Five U.S. Universities to Launch Online Cannabis Courses for International Students
In June 2020, Northern Michigan University, Florida Atlantic University, University of San Diego, Mount Aloysius College, and California State Polytechnic University will launch the first online cannabis courses in the United States that are open to international students.
Growing Demand for Qualified Professionals in the Cannabis Industry
The project is led by the American company Green Flower Media, which has developed professional training programs for cannabis industry experts. The programs cover four main specialties:
- Law
- Management
- Cultivation
- Medical Cannabis
The educational program consists of three courses, totaling 405 academic hours, and costs $3,000. Students who pass the exams will receive a certificate of completion and gain access to additional resources, including:
- A database of employers in the cannabis industry
- Information on trends and opportunities in the cannabis market
- Guides on skill development and portfolio preparation
Online Learning Expands Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, educational institutions have had to switch to remote learning and expand their online course offerings to attract more students. Steve Van Den Avond, a staff member at Northern Michigan University, believes that the spread of the virus will leave many people unemployed and force them to change careers. According to him, the cannabis industry will not only survive but also grow during the crisis. Combined with the shortage of qualified professionals, this will increase interest in cannabis education programs.
The Cannabis Job Market Is Growing Rapidly
In 2019, the American cannabis industry employed 243,700 people, a 15% increase over 2018. This positive trend is driven by rising demand for cannabis and the liberalization of laws regulating cannabinoids. Experts predict that over the next 10 years, the number of jobs in the cannabis market will grow by 250%. If this happens, the cannabis industry will outpace all other sectors in terms of job growth. Its main competitor, the solar energy sector, plans to increase its workforce by 63% by 2028.
From 2016 to 2019, the volume of cannabis sales in the U.S. nearly doubled, from $6.56 billion to $13.38 billion. Last year, cannabis store revenues in seven states increased by more than 100%. Californians spent the most on cannabis in 2019—$2.96 billion.