As the cannabis industry expands, the need for skilled workers continues to increase. Several plant-centric education platforms have popped up to meet this demand, hoping to equip candidates with the knowledge they need to succeed in weed. Four-year universities are also taking note, with more colleges adding cannabis curriculum every year.
While many cannabis companies provide some type of internal training during the new hire onboarding, one state is considering making formal education on the plant obligatory. According to a recent report, regulators in South Dakota are reviewing a proposal requiring dispensary workers to complete a semester-long cannabis studies certificate.
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The recommendation was made by Benjamin Valdez of Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls. He argued that formal training would promote the safety and legitimacy of South Dakota’s medical cannabis program and help boost higher education enrollment across the board.
“When you look at pharmacies across South Dakota that are required to have licensed pharmacists and pharmacy techs that are trained, why not try and provide that similar process for a dispensary,” Valdez said in an interview with Inside Higher Ed.
Cannabis retail staff in South Dakota must receive