Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to Host First EquityWorks Virtual Career Fair on May 20

The virtual event offers career opportunities, mentoring, and an expert panel

WORCESTER—The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) will host its first EquityWorks Career Hub fair this month, offering job seekers who are interested in careers, networking, and mentorship in Massachusetts’ legal cannabis marketplace the opportunity to meet with employers and receive expert career advice.

The Virtual Cannabis Career Fair, slated May 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., is an expansion of the EquityWorks Career Hub, which the Commission launched in 2025 to offer job seekers and businessowners a free and comprehensive digital resource for job openings, networking opportunities, and training in the regulated cannabis industry. Attendees will be able to engage with more than 50 registered cannabis businesses that host booths to highlight open job opportunities, offer coaching and career guidance, and connect with peers and vendors that support the licensed industry. 

 “The Commission is happy to host business owners and job seekers for this important engagement as we continue to enhance the EquityWorks Career Hub with new features,” Executive Director Travis Ahern said. “It’s an exciting time to get involved in the regulated Massachusetts marketplace as it continues to grow with new developments like forthcoming social consumption licenses, recent legislation that will open new opportunities for equity participants in the industry, and the federal rescheduling of medical marijuana.”

As of April, Massachusetts was home to more than 687 operating adult-use Marijuana Establishments and 93 Medical Marijuana Establishments with another 663 businesses moving through the Commission’s pipeline with either a provisionally approved or final license. Approximately 20,000 registered agents support Massachusetts’ industry across the medical and adult-use markets. 

On May 20, job seekers will have the opportunity to view job postings and fill out applications, participate in employer-hosted information sessions, receive advice about resume writing and job searching, and get EquityWorks account support. A 1 p.m. speaking program—including a panel discussion moderated by “Power to the Flower” podcast host Nairoby Sanchez—will feature industry leaders discussing the state of equity hiring within the industry and the future of cannabis in the Commonwealth.

The Commission’s Equity Programming and Community Outreach Department (EPCO) created EquityWorks to empower individuals and businesses participating in Massachusetts’ regulated cannabis industry, with a focus on supporting disproportionately impacted communities and promoting inclusive economic participation in the industry. EquityWorks and its associated programs offers multiple benefits to employers and job seekers, including:

• The ability of job candidates to view, apply, and interview for full-time, part-time, and contract positions at adult-use and medical Marijuana Establishments in Massachusetts; 
• Businesses can offer live interviews and exclusive hiring events to recruit employees; 
• Customizable recruitment booths for employers to show off company culture and job openings; 
• Peer networking tools to allow users to find collaborators by skills, region, or interest area; 
• A monthly calendar of live networking events; and 
• Access to tools and training to navigate EquityWorks and maximize its features. 

EquityWorks also complements the Commission’s equity mission, helping to connect Social Equity Program (SEP) participants and Certified Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants (EEAs) with career opportunities. Massachusetts was the first state to put equity at the forefront of the legalized industry to assist individuals impacted by the War on Drugs, including those who were subject to disproportionate arrest and incarceration as the result of marijuana prohibition. To date, more than 1,100 individuals have taken part in the SEP program, which gives qualified participants free technical training, expedited licensing review, fee waivers, and exclusive access to delivery licenses and forthcoming social consumption licenses. One feature of the platform enables job seekers to self-identify their SEP or EEA status to assist businesses looking to make hires from participants of the state’s equity programming to further their Positive Impact Plans and Diversity Plans.

Businesses and job seekers interested in the May 20 career fair can find step-by-step guidance, training videos and support resources for EquityWorks on the Commission’s website.

For more information on EquityWorks and the Commission’s equity programs visit the Equity Page at MassCannabisControl.Com/EquityPrograms, contact the Commission by phone (774-415-0200) or email (EquityCareers@CCCMass.com), or follow the agency on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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