SBS, NYC Opportunity Launch New 'Cannabis NYC Career Training Program' to Expand Career Opportunities in City’s Growing Legal Cannabis Industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2026

SBS, NYC OPPORTUNITY LAUNCH NEW "CANNABIS NYC CAREER TRAINING PROGRAM" TO EXPAND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN CITY'S GROWING LEGAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY

New Initiative Will Connect New Yorkers to Employment Opportunities in Fast-Growing Legal Cannabis Industry

NEW YORK - Today, the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity) announced the launch of the Cannabis NYC Career Training Program, a new workforce development program designed to connect New Yorkers with quality employment opportunities in the legal cannabis industry while helping cannabis businesses recruit, train, and retain a skilled workforce. Launching during National Workforce Development Month, the program represents the next phase of the city's cannabis workforce development strategy as New York City's legal cannabis market continues to grow. As of September 2026, there are now over 315 adult-use licensed dispensaries operating across New York City. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) now projects approximately $2 billion in retail sales in 2026 and $2.6 billion in 2027, signaling continued industry growth.

"New York City's growing cannabis industry presents an opportunity to connect New Yorkers to quality jobs while helping businesses find and develop the talent they need to succeed," said SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya. "Through the Cannabis NYC Career Training Program, we are bringing those priorities together: investing in New Yorkers, supporting the workforce needs of emerging businesses, and helping ensure the economic opportunities created by this industry reach individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition."

"New York City's growing cannabis industry presents an important opportunity to advance economic security and justice for New Yorkers from communities disproportionately impacted by its previous criminalization. By connecting New Yorkers to quality jobs and helping them acquire the skills and training needed to succeed in this growing sector, this initiative is creating pathways to economic opportunity while supporting the growth of a new industry," said Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity Carson Hicks. "This Workforce Development Month, we're excited to launch an initiative that will expand access to employment opportunities and support emerging businesses while generating learnings that can strengthen workforce development efforts across the city."

The Cannabis NYC Career Training Program advances that work through an employer-driven On-the-Job Training (OJT) model designed to address challenges faced by both job seekers and cannabis businesses. Job seekers will have access to cannabis industry education and workforce training, career-readiness support, résumé and interview preparation, individualized career coaching, case management and support services, employer connections, and employment opportunities that will include structured OJT. The program will focus on connecting New Yorkers with quality employment opportunities, particularly individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.

For participating employers, the program will provide access to qualified job seekers interested in cannabis careers and support the development of structured, job-specific training for eligible new hires. Participating employers will also receive Talent Development Reimbursements to help offset eligible onboarding and training costs, reducing barriers to hiring and investing in new employees.

The Cannabis NYC Career Training Program is implemented by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy's Harlem Health Initiative (HHI), in partnership with SBS and NYC Opportunity. The CUNY SPH Foundation serves as the program's fiscal manager and administrative partner.

"As New York City's legal cannabis industry continues to evolve, public health must help guide its growth, CUNY SPH has a responsibility to bring public health leadership, evidence-based education, and a strong commitment to equity to this important work," said Dean of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy Dr. Ayman El-Mohandes. "Through our Harlem Health Initiative and with support from the CUNY SPH Foundation, we are preparing a skilled and informed workforce that understands both the opportunities and the public health responsibilities of this industry. Together with the New York City Department of Small Business Services, NYC Opportunity, employers, and community partners, we are helping shape an industry that supports economic mobility, protects public health, and benefits the communities most affected by cannabis prohibition."

"The Cannabis NYC Career Training Program represents what is possible when higher education, public health, government, employers, philanthropy, and community organizations work together toward a shared vision," said Director, Harlem Health Initiative and Community Engagement Officer, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy Deborah A. Levine. "This initiative is about creating opportunities, supporting employers, and ensuring that the benefits of New York's legal cannabis industry reach the communities that have historically been left behind. By combining workforce development with public health and community engagement, we are building careers, strengthening communities, and helping shape an equitable cannabis industry for the future."

Cannabis businesses and jobseekers interested in participating in the Cannabis NYC Career Training Program can learn more by filling out the Cannabis NYC Career Training Program interest form, and by registering for a free info session via Eventbrite.

For more information on how SBS is working to make New York City a global leader for cannabis industry excellence and connecting New Yorkers to free business services, regulatory guidance, and other resources to support sustainable economic opportunity in the legal cannabis industry, visit the Cannabis NYC webpage at nyc.gov/cannabis.

About the Harlem Health Initiative
The Harlem Health Initiative (HHI) is the community engagement arm of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. HHI works alongside residents, community-based organizations, government agencies, and institutional partners to advance health equity through education, research, workforce development, technical assistance, and community-engaged public health practice.

About CUNY SPH
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) is committed to promoting and sustaining healthier populations in New York City and around the world through excellence in education, research, and service in public health and by advocating for sound policy and practice to advance social justice and improve health outcomes for all.

About the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity
The Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity) uses evidence and innovation to reduce poverty and increase equity throughout New York City. NYC Opportunity advances research, data, and design in the city's program and policy development, service delivery, and budget decisions and works with agency partners to develop, evaluate, and strengthen initiatives that expand economic opportunity.

About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.