New York is gearing up for a multi-billion dollar marijuana industry — here’s how

By Maureen Meehan

After the great state of New York fully legalized cannabis and prospective participants are already applying for business licenses, the Workforce Development Institute and Cornell University have joined forces to form the Cannabis Workforce Initiative (CWI).

As state regulators begin the licensing process, members of this collaborative effort seek to connect people interested in entering the industry, particularly those applying for social justice licenses, with the educational and training resources they need need to be successful.

Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

How will it work?

The CWI initiative is developing a system of outreach and education for employers, organizations and individuals wishing to enter the industry, including those with criminal records and others who have been harmed by the criminalization of cannabis. In fact, Gov. Kathy Hochul has pledged $200 million to support social justice claimants.

Start with a poll

According to a national survey conducted by the CWI to identify potential stakeholders, 60% of the nearly 100 respondents said they are either planning to or are already working in New York, and eight in 10 said they would like to learn more about the state and federal workforce and Employment Law. The survey also suggests that pharmacist positions will be the most in-demand jobs, followed by farmers and inventory specialists, and customer service will be the most in-demand skill.

“Our work is very exciting. We are taking part in building a major new industry in New York State that has the potential to be a game changer for New York citizens and communities who have suffered from the criminalization of cannabis and other workers who often underperform working conditions little pay,” said Esta Bigler of the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations, which directs the CWI’s law education branch.

RELATED: New York’s potency tax could result in very expensive weed — here’s how much

Executive Director of the Workforce Development Institute, Amy Desjardins, said her team was also encouraged by the survey results.

“It is clear that while the New York City goals of social justice have broad employer support, CWI also has a role to play as a bridge between social justice job seekers and key employers in the industry,” Desjardins said.

RELATED: New York’s draft conditional retail regulation raises practical concerns

“Our goal is to help New York State deliver on its promise of restorative justice in the adult-use cannabis industry. Along with our ongoing research and outreach, this survey is an important tool to ensure we hear directly from the industry.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.