Following the legalization of cannabis in many states, the job market for cannabis-related jobs has been booming. From growers to budtenders to marketing professionals, the industry offers a wide range of opportunities for job seekers. In fact, the 2023 Vangst Jobs Report shows that America's cannabis industry sold more than $26 billion in products last year and now supports 417,493 jobs. However, the industry also poses some challenges for both employers and employees.
One of the biggest challenges facing the cannabis job market is the stigma that still surrounds the industry. Despite the legalization of cannabis in many states, there are still many employers who are hesitant to hire employees who use cannabis. In fact, a survey conducted by ClearanceJobs and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation (INSF) found that 30% of people between 18 and 30 said they would not apply for a job that required a security clearance if they knew they would have to give up cannabis.
This stigma is particularly problematic for government job applicants who are often required to undergo pre-employment drug testing. In Michigan, officials are proposing to end pre-employment drug testing for marijuana for most government job applicants, while also giving employers the ability to test for drugs in cases where safety is a concern. This change is aimed at increasing the pool of potential applicants and removing a barrier that has been preventing many people from pursuing government jobs.
Another challenge facing the cannabis job market is the growing link between on-the-job accidents and positive cannabis tests. Following a wave of states legalizing adult-use cannabis, there has been a rise in the number of accidents that involve cannabis use. This has led some employers to be more cautious about hiring employees who use cannabis, particularly in safety-sensitive positions. However, it is important to note that the link between cannabis use and on-the-job accidents is not well understood and may be more complicated than it seems.
Despite these challenges, the cannabis job market is still growing and offers a lot of opportunities for job seekers. In Missouri, the cannabis industry is on pace to become a billion-dollar market, creating "enormous" job growth, according to experts. This growth is expected to continue as more states legalize cannabis and the industry becomes more established.
However, for Black entrepreneurs, the excitement over the rising acceptance of cannabis is dulled by a lack of equal footing in the marketplace. A recent article in Forbes highlighted the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, including difficulty accessing capital, lack of access to licenses, and barriers to entry. These challenges highlight the need for more diversity in the cannabis industry and efforts to address the systemic issues that have prevented many Black entrepreneurs from entering the industry.
Finally, a new report claims that New Mexico's cannabis industry is growing as Colorado loses its allure as a cannabis tourism destination. This shift is expected to lead to increased job growth in New Mexico's cannabis industry, as more tourists choose to visit the state. However, it also highlights the need for states to carefully consider the impact of cannabis legalization on their tourism industry and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.
In conclusion, the cannabis job market is growing and offers a lot of opportunities for job seekers. However, it also poses some challenges for both employers and employees, including the stigma that still surrounds the industry, the link between cannabis use and on-the-job accidents, and the lack of diversity in the industry. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be important to address these challenges and ensure that the cannabis job market is accessible to everyone.
