LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Southern Nevada university is offering higher education in the form of a cannabis certificate program aimed at teaching students the ins and outs of the legalized cannabis business.
Experts say cannabis sales in Nevada have grown to a nearly $1 billion industry. With consumption lounges set to open soon in Clark County, experts expect the cannabis industry to continue to grow. In response, some educational institutions are launching programs aimed at helping students navigate the burgeoning industry.
The University of Southern Nevada launched a “Cannabis Certificate Program” through Greenflower in 2023. Jewel Gee was one of the first students to take the cannabis certificate program at the university. Gee moved to Southern Nevada for his work opportunities, and he said he plans to use the program to pursue his passion going forward.
“As I was facing the loss of my son and filing for divorce from the love of my life, I needed something to focus on, grow, and be passionate about,” Gee said. “The course is not easy. It taught me more about science.”
The developers of the nine-week course give students a deep understanding of how the legalized pot industry works, teach them about indoor and outdoor growing operations, and help them learn how to start their own business. He said his goal was to help. Officials said the program does not require students to appear on campus.
Max Simon, CEO and co-founder of Green Flower, helped develop the program and said it is designed to help people specialize in the industry and jump-start their careers.
“The industry continues to grow, and in fact, a whole new category of consumption lounges is literally on the verge of taking off,” Simon said. “This is an industry that is growing rapidly, needs a lot of well-trained workers, and people want to be a part of it.”
Students like Gee say they are working on their careers and perhaps want to start a new business of their own.
“It inspired me to work on a business plan,” Gee said. “It’s a retail dispenser, but it’s also a greenhouse that uses sustainable energy.”
A new change to Nevada law that goes into effect in 2024 will allow consumers to carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. The next class is scheduled to start in March.
