The U.S. cannabis industry continues to set new standards for employee satisfaction.
According to the 2025 Shift Pulse Report, workers in cannabis and vape retail reported the highest happiness levels among all frontline industries nationwide.
The study analyzed over 1.5 million post-shift surveys, revealing that cannabis workers rated their experiences more positively than those in restaurants, gyms, or traditional retail.
Cannabis Sector Leads in Workplace Satisfaction
Data from the report shows that cannabis retail employees had a 91.87% positive sentiment rate, the highest of any industry surveyed. This puts cannabis ahead of cafés, gyms, and other service sectors often associated with enjoyable work environments.
Key Reasons Behind High Satisfaction
People-Centered Culture
Many cannabis businesses emphasize flexibility, inclusivity, and supportive work environments—helping employees feel valued and motivated.
Consistent Schedules
Cannabis retail often operates within predictable business hours, giving workers more stable routines compared to late-night or shift-heavy industries.
Purpose and Connection
Employees report a sense of purpose, noting that they help consumers explore wellness and alternative health solutions rather than perform repetitive retail tasks.
Expanding Opportunities
With legal cannabis sales projected to exceed $40 billion in 2025, the industry’s rapid growth continues to open new career paths and management roles.
A Positive Outlook for 2025
The findings highlight a maturing sector that prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth.
As cannabis legalization and normalization progress across the U.S., the industry appears to be setting a new benchmark for workplace satisfaction—one that other sectors may look to emulate in the years ahead.