What makes a company a great place to work? For some, it may be company culture; for others, it could be competitive pay and great benefits. However, great workplaces don’t just happen overnight; they are purposefully built. Cannabis Business Times (CBT) recognizes this and believes companies that lead in creating positive work environments deserve recognition. For the sixth consecutive year, CBT celebrates these companies through its “Best Cannabis Companies to Work For” program.
Regardless of their niche within the industry, the companies that made this year’s list share a common goal: creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued, are recognized for their accomplishments, and have opportunities for growth. Ranking companies also typically strive to foster a healthy work/life balance for their employees.
For example, 100% of the companies that ranked this year offer employee bonus or incentive programs. Nearly 50% allow employees additional paid time off for community service activities/volunteer work, and 80% of ranking companies offer employees the option to work flexible hours or a compressed work week as a standard year-round practice.
The 2025 Best Cannabis Companies to Work For are:
#3 – VT Dry & Cure Technologies Inc.
#14 – Jardín Premium Cannabis Dispensary
How Were They Evaluated?
CBT’s Best Cannabis Companies to Work For program is conducted in partnership with Best Companies Group (BCG), an independent research firm that specializes in workplace evaluation. That evaluation includes an Employer Benefits and Policies Questionnaire, which details company benefits, policies and demographics, and accounts for 25% of each company’s overall score. The heaviest weight, however, is placed on what employees have to say about their companies: 75% of each company’s overall score comes from direct employee feedback, collected through an anonymous Employee Engagement & Satisfaction Survey, where team members share their perspectives on company leadership, benefits, pay, communication and overall workplace culture.
To ensure credibility of the rankings, companieswith 10 to 24 employees must have an 80% or better response rate on the employee survey, and those with 25 or more employees must have a 40% or better response rate. And to qualify as a “Best Company,” companies have to achieve an engagement score of at least 80% on the employee satisfaction surveys. For confidentiality, the names of companies that applied but did not rank are not made public.
The Best Cannabis Companies to Work For program is open to all cannabis businesses in North America that have at least 10 full- and/or part-time permanent employees. More information on the Best Cannabis Companies program can be found here.
Here is a closer look at the 2025 Best Cannabis Companies to Work For:
PayRio
Category:Ancillary
About: Established in 2022, PayRio is a payment processor for the cannabis, CBD, and alternative medicine industries. The company’s mission is “to eliminate the barriers that have limited these critical health and wellness sectors, providing a secure, efficient, and cost-effective platform for payment processing.”
Number of Employees: 22
Executive Team: 100% female
Headquarters:Danville, Calif.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 0%
Key Benefits: PayRio offers premium health care benefits for full- and part-time employees starting on their first day of hire, 20 paid holidays annually, unlimited PTO, flexible hours, and employee incentive and appreciation programs.
What Makes PayRio a “Best Place to Work”? “Being a smaller company allows our employees to experience a unique sense of autonomy. … This atmosphere encourages collaboration and the sharing of diverse perspectives, leading to creative solutions that benefit the entire organization. Our employees often feel a strong sense of pride and ownership. Every role, no matter how big or small, plays a critical part in the overall success of the company. This personal investment in the company’s mission not only enhances job satisfaction but can also be highly fulfilling, as individuals see the direct impact of their contributions on the company’s growth and achievements.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about PayRio? Encouragement to take mental health days; direct access to leadership; reward incentives. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website:PayRio.co
Paragon Payroll
Category: Ancillary
About: Paragon Payroll is a payroll, compliance and human resources solution provider for cannabis businesses of all sizes.
Number of Employees: 52
Executive Team: 50% male, 50% female
Headquarters: North Richland Hills, Texas
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 8%
Key Benefits: Paragon Payroll offers full-time employees health benefits and retirement savings plans on the first day of the next month after hire, 15 days paid vacation, employee bonus/incentive programs, employee assistance program, diversity training, retirement plans, flexible hours, and 100% remote work.
