NY’s Cannabis Workforce Initiative aims to train next generation of entrepreneurs

April 8, 2022
AggregatedNews
New York
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When Amy Desjardins started advocating for New York to legalize medical marijuana, the cannabis industry’s job creation potential was central to her support.

As executive director of the nonprofit Workforce Development Institute, she felt the weed industry could become a huge driver of jobs that provide middle-class wages. And those careers could benefit people most harmed by the 50-plus-year War on Drugs.

Now that the Empire State has fully legalized weed and some entrepreneurs are already applying for certain cannabis business licenses, the workforce institute and Cornell University have teamed up to form the New York State Cannabis Workforce Initiative.

As state regulators begin licensing businesses, leaders of the joint project are trying to connect people interested in the cannabis industry – especially those applying for social equity licenses – with the educational and training resources they need to be successful.

“It really is a two-pronged approach: Cornell, they’re really focused on the legal education piece … WDI is really focused on workforce development education and training,” Desjardins said. “There’s so much going on in this industry, and it’s really about being at the table; making sure workforce development is front and center.” [Read more at syracuse.com]

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