Lack of training and skills, as well as insufficient awareness of career opportunities, are two of the largest obstacles to achieving social equity in the adult-use market, according to a national survey developed and distributed by the ILR School’s New York State Cannabis Workforce Initiative.

By 2027, the legalization of marijuana is expected to create thousands of jobs in New York state – an opportunity to maximize economic social justice benefits for those most harmed by the criminalization of cannabis, according to the initiative, which is led by ILR’s Labor and Employment Law Program and the Workforce Development Institute.

As a first step, the initiative is tailoring outreach and education for employers, organizations and individuals, both those with criminal records and others harmed by the criminalization of cannabis, who are interested in participating in New York state’s cannabis industry.

The Cannabis Workforce Initiative developed and distributed a national survey to determine cannabis industry stakeholder needs. Responses from approximately 100 employers representing a wide range of industry sectors, with the most respondents coming from dispensaries, wholesale/distribution, education/training and cultivation, provided a picture of how the industry is developing:

• More than 60% of respondents indicated that they are currently or plan to do business in New York’s cannabis industry.
• Dispensary-related jobs are the most in-demand by businesses....

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