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Cannabis Formulation Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Formulation Expertise: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of ... Our R&D is focused on cannabis ingredient safety, innovative products, and novel applications to ...

Relocation assistance

... cannabis extracts, including winterization, filtration, distillation, and product formulation ... Collaborate on recipe development and optimize kitchen processes to improve efficiency.

Lab Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$55K/hr

Support new product development and formulation initiatives Requirements * 3+ years of cannabis extraction experience in a licensed facility * Hands-on proficiency with CO2 extraction, short path ...

Lead Lab Technician

Fall River, MA · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of ... With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our ...

Lead Lab Technician

Joliet, IL · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of ... With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our ...

Lead Lab Technician

Fall River, MA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of ... With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our ...

Lead Lab Technician

Fall River, MA

$19 - $25.25/hr

As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of ... With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our ...

Production Lead

Ewing, NJ · On-site

$20.50/hr

... cannabis lab products via hand-filling methods and filling equipment with a continuous focus on ... Conduct product intake from lab formulation and testing operations and maintain accurate and ...

... cannabis lab products via hand-filling methods and filling equipment with a continuous focus on ... Conduct product intake from lab formulation and testing operations and maintain accurate and ...

Manufacturing (Lab) Technician I

Marshall, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of ... With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our ...

Manufacturing (Lab) Technician I

Marshall, MI

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of ... With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our ...

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Cannabis Formulation Development information

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How much do cannabis formulation development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cannabis formulation development in the United States is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Cannabis Formulation Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Cannabis Formulation Development, you generally need a background in chemistry, biology, or pharmaceutical sciences, often supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC and GC), formulation software, and regulatory compliance certifications like GMP are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong collaboration skills help professionals innovate and ensure product consistency. These skills are crucial for developing safe, effective, and compliant cannabis products in a highly regulated industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Cannabis Formulation Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Cannabis Formulation Development often encounter challenges related to ensuring product consistency and regulatory compliance due to the complex nature of cannabis compounds. Variability in raw materials, such as cannabinoid and terpene profiles, requires rigorous testing and quality control. Additionally, staying current with evolving regulations across different regions is essential. Addressing these challenges involves collaborating closely with quality assurance teams, leveraging advanced analytical methods, and maintaining detailed documentation to ensure repeatability and compliance.

What is the difference between Cannabis Formulation Development vs Cannabis Quality Control Technician?

AspectCannabis Formulation DevelopmentCannabis Quality Control Technician
CredentialsBackground in chemistry, pharmacy, or related fields; certifications in formulation or cannabis industryTraining in laboratory testing, quality assurance, and safety protocols; certifications in lab techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, formulation labs, product development settingsQuality testing labs, manufacturing facilities, compliance environments
Employer & Industry UsageProduct development companies, cannabis manufacturers, R&D labsManufacturers, testing labs, quality assurance departments in cannabis industry

While Cannabis Formulation Development focuses on creating and optimizing cannabis products, Cannabis Quality Control Technicians ensure products meet safety and quality standards through testing. Both roles are essential in the cannabis industry but serve different stages of product lifecycle.

What is cannabis formulation development?

Cannabis formulation development is the process of creating and optimizing products that contain cannabis extracts, such as oils, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and more. This field combines knowledge of chemistry, pharmacology, and product design to ensure that cannabis products are safe, effective, consistent, and meet regulatory standards. Professionals in this area work on improving product stability, bioavailability, flavor, texture, and dosing accuracy, as well as researching new delivery methods for cannabinoids and terpenes. Their work is crucial for developing reliable products for both medical and recreational cannabis markets.
Infographic showing various Cannabis Formulation Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Cannabis Lab & Extraction Manager

Cannabis Lab & Extraction Manager

Vireo Health

Elk River, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Vireo Health rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 29 rated cannabis dispensaries