What Makes Paragon Payroll a “Best Place to Work”? “It’s our people, first and foremost. We’re a close-knit team that’s in it together, excited about helping our clients thrive. Each employee’s voice matters, and leadership doesn’t just listen—they act, consistently investing in our growth and success through mentorship, career development and generous education stipends.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Paragon? Remote and flexible work hours; paid time off and incident pay for natural disasters. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Paragonpayroll.com
VT Dry & Cure Technologies, Inc.
Category:Ancillary
About: VT Dry & Cure Technologies, Inc. (VTDC) specializes in post-harvest technology for cannabis cultivators. Its mission is to “provide superior drying, curing and storage technology to cultivators of all sizes.”
Number of Employees: 20
Executive Team: 80% male, 20% female
Headquarters: North Springfield, Vt.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 5%
Awards: 2024 Best Places to Work in Vermont
Key Benefits: VTDC offers full-time employees health care benefits, access to a 401(k) profit-sharing program within 90 days of hire, 14 days paid vacation, employee incentive and appreciation programs, an employee assistance program, financial education workshops/seminars, tuition reimbursement for post-graduate degrees, and flexible hours to accommodate school events, taking a family member to the doctor, etc.
What Makes VTDC a “Best Place to Work”? “Employees at VTDC enjoy a comfortable, friendly environment where creativity and out-of-the-box thinking are encouraged. VTDC employees are a group of problem solvers at every level. VTDC strives to create an environment that allows employees to hone their skills and develop professionally. The company has a rewarding atmosphere where employees and their families matter.”(Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about VTDC? A monthly company lunch is prepared onsite, the company’s annual holiday party, and that the company provides free company attire and other free goodies. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Cannatrols.com
Highway Horticulture
Category:Dispensary
About: Highway Horticulture is a Michigan-based vertically integrated cannabis company that aims “to provide the highest quality cannabis products to the consumers of Michigan, by cultivating not only [its] people and plants, but also relationships with companies and communities that share [the company’s] values of healing, personal fulfilment and achieving sustainable outcomes for our planet.”
Number of Employees: 53
Executive Team: 67% male, 33% female
Headquarters: Portage, Mich.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 22%
Key Benefits: Highway Horticulture provides full-time employees with health care benefits 60 days after hire and retirement savings plans within 90 days of hire. Employees receive 15 days paid vacation, employee incentive/appreciation programs, an employee assistance program, flexible hours, and parental leave benefits.
What Makes Highway Horticulture a “Best Place to Work”? “We are in a relatively new industry and have been able to create a culture of acceptance, opportunity and innovation. We develop our team members and promote from within.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Highway Horticulture? Opportunity for growth; flexible work schedules; cultivation lessons from the chief cultivation officer. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Highwayhorticulture.com
Indigo Dispensary
Category:Dispensary
About: Indigo Dispensary believes the cannabis industry is “rooted in nature, the environment, and health-conscious products.” Its staff members “specialize in cannabis education for all consumers to guide and help them choose products to fit their needs,” and the company “seeks to strengthen the community fabric by providing a place for people to ask questions and share their perspective in regards to cannabis and beyond.”
Number of Employees: 40
Executive Team: 100% male
Headquarters: Brooklawn,N.J.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 14%
Key Benefits: Indigo Dispensary offers full-time employees health care benefits after 30 days and retirement savings plans with employer-matched contributions after 180 days. Additional perks include employee incentive and appreciation programs, an employee assistance program, financial education workshops/seminars and flexible hours.
What Makes Indigo Dispensary a “Best Place to Work”? “[Indigo] Dispensary is a ‘best’ place to work due to its supportive culture, commitment to employee growth and focus on quality and community engagement.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Indigo Dispensary? Free products; cash tips; team building activities. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Indigodispensary.com
Bud & Mary’s Cannabis
Category:Cultivation
About: Bud & Mary’s Cannabis is a family-owned multistate vertically integrated cannabis company with locations in Iowa, Michigan, Colorado and Missouri. The company leverages its “deep roots in plant science and medical cannabis research to deliver high-quality products.” Its teams “incorporate pharmaceutical experience along with organic and sustainable best practices to create consistent cannabis products.”
