From business boot camps to on-site interviews at job fairs, we’ve assembled the perfect kit to grow your career in cannabis from any stage.
MICHIGAN — Call it a growth spurt. It’s a multimillion-dollar industry this year, but economic forecasters say that by next year, Michigan’s marijuana industry will rake in $3 billion annually.
All eyes are on advancing what cannabis consumers are demanding loud and clear: more delivery services, premium products, CBD and non-psychoactive components, and sustainability and eco-friendliness in the business.
That opens up a ton of opportunities for new and better companies to make it all happen for Michigan ganja lovers. And now, there’s more support than ever to enter the market.
We’ve rounded up some of the most comprehensive resources available to ‘Ganders. Whether you’re a student in a college town hoping to elevate your academic focus area or a mom in the city starting a new job path, these tools can help you cultivate a career in cannabis.
Studying Cannabis
Michigan was the first state in the country with a degree program for cannabis back in 2019, one year after recreational marijuana use was approved by voters. Lake Superior State University’s Cannabis Chemistry program focuses on the quantitative analysis of cannabis-related compounds – think THC, CBD, terpenes, etc. You can earn a two-year or four-year degree on this academic path and even work toward an American Chemical Society degree.
And one of Michigan’s leading laboratories studying consumer safety offers an annual scholarship to one LSSU student. Steadfast Labs in Hazel Park gives $1,200 to students who are sophomores or higher with a GPA of 3.0 or more. They are especially interested in awarding funds to students from Wayne and Oakland counties, where the lab serves the community.
Finding Your Role
For those ready to dive into the market, this summer brings a series of cannabis job fairs around the state that will be direct gateways for you to meet cannabis company reps and employers and sharpen your skills for the industry.
All attendees will get access to onsite hiring opportunities along with a free webinar ahead of time. These job fairs aim to help with resumes, interviewing, the soft skills it takes to work in the field, and scheduling the next steps with potential employers.
Mark your calendars for these events:
Flint Cannabis Job Fair
4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Flint Development Center
Saginaw Cannabis Job Fair
4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept 21
Dow Event Center
Detroit Cannabis Job Fair and Panel
4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
Jumpstarting Your Ideas
If you’ve got the next big idea to entice Michigan’s cannabis consumers, you might be interested in sprouting the beginnings of your business through a boot camp or incubator.
The Detroit Cannabis Project has both. The boot camp is a 5-7 day immersive program exploring topics like financial projections, community relations, organizational structure, go-to-market plan, and so on.
Their incubator is a 6-8 week long business program that provides technical support to cannabis entrepreneurs at a more intermediate level. They have a particular interest in making sure Michigan’s market is diversified. During these daily classes and small group discussions, you’ll be diving into key areas like financial statements & valuations, marketing, operational strategy, real estate guidance, accounting best practices, and compliance guidelines. Here, you’ll also get access to industry experts and mentors to guide you along your own growth plan.
Networking With Professionals
Kicking off the season’s smoking and socializing is a “bottomless brunch” for those already working in the industry. The GCC Budtender Bottomless Brunch is a weekend that promises good food, great drinks, and even better company among the state’s most active cannabis career folk. The event is slated to run from noon to 3 p.m. on July 29 at 2900 E. Grand Blvd, in Detroit.
Guests get unlimited access to treats like “Rose Haze” and “Mimosa OG.”
The Cannabis Industry & Conference Expo brings out the business side of bud, covering all aspects, from producers to growers, suppliers to healthcare providers, and investors. Here you’ll find showcases of the best products, services and hear from speakers on where the market is headed.
It’s a weekend of seminars, interactive workshops, and exhibitions in downtown Detroit.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 and runs through 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at Huntington Place, located at 1 Washington Boulevard in Detroit. You can reserve your space here.
A third networking event is slated in the Metro Detroit suburbs for the fall. The Powerful Connections event will feature 1:1 speed networking with all types of players in the cannabis industry. It’ll feature sponsors, speakers, and an exhibit space. Don’t miss the panel with industry leaders and their special resources for branding.
You can find more information here.
10 Must-Have Digital Resources:
- READ: The latest in safe cannabis products
- EXPLORE: The economic cannabis trends in Michigan
- LEARN: Webinars for theory and education
- SHOP: Startup funds for Michiganders
- START: Crafting your business plan
- BROWSE: Latest cannabis jobs in Michigan
- PLAN: License fees and legal navigation
- GET SUPPORT: Inclusive cannabis entrepreneurship for Detroiters
- RESEARCH: Social Equity Program in Michigan
- WATCH: Women leaders in Michigan’s cannabis industry
By the Numbers:
2008: Michigan legalizes medical marijuana.
2018: Michigan becomes the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana.
More than $1.8 billion: Michigan’s adult-use marijuana sales in 2022.
305: Active medical retail licenses in the Mitten as of 2023.
About 700: Active recreational retail licenses.
6/2023: Michigan breaks its record of monthly sales in June 2023 with $261 million between medical and recreational use.
$3 billion: Projected sales in the Mitten by 2024.
Source: michigan.gov | Forbes
READ MORE: Ready to Try Marijuana for Anxiety? 5 Things Every Michigander Should Know First
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Jessica Strachan Jessica Strachan is an award-winning writer and photographer, native Michigander and impassioned storyteller.
