Advocacy News – June 20, 2024
What’s new: The Michigan Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs heard testimony on a bill to address the workforce shortage in the recreational cannabis industry.
Why it matters: Like business sectors across the country, getting workers in the door and ready-to-work has been an ongoing challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic. This strain is exacerbated in Michigan’s cannabis industry. The legislation would allow individuals 19 and older to work or intern in a cannabis facility. This bill does not legalize the product for anyone under the age of 21. (For comparison, currently in Michigan individuals 17 years and older can serve alcohol in restaurants).
The MI Chamber’s take: The Chamber expressed support for this change as workforce shortages and current statute are making it twice as difficult to hire workers in the state’s growing cannabis industry. Additionally, community colleges and universities across the Great Lakes State have created majors in this subject area and internships are a proven way to keep Michigan’s top talent in the state.
What next: The bill had its first hearing this week and is awaiting further action. The MI Chamber will keep you apprised. For questions or more information, contact Leah Robinson.