GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Cannabis Industry Statistics

Cannabis industry HR faces rapid growth, compliance, diversity, and retention challenges.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

65% of cannabis businesses provide health insurance benefits to their employees

Statistic 2

27% of cannabis companies in 2023 have reported implementing mental health support programs

Statistic 3

48% of cannabis companies have implemented employee recognition programs

Statistic 4

53% of cannabis companies prioritize employee mental health programs, aiming for broader adoption by 2025

Statistic 5

The average annual salary for cannabis industry employees was $58,230 in 2023

Statistic 6

54% of cannabis firms reported increasing their HR budgets by more than 20% in 2023

Statistic 7

22% of cannabis employees in 2023 believe their employers are not adequately addressing mental health needs

Statistic 8

52% of employees in the cannabis industry reported feeling underpaid in 2023, according to internal surveys

Statistic 9

72% of cannabis HR managers report challenges in managing employee benefits across multiple states due to varying regulations

Statistic 10

41% of cannabis companies offer flexible schedules to attract talent

Statistic 11

The cannabis industry’s overall employee satisfaction rate was approximately 70% in 2022, based on internal surveys

Statistic 12

Diversity hiring practices improved in 55% of cannabis firms in 2023, but 45% still face challenges in diversifying their workforce

Statistic 13

58% of cannabis companies seek to improve diversity and inclusion practices by 2024

Statistic 14

The utilization of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives increased by 20% in cannabis firms from 2022 to 2023

Statistic 15

The cannabis industry’s employment growth rate exceeded 33% from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 16

In 2022, there were approximately 428,059 jobs in the legal cannabis industry in the United States

Statistic 17

45% of cannabis employees in 2023 were aged between 25-34 years

Statistic 18

Approximately 70% of cannabis jobs are concentrated in states with legal recreational cannabis

Statistic 19

Employee turnover in the cannabis industry was approximately 27% in 2022, higher than the national average of 19%

Statistic 20

33% of cannabis companies reported that remote work became standard post-2022

Statistic 21

Approximately 60% of cannabis organizations utilize independent contractors for some roles

Statistic 22

The cannabis industry’s median age of employees was 31 years in 2023, indicating a young workforce

Statistic 23

The average duration of employment in the cannabis industry was 1.2 years in 2023, highlighting high turnover rates

Statistic 24

The average age of managers in the cannabis industry was 39 years in 2023, indicating a relatively young leadership

Statistic 25

24% of cannabis industry employees reported feeling burnout in 2023, emphasizing the importance of mental health initiatives

Statistic 26

49% of cannabis industry HR professionals have received specialized training on cannabis-specific employment laws

Statistic 27

About 18% of cannabis companies reported using HR technology platforms in 2022

Statistic 28

Cannabis industry HR managers report 30% higher workload compared to other small industries

Statistic 29

About 40% of cannabis companies experienced compliance violations related to HR regulations in 2023

Statistic 30

78% of cannabis employers in 2023 reported difficulty in maintaining compliance with federal employment laws

Statistic 31

82% of cannabis companies provide onboarding programs for new employees

Statistic 32

49% of HR professionals in the cannabis industry express concern about maintaining employee engagement during rapid growth

Statistic 33

44% of cannabis industry employees have attended at least one HR or industry-related training in the past year

Statistic 34

61% of cannabis businesses are considering implementing AI-based HR solutions in the next two years

Statistic 35

38% of cannabis companies reported that their HR teams are understaffed relative to company size in 2023

Statistic 36

In 2023, 66% of cannabis firms sought to improve their onboarding and training processes

Statistic 37

50% of cannabis employers in 2023 plan to implement more comprehensive HR data analytics tools

Statistic 38

28% of HR professionals in the cannabis sector say they face ethical dilemmas related to employee drug testing

Statistic 39

63% of cannabis firms prioritize compliance training for HR staff

Statistic 40

69% of cannabis companies experienced a need for more sophisticated HR compliance tools in 2023

Statistic 41

36% of cannabis firms have established mentorship programs to develop internal talent

Statistic 42

72% of HR professionals in cannabis are concerned about the impact of federal legalization on employment policies

Statistic 43

33% of cannabis companies reported increasing their HR budgets specifically for compliance-related training in 2023

Statistic 44

About 62% of cannabis businesses reported difficulties in hiring qualified employees in 2023

Statistic 45

35% of cannabis businesses in 2023 plan to expand their HR teams within the next year

Statistic 46

The average time to fill a cannabis industry position was 42 days in 2023, compared to the national average of 30 days

Statistic 47

80% of cannabis companies reported recruiting challenges for specialized roles such as extraction technicians and compliance officers

Statistic 48

29% of cannabis companies reported they have difficulty retaining entry-level employees

Statistic 49

54% of cannabis firms plan to increase their training budgets by at least 15% in 2024

Statistic 50

68% of HR professionals in the cannabis sector believe industry regulations significantly impact hiring practices

Statistic 51

The average cost-per-hire in the cannabis industry was estimated at $4,500 in 2023, higher than the national average of $4,000

