New jobs from the legalization of Cannabis (in addition to growing it!)
Throughout the world, governments are becoming more lenient with their restrictions on cannabis. As it becomes more likely to be legalized, the production will undoubtedly increase, and with it the amount of jobs the industry offers increases as well. The amount of jobs the cannabis industry can hold is impressive, to say the least. Leafly, an unofficial “cannabis information hub”, calls cannabis America’s ”hidden job boom” with nearly 250 000 full time employees in the USA.
In Florida, the medical marijuana industry had a 703% increase in jobs in the year 2018, and this is expected to continue growing! When recreational marijuana is also legalized, these numbers may soar even higher. The cannabis industry operates much the same as any other industry, meaning that there are jobs for people across a varied scope of backgrounds and education. When thinking about jobs related to cannabis, field workers, cultivators, and (sometimes sketchy) sellers come to mind. However, while these are the traditional jobs people expect from the cannabis industry, they are merely the beginning. The industry will actually be offering jobs in an impressive array of sectors.
Commerce
With the cannabis market booming, there are multiple jobs becoming available for people in commerce. Online shops need web designers and developers to create and upkeep an inviting digital presence and make sure the online shopping experience goes smoothly. Websites also need customer service personnel to assist customers in their shopping. Actual stores will also need store managers and salespeople who are knowledgeable of the products they are selling. Budtenders are experts present in shops to advise customers on which products would be best for them. Project and distribution managers make sure that the goods are available and prepared for delivery. The goods are not limited to just the herb either, but also cannabis accessories, bongs, vapes, pipes – as well as the different forms cannabis can come in, dabs, oils, edibles… These create even more job opportunities.
Speaking of edibles, if you are in the food industry, edibles may be your next niche. As popularity and legality grows, so does the demand for different varieties of edibles. Chefs specialized in cannabis edibles, who can both make them and produce recipes for people to try out at home will be in demand, and mass production will employ hundreds, if not thousands, of factory workers.
Logistics
Although logistics was touched upon in the previous section, it is such a major part of the projected jobs that it also deserves a section of its own. Cannabis goods and accessories need to be transported from factories to shops, and from online shops to customers. This entails both local and international shipping, and depending on the delivery methods, either collaboration with private courier services or local post. This means there will be more jobs for people in delivery and logistics.
In order to ensure smooth transitions, security guards will be necessary at various points of the production and distribution cycle. Guards may be needed at factories, in dispensaries, and sometimes even en route during distribution.
Research & Technology
The legal cannabis industry will also bring more jobs in science – both research and technology. More money is being put into researching medicinal cannabis and its most effective uses for various ailments and needs. Different extraction processes are being explored as well, as cannabis dabs, which are the most concentrated and potent variety of cannabis, are made through extracting THC and CBD from the plant. On a mass production level this is done with solvents, usually butane, ethanol, or carbon dioxide – which have to be purged from the extract afterwards. Advancements in technology and research could find better extraction methods, and companies are always interested in driving the production price down, so specialists and strategists in these fields will be welcomed.
The legalization of the cannabis industry can well serve as a boost to world economy. This is just a brief overview of the various work one can expect to find more and more available within the cannabis industry. If you are interested in working with cannabis, it is probably possible to use your previous experience and education within this industry as well, the options are endless!
Related Articles
