working in the regulated cannabis industry.

How to Get Your MED Badge:

1. Complete the MED Employee License Application

2. Pass a background check

3. Submit your application online or at a regional MED office
   
   

👉 Apply here via the Colorado MED Portal

Step 2: Complete a Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) Program

While RVT training is not legally required for all employees, most Colorado dispensaries strongly prefer or require it — especially for new hires.

That’s where DABS Training comes in.

Why Get RVT Certified with DABS Training?

• ✅ MED-compliant, up-to-date content

• ✅ Covers Colorado cannabis laws, ID checks, health effects, and sales protocols

• ✅ Fast, online format you can complete at your own pace

• ✅ Certification that employers recognize and respect
  
  

👉 Enroll in DABS Training’s Core RVT Course to boost your credibility and job prospects.

Step 3: Apply for Budtender Jobs in Colorado

Once you have your RVT certification and obtain your MED badge, you’re ready to start applying.

Where to Look:

• Our website  Job Postings Page

• Colorado cannabis job fairs or networking events

Tailor your resume to highlight:

• Customer service experience

• Cannabis product knowledge

• Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) certification

Step 4: Ace the Interview

Colorado dispensaries are looking for reliable, compliant, and knowledgeable team members. Be ready to talk about:

• How you verify IDs

• How to explain dosage to a new customer

• How you’d handle a difficult or impaired guest
  
  

Emphasize your training and commitment to compliance — especially if you’ve completed RVT through DABS Training.

Why DABS Training Gives You an Edge

DABS Training is a state-compliant RVT provider built specifically for Colorado’s cannabis workforce. Our courses are:

• Updated for 2024–2025 rules

• Approved for both core RVT and Delivery and Hospitality add-ons

• Created by experienced cannabis educators and compliance professionals
  
  

Whether you're new to cannabis or already in the industry, DABS Training helps you stand out and stay compliant.

👉 Get Certified Today with DABS Training

Final Thoughts

Becoming a budtender in Colorado is a fantastic way to join one of the most mature and exciting cannabis markets in the country. With the right credentials — including your MED Badge and Responsible Vendor Training — you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.

Start your career with confidence. Start with DABS.