Number of Employees: 138
Executive Team: 60% male, 40% female
Headquarters: Denver, Colo.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 53%
Awards: Greater Des Moines Partnership 2024 Economic Impact Award
Key Benefits: Bud & Mary’s Cannabis offers full-time employees health care benefits on the first day of the next month after hire, retirement savings plans on the first day of hire with employer-matched contributions, 11 paid holidays annually, 15 days paid vacation, employee incentive and wellness programs, an employee assistance program, flexible hours, parental leave benefits and access to lactation facilities.
What Makes a Bud & Mary’s Cannabis a “Best Place to Work”? “Bud & Mary’s is one of the top cannabis companies to work for because of our commitment to empathy, expertise and value. We are a family-owned business and know the importance of taking care of our employees. We offer an environment conducive to our employees’ well-being and professional development including providing competitive pay and other benefits. … We provide ongoing training and opportunities for staff to build their skills and knowledge. Our teams collaborate and attend conferences, digital workshops and tradeshows so we can continue to innovate. We are committed to the personal and professional growth and development of every person on staff.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Bud & Mary’s Cannabis? Flexible work schedules and locations; holiday parties; team outings. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Budmary.com
Puffin Store NJ LLC
Category:Dispensary
About: Puffin is a New Jersey-based cannabis store that is “committed to providing [its] customers with top-quality cannabis products in a convenient and friendly shop.”
Number of Employees: 21
Executive Team: 100% male
Headquarters: New Brunswick,N.J.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 33%
Key Benefits: Puffin offers full-time employees health care benefits 30 days after hire, employee bonus and appreciation programs, an employee assistance program, financial education workshops/seminars, and flexible hours.
What Makes a Puffin a “Best Place to Work”? “Puffin is the ‘best’ place to work because it fosters an inclusive culture, prioritizes professional development and promotes a healthy work-life balance, all while encouraging collaboration and innovation among its employees.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Puffin? Holiday parties; free products and tips; team lunches and team-building activities. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Puffinstorenj.com
Velvet Cannabis
Category:Dispensary
About: Five-time “Best Cannabis Company to Work For” winner, Velvet Cannabis is a California-based dispensary chain that offers a curated selection of high-quality cannabis products across its locations in Eagle Rock, Martinez and Eagle Rock, with another location coming in Brentwood.
Number of Employees: 55
Executive Team: 83% male, 17% female
Headquarters: Martinez,Calif.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 23%
Awards: Cannabis Business TimesBest Cannabis Companies to Work For — 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Key Benefits:Velvet Cannabis offers full-time employees health care benefits 60 days after hire, 401(k) program benefits for employees who’ve completed 250 hours of service in a 3-month period, employee incentive and appreciation programs, financial education workshops/seminars, diversity training, flexible hours, parental leave benefits, and access to lactation facilities.
What Makes Velvet Cannabis a “Best Place to Work”? “Our commitment to a supportive and inclusive work culture sets us apart, as does our dedication to growth, collaboration and shared purpose. … At Velvet, every team member knows they’re not just part of a workforce but part of a community that values open communication and mutual respect. Our teams are encouraged to ask for help, lean on one another and contribute feedback. This environment of honest, constructive feedback is crucial—it accelerates learning and inspires continuous improvement. Our team’s satisfaction stems from more than just job satisfaction; it’s about experiencing a genuine sense of empowerment, appreciation, and teamwork. We foster this through regular check-ins, recognition of each member’s contributions, and by giving everyone a voice.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Velvet Cannabis? Regular team outings; paid volunteer time off; team lunches. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Velvetcannabis.com
Kansas City Cannabis Co.
Category:Dispensary
About: Three-time “Best Cannabis Company to Work For” winner, Kansas City Cannabis Co. is a locally owned-, funded- and operated cannabis dispensary that is “committed to providing only the finest fresh green cannabis products available with a clear focus on health, wellness, and education to improve the quality of life for [its] patients and … recreational use community.” It has five dispensary locations (KC North, Blue Springs, Excelsior Springs, Lake Lotawana and Kearney).
