Sales of state-licensed cannabis products reached $30.1 billion in 2024, according to data from Vangst Staffing and Whitney Economics. This figure marks a 4.5 percent increase from the previous year. Analysts anticipate that sales will surpass $34 billion in 2025.
Several states, including New York, Mississippi, and Ohio, saw notable increases in full-time jobs related to the cannabis sector in 2024. Currently, approximately 425,000 individuals are employed full-time in state-licensed cannabis businesses.
From 2017 to 2022, the cannabis industry experienced consistent double-digit growth year-over-year. However, since then, growth has stabilized, leading to a shift in focus from rapid expansion to operational discipline. Karson Humiston, founder and CEO of Vangst, remarked on this transition, indicating that the industry is now prioritizing sustainability and efficiency.
Despite a slight decrease in job numbers, cannabis remains a leading employment sector in the United States. The industry is projected to grow by over 13 percent in 2025, maintaining its status as a significant economic driver.
California leads the nation in cannabis-related employment, with over 74,000 full-time workers. Other states with substantial employment figures include Michigan (45,000), Florida (31,000), Massachusetts (27,000), and Pennsylvania (25,000).
Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, emphasized the economic importance of the state-legal cannabis workforce. He pointed out that outdated federal laws categorize many individuals employed in this industry as criminals, which limits their access to banking, housing, education, international travel, and citizenship. Furthermore, these businesses often face high taxation and lack access to traditional financial services, resulting in a competitive disadvantage compared to conventional businesses.
The Marijuana Policy Project’s 2024 analysis reported that retail sales of adult-use cannabis products have generated over $20 billion in state tax revenue since 2014. This revenue is crucial for state budgets and public services.
Vangst has released a report titled “The State of Cannabis Jobs, Challenges, Changes, and Optimism for the Future,” which details these findings and the ongoing evolution of the cannabis industry. As the market continues to mature, it remains a vital part of the economy, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities within this growing sector.
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