The US cannabis market has skyrocketed to one of the fastest-growing industries in America, resulting in a major skill void within the existing workforce

‍

The cannabis industry in the United States continues to experience significant growth, fueled by the increasing legalization of both recreational and medicinal marijuana across the country. Presently, 22 states have legalized recreational marijuana, and 39 states permit the use of medicinal cannabis

‍

According to Forbes and BDSA, global cannabis sales are projected to grow at a rate of 13% from 2021 to 2026. In the US alone, cannabis sales are expected to rise from $25 billion in 2021 to a staggering $40 billion in 2026. This impressive figure accounts for 73% of total cannabis sales worldwide.

‍

As the industry expands, the demand for professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in cannabis-related fields has never been greater. The Leafly job report revealed that, as of January 2022, the cannabis industry had generated 428,059 full-time jobs in the United States. This figure represents a 33% increase in employment opportunities within just a single year, with this upward trend showing no signs of slowing down.

‍

Job opportunities within the cannabis industry are diverse and extend across various sectors, including cultivation, retail sales, law, insurance, manufacturing, accounting, security, maintenance, construction, human resources, public relations, lobbying, marketing, media, industry associations, and more.

Given the rapidly evolving nature of this emerging industry, there is a pressing need for professionals to acquire new skills and engage in ongoing education. This necessity underscores the importance of collaboration between the cannabis industry and higher education institutions in order to develop a successful, responsible, and sustainable American cannabis industry.

As a Workforce Education Consulting company, we recognize the critical role that education plays in the continued growth and success of the cannabis industry. We are committed to providing tailored, high-quality educational services to professionals in this sector, helping them to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements, trends, and regulations. By bridging the gap between industry and education, we aim to contribute to the development of a thriving, responsible, and sustainable cannabis industry in the United States.