Ask a Stoner: What States Need My Pot Industry Experience?

Dear Stoner: I don’t see advancement at my current growing job, and I kind of want to leave Colorado. What are some states where my personal and (limited) professional experience are in demand?
L.T.

Dear L.T.: Sorry to see you go, bud. We’ve heard similar stories about troubles advancing out of entry-level jobs in the cannabis space. You’re in a very competitive industry, yet Colorado is a state of dwindling opportunity as more licenses are spoken for and limited management positions open up. But that experience you mention is desirable in other states and regions, especially the farther east and south you go.

Oklahoma is still in the infancy of an expansive medical marijuana program, while Massachusetts is just starting retail sales. Michigan will soon be regulating new recreational cannabis businesses, and Missouri will have a medical marijuana industry soon, too. Other states expected to legalize or expand their medical programs in 2019 include Illinois, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Just keep sending that résumé out, and don’t be afraid of LinkedIn.

Send questions to marijuana@westword.com.