New York Launches First-in-the-Nation Responsible Workforce Training for Cannabis Industry Workers
New York State is taking a groundbreaking step to promote safety and professionalism within its cannabis industry. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) have partnered to launch the Responsible Workforce Training Program. This initiative is the first of its kind in the nation, offering comprehensive safety and workplace education to workers in the cannabis sector. The program aims to create a well-trained workforce that can meet the health, safety, and employment standards set by the state’s cannabis regulations.
The Responsible Workforce Training Program is designed to ensure that every worker in New York’s adult-use cannabis industry is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in this evolving field. As part of New York’s adult-use cannabis regulations, all employees working under a licensed cannabis business must complete this training within 30 days of their start date. The training consists of four essential components:
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Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility: A free, one-hour online course that focuses on protecting public health and safety in the cannabis industry. It covers essential facts about cannabis products and the state’s regulations that guide daily operations.
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Cannabis Workforce Responsibility: This 40-minute free online course focuses on labor standards, worker rights, and workplace health and safety, helping employees understand their rights and the best practices for maintaining a safe work environment.
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License Education: A minimum of two hours of training provided by the cannabis business itself, offering employees specific guidance on their role in accordance with the company’s license. This training can include a mix of on-the-job instruction and written materials.
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Implicit Bias or Cultural Competency Training: A one-hour session that addresses unconscious biases and prejudices, helping employees interact more effectively with diverse cultural backgrounds and promoting inclusive behavior in the workplace.
Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the OCM, emphasized the importance of these trainings, stating, “The health, safety, and well-being of workers is non-negotiable—especially as the industry continues to develop.” She added that these programs help the cannabis industry remain transparent, responsible, and aligned with New York’s high standards for workforce protection and public health.
This training program is a result of a strong collaboration between the OCM and the NYSDOL. Roberta Reardon, Commissioner of the NYSDOL, highlighted the need to protect both workers and consumers as New York’s cannabis industry continues to grow. She stated, “These trainings will ensure that cannabis workers have the knowledge and skills to safely deliver quality services consumers have come to expect.”
The program has received strong support from labor organizations as well. Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), praised the initiative, saying, “New York is placing the safety and well-being of workers at the forefront, demonstrating the essential role cannabis workers play in ensuring consumer safety.” John R. Durso, President of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, added, “There is a direct link between worker knowledge and workplace safety, and consumer safety and awareness.”
One of the key features of the Responsible Workforce Training Program is that it is offered at no cost to workers, ensuring that businesses and employees are not burdened with financial barriers to education. By providing free access to these critical resources, New York State is promoting equitable opportunities for all workers in the cannabis industry, regardless of their financial background.
The training program is a crucial step in fostering a culture of responsibility, compliance, and best practices across the cannabis industry’s supply chain. It not only protects workers but also ensures consumers receive quality products and services in a safe environment. As New York’s cannabis market continues to mature, the OCM and NYSDOL plan to evolve the training to meet the needs of the industry and workforce.
With 343 legal adult-use dispensaries now operating in New York, the state is committed to creating a robust and sustainable cannabis industry. For more information on the Responsible Workforce Training Program, visit the OCM website at
By focusing on worker education and safety, New York is setting a national standard for how cannabis industries should prioritize both their workforce and consumer protection, paving the way for a responsible and thriving cannabis market.
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