WEST WINDSOR – Career opportunities in New Jersey's new medical cannabis industry are on the rise and now is the time to get in on the ground floor of this growing industry. Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is currently accepting students in its new health professions program: Medical Cannabis Training. 

The 15-hour non-credit class will run Monday evenings, September 15 through October 11 from 6 - 9 p.m. on the Zoom online conferencing platform. Anyone age 18 and over may enroll. The course will be offered through MCCC’s Center for Continuing Studies and students will receive a certificate upon completion of the course. 

Medical Cannabis Training is intended for anyone interested in seeking employment in the medical cannabis profession or curious about this budding 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,” explained  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,” she explained. 

The five-session course will introduce students to this highly regulated field. Subject matter experts will cover federal and state laws and regulations, the endocannabinoid system, cultivation basics and how cannabis products are made as well as 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, the spillover into other areas of the economy is enormous,” Trent commented. 

According to Trent, MCCC'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 an understanding of the industry.

Dr. Gonzalo Perez, dean of the MCCC Center for Continuing Studies Division of Lifelong Learning, commented, “As the demand grows for a skilled health professions workforce, MCCC will undoubtedly stay on the cutting edge of this industry.”  He continued, “The future is bright for many types of jobs within this field, and cultivating future health professionals is one of our main goals at the college.”   

The cost for the five-session live virtual course is $500. Apprenticeships in the industry may be available after course completion for those age 21 and 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. 

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Registration is now open for Mercer County Community College's popular medical cannabis health professions training program. Classes begin in early September and fill quickly. For more information or to enroll, visit mccc.edu/cannabis or email comed@mccc.edu or call 609-570-3311. (Photo credit: Bobkov Evgeniy/Shutterstock)