Celebrate Labor Day in Honor of Cannabis’ Rising Career Achievements

The United States Department of Labor classifies Labor Day as “dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.” As the nation observes Labor Day this weekend, now is the time to acknowledge the impressive development of the cannabis workforce. The cannabis industry has contributed tremendously to job availability and production at individual state levels. With the industry making major leaps in recent years, it’s hard to ignore the growth that several economies have already experienced and the potential growth to come as a result. Here’s a breakdown of cannabis job growth, how new jobs are rising and what this means for the future of cannabis in the labor force.

First and foremost, the number of cannabis-related jobs have jumped exponentially over the past few years. The Marijuana Policy Project reported late last year that recreational cannabis created 18,000 new jobs in Colorado during 2015. In March, Oregon estimated that there were 12,500 cannabis industry jobs in the state. Marijuana Business Daily reported last year that the cannabis industry has employed anywhere between 100,000 to 150,000 employees throughout the country. Some sources are reporting that soon enough, the U.S. government will be releasing even more data on September 6, which will include statistics regarding “cannabis wholesalers, stores and grower employment.” These are just a few numbers that prove how cannabis is thriving in this golden age.

As the industry blossoms into its full potential, job opportunity blooms along with it, even opening up new avenues to careers that never existed a few decades ago. Roles such as budtenders are one of the more prominent and notable positions that have been created, who are one of the key individuals that serve cannabis consumers daily. As such, they are the industry experts who can provide consumers with the knowledge they seek and help them find the product most fitting for their personal needs. The list of cannabis-related jobs is seemingly endless, varying between writers, lawyers, culinary artists, cultivators, dab artists and entrepreneurs, all of which have found a place in this niche market. The industry has also set itself up with many entry-level jobs as well for those who want to get into the industry and start from the ground up.

CONCLUSION

Whether they are seasoned professionals or younger generations taking their first steps into workforce, the cannabis industry has room that continues to expand for all those looking to take ranks in one of the fasting growing industries in the country.

Every Labor Day allows us to honor the pioneers of the American workforce, from the country’s earliest days of industrial revolution and assembly lines to the rapidly growing workforce that is employed today. Every day new products are born, but they are nothing without the people who work in those industries. So too is cannabis supported by the strength, persistence and hope of the cannabis industry.