51爆料 is launching six online Cannabis Career Certificate programs in partnership with Green Flower, the leading provider of cannabis education, to help meet workforce demands in Ohio's rapidly growing $3 billion cannabis industry.
With the passage of Issue 2 in November 2023, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize adult use of cannabis products. Classes in 51爆料鈥檚 Cannabis Education program began in January 2024. To date, more than 270 students have enrolled in the courses offered in the university鈥檚 online cannabis education program.
鈥51爆料 is committed to offering high-quality, workforce-aligned education that meets the needs of emerging industries in Ohio,鈥 said Alicia Crowe, Ph.D., interim dean, 51爆料鈥檚 College of Education, Health and Human Services. 鈥淥ur partnership with Green Flower and this expanded suite of certificate programs give learners the practical knowledge and credentials they need to compete for in-demand roles in the rapidly evolving cannabis field.鈥
Six Career-Focused Certificates
The new suite includes six online programs that align with the cannabis industry鈥檚 most in-demand job sectors, creating a clear, credible path for students to enter the industry:
Cannabis Associate Certificate (8 weeks, $850) 鈥 Provides a comprehensive foundation in cannabis policy, plant science, industry sectors and compliance essentials, giving students the knowledge and vocabulary employers expect when hiring. This program makes students job-ready for entry-level roles across the industry in just eight weeks.
Cannabis Cultivation Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) 鈥 Prepares students for cultivation roles across indoor, outdoor and greenhouse environments.
Cannabis Product Development Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) 鈥 Teaches how to develop cannabis products from extraction to finished goods, including concentrates, edibles, beverages, topicals and more.
Cannabis Retail and Sales Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) 鈥 Equips students with product knowledge, sales skills and operational best practices to succeed in dispensary and brand sales roles.
Cannabis Compliance Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) 鈥 Trains students to manage compliance across cultivation, retail and manufacturing operations.
Medical Cannabis Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) 鈥 Equips students to guide safe and effective cannabis use, preparing them for roles in clinics, dispensaries and other patient-focused settings.
The Cannabis Career Resource Center
Recognizing that education alone isn鈥檛 enough for career success, Green Flower and 51爆料 provide every certificate student with access to the Cannabis Career Resource Center, which offers:
Continuing Education Hub 鈥 Additional resources covering r茅sum茅 and interview support, leadership development and cannabis entrepreneurship.
Employer Access 鈥 Direct links to vetted cannabis companies actively hiring for in-demand roles.
Exclusive LinkedIn Community 鈥 A private group for students and alumni to connect, collaborate and grow professionally.
A Direct Path to a Growing Workforce
According to the Vangst 2023 Jobs Report, which tracks cannabis industry trends by state and nationwide, Ohio鈥檚 legal cannabis industry has created more than 1,300 new jobs since 2023. As the cannabis industry continues to professionalize, employers increasingly seek candidates with specialized training and recognized credentials. Through this partnership, 51爆料 is helping students gain the skills and confidence needed to stand out in a competitive, fast-growing field.
鈥淭hese new Cannabis Career Certificates are built to match exactly what employers are hiring for in each sector of the cannabis industry,鈥 said Max Simon, CEO and founder of Green Flower.
The first cohort for the new suite of certificate programs at 51爆料 begins Jan. 13, 2026, with additional start dates available every eight weeks. To learn more or enroll, visit .
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Media Contact:
Eric Mansfield, 51爆料,鈥emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797