The cannabis industry in Washington State has reached a valuation of $1.1 billion, prompting the growth of various training programs aimed at preparing individuals for careers in this expanding field. Institutions like Gonzaga University have teamed up with Green Flower to offer certificate programs in Cannabis Health Care and Medicine, as well as Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management. Launched in 2023, these programs cater to a diverse group of learners, with a significant portion being adult professionals looking to shift into the cannabis sector.
Rachelle Strawther, the founding director of Gonzaga’s Center for Lifelong Learning, noted that while traditional college-age students do enroll, the majority of participants are adults who have established careers and wish to transition into the cannabis industry. Other educational institutions, including Seattle Central College and Tacoma Community College, also offer cannabis certification programs covering various topics such as cultivation and medical consulting.
Washington was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, alongside Colorado. Max Simon, CEO of Green Flower, highlighted the vast opportunities in the industry and emphasized the importance of education, stating that his company collaborates with over 60 colleges and universities nationwide to support cannabis education.
Shilo Kumpf, owner of Lucky Leaf Co., which operates cannabis stores in Pasco and Spokane, has firsthand experience with the industry’s evolution. After taking Gonzaga’s cannabis health care and medicine course, Kumpf sought to better understand how cannabis products could assist her customers and family members dealing with cancer. Her interest reflects a growing trend where cannabis is recognized for its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with treatments like chemotherapy, such as nausea.
Kumpf noted that the cannabis market has significantly changed since she opened her first store in 2015. Initially, the selection was limited, with few edible options and tinctures available. Today, consumers can find a wide variety of products, including cannabis-infused sorbet ice creams. She observed a shift in consumer preferences from traditional flower to more concentrated forms of cannabis, such as dabs and rosin, which have higher THC levels—often around 80%, compared to the 30% to 40% found in flower.
As consumer tolerance levels rise, the market adapts to meet demand for more potent products. April sales of cannabis in Washington reached approximately $93 million, according to data from Headset, a cannabis analytics platform.
Simon pointed out that healthcare professionals are increasingly enrolling in medical-focused cannabis courses to meet the inquiries of their patients, as many traditional medical programs do not cover this emerging field adequately.
Tacoma Community College’s cannabis certificate program is set to begin on May 7, while the Washington State Department of Health and Seattle Central College offer flexible online programs that can be completed at any time. Registration for Gonzaga’s online cannabis classes remains open until May 11, reflecting the growing interest in cannabis education across the state.
This surge in cannabis training programs in Washington highlights the industry’s ongoing growth and the need for skilled professionals who are informed about the complexities of cannabis use, regulations, and health implications.
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