Governor Moore’s Vision for Cannabis Policy
“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 Governor Moore. “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.”
The program, which is free for eligible applicants, aims to reduce barriers to employment and create pathways to sustainable jobs in the cannabis industry. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting July 1.
Comprehensive Training and Job Placement
Participants in the program will access eight self-paced courses led by instructors, including industry experts, licensed operators, and college professors. After completing 100 hours of virtual coursework, participants can enroll in a two-day intensive in-person course offering 16 hours of hands-on training. This in-person training will be available monthly starting November 2024 at various locations across the state.
Initial Roll-Out Locations and Dates
- November 2024: Baltimore Region
- December 2024: Anne Arundel County
- January 2025: Southern Region
- February 2025: Prince George’s County
- March 2025: Eastern Region
- April 2025: Western Region
Supporting Cannabis Reform and Economic Growth
“Maryland is leading on cannabis reform and reinforcing that legalization must be accompanied by efforts to address the burdens of criminalization,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Will Tilburg. “Through this program, individuals adversely impacted by cannabis criminalization will be able to receive real-time, hands-on experience and access to job placement.”
Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for those affected by past cannabis convictions. “EARN promotes jobs and economic growth in Maryland, and the cannabis industry offers opportunities for entrepreneurs and career seekers. We wanted to prioritize that opportunity for residents who have been limited in the past by a prior cannabis-related conviction.”
Funding and Partnerships
The program has received a grant award of $122,000 from EARN to initiate the project. Additionally, the Maryland Cannabis Administration has secured partnerships with several licensed cannabis operators and two institutions known for their innovative cannabis industry education and workforce development: Anne Arundel Community College and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Maryland’s Cannabis Workforce Development Program represents a significant step in supporting the state’s cannabis reform efforts, focusing on inclusivity and providing tangible benefits to those most affected by past cannabis policies.
