MCCC has initiated its first virtual Medical Cannabis Training program, offered through the college’s Office of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Studies and running from January 25 through to February 22.
The new program consists of five modules where participants learn the latest laws and regulations, basic cultivation techniques, counseling, as well as how to successfully run a dispensary.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, while highly controversial since the start of the War on Drugs back in the 1970s, is undergoing a complete transformation. First marijuana was legalized for the treatment of pain connected to some illnesses. Then states, starting with Colorado in 2012 began passing laws legalizing the drug.
New Jersey has joined 14 other states passing a bill allowing the recreational sale of cannabis, but it is stuck in a loophole since that state still does not allow the possession of it. While New Jersey waits for Governor Phil Murphy’s decision whether to sign, MCCC is preparing for the future.
The course was created and is taught by Sarah Trent, an attorney and public defender who is now founder and CEO of Valley Wellness.
While waiting for a permit for Valley Wellness, Trent says she realized that the current NJ Medicinal Marijuana Program was missing plans for patient availability. With her legal background, she tailor-made a course to introduce everyone and anyone interested in joining the cannabis industry.
“I saw a need for expanded access for patients,” Trent says, adding, “What I saw was in applying for that permit, how am I going to get a workforce that is trained and educated and simultaneously educate the community about medical cannabis and the benefits?”
The new program at Mercer has already garnered attention from students in and out of Mercer County, pushing past the expected maximum participation of 50 students.
Former MCCC graduate Sam Padro took the course while it was being run at Raritan Valley Community College and described the class saying, “That class has changed my life.”
Padro, who was previously a police officer in Burlington, New Jersey says he’d encourage anyone who is interested to take the course.
Sam, who now works at a dispensary, says, “[The course] goes into everything you need to know getting into the industry.”
Andrea Bash and Shan Bercaw, two coordinators in Mercer’s Office of Continuing Studies, which works to provide the community with useful non-credit programs, organized the cannabis training.
College president Dr. Jianping Wang says, “I hope the future is about building a stronger and healthier community that would reduce the negative impact on low income, minority communities.”
The college will offer the course for summer classes from May 3 through to June 4. Those interested in taking this course must be at least 18 years old. The course is $500 or free to veterans.
