As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Alabama State University is offering programs to support this growth. The university is offering programs to help train individuals in the cannabi industry, which grows by 20% every year.

Alabama State President Dr. Quinton Ross says the current trends in cannabis products are spearheading the demand for jobs in the industry.

“Individuals who may be growers or cultivators, and those individuals who may be dispensers, they will be looking for a trained workforce,” said Ross.

“They’re dealing with cannabis. So, from seed to the germination, to understanding the various strains, but also understanding the business aspect of it, compliance, and regulatory issues. All of that is encompassed in this program,” he said.

Alabama State has partnered with Green Flower for the programs. Since 2014, Green Flower has been the industry leader in cannabis education and training, collaborating with top executives to develop top-notch courses for both individuals and companies. The 24-week online program will be offered through Alabama State’s Division of Continuing Education. Five different cannabis education programs will be offered.

“Cannabis is a business that is still widely stigmatized and not very well understood, but it’s going to be a very large industry, not only in Alabama but across the country,” said Green Flower CEO Max Simon. “Reputable institutions understand that their job is to provide education.”

“Let’s face it, this is an industry where there’s a lot of opportunity and a lot of potential, and there’s a wave of success coming to this industry,” said Simon.

“You’re developing a workforce who will be ready day one, particularly when we get through all the red tape here in the state of Alabama,” Ross said.

Like many other states and Washington, D.C., Alabama legalized medical cannabis in 2021. Since becoming legal in 2021, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has been working towards awarding licenses.

In 2022, police made 227,108 arrests for weed violations, of which 92% were for possession only. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, maybe programs like the one at Alabama State will help lessen the stigma around cannabis and the cannabis industry.

The cannabis training classes begin on September 9.