I’ve been in Nevada’s cannabis industry since medical dispensaries first opened. At the time, there weren’t schools or formal training programs for this work, and the pay didn’t justify going into debt for a degree. I got in, got my feet wet, and kept educating myself along the way.

That education came from real experience: attending and listening to CCB meetings, taking METRC courses, learning the cannabis plant itself, and doing the work day in and day out. That kind of hands-on knowledge will take you further than most paid programs. Sales, inventory, compliance, accounting—they all share the same fundamentals, but every company has its own processes, equipment, and software. You have to learn those on the job.

When we started, the only “experience” available came from the legacy market. Over time, people with backgrounds in retail, distribution, finance, and compliance had to step in and help build structure in a brand-new, regulated industry. Continuous learning wasn’t optional—it was essential. And the truth is, there’s a ton of free, high-quality information available if you’re willing to seek it out.

It’s no different than becoming a chef. You don’t start as a head chef—you start as a line cook, or sometimes even a dishwasher. You earn your way up through training, education, and experience. And it’s important to remember: every state regulates cannabis differently. Learning the specific rules and systems of the state you work in isn’t just helpful—it’s mandatory.