U.S. Marijuana Industry Employment Could Jump 50% in 2020

The US marijuana industry workforce is projected to soar to 240,000-295,000 people by the end of 2020. An increase that represents a nearly 50% rise from 2019.

Cannabis industry employees include people working directly in the industry, such as dispensary patient consultants (budtenders) and cultivators, as well as people working in ancillary companies, such as lawyers and electricians, who help serve cannabis industry companies, MJBizDaily reported.

Sales growth, especially at recreational dispensaries, continue to fuel the job growth in the industry. However, sales growth is also strong in many medical marijuana markets.

In 2019, it was estimated that Arizona had over 15,000 jobs that directly pertained to the medical marijuana industry. Many Arizona companies are hiring frequently for cannabis-related positions.

If Arizona voters approve the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, a ballot initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana possession and use for adults 21 and older in 2021, there will be a major hiring surge in Arizona’s legal marijuana industry.