Maximum Yield Cannabis USA December 2017 / January 2018 | Page 72

learn HL: What sort of advice would you have for individuals hoping to break into the cannabis industry on a professional level? PERLMAN: Who you know helps a ton. Do research into legitimate states with large markets such as California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. Once you develop good references and experience from these areas, then approach smaller markets as seen in states like Michigan and Maryland. SCHMITTEN: Research is probably the number one thing. Candidates must understand their skill-sets and how they would like to grow within the industry. “ The industry is seeing a need for those with a science education as there are constantly more ingenious methods being developed for altering the marijuana flower.” 72 grow. heal. learn. enjoy. There are a lot of positions available including cultivation, retail, and technical. It really depends on what the individual is interested in. That being said, the industry has evolved and will continue to become more mainstream. So, a strong business acumen and ability to adapt will become very important. HL: Where do you see the future of cannabis industry jobs in your specific field? Is there any vocational training or education that you would recommend to industry hopefuls in your specific field? PERLMAN: The marijuana industry is getting very technological very quickly—this is where the most jobs will be created in the future. For job training, a general IT education and project management schooling will be able to go a long way. Also, the industry is seeing a need for those with a science education as there are constantly more ingenious methods being developed for altering the marijuana flower. SCHMITTEN: Technology is going to become more prevalent as the industry matures. The processes will become automated and standards will be implemented. Anyone getting into the industry should look to similar, established businesses and bring that knowledge to the cannabis industry. myhydrolife.com