What Is a Cannabis Chef?
Cannabis chefs, also known as marijuana edibles chefs, infuse food and drinks with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the chemical compounds found in marijuana. In this emerging career field, cannabis chefs must find creative ways to use marijuana-infused butter and oils, along with other cannabis concentrates, to create consumables for medical and recreational use. These professionals often work in commercial kitchens. Cannabis chefs also infuse food and drinks with CBD (cannabidiol).
In addition to following general food safety requirements, cannabis chefs must abide by regulations specific to the cannabis industry, which vary from state to state. For example, they must ensure that their products are properly packaged and labeled and that those products' potency is accurate. Some states also have restrictions on what kinds of edibles can be produced.
How to Become a Cannabis Chef
| Educational Requirements | Some postsecondary education in the culinary arts |
| Job Skills | Culinary skills, creativity |
| Average mean salary (2020) | $58,740 (for chefs and head cooks in general)* |
| Job Outlook | 25% growth (for chefs and head cooks in general)* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Note that an edibles chef salary would also fall into the chefs and head cooks employment category.
Required Education
Chefs typically have completed some postsecondary education in the culinary arts. Prospective chefs might earn a certificate or associate's degree from a community college or technical school or opt for a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university. On all levels, culinary arts programs usually include some time in the classroom, where students explore nutrition, menu planning, and safety and sanitation. Students also hone their skills in a kitchen setting. Additionally, they often must complete an internship or apprenticeship.
Chefs who want to work in the cannabis industry might also choose to complete a certificate program in cannabis science and/or health. These programs explore cannabis cultivation, infusions, extractions, and hemp products; and the effects of marijuana on the human body while also covering business and legal aspects of the cannabis industry.
Legal Requirements
As with other workers in the marijuana industry, cannabis chefs must be at least 21 years of age. There also are location restrictions since cannabis chefs can only work in states that allow marijuana use for medical or recreational purposes. As of January 2021, this included 35 states with medical marijuana programs and 11 states that have authorized recreational marijuana. In addition, the District of Columbia authorizes medical and recreational marijuana use.
Required Skills
A cannabis chef (sometimes referred to as a marijuana chef) needs strong culinary skills, including following recipes and measurements and the know-how to operate various kitchen equipment, including mixers, food processors, ovens, and range tops. Because this is a relatively new career, cannabis chefs also must be creative, coming up with new products and innovative ways to infuse food and beverages with marijuana.
Cannabis Chef Certification
To obtain a Specialized Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles, an individual must pass an exam that includes:
- Plant anatomy
- Storing and cooking
- Concentrates and extracts
- Endocannabinoid system
- Terpenes
- Math and potency
- Safety
A cannabis professional chef would want to obtain this certificate. Additional eligibility for this certificate and cannabis chef jobs are:
- ServSafe Certification OR 8 hours of training in food safety and sanitation
Chef Yearly Income and Job Outlook
There are no career outlook statistics specific to cannabis chefs; however, many reputable sources state that jobs within the cannabis industry will experience extreme growth over the next 5-10 years. Additionally, it's reasonable to expect that as more states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, there will be increased demand for cannabis chefs.
BLS reported that chefs and head cooks made $58,740 in 2020. A cannabis chef's salary will depend on the company they work for and experience and technical skills. A cannabis chef for hire would want to determine which state, location, or business they would like to work for. Their resume or CV should include a background that matches a chef and head cook with the additional education and certification training. Cannabis Training University has programs, training, and certification needed to obtain a Master of Cannabis Certification. Since marijuana chefs infuse food and drinks with marijuana compounds, an edible chef salary would match a professional chef or head cook.
Related Cannabis Chef Jobs
As mentioned above, a professional cannabis chef needs to accrue the training and certification to instill confidence in customers or the business they choose to serve. Marijuana chef jobs are easier to obtain with this certification.
Potential employers become an extensive list when one looks at wholesale, retail, or small business. Some cannabis companies have 9 to 5 jobs, 40 hours per week. Of course, one has to start at an entry-level learning company protocol and specific recipes.
Most cannabis kitchens have assigned positions for their confections and staff members working as baked goods, chocolatiers, or other candies.
Typically, professional cannabis chefs will have attended a culinary institution and then transfer their skills to cannabis.
There are multiple positions in restaurants, candy makers, chocolatiers, retail, wholesale, private, and small businesses. One should approach being hired into this industry by searching for job openings and applying with matching skill requirements.
