**Why it matters:** Kent State University in Ohio has launched cannabis certification courses to prepare students for job opportunities and entrepreneurship in the state’s upcoming legal recreational marijuana market. The program aims to provide specialized knowledge and skills related to the cannabis industry and fill the growing number of jobs created by the expanding market.
**What they are saying:** “Trained professionals are needed to fill the jobs that are being created now and that will be created in the future,” said Peggy Shadduck, Kent State’s vice president for regional campuses and dean of the College of Applied and Technical Studies.
**The big picture:** Ohio legalized recreational marijuana in late 2023, and state lawmakers are currently discussing the details of how and when adult-use cannabis sales will begin. With the state’s medical marijuana industry growing by 24% last year and creating over 1,300 new jobs, the demand for trained professionals in the cannabis industry is increasing.
**What to watch:** The success and uptake of Kent State University’s cannabis certification program will be worth monitoring, as it could serve as a model for other universities looking to offer similar courses. Additionally, the development of Ohio’s recreational marijuana market and the job opportunities it creates will provide insights into the economic impact and growth potential of the industry.
**Your take:** The launch of cannabis certification courses at Kent State University is a significant development for Ohio’s growing marijuana industry. The program will help address the need for trained professionals and entrepreneurs in the sector, providing individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills. It highlights the increasing acceptance and recognition of cannabis as a legitimate industry that requires specialized education and training. Overall, this initiative is likely to contribute to the further growth of the cannabis market in Ohio and potentially serve as a model for other states and universities.
