Let’s keep it a buck — budtenders are some of the most influential people in the cannabis industry, and yet, way too many are sleeping on LinkedIn.
We get it. Instagram is where the culture lives. It’s where you post the fire strain drops, show love to the brand reps who bring samples, and stack up your highlight reels. But if you’re trying to turn that cannabis job into a cannabis career, LinkedIn is the move. It’s time for budtenders to step up and start treating themselves like professionals — because you are.
Here’s why every budtender should be building a presence on LinkedIn in 2025.
1. Real Industry Education Lives There
Instagram is a highlight reel. LinkedIn is a blueprint.
While the algorithm on IG will show you the loudest content, LinkedIn delivers the real industry gems — articles on regulations, posts from CEOs and brand founders, sales data breakdowns, and job announcements that actually matter.
If you’re a budtender trying to go from counter to corporate, this is where the education begins.
Being on LinkedIn puts you in the same digital room as executives, brand builders, and people shaping the next generation of cannabis business. Want to understand what makes a winning brand strategy? Or how MSOs are building market share? It’s all there — and you’re one connection away from a deeper conversation.
2. Brands Are Watching (and Hiring)
You’d be surprised how many hiring managers and brand reps scroll LinkedIn looking for people to bring on for events, sales roles, or brand education gigs.
Budtenders are the frontline voice of cannabis. If you build your profile, post your insights, tag the brands you rep daily, and engage with their team — you’re not just boosting your visibility, you’re putting yourself in line for opportunities.
The budtender of the future doesn’t wait to get chosen.
They build a digital resume that works in real-time, and LinkedIn is the platform where that story lives.
3. More Content. More Leverage. More Respect.
Let’s be honest: most people don’t know what it takes to be a great budtender. LinkedIn gives you space to show your voice, share what you’re learning, talk about product trends, and break down your daily grind — all in a way that builds professional respect.
You can turn every product demo, vendor day, and customer insight into a post that elevates your image. The best part? Brands will start recognizing you as someone who understands the plant and the business.
You’re already giving out free marketing on IG stories — why not do it where people with budgets and hiring power actually pay attention?
4. Networking That Translates to Real Checks
The cannabis industry is still small, and your next opportunity is likely to come from someone you already follow. LinkedIn just makes it easier to connect the dots — without fighting the algorithm.
Slide into a comment section on a post from your favorite CEO, regional brand rep, or respected educator. Tag the brands you love. Share your own take on what’s moving in your market. The more active you are, the more you’ll stand out.
Every click, like, and share on LinkedIn is a digital handshake. If you want to stack checks, you need to start shaking more hands — virtually and IRL.
5. Culture of Business vs. Culture of Instagram
Here’s the real talk: Instagram is great for clout. LinkedIn is where the real culture of business gets built.
On IG, it’s all vibes. On LinkedIn, it’s value.
Budtenders are already culture carriers. But when you bring that same energy to a platform focused on opportunity, growth, and professional respect, you don’t just join the conversation — you help lead it.
Instagram rewards aesthetics. LinkedIn rewards action. Posting about your knowledge, your wins, your journey — that’s where the elevation begins.
If you’re a budtender who wants to grow with it — into education, sales, marketing, brand building, or ownership — you need to plant digital seeds in the right place.
So go ahead and keep shining on Instagram. But pull up on LinkedIn too.
Share your voice.
Tag your brands.
Comment with insight.
Connect with power players.
Be visible where it counts.
Because the real ones aren’t just talking weed — they’re building careers.
Let’s grow together! Sign up for LinkedIn and follow ‘Respect My Region’ and add me at Joey Brabo here.
