Cannabis legalization supporters stated numerous times during the 2012 campaign that legalization would create jobs. Colorado, like every other state in the country, was hit hard by the economic downturn of the late 2000′s/early 2010′s. Many people lost their jobs and found it hard to find a new job. Any new jobs that are created in Colorado by the cannabis industry are welcomed.
It appears that supporters of legalization were right, as the legal cannabis industry in Colorado has added a significant amount of jobs since legalization implementation began. These jobs are in addition to the medical cannabis jobs that were already in existence. From Vox:
Since retail sales of recreational marijuana began in January, the state has seen a small boom in jobs. The Marijuana Industry Group (MIG) estimates there are currently about 10,000 people directly involved with marijuana, with 1,000 to 2,000 joining in the past few months and more expected as high demand for recreational marijuana continues. MIG says it’s hard to separate how many of those 10,000 jobs are tied to recreational marijuana and which are exclusively on the medical side, but at least a few thousand jobs came during and after the preparation and start of recreational sales.
Is there any state in America that doesn’t need more jobs in it’s economy? Especially solid, rewarding jobs like those found in the cannabis industry? Why isn’t every state legalizing cannabis to boost job growth and create career opportunities for its citizens? It’s time for a new approach.
By Anthony Johnson
Source: orcannabisindustry.org