Job description

Who we are:
At Vireo Health, we're not just another cannabis company-we're a movement. Founded by physicians and driven by innovation, we blend science, technology, and passion to create top-tier cannabis products and experiences. Our team of 500+ bold creators and trailblazers are shaping the future of the industry, and we want you to be part of it.
We take pride in being one of the most diverse and inclusive workplaces in cannabis, fostering a culture where everyone belongs. Through employee engagement, community events, and non-profit partnerships, we're building more than a business-we're building a community.
As we rapidly expand nationwide, we're looking for talented, driven, and passionate people to join us. If you're ready to turn your passion into a career, let's grow the future together.
What you will do:
We are seeking an experienced, technically strong, and hands-on leader to manage our cannabis processing lab. The ideal candidate is a working manager who is equally comfortable on the floor running extraction and distillation as they are leading a team, owning SOPs, and partnering across the business.
The Lab Manager oversees all processing operations, including ethanol extraction, winterization, decarboxylation, wiped film and short path distillation, and the formulation and production of finished goods such as vape carts, edibles, tablets, tinctures, and oral solutions. This role owns the safety, quality, throughput, and compliance of the lab, including SOP development, batch record integrity, equipment uptime, and adherence to state cannabis regulations. The Lab Manager leads, trains, and develops a team of lab technicians and partners closely with QA, Cultivation, and Operations. This position reports directly to the Operations Manager.
What impact you'll make:
  • Manage day-to-day lab operations, including scheduling, staffing, and workflow across extraction, distillation, formulation, and kitchen teams.
  • Oversee ethanol extraction operations, including solvent recovery, winterization, and filtration, ensuring yield, quality, and safety targets are consistently met.
  • Direct distillation processes using wiped film and short path systems to produce high-purity distillate that meets product specifications.
  • Lead formulation development and execution for finished goods, including vape carts, edibles, tablets, tinctures, balms, and oral solutions.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain SOPs for all extraction, distillation, and formulation processes, ensuring consistency, repeatability, and regulatory compliance.
  • Maintain accurate batch records, equipment logs, and inventory of solvents, raw materials, and finished intermediates in compliance with state cannabis regulations and seed-to-sale tracking requirements.
  • Manage preventive maintenance, calibration, and qualification of lab equipment, including extractors, rotary evaporators, wiped film and short path units, homogenizers, and filling equipment.
  • Ensure lab safety, including ethanol handling, C1D2 compliance, PPE use, and emergency response readiness.
  • Train, mentor, and evaluate lab technicians. Build technical depth across the team and drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to increase yield, reduce cycle time, and lower cost per unit across the lab.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What you've accomplished:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific field; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in cannabis, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food-grade extraction and manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a lab leadership role.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, is required.
  • Demonstrated expertise in ethanol extraction and downstream processing (winterization, decarboxylation, solvent recovery).
  • Hands-on operating experience with wiped film and short path distillation systems; able to troubleshoot, optimize, and validate runs.
  • Strong formulation experience across multiple product formats, including vape carts, edibles, tablets, tinctures, and oral solutions.
  • Proven ability to author and maintain SOPs, batch records, and validation protocols.
  • Strong understanding of analytical methods and how to interpret COAs to make production decisions.
  • Experience with seed-to-sale systems (METRC) preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership: hiring, training, performance management, and developing technical talent.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across teams.
  • Excellent attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset focused on safety, quality, execution, and teamwork.
  • Must be 21+ and able to pass a state-required background check for cannabis industry employment.

What We Offer:
  • Compensation: $80,000-85,000 annually depending on experience
  • Relocation may be considered on a case by case basis depending on experience level
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance on the first of the month after you begin employment
  • Competitive additional benefits including HSA, FSA, Dependable Care, EAP services, etc.
  • 11 Days of accrued PTO in addition to 2 Wellness Days & Volunteer Hours that will increase with tenure
  • 401k program with an employer match after six months of employment

EEO Statement
Vireo Health, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. www.vireohealth.com