KENT, Ohio (WOIO) – Kent State is partnering with an organization to offer a program to educate and certify people for the growing cannabis industry in the state of Ohio.

“It really gives people an exciting way to get into the industry,” said Green Flower CEO Max Simon. “The cannabis industry is very fast growing but also complex and competitive, and in those kinds of environments, you really do need well-trained people.”

Green Flower creates education programs that delve into every angle of the industry, from business to health care to agriculture.

The partnership with Kent State started in January 2024 and offers online programs that run roughly six months.

Only in the program’s second year, Kent State reports 243 students have already taken the course.

Simon says the cannabis-related certificate programs help supply a growing new industry in Ohio with high-quality employees.

“I think it lends real credibility to the programs themselves, and it also gives people a really exciting way to get involved in the industry,” said Simon.

And the new industry is booming in Ohio.

According to the Division of Cannabis Control, non-medical marijuana sales are at nearly half a billion dollars since August of 2024.

With courses like the ones offered now at Kent State, Simon says there is a certified and educated workforce joining the industry that offers safety and quality.

“The promise of the legal cannabis industry is you are going to have a product that’s tested, that’s safe, thats consistent, and that’s delivered in a compliant and educated way,” said Simon.

Registration for the next round of classes is open through Sunday.

Find more information on Kent State’s website.

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