California State University, East Bay Partners with Cannabis Certification Program to Boost Workforce
In an effort to address the shortage of skilled workers in California’s marijuana industry, Green Flower, a cannabis certification program, has partnered with California State University, East Bay to provide students with the training they need to succeed in this growing field.
Gina O’Hara, a recent graduate of the program, is a prime example of the benefits of this partnership. With 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, O’Hara was looking for a change and discovered Green Flower’s online, six-month program. The program teaches students about the cannabis plant, its effects on the body, and various aspects of the industry, including agricultural business, medical applications, product development, and compliance.
According to Green Flower’s CEO, Max Simon, the program is designed for individuals looking to transition into a new career or sector. With over 78,000 cannabis market jobs in California last year, Simon believes that the industry has plenty of opportunities for those who are passionate about it.
Despite some challenges facing the industry, including increased costs, regulatory compliance, and competition with unlicensed markets, licensed cannabis production is up nearly 12% according to the 2024 California Cannabis Market report. Simon is optimistic that federal reform will soon address some of the industry’s challenges and create new opportunities.
As O’Hara is actively looking for contract jobs in the cannabis industry, she believes that her certification will give her a competitive edge. With her updated LinkedIn profile and certification in hand, she is confident that she will find success in her new career.
Both Simon and O’Hara are hopeful that the full legalization of marijuana nationwide will improve the future of the cannabis industry. With the partnership between Green Flower and California State University, East Bay, students will have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this rapidly growing industry.
