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Cannabis Career Programs

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.

9 Credits I Time to complete: 1 semester
Course CodeCourseCredits Session
BU 170Introduction to the Cannabis Industry3Fall, 8/26-10/21/24
SL 170Social/Cultural History of Cannabis3Fall, 8/26-10/21/24
BU 172Cannabis Retail Operations and Sales3Summer II, 7/8-8/15/24
Fall, 10/21-12/13/24
Program Credits:9
9 Credits I Time to complete: 1 semester
Course CodeCourseCredits Session
BU 170Introduction to the Cannabis Industry3Fall, 8/26-12/13/24
TP 110Introduction to Cannabis Cultivation3Summer II, 7/8-8/15/24
Fall, 8/26-10/21/24
TP 114Introduction to Cannabis Processing3Fall, 10/21-12/13/24
Program Credits:9

    For Non-Degree-Seeking Students Only
    (Degree-Seeking Students Must Register with an Academic Advisor)
    Note: You must submit a separate form for each term for which you wish to register.



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    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.

    Scholarships are limited and not guaranteed. Fund allocation will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to students who enroll in at least one cannabis class at CGCC and submit this form.

    Spring 2024 Cannabis Scholarship

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    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