Vangst Acquires Se7en Staffing in Strategic Move to Solidify Cannabis Hiring Leadership
Cannabis staffing platform Vangst has completed its third acquisition in just over a year, acquiring Missouri-based Se7en Staffing & Employment Solutions to further expand its reach and services in the fast-evolving cannabis industry.
Denver-headquartered Vangst, one of the industry’s leading employment platforms, announced the acquisition on Tuesday as part of its continued growth strategy in the face of widespread consolidation and operational tightening across the cannabis sector. The deal brings Se7en’s network of clients and staffing services under the Vangst umbrella and increases the company’s total customer base to more than 2,000 cannabis businesses nationwide.
Acquisition Expands Vangst’s Reach and Reinforces National Presence
Se7en Staffing, founded in 2019 by industry veteran Christy Essex, provides temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire staffing solutions tailored to cannabis operators. The addition of Se7en strengthens Vangst’s ability to serve clients in emerging and established markets alike, especially across the Midwest, where Se7en has built a strong regional presence.
The acquisition also underscores Vangst’s commitment to national expansion and positions the platform to scale its services and infrastructure more efficiently. Essex will join the Vangst leadership team, where she is expected to play a key role in shaping the company’s expansion efforts and go-to-market strategy in new states.
Vangst Continues Aggressive Growth Strategy with Back-to-Back Acquisitions
The Se7en deal marks the third major acquisition by Vangst in the past 13 months. In April 2024, the company acquired CannabizTemp, a major California-based competitor, and in September 2023, it added Oregon-based GreenForce, a staffing agency also active in Arizona. These moves have accelerated the company’s expansion and helped it establish one of the most comprehensive cannabis workforce solutions in North America.
Both previous acquisitions were structured as half-cash, half-stock deals. While Vangst has not disclosed the exact financial details of the Se7en transaction, the deal is reported to have involved a majority-cash component, supplemented by equity.
Platform Strength Bolstered by AI and Expanding Talent Network
Vangst currently has over 300,000 workers registered on its platform and continues to leverage artificial intelligence to automate and streamline the hiring process. By investing in AI-powered recruitment tools, Vangst is aiming to reduce friction for cannabis businesses navigating tight labor markets and compliance-heavy hiring environments.
These technological advancements align with projections from the company’s own “2025 Vangst Jobs Report,” which estimates the U.S. cannabis workforce currently stands at 425,002 full-time employees. The report predicts that number could grow to over 1 million within five years, pointing to both industry potential and the importance of scalable staffing infrastructure.
More Acquisitions on the Horizon as Vangst Targets Additional Growth
With the Se7en acquisition now finalized, Vangst’s leadership has indicated that more deals are in the pipeline. The company is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire two more staffing agencies, signaling that its M&A strategy remains a central part of its growth roadmap despite industry headwinds.
As many cannabis businesses downsize or consolidate amid tightening margins and regulatory complexity, Vangst’s focus on flexible staffing solutions — such as temporary hires that can transition to full-time roles — has resonated with operators seeking labor efficiency without long-term commitments.
Navigating a Challenging Industry Through Consolidation and Execution
Despite macroeconomic and industry-specific challenges, Vangst has doubled down on its mission to connect cannabis employers with qualified talent in a cost-effective, streamlined way. While many competitors struggle or scale back, Vangst is positioning itself as a consolidator and stabilizer in an industry facing a turbulent evolution.
As consolidation becomes more prevalent and labor strategy takes center stage in boardrooms across the cannabis sector, Vangst appears well-positioned to serve as a cornerstone infrastructure provider for hiring, staffing, and workforce development — an increasingly critical component of long-term success in the cannabis economy.
