PORTLAND, Maine — The University of New England announced new online certificate programs centered around Maine's cannabis industry.
According to the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy, the adult-use, or recreational, market recorded $22 million in sales in July. As of last month, there were more than 4,000 registered employees in the state's medicinal market.
Because of the growth in the recreational and medicinal sector, UNE secured a partnership with Green Flower to offer the new courses. Green Flower is a cannabis education platform and works with more than 50 schools across the country.
These online programs are open to any current student, workers in the cannabis industry, Mainers interested in cannabis careers, and the general public. The courses will not count toward college credit, but you will receive a certificate upon completion of the six-month course.
“We think we found a niche," UNE director of partnerships and external relations Edmund Cervone said. "It’s our commitment to providing professionals out there with the skills they need to grow and to be productive and have productive businesses and business ventures, so we love it. We thought it was a great fit for us."
The four programs will cover topics like business, law and industry policy, agriculture, and health care and medicine, Cervone added.
Cervone said UNE has a mission of addressing workforce issues across Maine industries, and this is one way to train adult learners about the cannabis industry and boost that workforce for the future.
"It opens up the world for those who are interested, or those who are already in it, to really explore what their career options are in this emerging market that’s only going to continue to grow over time," he added.
According to a school press release, UNE is the first college or university to collaborate with Green Flower.
“The cannabis industry is one of the fastest growing market opportunities here in Maine and across the country,” Beth Taylor-Nolan, dean of UNE Online, said in a news release. “As an institution committed to providing accessible, relevant, and affordable professional development and career education opportunities, UNE is excited to partner with Green Flower to train individuals interested in entering this dynamic industry.”
The four programs begin in September. You can find more information or register for courses here.