Exploring the North American Cannabis Labor Market

With cannabis legalization advancing across North America, the industry’s job market continues to grow at a healthy rate. In 2024, cannabis jobs expanded alongside regulatory changes, with indicators suggesting even greater growth in 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the latest trends, from sector-specific growth and emerging roles to job creation in newly legalized states.

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2024 Cannabis Job Market Growth in North America

In 2024, the U.S. cannabis job market saw continued new growth in job openings across various sectors, due to new state legalizations and higher consumer demand. Canada, where cannabis was federally legalized in 2018, has a more stable but evolving job market, especially in research and export-oriented roles.

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• U.S. Breakdown by Sector: Approximately 23% of U.S. cannabis jobs are in retail, with cultivation positions making up 30%, processing/packaging 17%, and ancillary services like testing and distribution accounting for 30% according to the Vangst 2024 Jobs Report.
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• Canada’s Employment Landscape: In Canada, retail positions dominate at about 40%, with substantial growth in roles related to quality assurance and product research, fueled by international trade demand. 

Emerging Cannabis Jobs in 2024

As the industry becomes more sophisticated, the demand for specialized positions continues to rise. Several roles have seen an uptick in recent years:

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1. Regulatory Compliance Officers: With varying regulations by state, compliance roles are vital for ensuring safe and legal operation. Regulatory compliance officers are in high demand as more states implement complex cannabis laws.

2. Cannabis Beverage Specialists: The rise of cannabis-infused beverages has led companies to hire experts in beverage production and marketing. Demand for these roles has surged, reflecting consumer interest in new forms of consumption. 

3. Sustainability Managers: Environmental impact has become a priority, especially given the high energy and water usage of cannabis cultivation. Sustainability managers are essential in optimizing operations for eco-friendliness.

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Job Creation in Newly Legalized States

The legalization of cannabis in states such as Maryland, New York, Minnesota, and New Jersey has led to thousands of new jobs, predominantly in retail, customer service, and logistics.

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• Maryland: Recently legalized, Maryland added approximately 6,000 cannabis jobs in 2024. Most of these are in retail and customer service in larger cities, according to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Administration.
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• New York: With its large population, New York saw the creation of around 10,000 jobs, spanning retail, logistics, and distribution as shown in the New York State Cannabis Control Board’s industry report.‍
• Minnesota: According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, around 3,000 jobs were added primarily in retail and packaging sectors this year.
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• ‍New Jersey: New Jersey’s cannabis industry has added 5,500 jobs, mostly in cultivation and processing, aligning with its efforts to become a regional supplier per New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

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Expected Job Creation in States Legalizing in 2025

Ohio is poised for major job creation now that recreational cannabis is legalized, opening the door for thousands of new roles in areas such as retail, logistics, and regulatory compliance. States like Pennsylvania and Hawaii could follow next year. Hawaii came close to legalizing adult-use cannabis in 2024 after their Senate passed legalization measures that ultimately died in the House. With several new lawmakers now in play, there is a chance that they will attempt and succeed at adult-use legalization in 2025. Pennsylvania legislators have vowed to double down on their legalization efforts in the new year as well.

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• Pennsylvania is projected to add as many as 45,000 jobs, particularly in retail, processing, and cultivation according to a recent report in Marijuana Moment.
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• Ohio could see around 8,000 new positions, mainly in retail, customer service, and transportation. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Medical Marijuana Control Program shares similar projections.
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• Hawaii has the potential to add another 3,375 cannabis industry jobs if adult-use cannabis use is legalized according to the Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association.

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2025 Cannabis Job Market Predictions

Several key trends are expected to define the cannabis job market in 2025:

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1. Increased Automation: With rising operational costs, many companies will turn to automation for processing and inventory management. This shift is expected to increase the need for technicians who can manage and maintain automated systems.

2. Expansion of Health and Wellness Roles: As the industry increasingly focuses on wellness, roles related to health education, therapeutic consulting, and consumer wellness guidance are expected to rise. 

3. Cross-Industry Talent Recruitment: Cannabis companies are recruiting professionals from other fields such as tech, sustainability, and pharmaceuticals. Bringing in cross-industry expertise adds value to product innovation and strategic growth.

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Top Tips for Attracting Talent in 2025

For cannabis companies seeking skilled professionals, a few key strategies are essential:

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• Offer Competitive Benefits and Transparent Wages: Skilled candidates are more likely to join companies that are transparent about pay and offer competitive benefits. Transparency and comprehensive benefits are increasingly important for talent retention.
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• Cultivate an Inclusive Workplace Culture: A positive workplace culture attracts candidates seeking growth opportunities. Companies that provide clear career paths are more appealing to ambitious professionals.
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• Prioritize Training and Development: Strong training programs help employees stay compliant with regulations and gain expertise in customer service. This aligns with employment experts who stress the importance of skill development.

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Conclusion

In 2024, North America’s cannabis job market grew significantly, with major contributions from newly legalized states and emerging specialized roles. Looking forward to 2025, automation, wellness positions, and cross-industry recruitment will likely define workforce needs. Companies aiming to attract top talent should focus on workplace culture, transparent wages, and career development to stay competitive in this dynamic industry.

To learn more about managing your cannabis workforce, book a demo with KayaPush to explore our hiring and onboarding solutions.