One of the worst employers - Budtender Embarc (CA) Employee Review

1.0
Jul 12, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good pay and free samples every other week

Cons

Management is inconsistent and does not care for their employees. They withhold information until they see fit, people are being persecuted, or their managers tell them they aren't doing well. If management isn't making you feel awful, your coworkers will. It's no better than highschool. Your mental health and well-being is not worth free samples.

Explore other reviews about Embarc (CA)

5.0
Jul 11, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Top-tier pay and great benefits, including 401K. There’s real opportunity for growth throughout California. The company genuinely cares about the cause and is focused on evolving and setting the standard in cannabis retail. It's rewarding to be part of something bigger and see your ideas come to life. Leadership walks the talk and leads by example.

Cons

Fast-paced environment isn't for everyone—adaptability and initiative are key.

1.0
Jan 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You might end up meeting some cool people amongst your coworkers, but you'll probably be pitted against one another at some point as this industry can be very clique-y.

Cons

This dispensary was consistently short-staffed, yet staff were still expected to perform multiple roles at once. I was often required to run both reception and then run behind the counter to budtend simultaneously. This setup was overwhelming and unrealistic, especially during busier periods. Also despite being stretched thin, mistakes that were a direct result of being understaffed and lack of support were very often used to single out and blamed on individual employees rather than being addressed as systemic issues. There was no accountability from management for scheduling or staffing decisions, but plenty of scrutiny when something inevitably went wrong. Instead of supporting staff who were clearly stretched thin, management chose to pile on with micromanagement and criticisms over any mistakes made. The environment felt stressful and unfair, with unrealistic expectations placed on employees who were doing the work of multiple people. I would not recommend this dispensary to anyone looking for a supportive or well-managed workplace. For a union shop, it feels very much anti-worker.

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