Despite regulatory commitments to diversity, senior positions in Massachusetts' legal cannabis industry were 84% white and 82% male at 18 months, with women of color particularly underrepresented.
Policymakers, equity advocates, and researchers studying cannabis industry diversity.
Senior positions: 84% white, 82% male vs 75% white, 65% male overall
What the researchers found
The overall cannabis workforce (4,883 people) was 75% white, 7% Latino, and 6% Black, roughly matching the state labor market. But senior positions (403 people) were significantly less diverse: 84% white, 2% Latino, 5% Black, and 82% male. Women of color had markedly low participation in leadership roles.
Why it matters
Cannabis criminalization disproportionately harmed communities of color. Legal markets were intended to create economic opportunities for those communities, but early data suggests leadership benefits are not reaching them.
The numbers in context
4,883 total workers: 75% white, 7% Latino, 6% Black, 65% male. 403 senior positions: 84% white, 2% Latino, 5% Black, 82% male.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of race/ethnicity and gender from mandatory registration forms submitted to Massachusetts regulators for all workers in licensed adult-use cannabis businesses from October 2018 to April 2020. Negative binomial regression assessed factors associated with senior positions.
What this study cannot tell us
Only 18 months of data from one state. Registration forms may not capture all diversity dimensions. Does not assess reasons for disparities or effectiveness of specific equity programs.
How to read the evidence
Complete registration data from state regulators provides reliable snapshot, but limited to one state at an early industry stage.
When this study was published
Published in 2022 with data from October 2018 to April 2020.
The bigger picture
The gap between overall workforce diversity and senior-level diversity suggests that while entry-level jobs may be accessible, the wealth-building opportunities in cannabis leadership are concentrating among white men.
Questions still open
- Are social equity programs improving diversity over time? What specific barriers prevent people of color from reaching senior positions in the legal cannabis industry?
Common questions
Was the overall workforce diverse?
Were women of color represented in leadership?
Read the original research
Racial Equity in Cannabis Policy: Diversity in the Massachusetts Adult-Use Industry at 18-months.
Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 5(1), 30-41
Citation
Doonan, Samantha M; Johnson, Julie K; Firth, Caislin; Flores, Alyssa; Joshi, Spruha. (2022). Racial Equity in Cannabis Policy: Diversity in the Massachusetts Adult-Use Industry at 18-months.. Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 5(1), 30-41. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis/2022.01.004