LOS ANGELES- The Rhode Island Department of Labor, in collaboration with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), will offer a free cannabis training program to a select group of students. This initiative aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to enter and thrive in the state’s growing cannabis industry.
Announced on May 29, the program is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Real Jobs RI initiative. The CCRI is set to launch an eight-week Cannabis Training Program on July 9 at its Liston Campus in Providence, offering both online and in-person classes. This 45-hour course, taught by experienced instructors, will provide foundational knowledge and practical skills relevant to entry-level positions in the cannabis sector. Additionally, students will receive guidance on applicable regulations and have opportunities to visit local businesses and access employment assistance.
The pilot cohort will enroll 15 students, who can apply by completing a program inquiry form. CCRI’s Director of Industry Partnerships, Stacy Sullivan, emphasized that the program is designed to be accessible and equitable, particularly for communities impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.
“CCRI’s Division of Workforce Partnerships is always looking to be responsive to employer needs, and we are proud and excited to create a training for this emerging industry,” said Jennie Johnson, Vice President of CCRI’s Division of Workforce Partnerships.
The demand for trained cannabis industry workers is growing, with the number of cannabis jobs in the United States increasing from 321,000 in 2021 to 428,059 in 2022. Rhode Island’s cannabis job market has expanded significantly since the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2022, with job listings requiring familiarity with the industry and numerous licensed cannabis businesses operating in the state.
Jacob Carlson, Founder and CEO of EZHire Cannabis, and Melissa Rutherford, a Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert, played key roles in developing the curriculum and will teach the initial courses.
“Having the ability to learn job skills in a new industry is important, and having CCRI embrace cannabis education is a boon to Rhode Island residents interested in determining if this emerging marketplace is right for them,” said Rutherford.
Adult-use cannabis sales in Rhode Island have shown strong growth. In the first year of sales, which concluded last December, the Office of Cannabis Regulation reported steadily increasing monthly sales, projecting $76 million in sales for Fiscal Year 2024. This could generate over $15 million in state and local revenue through various taxes.
Rhode Island legalized adult-use cannabis for individuals 21 and older in 2022, becoming the 19th state to do so. The legislation allows adults to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public and up to 10 ounces at home, establishing a regulated framework for recreational cannabis sales. The new training program aims to help individuals find their place within this expanding industry.
