17 Cannabis Cultivator Interview Questions and Answers

Cannabis cultivators are responsible for growing and harvesting marijuana plants. The job requires knowledge of plant biology, as well as an understanding of the legal landscape surrounding the cannabis industry.

If you’re hoping to become a cannabis cultivator, you’ll need to ace an interview with a potential employer. In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for your interview, as well as a list of sample questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the various strains of cannabis and their effects?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience with the different strains of cannabis and their effects. They want to make sure that you can properly identify the strain they’re growing and how it will affect consumers. In your answer, explain which strains you’ve worked with in the past and what their effects are.

Example: “I am very familiar with the various strains of cannabis and their effects. I started working as a grower when I was 19 years old, so I learned about all the different strains then. There are over 100 unique strains of cannabis, each with its own characteristics. Some strains produce more CBD than THC, while others produce more THC than CBD. The type of high is dependent on the ratio of these cannabinoids.”

What are some of the best practices you use for growing cannabis?

Employers ask this question to see if you have experience growing cannabis and what techniques you use. They want someone who can grow their plants efficiently, so they may also be looking for someone with a background in agriculture or botany. When answering this question, try to list the steps you take when growing cannabis that are unique from other types of plants.

Example: “I always start by researching the strain I’m going to grow. Each plant has different needs, so it’s important to know how much light, water and nutrients each one requires. Next, I make sure my equipment is clean and ready to go before planting the seeds. Then, I follow proper watering and lighting schedules to ensure the plants get everything they need.”

How would you respond if a batch of cannabis plants were not growing properly?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the problem-solving skills needed for the job. They want someone who can identify what’s wrong and fix it quickly. In your answer, explain how you would troubleshoot the issue and solve it as efficiently as possible.

Example: “If a batch of plants were not growing properly, I would first check the temperature in the grow room. If that was fine, then I would look at the nutrients they’re receiving. If those are fine too, then I would examine the pH levels of the soil. If all three of these things are okay, then I would move on to checking the genetics of the plant.”

What is your process for determining when a cannabis plant is ready for harvesting?

This question can help an interviewer understand your knowledge of the cannabis plant and how you use that knowledge to make decisions about when a plant is ready for harvesting. Use examples from past experiences in which you used your expertise to determine when plants were ready for harvest, and explain what factors influenced your decision-making process.

Example: “I consider several factors when determining whether or not a plant is ready for harvesting. First, I look at the color of the leaves and buds. When they’re dark green with plenty of orange hairs, it’s usually time to harvest. Next, I check the trichomes on the buds. If most are cloudy, it’s probably ready for harvesting. Finally, I smell the buds. If they have a strong aroma, then it’s likely ready for harvesting.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

Employers ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can remain calm and professional in challenging situations. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation. Try to show that you are a problem solver who is willing to do what it takes to help customers or clients.

Example: “In my last position as a cannabis cultivator, I had a customer who was unhappy with our product. The customer claimed that we sold them a bad batch of marijuana. I asked for proof of purchase so that I could look into the matter. After looking at the records, I realized that the customer had purchased their product from another dispensary. I contacted the other dispensary and explained the situation. They were able to refund the customer’s money.”

If a cannabis plant becomes infected with a pest, what is your process for dealing with it?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle a pest infestation in their cannabis plants. They want to ensure that your process for dealing with pests is safe and effective, so they can be confident that you will take the right steps when working in their facility. In your answer, explain what you would do if you encountered an infestation of pests in one of the company’s cannabis plants.

Example: “If I found a plant had a pest infestation, I would quarantine it from the other plants until I could treat it safely. Then, I would use organic pesticides or natural methods to get rid of the pests. If I used a pesticide, I would only apply it after making sure all employees were out of the greenhouse.”

What would you do if you noticed another employee was stealing cannabis from the warehouse?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the integrity and honesty needed for a position in cannabis cultivation. They want employees who will report any illegal activity they see, even if it’s from another employee. In your answer, explain that you would immediately report the theft to your supervisor or human resources department. Explain that you value honesty and integrity and would never take part in such an act yourself.

Example: “I would be devastated if I ever witnessed another employee stealing cannabis. However, I would not hesitate to report them to my supervisor or HR department. I believe honesty is one of the most important values we can have as humans, so I would never participate in such behavior myself. I also understand how serious this type of crime is, so I would do everything I could to ensure the person was held accountable for their actions.”

How well do you deal with stress? Can you provide an example of a time when you were able to remain calm under pressure?

Cannabis cultivation is a high-pressure job, and employers want to make sure you can handle the stress. They may ask this question to see if you have any strategies for managing stress or if you’ve ever experienced burnout in your previous roles. In your answer, try to explain how you manage stress and provide an example of when you did so successfully.

