Cannabis jobs used to pay well. Now minimum wage is catching up.

OG article by Margaret Jackson

February 18, 2026

Historically, cannabis industry jobs offered wages well above minimum levels to attract skilled talent and curb turnover, especially for specialized roles like budtenders who require knowledge of the endocannabinoid system, THC/CBD formulations, and compliance. However, as minimum wages rise in 22 states and economic pressures mount—including price compression, high debt loads, and regulatory burdens—pay premiums are eroding, bringing compensation closer to statutory minimums.

In Florida, Gud Essence pays front-line staff $45,000 annually, exceeding the $15/hour minimum and attracting strong applicant pools (209 for four positions). In contrast, Curaleaf in Arizona advertises retail roles at $15.15–$15.25/hour, prompting union efforts from UFCW Local 99 for higher pay to reflect worker value. Experts note cultivators and manufacturers face the heaviest impacts from wage hikes, potentially spurring automation. Asya Hill of Illinois Women in Cannabis stresses retention challenges, while Avis Bulbulyan of Siva suggests automation as a response. Karson Humiston of Vangst points out financially strained operators struggle most. National wage premium declines have occurred since 2021, with cities like Chicago adjusting to $18/hour minimums for competitiveness. Federal reforms, such as ending 280E tax penalties, could restore better compensation potential