With the recent explosion in legalized pot in this country—wherein 28 states now have medical marijuana and eight states recently voted to legalize recreational pot—help is definitely needed.
Cannabis-related companies currently employ some 150,000 people nationwide, according to CNBC, which noted that the pot industry is set to be the fastest growing job generator in the United States.
And that number is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, or even months, if all goes well.
Industry analysts, including the ArcView group, estimate the cannabis industry is now worth around $6.7 billion and could surpass $20 billion by the year 2020. Others project the figure could be even higher.
What most experts and financial watchers seem to agree upon is that the projected billion-dollar growth will primarily be experienced in the area of employment. According to the Motley Fool, the cannabis-related job market could double or triple in the next few years.
In addition to the obvious jobs of growing and processing marijuana, budtending and providing paraphernalia on the retail level, other job opportunities are flourishing in security (since most banks still won’t to deal with marijuana-based businesses, cash is the name of the game), courier and delivery services, regulation, web and software development, consulting and marketing.
Chemistry and cannabis research is also on the rise as medical marijuana and CBD-based medications are proving successful, especially in treating epilepsy.
CNBC pointed out that some 400 students are currently enrolled in a 12-course program offered by the Northeastern Institute of Cannabis in Natick, Massachusetts that will likely jump-start their careers in the cannabis industry.
As in any industry, the pay can vary, but managers and shop owners can expect to make six figures under the right conditions.
So where are all these jobs?
Check out websites, like Indeed.com, THCJobs.com and Monster.com, all of which happen to be advertising hundreds of jobs in the marijuana industry.
Like the weed-related jobs themselves, other career sites, recruiters and even headhunters are flocking to get in on the green rush, so there could soon be a great job coming to a place near you.
More Pot Jobs Coverage:
5 Spliffy Cannabis Careers
Cannabusiness 101: Getting in on the Green
Is the Weed Industry Right for Me?
Poll: Which Pot Job Is Your Calling?
Bud Biz Boom: 5 Top Economic Opportunities in Cannabusiness
You can keep up with all of HIGH TIMES’ business coverage right here.
