New Cannabis Responsible Workforce Training Program Launched in New York by OCM and NYSDOL

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In a recent press release (1), the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced the start of the Responsible Workforce Training program. This initiative will work towards offering “comprehensive safety education to workers in the cannabis industry.” Additionally, the program will make New York (NY) the first state to require, as well as create Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility and Cannabis Workforec Responsibility courses that are targeted toward employment, health, and safety standards for all cannabis workforce participants (1). The press release mentioned that (1), “These courses, in addition to training on implicit bias, cultural competency, and licensee specific trainings, 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.”

Adult-use cannabis regulations in New York mandate that all new employees under a licensed cannabis business need to finish Responsible Workforce Training within 30 days of their start date (1).

As mentioned in the press release, Responsible Workforce Training includes four required sections (1):

• 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 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.

“I’ve spent many hours on site with cannabusinesses and their staff, as well as with communities across our State, so I know how critical occupational safety is to workers in the industry. The health, safety, and well-being of workers is non-negotiable—especially as the industry continues to develop,” Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, said (1). “In collaboration with DOL, the Responsible Workforce Training provides vital resources that not only promote workplace safety but also ensure the industry remains responsible, transparent, and aligned with New York’s high standards of workforce protection and public health.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon commented (1), “It is imperative that we protect all workers and consumers as we continue to safely cultivate our cannabis industry. These trainings will ensure that cannabis workers have the knowledge and skills to safely deliver quality services consumers have come to expect from businesses across the economic spectrum throughout New York State.”

“We can't have a successful cannabis industry without investing in its workforce,” Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, mentioned (1). “In developing the first-in-the-nation Responsible Workforce Training, New York is placing the safety and wellbeing of workers at the forefront, and is demonstrating the essential role cannabis workers play in ensuring the safety of consumers.”

“The launch of the Responsible Workforce Training acknowledges the importance of New York’s cannabis workers who are supporting the industry throughout the supply chain by providing them with resources to help them and their employers succeed,” John R. Durso, President of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, said (1). “As the union representing cannabis workers in New York, we applaud the partnership between the OCM and DOL to educate workers about their rights on the job, including regulations regarding health and safety, as there is a direct link between worker knowledge and workplace safety, and consumer safety and awareness. We look forward to working with the OCM to ensure these vital trainings continue to evolve as New York’s market matures.”

The trainings will be offered at no cost to employees and will provide information on best practices, product safety, and labor standards (1). Through offering the courses for free, financial barriers to education will be ruled out and offer equitable access which will help protect consumers and workers.

Reference

1. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management And New York State Department of Labor Launch Cannabis Responsible Workforce Training Program https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/04/rwt-ocm-dol-press-release-pdf.pdf (accessed Apr 10, 2025).