Alabama State University is one of the first schools in Alabama and the first HBCU in the country to offer cannabis education programs, according to the university

ASU now offers five online cannabis education professional programs in partnership with Green Flower, a cannabis education and training company. This partnership is designed to prepare students for the emerging cannabis industry in Alabama as well as nationally, according to the college.

The programs are set up as 24-week online certifications. Green Flower’s curriculum features information and perspectives from industry-leading cannabis professionals.

ASU programs include:

• Cannabis Healthcare & Medicine

• Cannabis Agriculture & Horticulture

• The Business of Cannabis

• Cannabis Compliance & Risk Management

• Cannabis Product Development & Design

“These programs provide a great foundation for anyone interested in a career in the cannabis industry. This type of training will help you stand out to hiring managers and companies alike in this highly competitive industry” said Jay Czarkowski, founding partner in Canna Advisors, in a news release.

Canna Advisors is a group of cannabis industry consultants that helps new businesses launch and established businesses grow in the cannabis industry. Canna Advisors help cannabis entrepreneurs with business licenses, optimize facility design, standardize operations and maximize business development.

Jacksonville State also offers a cannabis microcredential designed to help students take advantage of business opportunities available from legal marijuana. Across the country, dozens of college are offering similar programs, and more offer one-off classes.

Alabama was the 36th state to legalize medical marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures; 47 states now have similar laws. Growth labs and testing facilities are being built in Alabama.

However, though the state legalized marijuana for some medical conditions in 2021, products still are not available for legal purchase in the state. The program has been stuck in regulatory limbo for years.

Breonna Atkins is a senior at Carver High School in Birmingham and a reporting intern at AL.com through the Birmingham Promise program.