Working in Cannabis

Minnesota's cannabis industry offers careers in cultivation, manufacturing, retail, laboratory testing, compliance, transportation, delivery, and many other fields. Whether you're interested in working directly with cannabis or supporting the industry through business operations, there are a variety of pathways to build a career.

Most cannabis employees do not need to hold an individual license to work in the industry. Instead, licensed cannabis businesses are responsible for ensuring their employees meet state requirements before beginning work. As part of the hiring process, employees must complete a fingerprint-based state and national criminal history check through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

State law disqualifies individuals from working as cannabis workers if they have certain felony convictions, including human trafficking, labor trafficking, first- or second-degree non-cannabis controlled substance offenses, fraud, embezzlement, extortion, money laundering, or insider trading, unless they have received a full pardon or similar legal relief. Applicants may also be disqualified for knowingly providing false information during the hiring process.

Working in cannabis can be an excellent way to gain industry experience before starting your own business. Whether your goal is to become a cultivator, retailer, compliance specialist, laboratory technician, or entrepreneur, employment provides valuable hands-on experience in one of Minnesota's newest regulated industries.

Refer to Minnesota Statutes, section 342.151, to learn more about working in cannabis.

Learn more about background check requirements for cannabis workers.