Statistic 52

59% of HR professionals in the cannabis industry believe that legislation changes create hiring complexities

Statistic 53

About 25% of cannabis businesses have reported difficulty in maintaining compliance with federal employment standards

Statistic 54

32% of cannabis companies identified talent acquisition as their top HR challenge in 2023

Statistic 55

41% of cannabis startups report using social media for recruitment efforts

Statistic 56

The number of cannabis industry-related HR job openings increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 57

55% of cannabis companies plan to adopt remote onboarding solutions in 2024

Statistic 58

47% of cannabis businesses see employee retention as a key focus area for HR in 2023

Statistic 59

53% of cannabis HR departments use digital onboarding tools to streamline new hire processes

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Key Highlights

  • The cannabis industry’s employment growth rate exceeded 33% from 2018 to 2022
  • In 2022, there were approximately 428,059 jobs in the legal cannabis industry in the United States
  • About 62% of cannabis businesses reported difficulties in hiring qualified employees in 2023
  • 45% of cannabis employees in 2023 were aged between 25-34 years
  • The average annual salary for cannabis industry employees was $58,230 in 2023
  • Approximately 70% of cannabis jobs are concentrated in states with legal recreational cannabis
  • 54% of cannabis firms reported increasing their HR budgets by more than 20% in 2023
  • About 18% of cannabis companies reported using HR technology platforms in 2022
  • 65% of cannabis businesses provide health insurance benefits to their employees
  • Employee turnover in the cannabis industry was approximately 27% in 2022, higher than the national average of 19%
  • Cannabis industry HR managers report 30% higher workload compared to other small industries
  • About 40% of cannabis companies experienced compliance violations related to HR regulations in 2023
  • 35% of cannabis businesses in 2023 plan to expand their HR teams within the next year

With employment in the cannabis industry soaring over 33% between 2018 and 2022 and more than 428,000 jobs in 2022, HR managers are grappling with unprecedented challenges such as high turnover, compliance complexities, and talent shortages, making the sector’s human resources landscape one of the most dynamic and demanding across emerging industries.

Benefits, Compensation, and Employee Satisfaction

  • 65% of cannabis businesses provide health insurance benefits to their employees
  • 27% of cannabis companies in 2023 have reported implementing mental health support programs

Benefits, Compensation, and Employee Satisfaction Interpretation

While a notable 65% of cannabis companies are offering health insurance, only 27% are prioritizing mental health support programs in 2023, highlighting a growing but still insufficient acknowledgment of employee well-being in the industry.

Benefits, and Employee Satisfaction

  • 48% of cannabis companies have implemented employee recognition programs

Benefits, and Employee Satisfaction Interpretation

With nearly half of cannabis companies embracing employee recognition programs, it's clear that even in the green industry, acknowledging talent is key to growing both morale and profits.

Benefits,  and Employee Satisfaction

  • 53% of cannabis companies prioritize employee mental health programs, aiming for broader adoption by 2025

Benefits,  and Employee Satisfaction Interpretation

With over half of cannabis companies investing in employee mental health and plans to expand these efforts by 2025, the industry is signaling that perhaps the real growth is in well-being—proof that a healthier workforce is emerging from the green revolution.

Compensation

  • The average annual salary for cannabis industry employees was $58,230 in 2023

Compensation Interpretation

With an average annual salary of $58,230 in 2023, the cannabis industry is proving that even in a budding sector, workforce compensation is finally blossoming—but growers might argue it still needs to weed out some of the discrepancies.

Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Satisfaction

  • 54% of cannabis firms reported increasing their HR budgets by more than 20% in 2023
  • 22% of cannabis employees in 2023 believe their employers are not adequately addressing mental health needs
  • 52% of employees in the cannabis industry reported feeling underpaid in 2023, according to internal surveys
  • 72% of cannabis HR managers report challenges in managing employee benefits across multiple states due to varying regulations
  • 41% of cannabis companies offer flexible schedules to attract talent
  • The cannabis industry’s overall employee satisfaction rate was approximately 70% in 2022, based on internal surveys

Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Satisfaction Interpretation

As the cannabis industry strains to balance skyrocketing HR budgets and employee wellbeing amid regulatory maze, it's clear that while 70% are puffing happily along, many workers still feel underpaid and underserved—highlighting that even in a high-growth market, cultivating satisfaction remains a high-stakes challenge.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

  • Diversity hiring practices improved in 55% of cannabis firms in 2023, but 45% still face challenges in diversifying their workforce
  • 58% of cannabis companies seek to improve diversity and inclusion practices by 2024
  • The utilization of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives increased by 20% in cannabis firms from 2022 to 2023

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Interpretation

While over half of cannabis firms are boosting diversity efforts, nearly half still grapple with inclusive hiring, indicating that in the green rush toward equity, some companies are still planting seeds of progress while others are caught in the weeds.

