1. State Requirements for Non-Medical US Cannabis Retail Personnel.
- Author
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LoParco CR, Cui Msph Y, McCready Ms D, Romm Phd KF, Yang ScD Llm Mph YT, Rossheim PhD Mph ME, Carlini PhD Mph B, Vinson Bs K, Cavazos-Rehg PhD P, and Berg PhD Mba Lp CJ
- Subjects
- Humans, United States, State Government, Adult, Commerce statistics & numerical data, Commerce legislation & jurisprudence, Male, Female, Cannabis
- Abstract
In September 2023, we examined requirements for budtenders working in nonmedical dispensaries in the 20 states with active non-medical cannabis markets. Two coders extracted data from each state's licensing board and/or governmental websites. The age requirement for budtenders was ≥21 years old ( n = 17) or ≥18 ( n = 3). Most states ( n = 16) required background checks; 10 specified felony convictions preventing employment, 5 allowed the Department to determine eligibility, and 2 allowed petitions upon denial. Twelve states required fingerprinting. There were application fees ($25-$300) in 13 states. Structured training was required in 7 states, while 5 states required employee training. Given the diverse budtender requirements, the evaluation of budtender standards is essential to assess the impacts of training on regulatory compliance and consumer education, and of application costs and conviction-based employment restrictions on social equity. This must inform the development of effective regulations and enforcement protocols, as well as and how to promote equity in cannabis regulations., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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