ST. CLOUD, Minn. — St. Cloud State University is offering new online certificate programs in cannabis education, starting this fall.
This comes after Minnesota recently became the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana. The SCSU programs are the first of their kind in Minnesota, but similar programs are offered in Illinois, Michigan and other states.
“The cannabis industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever,” said SCSU President Robbyn Wacker. “Our endeavor is to meet workforce demand to provide educated professionals in this quickly evolving industry.”
SCSU’s Professional and Continuing Education division plans to partner with California-based cannabis education company Green Flower.
The four programs are in cannabis agriculture and horticulture, cannabis health care and medicine, cannabis compliance and risk management, and the business of cannabis.
Each program costs $2,950, with payment plans available. Financial aid is not available because cannabis remains federally illegal, but a $500 discount is available for the first cohort in September.
Each program takes about six months to complete, with the coursework fully online. Upcoming start dates are Sept. 11 and Nov. 6. Participants must be over 18.
Green Flower has partnered with more than 20 educational institutions around the country to deliver the coursework. The company has worked with industry leaders since 2014, according to its website. They work with companies, government agencies and individuals, as well as with higher education institutions.
For more information, visit cannabiseducation.stcloudstate.edu.