As cannabis laws evolve and the industry expands, Wisconsin is seeing a rise in educational opportunities aimed at preparing the next generation for careers in this rapidly changing sector. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is leading the way with its cannabis certificate programs, which have seen an increase in enrollment since their launch in 2020.
Growing Demand for Cannabis Education
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, in collaboration with Green Flower, a cannabis training provider, is offering a series of certificates designed to equip students with the skills necessary for various roles in the cannabis industry. These programs, conducted online, cover topics such as cannabis healthcare, agriculture, business, and compliance.
Green Flower’s CEO, Max Simon, has witnessed the industry’s significant growth and believes that education is key to supporting its future. “The stigma around cannabis has dramatically subsided,” Simon said, highlighting the increasing value that people find in the industry.
The four cannabis-related certificate programs at UW-Platteville include:
- Cannabis Healthcare & Medicine
- Cannabis Agriculture & Horticulture
- The Business of Cannabis
- Cannabis Compliance & Risk Management
These programs aim to prepare students for careers in cannabis-related fields, whether in Wisconsin or neighboring states with more lenient cannabis laws.
A National Movement
Green Flower has partnered with 60 colleges and universities across the U.S. to expand cannabis education, and Simon anticipates further growth as public acceptance of cannabis increases. The partnership with UW-Platteville is part of a broader effort to provide students with the knowledge and credentials needed to thrive in the cannabis sector.
Despite Wisconsin’s conservative stance on cannabis, Simon remains optimistic about the state’s future. “I’ve seen state laws evolve rapidly, sometimes within a year,” he said. This evolving landscape, coupled with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, has already made hemp legal in the state. Simon believes this shift will pave the way for broader acceptance of cannabis in both medicinal and recreational forms.
The Future of Cannabis in Wisconsin
While cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Wisconsin, the state’s acceptance of hemp has opened doors for the industry to grow. Wisconsin is currently one of 11 states without a comprehensive medical cannabis program, but with neighboring states like Illinois and Michigan legalizing cannabis, the pressure for Wisconsin to follow suit is mounting.
Simon sees the cannabis industry as an exciting and innovative field for entrepreneurs. He encourages individuals to pursue education and work toward filling gaps in the cannabis market, whether in agriculture, business, or compliance.
“If someone’s interested in being part of something new, exciting, and full of opportunities, cannabis is a great place to be,” Simon said.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The future of cannabis in Wisconsin still faces obstacles, including legal restrictions and opposition from lawmakers. However, the growing number of students enrolling in cannabis-related programs at UW-Platteville signals a shift in public opinion.
As laws continue to evolve and acceptance increases, those with cannabis industry credentials will be well-positioned to take advantage of job opportunities in the sector. Green Flower’s online programs are helping to bridge the gap between education and employment in the cannabis field, preparing students for a future that seems increasingly likely to include legalized cannabis in Wisconsin.