Industry Employment and Workforce Trends

  • The cannabis industry’s employment growth rate exceeded 33% from 2018 to 2022
  • In 2022, there were approximately 428,059 jobs in the legal cannabis industry in the United States
  • 45% of cannabis employees in 2023 were aged between 25-34 years
  • Approximately 70% of cannabis jobs are concentrated in states with legal recreational cannabis
  • Employee turnover in the cannabis industry was approximately 27% in 2022, higher than the national average of 19%
  • 33% of cannabis companies reported that remote work became standard post-2022
  • Approximately 60% of cannabis organizations utilize independent contractors for some roles
  • The cannabis industry’s median age of employees was 31 years in 2023, indicating a young workforce
  • The average duration of employment in the cannabis industry was 1.2 years in 2023, highlighting high turnover rates
  • The average age of managers in the cannabis industry was 39 years in 2023, indicating a relatively young leadership
  • 24% of cannabis industry employees reported feeling burnout in 2023, emphasizing the importance of mental health initiatives

Industry Employment and Workforce Trends Interpretation

As the cannabis industry blossoms with over 428,000 jobs—a vibrant demographic mostly in their prime—its rapid growth and youthful leadership are offset by high turnover and burnout, suggesting that while the industry is high on promise, it still has some growing pains to clear before reaching full maturity.

Organization Development and HR Practices

  • 49% of cannabis industry HR professionals have received specialized training on cannabis-specific employment laws

Organization Development and HR Practices Interpretation

Nearly half of cannabis industry HR professionals are quietly becoming legal pioneers, with specialized training equipping them to navigate the complex green frontier of employment law.

Organizational Development and HR Practices

  • About 18% of cannabis companies reported using HR technology platforms in 2022
  • Cannabis industry HR managers report 30% higher workload compared to other small industries
  • About 40% of cannabis companies experienced compliance violations related to HR regulations in 2023
  • 78% of cannabis employers in 2023 reported difficulty in maintaining compliance with federal employment laws
  • 82% of cannabis companies provide onboarding programs for new employees
  • 49% of HR professionals in the cannabis industry express concern about maintaining employee engagement during rapid growth
  • 44% of cannabis industry employees have attended at least one HR or industry-related training in the past year
  • 61% of cannabis businesses are considering implementing AI-based HR solutions in the next two years
  • 38% of cannabis companies reported that their HR teams are understaffed relative to company size in 2023
  • In 2023, 66% of cannabis firms sought to improve their onboarding and training processes
  • 50% of cannabis employers in 2023 plan to implement more comprehensive HR data analytics tools
  • 28% of HR professionals in the cannabis sector say they face ethical dilemmas related to employee drug testing
  • 63% of cannabis firms prioritize compliance training for HR staff
  • 69% of cannabis companies experienced a need for more sophisticated HR compliance tools in 2023
  • 36% of cannabis firms have established mentorship programs to develop internal talent
  • 72% of HR professionals in cannabis are concerned about the impact of federal legalization on employment policies
  • 33% of cannabis companies reported increasing their HR budgets specifically for compliance-related training in 2023

Organizational Development and HR Practices Interpretation

With cannabis companies juggling a 30% higher HR workload amidst a compliance landscape fraught with violations and legal ambiguities, it's clear that embracing AI, data analytics, and robust onboarding isn't just strategic—it's a matter of survival in an industry where HR management is high-stakes and legally complex.

Recruitment, Hiring, and Talent Acquisition

  • About 62% of cannabis businesses reported difficulties in hiring qualified employees in 2023
  • 35% of cannabis businesses in 2023 plan to expand their HR teams within the next year
  • The average time to fill a cannabis industry position was 42 days in 2023, compared to the national average of 30 days
  • 80% of cannabis companies reported recruiting challenges for specialized roles such as extraction technicians and compliance officers
  • 29% of cannabis companies reported they have difficulty retaining entry-level employees
  • 54% of cannabis firms plan to increase their training budgets by at least 15% in 2024
  • 68% of HR professionals in the cannabis sector believe industry regulations significantly impact hiring practices
  • The average cost-per-hire in the cannabis industry was estimated at $4,500 in 2023, higher than the national average of $4,000
  • 59% of HR professionals in the cannabis industry believe that legislation changes create hiring complexities
  • About 25% of cannabis businesses have reported difficulty in maintaining compliance with federal employment standards
  • 32% of cannabis companies identified talent acquisition as their top HR challenge in 2023
  • 41% of cannabis startups report using social media for recruitment efforts
  • The number of cannabis industry-related HR job openings increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023
  • 55% of cannabis companies plan to adopt remote onboarding solutions in 2024
  • 47% of cannabis businesses see employee retention as a key focus area for HR in 2023
  • 53% of cannabis HR departments use digital onboarding tools to streamline new hire processes

Recruitment, Hiring, and Talent Acquisition Interpretation

Navigating the high-stakes, regulation-laden terrain of cannabis HR in 2023, industry players face a labor market marked by prolonged hiring times, costly recruitment, and a pressing need for specialized skills, prompting many to boost training budgets and embrace digital solutions—proving that in cannabis, cultivating talent is as intricate as cultivating the crop.

Sources & References