The burgeoning cannabis market offers thousands of jobs ranging from budtenders and extract technicians to dispensary owners. These roles need to be filled by people who know the science behind the cannabis plant and understand how it affects the body. However, while there are a few cannabis-focused programs at a smattering of US schools, quality cannabis education can be hard to find.
That’s why entrepreneurs like Emma Chasen are so crucial for the industry. After graduating from Brown University with a degree in medicinal plant research, Chasen cofounded Eminent Consulting, an agency that provides online cannabis education courses. You can learn about the intricacies of cannabis with classes like “Cannabinoids” and “Cannabis and Body-exploring the Endocannabinoid Receptor System.” Industry professionals and amateur enthusiasts can utilize this training curriculum to deepen their knowledge of the plant.
“Anyone can take these courses,” noted Chasen. And this is because the curriculum is designed to be easily accessible by people with all types of backgrounds. Each course consists of multiple lessons, quizzes, and a final exam. Finish the exam with a score of 80 percent or higher, and you’ll pass the course. You can use this credential to demonstrate your knowledge to potential cannabis industry employers. Or, if you’re an employer, you can use the material to educate your current team.
“Dispensary owners can incorporate the curriculum into their employee training program,” said Chasen.
In addition to the rich, detailed lessons and study guides, you can also gain access to virtual chat rooms where you can speak with your peers and even Chasen herself. Mastering the material is possible because you have someone who can answer your questions when you get stuck.
To Chasen, the benefits of a science-based cannabis education extend far beyond improving your job prospects: “cannabis has the potential to help a lot of people who are suffering.”
Cannabis is legal in some form in 34 states, yet many patients may feel as though they can’t talk to their doctor about cannabis therapy. By educating themselves, patients can feel more comfortable understanding their own cannabis medication. Knowledge of cannabinoids and terpenes, for instance, might help determine which cultivars or cannabinoids to try to treat conditions like chronic pain or anxiety.
The medical community’s reluctance to embrace cannabis therapy led to Chasen’s journey with Eminent Consulting. While working with an oncology research team, she witnessed the researchers laughing at the idea of a cannabis trial for cancer patients. Chasen realized that traditional medicine and research were not where she wanted to devote her time and quickly joined the cannabis industry as a budtender.
Now, Chasen’s focus is on Eminent Consulting. You can review the course catalog online if you’re interested in signing up for a class.
