Maryland Governor Wes Moore Announces First-Of-Its-Kind Cannabis Workforce Program

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of the Cannabis Workforce Development Program, the first such initiative developed and administered by a cannabis regulatory agency in the nation. 

The program, which will prioritize individuals with a history of cannabis-related offenses, is launching after Moore's recent pardon of more than 175,000 marijuana convictions.

"This groundbreaking collaboration will support Marylanders interested in joining the state's growing cannabis industry and prioritize individuals and communities directly impacted by the War on Drugs," said Gov. Moore on The Baynet. "For decades, cannabis policy has been used as a cudgel. Together, we prove how cannabis policy can be used as a valuable tool to leave no one behind."

Maryland voters overwhelmingly approved marijuana legalization in the November 2022 elections when Moore was elected as the state's first Black governor and only the third in the nation. 

When he took office in January 2023, one of Moore’s first executive actions was to release $69 million in pre-approved funds to support cannabis market reform to help minority-owned small businesses and to begin expungement efforts.

What's The New Program All About?

The Cannabis Workforce Development Program, which will be offered free of charge to eligible applicants, is a joint partnership with the Maryland Cannabis Administration and the Maryland Department of Labor's Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program.

The program is meant to reduce barriers to employment and create paths to sustainable jobs in the cannabis industry. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis starting July 1.

"Maryland is leading on cannabis reform and reinforcing that legalization must be accompanied by efforts to address the burdens of criminalization," said Will Tilburg, director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration. "Through this program, individuals adversely impacted by cannabis criminalization will be able to receive real-time, hands-on experience and access to job placement." 

Program participants will have access to eight instructor-led, self-paced courses taught by industry experts, licensed operators and college professors.

Topics such as cannabis legalization, expungement and social equity policies are on the menu at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Come and speak directly with cannabis advocates, top executives, investors and policymakers. Get your tickets now before prices go up by following this link.

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Photo: Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, courtesy of Maryland.gov