Program Contact
Matthew Green
Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management
518.697.6501
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With the recent legalization of cannabis in the state of New York and elsewhere, the projections for jobs and industry growth are tremendous. This burgeoning field needs qualified, well-trained employees to work in all aspects of the industry. Columbia-Greene is offering two microcredential programs that specialize in distinct areas of training and employment:
The 9-credit Cannabis Retail and Sales Microcredential prepares students for a wide range of retail positions at dispensaries, including budtenders, managers, and more. It is suitable for those new to retail, and will also benefit retail employees and other salespeople who want to shift their focus to new cannabis-related opportunities.
The 9-credit Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Microcredential introduces students to the wide variety of positions related to cannabis cultivation and processing, including growers, extractors, edibles chefs, trimmers, harvesters and more. Those with farming, manufacturing, culinary and other backgrounds can use the program to prepare for an industry shift, and the program is also designed for those new to growing and agricultural manufacturing.
Cannabis Careers Certificate is a 15-credit stackable credential that gives students a solid foundation of learning to prepare for the cannabis industry. Students who have completed both microcredentials will automatically receive the certificate.
(Please note that students enrolling in both microcredentials only need to take Introduction to the Cannabis Industry once, for a total of 5 classes and 15 credits.)
What is a microcredential? Learn more here.
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU 170 | Introduction to the Cannabis Industry | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 5/8/24 |
| SL 170 | Social/Cultural History of Cannabis | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 3/8/24 |
| BU 172 | Cannabis Retail Operations and Sales | 3 | Spring 3/4/24 - 5/8/24 |
| Program Credits: | 9 | ||
| * Students enrolled in this microcredential may qualify for internships with local cannabis businesses, and therefore must be 21+ years of age. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Program Coordinator | |||
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU 170 | Introduction to the Cannabis Industry | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 5/8/24 |
| TP 110 | Introduction to Cannabis Cultivation | 3 | Spring 1/16/24 - 3/8/24 |
| TP 114 | Introduction to Cannabis Processing | 3 | Spring 3/4/24 - 5/8/24 |
| Program Credits: | 9 | ||
| * Students enrolled in this microcredential may qualify for internships with local cannabis businesses, and therefore must be 21+ years of age. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Program Coordinator | |||
Cost
$639 per course for NYS residents with a Certificate of Residency, plus fees. If you are interested in learning more about financial aid and other opportunities, please contact the Admissions office at 518.697.6500.
Cannabis Microcredential Funding
Columbia-Greene Community College may be able to pay up to 2/3 of your bill for qualifying courses in the Cannabis Microcredentials. To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Through a SUNY Workforce Initiative grant, Columbia-Greene Community College is able to offer financial assistance to students enrolled in cannabis classes at CGCC.
- Students will receive $500 toward their first cannabis course at CGCC.
- Students who complete (or have previously completed) a cannabis course at CGCC with a B or higher will receive an additional $500 toward any additional cannabis courses.
- The scholarship can cover the cost of two classes per semester (7-week or 15-week classes in Spring and 6-week classes in Summer)