UC Merced Extension Launches Cannabis Industry Workforce Training Programs

CVV News l November 13, 2024

Merced, CA — The nearly $5 billion California cannabis industry needs a well-trained, skilled workforce as it continues to evolve to face today’s challenges and opportunities. To help meet that need, UC Merced Extension has partnered with national education leader Green Flower to offer programs specifically designed to prepare students for careers in the cannabis industry

“UC Merced Extension is responding to the needs of this fast-growing industry by providing training on professional knowledge and skills that employers and learners are looking for,” said Annette Roberts Webb, Dean of Extension. “This training will be a vehicle for employee development in critical skill areas such as health and safety, operational excellence, product quality control, and quality customer service/patient care.”

The nine-week, self-paced cannabis training programs begin on December 2, offering three specialized tracks: Cannabis Cultivation Specialist, Cannabis Retail Specialist, and Cannabis Extraction and Product Development Specialist. Each program is designed to equip students with industry-specific skills for $750 per course. Following the December start, new cohorts will begin on the first Monday of every other month. While there are no prerequisites, students must be at least 18 years old to enroll, with cannabis facility roles typically requiring employees to be 21 or older.

“Green Flower is thrilled to partner with the University of California, Merced, to launch three cannabis workforce training certificate programs. UC Merced, known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and reaching underserved populations, aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of California’s cannabis industry.” said Daniel Kalef, Green Flower Chief Growth Officer. “ By training a qualified workforce in areas like material handling, quality control, and horticulture, UC Merced and Green Flower are helping to drive sustainable growth in California’s cannabis industry, and we are very excited to offer these programs.”

For more information and to register for classes, please visit, https://cannabistraining.pace.ucmerced.edu/. For a limited time, save $150 using the discount code UCMERCEDFIRST.