Arizona’s cannabis industry, now a billion-dollar-a-year business, has seen significant growth since the legalization of recreational marijuana use. This expansion has led several colleges in the state to introduce accredited courses designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field.
Two community colleges and one university are now offering certificates in marijuana business and healthcare. Scottsdale Community College was among the first to provide these educational programs. Bobra Crockett, the cannabis education lead at the college, noted that the initiative began just before the COVID-19 pandemic, as they sought ways to prepare students for the workforce quickly.
Crockett successfully developed the Cannabis Fundamentals curriculum with the support of administration and industry partners. She humorously remarked that the booming cannabis industry made the idea appealing, and it quickly gained traction within the college.
Recreational marijuana use became legal in Arizona after voters approved Proposition 207 in 2020, while medical use has been permitted since 2010. In response to this legislative change, Mint Dispensary has been proactive in supporting education. The dispensary collaborates with Scottsdale Community College every April to provide scholarships worth $420 each to students.
Raul Molina, CEO of Mint Dispensary, expressed that offering scholarships is a valuable way to encourage individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge in the cannabis sector. He highlighted that the practical experience gained from working in dispensaries can be condensed into weeks of college instruction, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge being taught at Scottsdale.
Ann Torres, executive director of the Arizona Dispensary Association, welcomed the de-stigmatization of cannabis through educational initiatives. She explained that offering college certificates in a sector that originated from an illegal background significantly alters its perception and potential.
The business courses offered at these institutions include comprehensive training on state regulations concerning marijuana and the various applications of the plant for both medical and recreational uses. Torres pointed out that educational institutions like the University of Arizona and Arizona State University are vital in shaping how marijuana is discussed and understood by consumers and patients.
Torres believes that educating individuals about cannabis regulations and integrating skills from various industries will contribute to the overall growth of the cannabis industry and improve outreach to consumers. She emphasized the importance of attracting new talent to this evolving career path, stating, “This industry is not going away, and so having that fresh new blood entering into this as a career path is just an amazing place for you to be as a student.”
In 2023, the University of Arizona and GateWay Community College partnered with Green Flower, a California-based cannabis education company, to further enhance their curriculum. Max Simmons, CEO of Green Flower, noted the complexity of the cannabis industry, stating that success in this field requires a deep understanding and skill set.
