Massachusetts’ marijuana regulators launched a new online platform to help people connect with employers, receive workplace training, and find networking opportunities within the legal cannabis sector in Massachusetts.
At first, the EquityWorks Career Hub was only open to people who were part of a Cannabis Control Commission Equity Program. The program is part of efforts by the State to prioritise those most affected by drug abuse. On June 19, the hub is set to be opened to the public.
Travis Ahern said that EquityWorks is an open platform for everyone, which allows individuals from the cannabis industry and beyond to contribute to its $8 billion economy. “We encourage anyone interested in a cannabis industry career—or career advancement—to take advantage of this resource, a first-of-its-kind tool for the regulated industry in Massachusetts.”
EquityWorks has traditional job boards features such as employment postings. It also includes peer networking tools, a calendar for live networking, and other monthly events. Companies can set up customizable “booths”, where they post open positions and show off their company’s culture. They can also conduct live interviews or host online job fairs.
The CCC Equity Programing and Community Outreach Department (EPCO) created the program. In September, it will start its next round of technical assistance to people who are enrolled in SEP. According to CCC’s press release, the participants are “individuals most affected by the War on Drugs,” including those who have been subjected to disproportionate arrests and imprisonment as a result of the marijuana prohibition.
It says that over 1100 people took part in this program. This included free training on technical issues, expedited review of licensing applications, waivers of fees, exclusive access for delivery permits and upcoming social consumption permits, it said.
CCC also said that in its press release, it is in the process to implement regulatory changes aimed at lowering the barriers of entry for SEP participation.
The officials stated that “among the reforms,” the Commission is now in charge of overseeing contracts made between licensees or host communities, and the Commission also demands inclusive licensing policies on the municipal level. “The agency also ended blanket prohibitions that once prevented people with criminal records from obtaining certain jobs in the legal marketplace, in accordance with state law.”
New Jersey’s state launched last year a Cannabis Training Academy in nearby New Jersey to assist entrepreneurs looking to get into the state marijuana industry. Officials said that as of February more than 1,000 individuals had registered.
Garden State Technical Assistance Program is a free program for participants. It covers issues including zoning regulations and daily operations. The academy is offered online. According to organizers, this allows for students to work at their own speed. Programming consists of pre-recorded webinars as well as live Q&A sessions with instructors, though in-person programs are also in the works.
According to a release, the New Jersey Academy is designed to promote equity in the legal cannabis industry in New Jersey. The program, according the press release, “is specially designed for those who are members of the target Impact Zones as defined by the CREAMM Act, and the subsequent NJ-CRC regulations.”
Maryland launched a workplace program aimed at supporting the participation of people criminalized in previous cannabis cases.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said (D) in a news release. For decades cannabis policy has served as a weapon. We have shown how the cannabis policy is a powerful tool that can help everyone.
Participants can take courses at their own pace, taught by experts in the industry, college professors, and licensed marijuana businesses. The virtual training can be completed in 100 hours. After that, participants may enroll in an in-person, two-day course to receive occupational training.
Maryland launched its program less than two week after Moore granted a pardon to over 175,000 people convicted of marijuana possession and paraphernalia.
Separately, in Massachusetts lawmakers are working on a budget for the state and clashing with CCC representatives, who have said that they will not be able to make important technology improvements unless more money is provided by the legislature.
Ahern is the executive director of CCC. He believes that the agency requires more funding to update its IT infrastructure and address recent criticisms, including the failure to collect $550,000 worth of licensing fees.
CCC was asked to audit the non-collection of fees that dates back to August 20, 2022 by state’s Inspector General.
The state legislature is also looking at tightening restrictions on hemp-derived intoxicants and plans to let individual companies control more cannabis businesses.
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