Certificate inCannabis Cultivation Specialist

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Why Major in Cannabis Cultivation

Taught exclusively by leading industry experts and operators, this 9-week online certificate program gives you a foundational understanding of the cannabis supply chain, as well as the skills needed to excel in the cannabis cultivation environment.

Delivered through video lectures, readings, and e-learning modules, this interactive online certificate program will ensure you have the knowledge and credibility needed to build your cannabis cultivation career, work in indoor or outdoor grow operations, or even start your own cultivation business.

Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive an official Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate backed by the GF Institute, the industry-standard in cannabis credentials. Plus, you’ll gain access to the GF Institute Employer Network, a platform of growing cannabis companies eager to hire graduates with this type of education and qualification.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts in the cannabis industry and take your career to the next level. Enroll today and join the ranks of other successful cannabis cultivation professionals!

Enroll Now

Locations

N/A

Formats

Online

Number of Credits

N/A

Next Start Date

August 5, 2024

Careers In Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. In addition to positions in cultivation that are hands-on with the plant, there are also career opportunities available in other sectors like retail and product development.

417,000 Full Time Jobs

In 2022, there were over 417,000 full-time employees in the cannabis industry in the United States.

Source: Vangst Jobs Report 2023

27 % Job Growth

For five years in a row the cannabis industry grew by more than 27%, making it one of the fastest growing industries in the country.

Source: Leafly Jobs Report 2022

Cannabis Cultivation Student Spotlight

“Taking this program has changed my life. I’ve always known that cannabis is my calling, I just didn’t have access to credible cannabis education.”

Brittany N.

Courses in Cannabis Cultivation

Unit 1: Cannabis Industry Fundamentals

Discover how the cannabis industry actually works, from seed to sale, including the business of cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, and lab testing. Achieve a strong understanding of the cannabis supply chain, so you can speak confidently to others in the industry, and successfully work within many different roles and verticals.

Hygiene and Personnel Best Practices
Product Safety
Packaging and Labeling
Sanitation and Cleaning
Pest Control

Unit 2: Cannabis Cultivation Skills & Best Practices

Gain an in-depth understanding of the cannabis plant and how to grow it commercially. You will begin by understanding the botany and genetics of cannabis before diving into best practices for growing, harvesting, processing and curing. Upon completion of this unit, you will have a solid understanding of what it takes to grow high quality, commercial cannabis.

The Business of Cannabis Cultivation
Botany and Genetics of the Cannabis Plant
Seeds, Germination, and Transplanting
Cloning, Living Soil, and Growing Media
Light Sources and Watering Essentials
Vegetative and Flowering Cycles
Pests, Diseases and Threats
Harvesting, Trimming, Processing, Curing and Storage

Unit 3: Compliance & Operations

Learn all about compliance, which is essential if you want to work in cannabis. You’ll get trained on health and safety best practices for cannabis workers, compliantly receiving and transporting cannabis products, maintaining product safety, the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in cannabis, and much more. The cannabis industry is heavily regulated and most people simply don’t understand the rules, so acquiring this knowledge will truly help you stand out from the pack.

Production and Facility Maintenance
Irrigation, Water Use, and Environmental Sustainability
Transportation Requirements
Best Practice Security Procedures
Inventory Tracking
The Importance of Documentation and Recordkeeping
Product Testing, and Storage

Cannabis Cultivation Admission Requirements

Our cannabis certificate programs are open to everyone over the age of 18. There are no prior education requirements or admissions process. Just register directly on our website to begin the program.

Cannabis Cultivation Faculty Spotlights

Discover the secrets of the booming cannabis industry with engaging video content led by industry pioneers and leading experts. These experts possess extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of the industry and have played a vital role in shaping this emerging field. With their unique insights and research, you will have an unparalleled educational opportunity to master the latest trends and best practices in the cannabis industry. Learn from the best, hone your skills, and achieve your cannabis career goals.

Dr. Reggie Gaudino

Chief Scientific Officer, Front Range Biosciences

Dr. Reggie Gaudino oversees all scientific research and development for Front Range Biosciences, and together the team at Front Range Biosciences applies the research to the development of new and improved Cannabis cultivars.

Shane Terry

CEO, TapRoots Brands

Shane operates over 12 licenses including cultivation, production, dispensaries and distribution. He also leads Nevada’s growth as the previous President of the Nevada Dispensary Association.

Kevin Jodrey

Owner, Wonderland Nursery

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Cultivation

Is registration completed online?

Yes. You can complete your registration for the cannabis certificate program directly on our website. Just choose your program of interest, enter your information, select your payment option, and proceed to checkout. Once you complete the checkout process and register, you will receive an email with course access.

Is there a deadline to register?

We recommend registering prior to the start date of the course. However, students may register until Friday evening, after the start date. To register past that date, please contact us to see if we can accommodate your request.

How much does a certificate program cost?

Each certificate program costs $750 when you pay in full. If you choose the monthly payment option the price is $266.66 per month.

Can you use financial aid, grants, or scholarships?

The cannabis certificates are non-credit, so they are not eligible for federal aid. While federal financial aid is not available for these programs, we strive to offer flexible payment options for all students. Upon registration, you’ll be able to pay in full or you can choose the monthly installment option for three monthly payments of $266.66 each.

Scholarships are not currently available for these programs.

What payment options are available?

When you register you can choose to pay in full ($750) or you can choose the monthly installment option for three monthly payments of $266.66 each.

Is there an incentive for taking more than one certificate?

Students who take more than one program will receive a $200 discount on their second and/or third program. Contact student support to request the discount code.

How long does a program take to complete?

These programs can be completed on your own time. They are designed to be completed in 9 weeks; however, they can be completed sooner depending on how much time you devote to the courses each day.

How much time should I expect to commit to my studies?

Students should expect to dedicate around six hours per week to complete coursework in this program.

What kind of technology is required to take these programs?

You can generally use any laptop, computer, or tablet for these online courses. Courses are also available on mobile, so you can watch the video content from your phone.

Once I complete the program, what will my credentials be?

In addition to a certificate of completion in the program that you choose, you’ll receive a digital badge and verification of the skills that you’ve learned throughout your program.

Will there be job placement?

While we cannot guarantee job placement, our programs will provide you with career support and resources available through the GF Institute Employer Network to help propel your career and opportunities forward.

Recognizing the quality of education offered through the cannabis certificates available at Black Hawk College, careersincannabis.com is offering an exclusive benefit to certificate holders. Upon completion, you’ll be able to incorporate your digital credential directly into your profile on careersincannabis.com, a cannabis-industry specific job board that’s utilized by some of the largest and most well-respected cannabis companies in the world.

I have little to no experience working with cannabis. Will these programs work for me?

Absolutely! These programs are a great stepping stone to greater opportunities whether you’re looking to break into the industry or level up your current skills and experience.

I have extensive experience in the cannabis industry. How can this certificate benefit me?

There is always more to learn! For example, if you have experience in cultivation, branch out and learn the extraction and product development side of things or learn about cannabis retail.

Learn More About the Cannabis Programs

In this comprehensive webinar, you will learn about the cannabis industry, job opportunities, and how these programs can help you join this fast-growing industry.

Watch Webinar

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Contact

Black Hawk College – PaCE Department
309-796-8223