Number of Employees: 87
Executive Team: 80% male, 20% female
Headquarters: Blue Springs,Mo.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 6%
Awards: Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Company to Work For – Dispensary – 2023, 2024, 2025
Key Benefits: Kansas City Cannabis Co. offers full-time employees health care benefits 60 days after hire, employee incentive and wellness programs, an employee appreciation program, 14 days paid vacation, flexible hours, parental leave benefits and access to lactation facilities.
What Makes Kansas City Cannabis Co. a “Best Place to Work”? “At Kansas City Cannabis Company, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages growth, creativity and collaboration. Our team is made up of passionate individuals who are not only experts in their fields but also dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Kansas City Cannabis Co.? Free medical premiums and life insurance for employees, with affordable coverage for families; great people to work with who genuinely care for and support each other; flexible work schedules. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: KCcannabis.com
Rove
Category:Ancillary
About: Rove is a cannabis brand that uses 100% organically grown cannabis in its products.
Number of Employees: 235
Executive Team: 75% male, 25% female
Headquarters: Costa Mesa,Calif.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: Not provided.
Key Benefits: Rove offers full-time employees health care benefits starting on the first of the month following 60 days of employment, retirement savings plans after 60 days of hire, pet insurance for employees’ pets, unlimited PTO, employee incentive and appreciation programs and flexible hours.
What Makes Rove a “Best Place to Work”? “All employees have a direct line to leadership, and any day-to-day challenges that arise can be directly addressed by decision makers in a matter of minutes. … All teams have ample opportunity for new skills and promotions. There have been almost 150 promotions within the last two years, which equals almost half of the company. … Employees at all levels have a hand in major business innovations and often receive recognition through quarterly sales awards and monetary incentives, depending on their team.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Rove? Opportunities for travel and growth; extended personal leave when needed; chances for overtime hours and a fast-track pipeline for career advancement, especially for those interested in middle management or relocating to a new state. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Rovebrand.com
Category:Ancillary
About: Cannavision Institute, a division of Stautzenberger College, is an online education platform that is dedicated to educating and preparing individuals for careers in the cannabis industry.Its purpose is “to equip the global workforce with comprehensive expertise spanning cultivation, processing, extraction, dispensary operations, business, and compliance.”
Number of Employees: 20
Executive Team: 40% male, 60% female
Headquarters: New Hope,Pa.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 24%
Key Benefits: Cannavision Institute offers full-time employees health care benefits after 90 days, retirement savings plans after one year, 10 paid holidays per year, two weeks of paid vacation, and employee incentive programs.
What Makes Cannavision Institute a “Best Place to Work”? “Our mission is to pave the way for a professionalized global cannabis workforce. Working with us means being part of a transformative journey in cannabis education. Collaborative Culture: We believe in the power of collaboration and innovation. Our team is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the industry and supporting each other in achieving our goals. Professional Growth: We offer numerous opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Our employees are encouraged to continuously learn and grow within the organization. Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, and other benefits to ensure our employees are happy and healthy.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Cannavision Institute? Open and collaborative work environment; support for advanced education and free tuition for personal development programs they offer; company gatherings. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Cannavision.com
Noble Nectar
Category:Cultivation
About: A two-time “Best Cannabis Company to Work For” winner, Noble Nectar is a cannabis extraction company that focuses on producing high-quality cannabis concentrates and products for medicinal patients.
Number of Employees: 25
Executive Team: 92% male, 8% female
Headquarters: Noble, Okla.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 10%
Awards: Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Companies to Work For 2023, 2025
Key Benefits: Noble Nectar offers employee bonus or incentive programs and flexible hours.
What Makes Noble Nectar a “Best Place to Work”? Noble Nectar hosts employee gatherings like poker nights, cook offs and bowling to alleviate workday stress and promote fun.
