Budtender Tipping: What Customers and Dispensaries Should Know

Tipping in the cannabis industry is still a developing practice. While customers often wonder if they should tip their budtender, there are no clear standards. Here’s what you need to know about budtender tipping, both in the United States and abroad.

Do Customers Tip Budtenders in the U.S.?

Many dispensaries in the United States keep tip jars near the register. Unlike in restaurants or salons, there isn’t a set percentage or expectation for tipping.

• Some customers may leave their change.

• Others might add a few extra dollars as a sign of appreciation.

• Many don’t tip at all, and that’s perfectly acceptable.

Budtenders should never assume or expect tips. Instead, they should view tips as an occasional bonus that reflects strong customer service.

Tipping Culture in Dispensaries vs. Other Industries

Unlike servers or bartenders, budtenders are not part of a tipping culture with set norms.

• In food service, 15–20% tips are standard.

• In dispensaries, there is no baseline expectation.

This means tipping a budtender is entirely optional. The best way to “tip” a budtender is often by becoming a regular customer and recommending the dispensary to others.

International Perspectives on Tipping Budtenders

Outside the United States, tipping is far less common.

• In many countries, tipping in any industry is seen as unnecessary.

• Some view it as a way to cover unfair wages rather than reward good service.

• Customers abroad are more likely to expect fair wages for workers instead of tip jars.

For dispensaries that cater to international visitors, it’s important to understand these differences and avoid making tipping feel obligatory.

Fair Wages vs. Tipping in the Cannabis Industry

Dispensary owners should pay fair wages rather than relying on customers to supplement them.

Relying on tips to make up for low wages can:

• Create inconsistent income for budtenders.

• Make workers feel undervalued.

• Lead to frustration among customers who are unfamiliar with the practice.

A sustainable dispensary model should prioritize stable pay over tip jars.

Are Budtender Tips Taxable?

Yes. In the United States, budtender tips are taxable income.

• Budtenders must report all tips received to the government.

• Just like servers and bartenders, tips count as wages.

• Failing to report tips can result in penalties.

This is an important part of professional standards that every budtender should know.

Protecting Budtender Tips from Wage Theft

All tips belong to the budtender who earned them.

• If dispensary owners or managers take part of the tips, it is considered wage theft.

• Tips should be handled transparently.

• Dispensaries that value their staff should have clear policies protecting tips.

Budtenders deserve respect for their role as educators, advisors, and customer service professionals in the cannabis industry.

Learn More About Budtending Standards

Budtender tipping is just one piece of the broader conversation about professionalism in cannabis retail. Dispensaries thrive when they combine fair wages, compliance, and strong customer service training.

Oaksterdam University offers the industry’s most recognized Budtending Certification Course, which covers:

• Cannabis compliance and regulations

• Customer service best practices

• Product knowledge and consumer safety

• Professional standards for dispensary workers

Want to become a skilled, confident budtender? Start your training with Oaksterdam University’s Budtending Certification Course. Explore the program today.Budtending & Retail Work Certification.