Mercer County Community College is offering an online training course about the medical cannabis industry to help people prepare for jobs in New Jersey.

The 15-hour non-credit class will run Monday evenings from Sept. 15 through Oct. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. via Zoom. Anyone age 18 and over can enroll in the course through the college’s Center for Continuing Studies. Students will receive a certificate after they complete the course.

The course “Medical Cannabis Training” is intended for anyone interested in seeking employment in the medical cannabis profession and for those who are curious about the growing industry in New Jersey.

“New businesses are being created in the state and there is a real need for employees to fill jobs in the cannabis industry,” said Sarah Trent, course instructor and owner of Valley Wellness. “This course is intended to provide the necessary background to gain a foothold in this emerging industry.”

The five-session course will introduce students to the stringent requirements of this highly regulated field. Experts will discuss federal and state laws and regulations, the endocannabinoid system, cultivation basics, how cannabis products are made, and dispensary technician training techniques such as dosing, administration, and compliance.

“We have made some modifications to the course so now an entire module will focus on manufacturing and testing as the potential for employment in these areas is expanding quickly. Not only is there a need for cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries, (but also) the spillover into other areas of the economy is enormous,” Trent said.

According to Trent, the college’s cannabis courses have been popular over the past few semesters, but now the industry is really taking off and businesses are in need of a workforce that has a better understanding of the industry.

The cost for the five-session live virtual course is $500. Apprenticeships in the industry may be available after the for people who are 21 or older. Tuition will be sponsored for up to five veterans who complete the course.

For more information or to enroll visit mccc.edu/cannabis, email comed@mccc.edu or call 609-570-3311.

Krystal Knapp

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.