New York: State Government Allocates $5 Million for Cannabis Education at Universities
Legalization does not mark the end of the job in the cannabis industry. This is a catchphrase that the Democrat governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, knows very well, and it is why she decided to allocate $5 million to develop curricula aimed at providing qualified training for future workers in cannabis sector in the state The measure seeks to protect jobs in the industry, a sector that experienced exponential growth in previous years, continues to boom, and needs a skilled workforce to remain competitive and continue its initial growth level.
As the Covid-19 pandemic helped increase the consumption of cannabis-based products in the United States, the industry experienced growth that generated a high demand for skilled cannabis workers. From cultivation, manufacturing, and proper distribution, it is necessary to include competent personnel in the entire production chain, and universities play a key role in training these professionals.
In the words of Governor Kathy Hochul, "New York's young cannabis industry is creating exciting opportunities, and we will make sure that New Yorkers who want to pursue a career in this growing sector have the quality training they need to succeed." The measure intends to maintain the vigorous momentum of the cannabis industry in New York while ensuring it has the qualified personnel that will make the sector competitive in the state.
The plan to boost New York's human talent in the cannabis industry consists of distributing the $5 million among community colleges that will provide training with and without university degrees. Among the institutions benefiting from this initiative, three belong to the State University of New York (SUNY) community college system network, which will receive $1 million each. In addition, one community college belonging to The City University of New York (CUNY) system will receive $2 million to enhance its cannabis-related academic offerings.
The Cannabis Sector as a Booster of Inclusion in New York City
This measure to support the training of human talent in New York's cannabis sector will generate inclusion among vulnerable and historically excluded groups. Governor Kathy Hochul notes, "Diversity and inclusion are what make New York's workforce a competitive and powerful asset, we will continue to take concrete steps to help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the cannabis industry."
Therefore, work with community colleges will forge networks between recruiters and job seekers. Likewise, the community colleges will seek to work in favor of social equity, according to the guidelines defined by the Cannabis Management Office in their local communities. Its executive director, Chris Alexander, added: "Legal cannabis in New York means opportunities for New Yorkers. It is wonderful to see community colleges in the SUNY and CUNY systems helping their students develop the skills needed to be players in this burgeoning industry. This is an excellent step in helping to grow the cannabis industry in New York."
Therefore, work with community colleges will forge networks between recruiters and job seekers. Likewise, the community colleges will seek to work in favor of social equity, according to the guidelines defined by the Cannabis Management Office in their local communities. Its executive director, Chris Alexander, added: "Legal cannabis in New York means opportunities for New Yorkers. It is wonderful to see community colleges in the SUNY and CUNY systems helping their students develop the skills needed to be players in this burgeoning industry. This is an excellent step in helping to grow the cannabis industry in New York."
This program to support employment in the cannabis industry is part of the Hochul administration's commitment to inclusion and expanding access to education in New York. Initiatives through innovative approaches such as allowing the Tuition Assistance Program to cover students enrolled in six or more credits of study at a SUNY, CUNY, or at an independent non-profit college - an investment that is estimated to provide support for an additional 75,000 New York students per year - or allowing these funds to be used for credential and certificate programs, demonstrate a strong commitment to providing access to education to underserved groups and generating opportunities on behalf of New York's diverse population.