The US legal cannabis industry is undergoing a significant transformation, as highlighted in Vangst’s annual Cannabis Jobs Report, produced with Whitney Economics. The report reveals a 3.4% decrease in employment across the cannabis sector in 2024, resulting in approximately 425,002 full-time equivalent jobs, a loss of nearly 15,500 positions. Despite this decline in jobs, the industry’s overall retail sales increased by 4.5% to exceed $30.1 billion for the year.
According to Karson Humiston, founder and CEO of Vangst, this shift indicates a move from rapid growth to a focus on stable operations. Humiston stated, “The cannabis industry has shifted from a phase of hypergrowth to one of operational discipline. This recalibration reflects a maturing industry focused on sustainability and efficiency.”
Beau Whitney, Chief Economist at Whitney Economics, described the current landscape as a strategic reset. He noted that the industry is adjusting to market conditions as it prepares for future growth.
Mature markets like California, Illinois, and Colorado have altered their focus to improve operational practices. However, these changes have led to significant job losses, attributed to market saturation and high tax rates. California alone experienced a loss of nearly 1,100 cultivation licenses, contributing to a reduction of 3,995 jobs in 2024. In Illinois, a hefty 36.25% sales tax has driven consumers to seek more affordable options in neighboring states, stunting growth in the local market. Arizona and Colorado also faced major job losses of 52% and 9%, respectively, largely due to oversupply and declining consumer interest.
Whitney pointed out that the regulatory framework for cannabis operators has remained largely unchanged for over a decade, with regulators prioritizing public safety over the well-being of the businesses they oversee.
In contrast, emerging markets such as New York, Mississippi, and Ohio are experiencing job growth. New York saw the addition of over 8,400 jobs, a staggering 209% increase from the previous year, facilitated by the opening of more than 200 retail locations and the issuance of 743 new licenses. Ohio and Mississippi reported job increases of 34% and 103%, respectively.
Looking ahead to 2025, national cannabis retail sales are projected to reach $34 billion, marking a 13.1% increase. Nevertheless, without policy reforms to improve market efficiencies, hiring may continue to lag behind revenue growth.
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