The cannabis industry has been on the rise in recent years, with many states legalizing the use of medicinal and recreational cannabis. With this surge in the industry, there has been a growing demand for skilled workers who can fill various roles. If you are interested in joining this exciting and fast-growing field, Passaic County Community College has a certification course that can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter the industry.
What is the Cannabis Career Training Course?
The Cannabis Career Training Course is a certification program offered by Passaic County Community College in partnership with NJ Cannabis Certified. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the cannabis industry, covering everything from the history of cannabis to the basics of cultivation. The course also teaches rules on advertising, labeling, and packaging the drug, as well as exploring the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite, mood, and sleeping habits.
Who Are the Instructors?
The instructors of the program are industry professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience in the cannabis field. They include a cannabis grower, the director of a medicinal marijuana dispensary, the lead researcher of a hemp-testing lab, a registered pharmacist, and a Rutgers professor of plant biology. With such a diverse range of experts, you can be sure that you will be learning from some of the best in the field.
Why Should You Sign Up for the Cannabis Career Training Course?
A certificate from the program may give you an edge over job candidates who did not participate, according to Sarah Trent, an attorney and founder of NJ Cannabis Certified. She said, “It’s a cool place to work. I guess that I’m biased, but you’re never not doing something — you’re always on the move, and you’re always learning something new.” With the cannabis industry growing rapidly, having a certificate in cannabis training can give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs.
Is it Easy to Find a Position in the Cannabis Field?
Yes, Trent said, but the job market is still “pretty competitive” because people want to work in the industry. “There are jobs posted on Indeed all the time because there are so many new businesses coming online,” she said. “There are going to be a lot of jobs.” Most starting positions at a cannabis dispensary pay between $17 and $19 per hour, although wages may fluctuate depending on the region of the state. Entry-level jobs at cultivation facilities may pay slightly less.
What Else Should You Know About the Course?
The registration cost for the Cannabis Career Training Course is $500. It will run from 6 to 9 p.m. for five consecutive Mondays — from April 3 to May 1 — on Zoom. Students must be at least 18 years old, attend each session, and take a quiz to earn their certificates. The program is also offered at other campuses, including Atlantic Cape Community College, Mercer County Community College, and Raritan Valley Community College.