Cannabis Career Programs
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With the recent legalization of cannabis in the state of New York and elsewhere, the projections for jobs and industry growth are tremendous. This burgeoning field needs qualified, well-trained employees to work in all aspects of the industry. Columbia-Greene is offering two microcredential programs that specialize in distinct areas of training and employment:
The 9-credit Cannabis Retail and Sales Microcredential prepares students for a wide range of retail positions at dispensaries, including budtenders, managers, and more. It is suitable for those new to retail, and will also benefit retail employees and other salespeople who want to shift their focus to new cannabis-related opportunities.
The 9-credit Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Microcredential introduces students to the wide variety of positions related to cannabis cultivation and processing, including growers, extractors, edibles chefs, trimmers, harvesters and more. Those with farming, manufacturing, culinary and other backgrounds can use the program to prepare for an industry shift, and the program is also designed for those new to growing and agricultural manufacturing.
Cannabis Careers Certificate is a 15-credit stackable credential that gives students a solid foundation of learning to prepare for the cannabis industry. Students who have completed both microcredentials will automatically receive the certificate.
(Please note that students enrolling in both microcredentials only need to take Introduction to the Cannabis Industry once, for a total of 5 classes and 15 credits.)
What is a microcredential? Learn more here.
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU 170 | Introduction to the Cannabis Industry | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 5/8/24 |
| SL 170 | Social/Cultural History of Cannabis | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 3/8/24 |
| BU 172 | Cannabis Retail Operations and Sales | 3 | Spring 3/4/24 - 5/8/24 |
| Program Credits: | 9 |
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU 170 | Introduction to the Cannabis Industry | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 5/8/24 |
| TP 110 | Introduction to Cannabis Cultivation | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 3/8/24 |
| TP 114 | Introduction to Cannabis Processing | 3 | Spring 3/4/24 - 5/8/24 |
| Program Credits: | 9 |
Cost
$639 per course for NYS residents with a Certificate of Residency, plus fees. If you are interested in learning more about financial aid and other opportunities, please contact the Admissions office at 518.697.6500.
Through a SUNY Workforce Initiative grant, Columbia-Greene Community College is able to offer financial assistance to students enrolled in cannabis classes at Columbia-Greene.
- First-time cannabis students will have all costs covered for their first cannabis course at Columbia-Greene.
- Students who complete (or have previously completed) a cannabis course at Columbia-Greene with a B or higher will continue to receive full scholarship funding toward any additional cannabis courses for as long as the grant funding is available.
- The scholarship can cover the cost of two classes per semester (7-week or 15-week classes in Spring and 6-week classes in Summer)
- Due to funding limitations, full scholarships will only be granted to the first 10 students per class to submit both the registration form and scholarship application for each semester (Summer I, Summer II, and Fall). Additional scholarship funding may become available. Submit your registration form and scholarship application to see if you qualify.
Please reach out to the following, for questions related to:
Cannabis career programs and courses, Maya Greene, Cannabis Program Coordinator
Admissions and enrollment, Joel Phelps, Interim Dean of Enrollment Management
Funding and scholarships, Christine Perry, Director of Advancement Services