A new haven for workers amid the pandemic

In the midst of the pandemic, the cannabis industry has grown massively. In particular, the industry has become a haven for workers who have moved in from other sectors.

The expansion of the cannabis industry is nothing new. The industry has experienced steady growth over the years. In Canada, for example, sales of legal cannabis doubled in 2020 despite the pandemic. And as the industry grows, more and more workers are moving from other sectors to find new job opportunities. Retail and restaurant workers in particular have been looking for jobs in the cannabis industry.

The Pandemic Search for Job Stability

One of the main reasons the cannabis industry is attracting new workers is job stability. Many faced job insecurity due to the pandemic. This is especially true for those working in service sectors that have been hardest hit due to lockdowns and Covid-19 protocols. Fortunately, many parts of the United States and Canada considered medical marijuana an “essential” service. This means that pharmacies could continue to serve customers even if other companies were about to close.

As a result, the cannabis industry became a new safe haven for employment during the pandemic. There were 80,000 new workers in the American cannabis sector in 2020. That number is double the industry’s in 2019. It currently has a total of 321,000 employees, making the cannabis industry one of the fastest growing in America. The story is similar in Canada, with new businesses opening in the pandemic year.

Cannabis a malleable industry

Workers in the cannabis industry are not only looking for employment, but also career opportunities. Although most pharmacies offer wages that are similar to retail or restaurant wages, the potential for upward movement is immense. Since this is a relatively new market, new positions are constantly being opened in the cannabis industry. As a result, new hires will fill more specialized roles fairly quickly. This then means higher pay and more comprehensive services.

But as with any new market, there is volatility within the industry. There is currently no set standard for employee compensation or protection. For some, finding a job in a pharmacy is no different from the long hours and minimum wage that come with a retail job. Ultimately, the direction employees go depends on the decisions the industry will make in the future. There is potential for more stable and secure jobs as the industry doubles the rights and safety of workers.

If you work in the cannabis industry, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.

Footnote (s)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/09/24/marijuana-dispensaries-jobs/