KSU Online Programs Prepare Students for Cannabis Industry
KENT, Ohio – Green Flower, an industry leader in cannabis education and training since 2014, is partnering with Kent State University to launch four new cannabis-related certificate programs to prepare students for the emerging industry in the state.
The first classes begin this month.
Kent State Lifelong Learning’s cannabis certificate programs are open to the public to enroll and offer focuses in four areas: business, health care, compliance and agriculture.
With the passage of Issue 2 in November, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize adult use of cannabis products.
Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program data shows over 400,000 registered medical cannabis patients in the state since the program began, with more than 179,000 currently active patients as of the most recent data reporting.
According to the Vangst 2023 Jobs Report, which tracks cannabis industry trends by state and nationwide, Ohio’s legal cannabis industry grew by 24% in 2023 and created more than 1,300 new jobs in the state.
With the industry growing in Ohio, legal cannabis companies are more in need of employees with knowledge about the industry.
“This is an important opportunity for Kent State University to collaborate with a recognized private education provider for training related to the emerging cannabis industry,” said Peggy Shadduck, vice president for regional campuses and dean of the College of Applied and Technical Studies.
Kent State’s Lifelong Learning programs are available in a fully online and asynchronous format. Students are able to work through weekly units flexibly with their schedules and complete a program in approximately six months. The programs were developed by industry leaders and professionals in each discipline, and instructors are selected by Green Flower based on their educational and industry expertise. Each certificate program costs $2,950.
Students who complete a program are awarded a digital certificate and badge and membership in an employer network. The network includes virtual career events, priority access to job postings and other networking opportunities.
“Green Flower is honored to begin our partnership with Kent State University to offer cannabis education programs in Ohio,” said Daniel Kalef, chief growth officer at Green Flower. “Being the latest state in the country to make adult-use cannabis legal, Ohio is in a unique moment in time where many people are now trying to navigate the industry and find ways to be a part of it, as well as serve others in the industry. Kent State’s history and commitment to helping students find and grow in new careers is the very reason we wanted to create a partnership.”
Students can enroll HERE.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