Example: “I am very good at remaining calm under pressure. I find that taking deep breaths helps me stay focused on the task at hand. When I was working as a grower, we had a problem with one of our plants. It wasn’t growing properly, and it seemed like there was something wrong with its roots. I took some time to breathe deeply and then examined the plant more closely. After doing so, I realized that the issue was actually due to improper watering. By staying calm, I was able to solve the problem.”

Do you have any questions for us about the cannabis cultivator position?

This question gives you the opportunity to show your interest in the position and learn more about it. Interviewers often ask this question at the end of an interview as a way to ensure that you’re satisfied with what they’ve told you so far. When preparing for this question, think of questions you have about the job or company. Try to make these questions specific and relevant to the role.

Example: “I’m very interested in this position because I love working with plants. However, I am curious about how much time you expect me to spend on my computer versus outside. I know there are many tasks that can only be done inside, but I also want to make sure I get plenty of time outdoors.”

When do you usually start your day at the facility?

This question can help the interviewer understand your work ethic and how you plan your day. Your answer should include a time, but it’s also important to explain why you start at that time. This can show your dedication to getting started on time and working hard throughout the day.

Example: “I usually arrive at the facility around 7 a.m., which is when I like to start my day because it gives me enough time to get ready for work, check in with my team members and review any notes from the previous day. Starting early helps me feel more prepared for the day ahead of me.”

We want our cultivators to be able to work independently. How would you handle any tasks you were given if you were left on your own?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to work independently and how you would handle any challenges that may arise. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you would take to ensure you were able to complete your tasks on time or even ahead of schedule.

Example: “I am an extremely independent person, so I don’t mind working alone at all. In fact, I prefer it because I know I can get more done without having to wait for someone else to finish their task. If I was left alone in the greenhouse, I would first make sure I had everything I needed to do my job. Then, I would start with the most important tasks and work my way down from there.”

Describe your experience with operating cultivation equipment.

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with operating cultivation equipment. They want to know if you have any experience using the specific equipment they use in their facility. In your answer, explain what type of equipment you’ve operated and how much experience you have working with it. If you don’t have experience operating a particular piece of equipment, explain that you’re willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve worked as a cannabis cultivator for five years now. During my time here, I’ve gained plenty of experience operating all types of cultivation equipment. I’m familiar with both indoor and outdoor growing techniques. I also understand the importance of maintaining these pieces of equipment. I regularly check on the status of our equipment to ensure everything is running smoothly.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities.

Example: “I have extensive experience working in cannabis cultivation facilities. I also have a degree in horticulture, so I understand the science behind growing cannabis plants. In my last position, I was responsible for managing a team of growers. This helped me develop leadership skills that I can use to help your facility grow.”

Which cultivation methods do you prefer to use?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience and expertise in the cannabis cultivation industry. They want to know which methods you prefer over others, as well as why you choose them. When answering this question, explain what makes each method unique and how it benefits the plants.

Example: “I have a lot of experience using both soil-based and hydroponic cultivation methods. I find that soil-based cultivation is great for growing large quantities of cannabis because it’s so cost-effective. However, I also enjoy using hydroponics when working with smaller batches of plants. It allows me to control the nutrients they receive much better than soil-based cultivation does.”

What do you think is the most important thing that cannabis cultivators should keep in mind?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your knowledge of the cannabis industry. They want to know that you understand what’s important when growing this plant and how it can affect their business. Use examples from your own experience to show them that you’re knowledgeable in this field.

Example: “I think one of the most important things cultivators should keep in mind is the quality of their product. If they don’t take care of their plants, then customers won’t be happy with the end result. I’ve seen many growers who are too focused on quantity over quality, which leads to unhappy customers. Cultivators need to make sure they have the right equipment and resources to grow high-quality plants.”

How often do you check on your plants?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you check on your plants and whether you are likely to miss any problems. It also helps them understand what kind of schedule you keep when working in a cannabis cultivation facility. Your answer should include information about how often you check on your plants, as well as the frequency with which you perform other tasks like watering or harvesting.

Example: “I check my plants at least once per day, usually twice. I start by checking for signs of pests or disease, then I look for signs of growth. If there is anything that looks off, I will inspect it more closely. I also water my plants every morning and harvest them every week.”

There is a new strain of cannabis that you’ve never grown before. What is your process for experimenting with it and learning how to grow it?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to learn new things. Cannabis cultivators need to be able to experiment with different strains of cannabis, so it’s important that you have the right mindset for doing this.

Example: “I would first research what kind of conditions are best for growing this strain. I would then start experimenting by trying out different methods of cultivation. If one method doesn’t work, I will try another until I find the right process. It may take me several tries before I get it right, but I am always willing to put in the time and effort to figure it out.”