Maryland to launch workforce program for those with cannabis-related criminal offenses

MARYLAND (DC News Now) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced Thursday that he would be launching a program to help those with cannabis-related criminal offenses enter the workforce.

This comes just over a week after Moore pardoned thousands of people with marijuana convictions.

The Cannabis Workforce Development Program is the nation’s first workforce development initiative developed and administered by a cannabis regulator agency, according to a release from the Governor’s Office.

The program will be offered for free to eligible applicants in order to reduce barriers to employment and create paths to sustainable jobs in the cannabis industry.

“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,” Gov. Moore stated in a release. “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.”

Participants will have access to eight instructor-led, self-paced courses taught by industry experts, licensed operators and college professors. After attendees complete 100 cumulative hours of virtual coursework and instruction, they can enroll in a two-day intensive course with 16 hours of hands-on occupational training.

“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 Cannabis Administration Director Will Tilburg stated, in part.  

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting on Monday, July 1.

Anticipated locations and dates for the initial roll-out of the Cannabis Workforce Development Program include:

• 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

The program was jumpstarted with a $122,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Labor’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program.

For more information about the program, click here.