Want a job in weed? Off to community college!

New York is giving $5 million to community colleges for professional training in the cannabis industry

The New York state government recently announced a new grant to educate New Yorkers interested in a career in the burgeoning cannabis industry. The purpose-built training, to be delivered at various community colleges, would provide applicants with much-needed skills and a quality education they need to succeed in the industry.

New York cannabis industry

New York legalized adult recreational marijuana use last year, allowing people over the age of 21 to smoke in public and carry up to three ounces of marijuana with them. The state’s cannabis industry has gradually taken shape under Hochul’s leadership since he took office last August following the resignation of Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Earlier this year, the state announced that the first round of dispensary licenses would go to people previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses or to family members of people with such convictions. The first crop of legal cannabis in New York is almost ready to be harvested, and the first production permits have been issued to established hemp farmers in the state.

Like any other legal canna state, New York has shown its willingness to right the wrongs and celebrations caused by the failed War on Drugs. This latest development is another concerted effort to bring redress to the disadvantaged.

Good news for New Yorkers

On the 18th of this month, the state of New York, through its governor, announced that four community colleges would be recipients of millions of dollars in grants. The primary purpose of this fund is to enhance short-term accredited cannabis programs that provide a safe path to employment in the state’s nascent cannabis sector.

The four colleges set to receive these funds belong to the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) systems. You will be paid $5 million to set up credential and non-degree programs or courses. They will also be tasked with enhancing stackable credentials as well as micro-credentials that will help build much-needed capabilities in the New York cannabis industry.

The cannabis industry is big and hasn’t even reached a quarter of its potential yet. The state government believes New Yorkers need to be equipped with the skills to take the burgeoning industry to the next level. The state’s cannabis sector is projected to generate billions in revenue and create thousands of jobs in the coming years. The money is part of the Empire State’s ongoing preparations for the debut of its new, tightly regulated cannabis sector later this year.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said in a press release Monday that “New York’s new cannabis economy is creating exciting opportunities, and we will ensure that New Yorkers who aspire to careers in this burgeoning sector receive the quality education.” that they need to be successful.” “Diversity and inclusion make the New York workforce a competitive, strong asset, and we will continue to take meaningful steps to ensure everyone has the opportunity to engage in the cannabis sector,” said the Governor of New York.

Selected Schools

The Borough of Manhattan Community College (a CUNY campus) will serve as the lead campus along with partner Lehman College. This school will receive $2 million and educate over 300 interested New Yorkers.

On the other hand, three SUNY schools were selected for this program. They get $1 million each. These schools are;

• Schenectady County Community College will serve as the premier campus for partnerships with Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Columbia-Greene Community College and Adirondack Community College. A minimum of 300 participants will be accepted into this program.

• Orange County Community College, which will serve as the premier campus and partner of Sullivan County Community College, Dutchess Community College, Ulster County Community College, Rockland Community College and Westchester Community College. This partnership aims to support up to 4,000 trainees.

• Niagara County Community College partners with Erie Community College, Jamestown Community College and Genesee Community College. This union would also cater for 4,000 participants and more.

According to the state’s press release, the New York State Department of Labor and the Office of Cannabis Management have pledged to support efforts to expand learning opportunities by connecting cannabis businesses and job seekers to these important training programs. These selected schools will also work with local employers in the cannabis industry and receive their input on curriculum development.

Additionally, the press release noted that the cannabis certification program aligns with Gov. Hochul’s continued commitment to providing new job opportunities for New Yorkers. Especially those from historically disadvantaged cities that provide local employers with highly qualified, locally-sourced employees.

More juicy details

According to Hochul, quoted in a press release, “burgeoning York’s new cannabis economy offers exciting opportunities, and we will ensure New Yorkers seeking careers in this expanding sector receive the quality education they need to succeed.” She also mentioned that the state will continue to take proactive measures to ensure everyone has a chance to work in the cannabis sector because diversity and inclusion make the New York workforce a competitive, valuable asset.

Lt. gov. Antonio Delgado (D) stated that the government is keen to get the cannabis sector up and running in New York State as quickly as possible. “We need to make sure we have a well-trained workforce and a pathway for employment prospects,” Delgado said. With the help of this fund, SUNY and CUNY will be able to develop new programs or enhance existing ones that focus on employment in the cannabis business.

last words

Universities will support social justice candidates under Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) standards, according to the press release.

Job seekers, employers, and community college education programs are connected through the efforts of OCM and the State Department of Labor (DOL). Upon completion of courses, DOL assists applicants in preparing resumes, preparing for interviews, and promoting local career opportunities. OCM Executive Director Chris Alexander commented that it is great to see community institutions in the SUNY and CUNY systems helping students gain the skills needed to be competitive in this expanding sector.

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