The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) on Friday announced the launch of the Responsible Workforce Training Program, a critical initiative aimed at providing comprehensive safety education to workers in the cannabis industry. New York is the first state to require and develop Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility and Cannabis Workforce Responsibility courses related to the health, safety, and employment standards for all cannabis workforce participants. These courses, in addition to training on implicit bias, cultural competency, and licensee-specific training, represent a significant step toward building a workforce empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the New York cannabis industry.

New York State adult-use cannabis regulations require that all persons performing activities under a licensed cannabis business complete Responsible Workforce Training within 30 days of the employee’s start date.

The Responsible Workforce Training consists of four required components including:

• Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility: An hour-long free online course focusing on protecting health and safety in the regulated cannabis industry. The course educates participants on key facts about cannabis products and New York State regulations that impact daily cannabis operations.
• Cannabis Workforce Responsibility: 40-minute free online course highlighting labor standards, worker rights, and workplace health and safety.
• License Education: At least two hours of training provided by a licensee that is intended to assist in training employees on the specific activities specified by their license. This training may include a combination of on-the-job training and written instructional materials offered by the licensee.
• Implicit Bias or Cultural Competency Training: At least one hour of training is intended to identify and address unconscious prejudices that may influence decision-making and behavior. Cultural competency training focuses on understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds to improve interactions.

The Responsible Workforce Training program empowers workers with valuable information on product safety, labor standards, and best practices, fostering a culture of responsibility and compliance across the entire supply chain. By offering these trainings at no cost, New York State is actively supporting businesses and workers, eliminating financial barriers to education, and ensuring equitable access to crucial resources that protect both workers and consumers. This program not only enhances workplace safety but also reinforces New York State’s commitment to creating a fair, accountable, and sustainable cannabis industry.

New York State is currently home to 343 legal, adult-use dispensaries.

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