Adding to a growing trend of colleges and universities offering cannabis industry courses, the Community College of Rhode Island is launching a ‘Cannabis Training Program,’ with 15 students making up its inaugural session.
“Students in this program will learn about the variety of jobs and skills required in the legal cannabis industry. Topics include an overview and history of the cannabis industry, cultivation and plant structure, extraction methodologies, dispensary operations, and compliance with the applicable regulations.” the college’s website states about the program.
“Students will also receive resume and interview preparation support. Students will have opportunities for Q&A with employers in cannabis, and the course has been developed by Melissa Rutherford, Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert, and Jacob Carlson, Co-Founder of EZHire Cannabis.” the college’s website also states.
More colleges and universities are offering cannabis industry-focused courses, certificates, and programs around the country. Two examples can be found at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). St. Cloud State University currently has 300 students in its cannabis program and UNR starts its program in June 2024.
Rhode Island first legalized cannabis for adult use in 2022. The Rhode Island Cannabis Act allows adults aged 21 and over to possess up to one ounce in public or up to 10 ounces at home, to cultivate up to six plants (no more than three mature), and to purchase limited amounts of cannabis.
Last year in Rhode Island, the state’s legal cannabis industry sold $107.8 million worth of products, with adult-use sales contributed $74.2 million and medical cannabis sales contributing $33.6 million.
The average transaction price for December 2023 was $26.12—up nearly a dollar from the $25.21 average sale the month before but still almost $5 lower than January’s average of $31.01, per initial reporting by Marijuana Moment.