Job Profile: Cannabis Extraction Technician
A Cannabis Extraction Technician is a highly skilled and experienced professional who specializes in extracting cannabinoids and other medicines from cannabis plants. These technicians use a variety of extraction techniques to obtain high-quality products that can be used in medical marijuana treatments.
Table of Contents
- What is Cannabis Extraction?
- What Does a Cannabis Extraction Technician Do?
- Cannabis Extraction Technician Education
- Skills and Abilities of a Cannabis Extraction Technician
- How to Become a Cannabis Extraction Technician
- How Much Do Extraction Technicians Make?
- What Is the Job Outlook for Cannabis Extraction Technicians?
What is Cannabis Extraction?
Cannabis extraction is a complex, lab-based scientific process to separate cannabis into components used for various products.
What Does a Cannabis Extraction Technician Do?
Cannabis extraction technicians work in a lab setting to separate cannabis compounds using lab equipment, heat, pressure, and solvents. They primarily work with cannabis to extract oil, wax, and precious cannabinoids. Many extractors use high-power vacuum machinery to remove cannabinoids from plant material.
A cannabis extraction technician’s job duties may involve the following:
- preparation of equipment, cleaning the lab equipment
- operate and maintain lab equipment
- collect samples, lab test the compounds, and record data
- extraction of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids
- packing and shipping of products
- following safety regulations, protocols, and standard operating procedures
- understand, perform, and interpret mathematical calculations
- perform detailed data collection, documentation, and record-keeping
- work independently or as part of a team
Cannabis Extraction Technician Education
To become a Cannabis Extraction Technician, individuals must comprehensively understand the cannabis industry.
Formal Education
Does a Cannabis Extraction Technician Need A Degree? Cannabis extraction technicians must have an undergraduate degree in plant biology or cannabis science, and experience working with hot oil extraction, acid extraction, or dry extraction methods.
Certifications
The National Cannabis Industry Standards Board (NCISB) provides a national certification program for cannabis extraction technicians.
Work Experience and Training
Cannabis extraction technicians typically receive three years of training in plant biology or cannabis science, followed by two years in a critical range technology program. The ideal work environment for cannabis extraction technicians includes a warm and humid room, a clean and well-maintained work area, and unlimited access to coffee, water, and a computer.
Skills and Abilities of a Cannabis Extraction Technician
Some key skills and abilities that a Cannabis Extraction Technician may need include:
- A strong understanding of plant genetics and morphology
- The ability to extract THC and other cannabinoids from plant material
- The ability to read and navigate a plant microscope
- The ability to acquaint oneself with chemical detection equipment
How to Become a Cannabis Extraction Technician
To become a cannabis extraction technician, you will likely need to take an extraction course. After completing the course, you will then be able to work legally in the cannabis commerce as a cannabis extract technician.
How Much Do Extraction Technicians Make?
The exact salary for a Cannabis Extraction Technician will vary depending on the employer, location, education, and individual experience. However, the Cannabis Salary Guide reports an extraction technician’s salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 per year.
| Source | Cannabis Extraction Technician Salary Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| ZipRecruiter | $35,500 to $86,000 | $53,918 |
| Indeed | $34,654 to $54,902 | $43,618 |
| Average | $48,768 |
| Extraction Position | 2022 Annual Salary | 2023 Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Extraction | $139,200 | $143,450 |
| Extraction Lab Manager | $90,900 | $94,500 |
| Extraction Lead | $67,950 | $72,300 |
| Extraction Technician | $58,450 | $63,000 |
What Is the Job Outlook for Cannabis Extraction Technicians?
Cannabis extraction technicians are in high demand. The legal cannabis industry is booming and supports over 415,000 jobs. And job growth will increase as legalization expands. Manufactured products made from extracts comprise a growing share of the industry. This demand will only increase as the hemp, CBD, and cannabis markets grow.
Entry-level jobs for cannabis extraction technicians can lead to opportunities for advancement in roles. Some of these include Director of Extraction, Master Extractor, Compliance Manager, Chemist, and also Quality Manager.