Responsible Workforce Training
The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has officially launched the Cannabis Responsible Workforce Training Program, a mandatory training initiative for all individuals performing activities under a licensed cannabis business. This program ensures that cannabis workers are equipped with essential knowledge about product safety, labor rights, and workplace responsibilities.
- There are four parts to the Responsible Workforce Training requirement.
- Licensees must ensure all managers, employees, contractors, volunteers, or others performing activities under the license complete the training within 30 days of starting to perform licensed activities.
- Responsible Workforce Training must be free to the recipient.
Training must be paid and conducted during work hours.
Employers generally must pay employees for time spent in mandatory training that is directly related to their job and occurs during regular work hours, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). OCM regulations require that all Responsible Workforce Training courses be completed during employees’ regular work hours and that employees receive their usual rate of pay while completing any required training.
For more information visit: https://cannabis.ny.gov/workforce
Four-part Responsible Workforce Training required by OCM Regulations:
Under Adult-Use Cannabis Regulations (§125.5), all employees must complete the following four training components. The first two are provided by the OCM. The second two can be fulfilled by the CWI training modules listed below that are free to both employees and licensees.
1. Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility
After watching the video on YouTube, complete the Training Verification Form. Save a copy for your records, and submit a copy to the cannabis business where you are working.
This is the official video training accepted by the OCM as meeting this requirement. Clicking the links below will bring you to another website.
2. Cannabis Workforce Responsibility
After watching the video on YouTube, complete the Training Verification Form. Save a copy for your records, and submit a copy to the cannabis business where you are working.
This is the official video training accepted by the OCM as meeting this requirement. Clicking the links below will bring you to another website.
3. At least one hour of implicit bias or cultural competency training.
After watching this video, print your certificate of completion, save a copy for your records, and submit a copy to the cannabis business where you are working. (You can log back into your CWI account at any time to print or reprint.)
4. At least 2 hours of other training to assist employees in conducting licensed activities in a way that protects employee and public safety:
After watching these video modules, print your certificate of completion, save a copy for your records, and submit a copy to the cannabis business where you are working. (You can log back into your CWI account at any time to print or reprint.)
Implicit Bias Training
Responsible Workforce Training
Responsible Workforce Training: Cultivation Track
Suggested for employees working in the Cultivation vertical. Contains modules on: Seed-to-Sale Compliance, Integrated Pest Management, and Waste Management.
Responsible Workforce Training: Manufacturing Track
Suggested for employees working in the Distribution vertical. Contains modules on: Seed-to-Sale Compliance and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Responsible Workforce Training: Distribution Track
Suggested for employees working in the Distribution vertical. Contains modules on: Seed-to-Sale Compliance, Recalls, and Waste Management.
Responsible Workforce Training: Retail Track
Suggested for employees working in the Retail vertical. Contains modules on: Seed-to-Sale Compliance, Recalls, and Inventory Control.