Need community help regarding working in the industry...

Hello FC!

Okay, dunno why I didn't think of this earlier but I want to ask this awesome community their thoughts on a dilemma that has got me split down the middle.

A few days ago I was notified of a position at a local dispensary looking to hire a budtender. I've been itching to get into the industry for a bit now so I was beyond excited since I really like these guys and their products and it's relatively close to where I live.

The problem is the law (ain't it always lol). Physical dispensaries are illegal and subject to raids which have been taking place all across the city. That being said though this group is opening them back up the next day in the same spots. My contact at the shop has said that they are fighting back and giving medicinal cannabis patients more options in a face to face environment then just relying on the mail-order system from licenced producers.

I've had people on both sides of the argument, is it worth potentially getting a criminal record? The charges won't stick because you just work there and are not the owner... etc, etc.

What would you do in my shoes?

I think it depends on what you have to 'lose.' Is there anyone dependent on you?

If the charges don't stick, then you will have no criminal record. You may have an arrest record, however, which could turn off potential future employers. It is something to consider.

If the opportunity is available to do work you have a passion for I say go for it!! Definitely use your gut intuition and think about it from multiple prospectives. The unknown about the legal issues seems to be sticking around for another few years I imagine and it will just have to remain unknown..

Its not your shoes but I was in a situation that I was working the same job for over eight years and wasn't getting the opportunity for advancement. I was always a hard worker who made no excuses except myself. I was always looking for the right job but a pay cut seemed irrational and while working full time, job hunting usually sits mostly on the back burner. So one day towards the end of july last month I took the plunge and quietly disappeared. I was free and only had a plan find a new job... I was starting from nothing and had an uphill battle to get bills paid. My goal was go to every brewery in town and use my 8 years hospitality experience to get me a bartending job. It was a gamble for the pursuit of happiness. When I wasn't dropping off cover letters and resumes at breweries, I was on Craig's list looking for side work. I definitely did some work I would never do for the pay, but just because I was desperate to keep my end of bills paid, I did the side work. On top of side jobs I was selling just about anything I had worth a little cash on ebay and in garage sales. Just yesterday evening I got a call from co owner of a local brewery, I start training Monday as a server and possibly of bartending. I had no idea what was going to happen when I left my job and after an extremely long 4 weeks everything is starting to come together.

Take my story for what it's worth possibly irresponsible choice getting lucky results, or dedicated to a goal while working hard and getting results. I believe life is short and if you can't make your own way at least work for someone/somewhere you can respect. No use to do something you can't enjoy simply for money this is the route to evil.

Best of luck on your new adventures if you choose that route!

@momofthegoons short answer is no, but as you mentioned it's the future opportunities that could be in jeopardy.

@Philreal187 thanks for sharing your story, we all have to follow our bliss. Just wish my bliss wasn't persecuted/prosecuted lol.

I have come to learn that what you love doesn't have to pay your bills. Do what you love, and do something else so you can afford to do so lol.

If it can work out to be both, just be careful what you wish for. The phrase 'Doing what you love for a living is the fastest way to hate it' didn't just appear out of nowhere.

I am not saying don't follow dreams, but just make sure your dreams don't turn into a nightmare.

...what are the political realities where you live?...who is mayor?....who is d.a.?...what views are they holding?...is the whole hierarchy of the city for...increased enforcement?....need more info...to make a better decision..

@yogoshio I follow your drift, I think lol

@turk without writing a novel the sense I get is pro cannabis has a slight advantage in public opinion but of course I am biased. Currently the law is expanding but it looks to be designed to crush physical dispensaries now and into the future. The mayor is conservative and seems to support these raids but public opinion seems to be it's a waste of time and tax payer's money. Someone mentioned the idea is to get the provincial government to carry cannabis at the provincial-controlled liquor stores if and when recreational usage laws pass into effect.

...and what about the d.a. My friend...are they prosecuting individuals....buissnesses..or both?...are people doing time for this?...or paying fines?...d.a's have many tools in their belt...

@turk yup that is the important issue, I'm scheduled tonight to speak with another budtender who currently works for them to get their opinion. I'm not sure what's sticking in terms of charges towards individuals working in these dispensaries.

...hopefully that will provide you with the info you need...local district attorney's have a lot of power vis-a-vis weed charges...if your d.a. Is a "hard ass"....u r fucked....if caught...so u r " rolling the dice"...

Are you in Canada?

If it's illegal I definitely wouldn't do it. You could be made an example of for someone else's agenda. And working for an illegal enterprise is not a good resume builder.

@HomeFree guess lol.

@Jethro it's a form of activism. Right now the government is being sued by individuals based on the poor system in place that doesn't adequately cover easy access to medicinal cannabis. That is where physical dispensaries are filling the void.

That's a tough one, man. The law and those who enforce it can really make things hard for you, even when you're the right. Look at North Dakota right now. Heck, look across America. The world.

You could face no legal trouble at all, or maybe you would face prison time? Or get a record. If you're okay with whatever the risks are, then go for it. If not, just wonder what if and move on. Lol that's my advice.

Anyway, I'm sure you have many dreams, perhaps this is just one of those close calls in life. There's a lot of them.

@Diggy Smalls thanks for the advice man, as a follow up I did work for 6 days in the shop before I didn't agree with the direction they were heading in and that the local police were probably going to raid the store in the next few weeks. I am keeping an eye on everything over September and if it cools down from the law enforcement side I will go back.

I know I'll work in the industry eventually, legality is coming next year as per the government.

I'd say it depends if you want to stay in the industry, and whether anyone is dependent on your income. An arrest/criminal record probably won't deter a dispensary from hiring you - especially if you got arrested at a dispensary. If they're consistently getting hassled, I'd consider another line of work, though.