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Viridian Staffing

Cannabis Head Grower

Newark, DE · On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Viridian Staffing's Client is looking for an experienced Cannabis Head Grower to help lead ... A background in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, or a related field is a plus, but not ...

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$48.4K

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How much do cannabis science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for cannabis science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cannabis scientists make?

Cannabis scientists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in laboratory techniques or regulatory compliance may offer higher salaries. Certifications and research experience can also influence earning potential.

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

Excelling in Cannabis Science requires a solid background in biology, chemistry, plant science, or pharmacology—usually demonstrated by a relevant degree and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC-MS, and specialized cannabis-testing protocols, along with certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), is often necessary. Keen attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate research, compliant processes, and ongoing innovation in a highly regulated and quickly evolving industry.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for professionals working in Cannabis Science?

Professionals in Cannabis Science can advance into roles such as lead researcher, laboratory manager, or head of product development as they gain experience and industry knowledge. Many also pivot into regulatory affairs, quality assurance, or consultative positions supporting growing companies. Career growth often depends on continuous education, staying current with research trends, and building expertise with emerging technologies. The fast-evolving nature of the cannabis industry means opportunities for advancement and specialization are expanding, making it an exciting field for those looking to progress and take on more responsibility.

What can you do with a degree in cannabis?

A degree in cannabis can prepare you for roles such as cannabis scientist, cultivation manager, quality control technician, or regulatory compliance specialist. These positions often require knowledge of plant biology, laboratory techniques, and industry regulations, and may involve working in cultivation facilities, research labs, or dispensaries.

What is the highest paying job in cannabis?

In cannabis science, senior roles such as Chief Scientific Officer or Director of R&D typically offer the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in plant biology, chemistry, or pharmacology.

What is a Cannabis Science job?

A Cannabis Science job involves researching, developing, and analyzing cannabis and its compounds for medical, pharmaceutical, and commercial applications. Professionals in this field study the plant’s chemistry, genetics, and biological effects to optimize product safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance. Careers can range from lab researchers and product developers to quality control specialists and regulatory experts. These roles require a background in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or related sciences, along with knowledge of cannabis regulations and industry standards.

What does a cannabis scientist do?

A cannabis scientist researches the chemical properties, effects, and cultivation methods of cannabis. They analyze plant compounds, develop new strains, and ensure product safety and quality, often using laboratory equipment and scientific techniques. This role typically requires a background in biology, chemistry, or related fields and may involve working in labs or research facilities.
More about Cannabis Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Cannabis Science jobs? Cities with the most Cannabis Science job openings:
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What states have the most Cannabis Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Cannabis Science jobs include:
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Cannabis Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cannabis Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 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 28 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 the role is about:
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
Why Choose Vireo:
Life's too short to work somewhere that doesn't ignite your passion. The cannabis industry is fast-paced, innovative, and full of opportunity-where science meets creativity, and wellness meets culture.
At Vireo Health, we're pioneering the future of cannabis with a team that's as dynamic as the industry itself. Here, you'll find a workplace that's collaborative, inclusive, and driven by HEART and purpose, where your work has a real impact on people's lives.
Whether you're cultivating the highest-quality plants, crafting cutting-edge products, or shaping unforgettable customer experiences, you'll be part of something bigger. If you're looking for a career that's exciting, meaningful, and full of growth, let's build the future of cannabis together.
• A Growing Industry: Work at the leading tech company in the cannabis industry and help shape the future
• Passionate Culture: Join a team that truly cares about the plant, the people, and the purpose behind what we do
• Employee Perks: Enjoy competitive pay and benefits, paid time off and employee discounts
• Making an Impact: We're committed to education, sustainability, and giving back to the communities we serve.
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

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