Job Profile: Cannabis Compliance Manager
A Cannabis Compliance Manager is a professional responsible for ensuring a cannabis business operates following all applicable laws, regulations and industry standards. This may include ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, appropriate product labeling, managing inventory and records, and overseeing employee training.
Compliance Managers must stay up to date with new laws and regulations to ensure the organization they work for is compliant. When it comes to ownership of a cannabis retail store, staying in compliance with federal, state, and local laws is imperative to keeping the business running properly.
A commercial cannabis operator can lose their license over a compliance infraction, which means the role of a dispensary compliance manager is extremely important.
What Does a Compliance Manager Do?
What is cannabis compliance job description? A dispensary compliance manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining procedures and policies to prevent unethical, illegal, or improper conduct while conducting regular audits of the facility’s business practices. This person will also investigate any issues or potential violations and find a resolution to those concerns.
This type of manager will also be responsible for staying on top of all the different rules and regulations governing the sale of cannabis, which can change rapidly over time. The compliance manager will also collaborate with management to ensure that all laws are followed appropriately.
The compliance manager is also responsible for resolving employee concerns about legal issues. So, many compliance managers are also part of the organization’s legal or human resources team.
Importance of Compliance Managers
The cannabis industry is new and evolving. Therefore a compliance manager is necessary to ensure a successful and legal business. With constant changes, it is essential to have a dedicated person or team to manage all the legal aspects of the business. Some examples of what a compliance manager might be responsible for in the cannabis industry include Legal responsibilities on how to grow cannabis and creating a tracking system. Additionally, they ensure packaging supplies and materials have information that must be on the label.
These are only a few things a compliance manager is responsible for, and they can change depending on the state or county in which you work. Earning a graduate certificate in cannabis control will help you get started as a compliance manager in the cannabis industry.
Job responsibilities and duties vary depending on the industry. However, most positions include the following responsibilities.
- Implement and manage an effective legal compliance program.
- Advise management on compliance laws and regulations.
- Develop and review company policies.
- Audit company procedures, practices, and documents, and manage effective response plans to these discoveries.
- Educate all employees on the rules and regulations.
- Create new processes to ensure the company is compliant.
Cannabis Compliance Manager Education
To become a Cannabis Compliance Manager, individuals must comprehensively understand the cannabis industry and regulatory compliance. This could be gained through formal education, certifications, and experience.
Formal Education
A Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field is often preferred for this position. Courses in accounting, business law, finance, and regulatory compliance can also be beneficial.
Certifications
Risk management, auditing, or regulatory compliance certifications can give candidates a competitive edge when seeking a Cannabis Compliance Manager position.
Experience
Previous experience in the cannabis industry is also essential, as Cannabis Compliance Managers must understand the unique nuances of the industry. Experience in business operations, auditing, or regulatory compliance can be beneficial.
Skills and Abilities of a Compliance Manager
Many hiring managers look for the common traits and qualifications below in Cannabis Compliance Manager candidates.
Leadership Experience
Compliance managers lead a team of analysts, consultants, and other specialists. Compliance managers must show strong leadership skills backed by proven experience highlighted on a resume.
Strong Communication Skills
A compliance manager needs superior communication skills. As a compliance manager, you work with many different individuals. Explaining legal jargon to people who may not be as experienced as you is essential for this role and the leadership team. You are responsible for communicating information to employees in a clear, concise way that makes sense to everyone involved. This can be in written communications and public speaking.
Integrity
It is critical to have a solid moral compass and make ethical decisions. You are responsible for directing analysts, compliance specialists, and other junior-level staff members on how to make sound decisions. Knowledge of laws and regulations.
Technical Skills
These professionals should be proficient in standard spreadsheet and data management software. Software typically includes EXCEL, web browsers, Google Apps, METRC, POS, TLM, and accounting software systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification in cannabis compliance or related field.
- Experience working with regulatory agencies and conducting compliance audits.
- Knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in cannabis cultivation.
How to Become a Compliance Manager
Compliance manager positions require a bachelor’s degree in law, finance, business management, or a related field. While education is essential for this type of role,
Just like any other job, you must be an expert in your field. A compliance manager’s field is the industry’s rules, regulations, and laws. You must deeply understand laws and regulations and be aware of updates. Strong team player. You may lead and work with a bigger team as a compliance manager. A successful compliance manager is patient and works well with other group members. For instance, the ability to work with team members who do not know the laws and regulations is of the utmost importance.
Many compliance managers start in entry-level roles within the compliance office as analysts, specialists, or coordinators. This experience, combined with your education, is a great starting point to get to a compliance manager position. While it is not a requirement for all candidates to obtain a graduate degree in business administration, public policy, or a related field, a degree can boost your knowledge and preparedness.
What are Top Paying Cannabis Compliance Jobs in the US?
We found at least five jobs related to the Cannabis Compliance job category that pay more per year than a typical Cannabis Compliance salary. Top examples of these roles include: Head Of Cannabis Grower, Medical Cannabis Consulting, and Cannabis Industry Finance.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $19,887 (20.1%) and $61,050 (61.7%) more than the average Cannabis Compliance salary of $98,949. If you’re qualified, getting hired for one of these related Cannabis Compliance jobs may help you make more money than that of the average Cannabis Compliance position.
| Job Title | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Head Of Cannabis Grower | $159,999 |
| Medical Cannabis Consulting | $148,159 |
| Cannabis Industry Finance | $124,326 |
| Cannabis Media | $120,163 |
| Cannabis Regulatory Compliance | $118,836 |
Cannabis Compliance Manager Salary
The exact salary for a cannabis compliance manager will vary depending on the employer, location, education, and individual experience. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a cannabis compliance manager ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year. However, a cannabis compliance officer salary can be as high as $150,000.
| Source | Cannabis Compliance Manager Salary Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| ZipRecruiter | $31,500 to $207,500 | $98,949 |
| Salary dot Com | $117,580 to $153,813 | $133,942 |
| Glassdoor | $70,000 to $90,000 | $80,000 |
| Indeed | $35,000 to $95,000 | $65,000 |
| Payscale | $50,000 to $90,000 | $70,000 |
| Average | of five sites | $79,354 |
The average salary for these top ten cities shows the location and salary for a Cannabis Compliance role.
| City | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $86,450 |
| Fremont, CA | $84,456 |
| San Jose, CA | $81,561 |
| Jackson, WY | $81,036 |
| Oakland, CA | $80,775 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $79,356 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $79,102 |
| Hayward, CA | $79,036 |
| Seattle, WA | $78,933 |
| Vallejo, CA | $78,874 |
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