According to Vangst, a marijuana staffing firm, the number of cannabis jobs in the United States decreased by 3.4% in 2024, bringing the total to approximately 425,000 full-time equivalent positions. This drop occurred even as national cannabis sales increased to $30.1 billion, with projections estimating a revenue growth of over 13% for the year.
Karson Humiston, founder and CEO of Vangst, attributed this job decline to a shift in the cannabis industry from rapid expansion to a focus on sustainability and efficiency. “The cannabis industry has shifted from a phase of hypergrowth to one of operational discipline,” Humiston stated in a press release.
Despite the overall reduction in cannabis jobs, certain regions have experienced growth. States like Ohio and New York are generating new employment opportunities through expanded licensing and increased participation in the legal market. In contrast, more established markets such as Illinois, Arizona, and Colorado have seen job losses due to factors like oversupply, high taxes, and decreased consumer demand.
Vangst highlighted a positive trend in staffing practices within the cannabis sector. The use of flexible staffing and temp-to-hire arrangements has surged, particularly in cultivation and processing roles. This approach allows companies to adapt to ongoing market pressures while managing their labor costs more effectively.
While the cannabis job market faces challenges, the overall revenue growth signifies potential stability and future opportunities within the industry.
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