UNM introduces new cannabis program to accommodate growing industry

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – As the marijuana industry continues to grow in the state, they will need more workers – that’s where the University of New Mexico comes in.

As of Sept. 1, the Cannabis Control Division have approved nearly 3,000 licenses from producers to retailers and now consumption lounges.

Because of the large demand for workers since the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state, the University of New Mexico has introduced new programs all designed to prepare a cannabis workforce.

“In order to stay ahead of the curve you have to have that education component and really understand all the nuances of a business,” said Audrey Arnold, executive director of the UNM Continuing Education. “Having that understanding, and it’s not ‘I’m not just selling weed.’ It is a business, it is an industry that you need to have a solid educational foundation.”

UNM has teamed up with Green Flower to bring their cannabis curriculum to New Mexico.

“We have partnerships with Syracuse University with Louisiana State, LSU, St. Cloud is a new partner of ours. So we have schools across the country,” said Arnold. 

Green Flower already has programs at 19 different universities across 16 states. UNM is one of the latest. 

“These programs are designed to fill in the knowledge gap of workers with the different sectors of the industry,” said Max Simon CEO of Green Flower. 

Including, growing business management, medical use, and compliance. All four programs take six months and are 100% online.

UNM officials say after the program you will walk away with more than just a certificate.

“Most importantly you will gain a lot of resources a lot of people you will connect with in the industry that will help you well beyond the class time,” said Arnold. 

Classes started on Monday but anyone interested has until the end of the week to enroll.