Entering Colorado’s cannabis industry as a budtender is exciting — but with great opportunity comes great responsibility. As the face of the dispensary, budtenders must balance compliance, customer service, and cannabis knowledge.

Whether you're just starting your training or about to land your first job, here are the top 5 mistakes new budtenders make — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Verifying IDs Properly

The Mistake:
Failing to spot a fake, expired, or out-of-state ID can lead to serious legal consequences — including fines, job loss, and license violations for the business.

How to Avoid It:

• Always ask for a valid, government-issued ID

• Check for expiration dates, photo match, and signs of tampering

• Use an ID scanner if available, but don’t rely on it alone

• Learn how to recognize red flags during customer interactions
  
  

✅ Tip: Completing Responsible Vendor Training through DABS Training includes specific instruction on proper ID verification.

2. Giving Medical Advice or Making Health Claims

The Mistake:
Recommending cannabis as a treatment for specific medical conditions (e.g., “This will cure your anxiety”) can be considered unauthorized medical advice — a major compliance red flag.

How to Avoid It:

• Stick to product descriptions and general effects

• Never diagnose or prescribe — instead, say:
  “Some customers report this strain helps them relax. You might want to try a small amount and see how it affects you.”
  
  

✅ DABS Training teaches you the boundaries of safe, compliant customer education.

3. Lack of Product Knowledge

The Mistake:
New budtenders often struggle to explain the differences between product types, consumption methods, and cannabinoid content — leading to poor customer experiences.

How to Avoid It:

• Learn the basics: THC vs. CBD, onset times, flower vs. edibles, etc.

• Ask your manager for product training or taste-test samples (if allowed)

• Stay updated on new brands and strains
  
  

✅ The DABS Core RVT Course includes foundational cannabis education every budtender should know.

4. Over-Serving or Ignoring Impairment

The Mistake:
Letting a visibly intoxicated customer continue to purchase or consume cannabis can jeopardize their safety and your dispensary’s license.

How to Avoid It:

• Watch for signs: slurred speech, red eyes, confusion, imbalance

• Don’t be afraid to refuse service — you’re legally allowed to

• Offer water, a place to rest, or suggest they come back another time
  
  

✅ DABS Training covers how to spot impairment and how to respond professionally.

5. Not Following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The Mistake:
Skipping steps like logging sales, securing product, or recording customer incidents can cause compliance violations — even if unintentional.

How to Avoid It:

• Ask for SOP training your first week on the job

• Understand METRC tracking, inventory limits, and daily sales caps

• Always report incidents (theft, intoxication, customer complaints)

✅ RVT Certification from DABS Training ensures you understand compliance from day one.

Final Thoughts

The cannabis industry is fast-paced, heavily regulated, and constantly evolving. Avoiding these common budtender mistakes early in your career will set you up for long-term success — and protect the business you work for.

🎓 Ready to start your career the right way?
👉 Get Responsible Vendor Certified with DABS Training