Comprehensive medical cannabis programs will be offered by Ohio this fall, making it the 29th state to do so. The aim of this move is to ensure workers do not find themselves without coverage when they need it the most. A workforce is already being prepared to meet demand in the ever-expanding industry, but the process is by no means new.

So far, the program has taken two years to be developed, with development still ongoing. The road ahead looks promising, but not without its problems. Nevertheless, educators in the Buckeye State are working tirelessly to eliminate the chances of a strong workforce being one of those challenges.

Ohio’s medical cannabis program will boost job opportunities

This fresh industry could potentially bring thousands of new jobs to Ohio.

The program is expected to go into effect this fall and registered patients will have access to medicinal weed and cannabis-based products at dispensaries licensed by the Board of Pharmacy.

Ohio’s medical cannabis law requires all buds to be tested for quality and potency inside independent laboratories.

Because of this, it’s not just budtender job opportunities that Ohioans can seek out.

Cannabis laboratory technician job opportunities are also expected to emerge once the medical cannabis program is put into motion.

Ohio’s medical cannabis program needs a strong supply chain

There is no denying the fact that the cannabis industry is growing.

So quickly is the industry growing, that without the correct strategy in place, Ohio could be setting itself up for failure.

Thankfully, Austin Briggs knows this and has taken action to educate and train Ohio’s workforce for the task ahead.  Briggs is the founder of the Cleveland School of Cannabis. This is the first school of its kind in the state and in November of last year, it received approval from the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.

The Cleveland School of Cannabis offers a stepping stone into a world of opportunity for anyone who enrolls.

From mastering the art of growing cannabis crops to marketing and packaging products in accordance with state and federal regulations, the Northeast Ohio ancillary business is one of many to support Ohio’s brand new medical cannabis program.

Cleveland School of Cannabis offers second career options

It’s not just millennials that are invited to enroll at the school but also, baby boomers who may be in search of a new career path. Glen Miller is a fine example of someone who is grabbing this opportunity with both hands.

At the age of 61, Miller took a buyout from his previous job at a telecommunications company and sought out a career in cannabis.

“I am interested in the horticultural side of it. So, I’d be interested in possibly getting a job at a grow house or a greenhouse, kinda be behind the scenes,” said Miller.

While the school may not be accredited, it has received licensing from the Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Since Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Board has no plans to monitor workforce training, the Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools will oversee all aspects of training for Ohio’s medical cannabis program.

Students at the school can learn about cannabis history, the legalities, horticulture, advocacy and more. They will have the chance to gain three separate certificates or a combination of all three.