There was a time when cannabis experts had to hide behind code names and secret group chats just to cater to their clientele. But with the legalization of marijuana in a lot of states, there has been a huge movement in the industry.

Suddenly, cannabis dispensaries are now more in-demand than ever and, of course, there’s a strong need for what some call the sommeliers of cannabis, known as ganjiers.

A ganjier is a trained and certified cannabis professional who can offer expert information on cannabis and cater to the needs of the client. Because this job is very technical, you don’t just become a sommelier of cannabis overnight. Here are some of the things that you need to become a ganjier.

Ganjier Qualifications

Enroll in a ganjier training program.

The first step towards ganjier certification is the official training program designed by 18 professionals who know the cannabis plant inside out.

Also known as the Ganjier Council, these experts formed what is now known as the ganjier curriculum that’s offered through 10 online courses and 31 lessons featuring all 18 members of the council.

Since ganjiers play a vital role in the success of the growing cannabis industry, these experts believe that they need to be equipped with all the knowledge necessary to serve their customers properly.

Participate in a two-day live training session.

To ensure that you understand the fundamentals of the cannabis industry, you’ll also need to undergo a two-day live training session at the heart of Emerald Triangle in Humboldt County, California where you get to learn more about the plant, the business, and the career that’s ahead of you.

One of the most important parts of this training is the Customer Interaction Protocol that’s designed to help ganjiers navigate their way through conversations with customers to ensure the highest level of service every time.

Trainers will also teach you how to analyze and assess different types of cannabis flowers and their concentrates. You’ll even receive a ganjier tool kit that includes a professional-quality triplet jeweler’s loupe as well as your own terpene training kit.

Pass the exams.

To gauge your level of learning and determine if you’re ready to become a ganjier, you’ll need to pass the ganjier exams. There’s the 100-question, multiple-choice exam that’s designed to test your knowledge of cannabis and you’ll need at least 90% to pass this exam.

The service exam is a 20-minute scenario-based test with an exam administrator where you’ll role-play to test your Customer Interaction Protocol knowledge. If you pass this exam, you will move on to the assessment part where you need to evaluate different cannabis flowers and concentrates using the Systematic Assessment Protocol®.

So, if you want to be a sommelier of cannabis, make sure that you have what it takes to be a ganjier. For the best chance of passing the exams, prepare yourself by learning everything there is to know about the cannabis industry.