The announcement of St. Paul College’s new certificate programs for cannabis careers reflects the changing landscape of marijuana laws in Minnesota. With the legalization of recreational marijuana use and the anticipation of large retail sales beginning in 2025, educational institutions are adapting to the emerging industry by offering specialized training.

St. Paul College is pioneering this initiative among Minnesota community colleges by introducing three certificate programs focused on different aspects of the cannabis industry. The cultivation program covers skills such as trimming and packaging plants, the retail program prepares students for customer interactions and product selection in stores, and the extraction and product development program teaches the creation of edibles and topical products, emphasizing accurate dosage.

The college aims to eliminate barriers for students entering the workforce, and these programs are designed to be flexible, allowing students to complete them on their own schedules. The online courses, developed in partnership with Green Flower, a California-based company, consist largely of pre-recorded videos featuring industry experts with experience in states where marijuana has been legalized.

St. Paul College’s move aligns with the anticipated growth in cannabis-related jobs as the industry expands. While it’s unclear how many Minnesota schools offer similar cannabis education courses, St. Paul College is the second institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to provide such programs.

The affordability of the courses, each priced at $750 and lasting nine weeks, makes them accessible to a broad range of students. Additionally, the programs offer the flexibility of starting at any time throughout the week or year.

The college plans to closely monitor the development of regulations for recreational marijuana sales in the state. They will engage with community members, as well as city and county officials, to ensure that the programs meet local needs. The initiative is seen as a dynamic response to the evolving cannabis landscape, with the possibility of future adjustments based on community feedback and industry developments.

Source Citation:
Navratil, Liz. “St. Paul College Announces New Program to Prepare Students for Cannabis Careers.” Star Tribune, 1 Jan. 2024, www.startribune.com/st-paul-college-announces-new-program-to-prepare-students-for-cannabis-careers/600148278/.