What three things would your employees say they love most about Noble Nectar? Flexible work hours; free lunches on Fridays; off-site happy hours. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Noble710.com
The Artist Tree
Category: Other
About: The Artist Tree is the corporate cannabis retail management entity that founded and operates nine The Artist Tree dispensaries and two cannabis lounges in California, and will be opening 2 additional locations in 2025 as well as several more locations in 2026. (Editor’s note: The dispensaries themselves are separate companies; dispensary employees were not surveyed as part of the evaluation process, and the dispensaries were not evaluated and are not ranked on this list.)
Number of Employees: N/A
Executive Team: 75% male, 25% female
Headquarters: West Hollywood, Calif.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 5%
Key Benefits: The Artist Tree offers full-time employees health care benefits 60 days after hire, diversity training, 30 personal days after one year of employment, employee incentive and appreciation programs, an employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement on a case-by-case basis.
What Makes The Artist Tree a “Best Place to Work”? “We are an experiential destination of art, culture, cannabis education and community. We have featured artists that immerse themselves in our space and as a result created a business-to-business partnership because their art pieces are also for sale. Moreover, 100% of the proceeds go directly to the artists. Culture and inclusivity are of utmost importance. We celebrate individuality and ensure all people join a welcoming atmosphere. We take great consideration on the impact of any decisions made and obtain feedback and guidance from our team. They encompass all the magic.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about The Artist Tree? Remote work opportunities; paid volunteer time off; employee appreciation month. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Theartisttree.com
Jardín Premium Cannabis Dispensary
Category:Dispensary
About: Jardín is a Las Vegas-based cannabis dispensary that provides a luxury retail experience for consumers.
Number of Employees: 131
Executive Team: 80% male, 20% female
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nev.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 20%
Awards: 2024 Las Vegas Cannabis Awards
Key Benefits: Jardín Premium Cannabis Dispensary offers diversity programs and training, health care benefits for full- and part-time employees after 60 days of hire, two weeks of paid vacation, employee bonus programs, a 401(k) with American Trust after 60 days, flexible hours, employee wellness programs, employee appreciation initiatives and an employee assistance program.
What Makes Jardín a “Best Place to Work”? “Jardín is recognized as one of the best companies to work for, thanks to our commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and the well-being of our team. We prioritize both personal and professional growth by offering comprehensive training, mentorship, and career development opportunities. … We foster a diverse and inclusive environment by actively recruiting individuals from various backgrounds and providing unconscious bias training. … Jardín supports employees’ mental and physical health through robust benefits, wellness programs and flexible work policies. We provide access to mental health professionals and offer accommodations for employees with disabilities, ensuring our workplace is accessible to all.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Jardín? Mental and physical health support; employee appreciation week; employee reward incentives. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Jardinlasvegas.com
GHT LLC – Summit
Category:Cultivation
About: A two-time “Best Cannabis Companies to Work For” winner, Summit is a cannabis cultivation company dedicated to providing consumers elevated experiences. With locations in Michigan and Colorado, Summit was created in 2017 “to elevate the flower and concentrate offerings in Colorado through science, experience and a love of Cannabis.”
Number of Employees: 52
Executive Team: 100% male
Headquarters: Aurora, Colo.
Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: 16%
Awards: Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Companies to Work For 2024, 2025
Key Benefits: Summit offers full-time employees health care benefits 90 days after hire, 48 sick days after one year of employment, employee incentive and appreciation programsflexible hours, parental leave benefits and access to lactation facilities.
What Makes Summit a “Best Place to Work”? “We believe our team members are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to creating a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. We offer flexible hours and support a healthy work-life balance because we understand the importance of both personal and professional growth. At Summit, you’ll find a collaborative environment where every individual’s unique perspective is valued, making it the best place to build your career and thrive.” (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
What three things would your employees say they love most about Summit: Employee bonuses; team gatherings; potlucks. (Source: Employer Questionnaire)
Website: Theperfectelevation.com
The sixth annual ‘Best Cannabis Companies’ program recognizes organizations that stand out for their ongoing efforts to create great places to work. Read More
