Kent State University Expands Cannabis Offerings With 6 Career Certificate Programs

Ohio’s Kent State University is expanding its partnership with cannabis education company Green Flower with six online Cannabis Career Certificate programs.  

In a statement, Alicia Crowe, Ph.D., interim dean, Kent State University’s College of Education, Health and Human Services, said the partnership and the expanded slate of programs “give learners the practical knowledge and credentials they need to compete for in-demand roles in the rapidly evolving cannabis field.”

“Kent State is committed to offering high-quality, workforce-aligned education that meets the needs of emerging industries in Ohio.” — Crowe in a press release

The new certificates include: Cannabis Associate Certificate; Cannabis Cultivation Specialist; Cannabis Product Development Specialist; Cannabis Retail and Sales Specialist; Cannabis Compliance Specialist; and Medical Cannabis Specialist.  

Max Simon, CEO and founder of Green Flower said in a statement that the programs “are built to match exactly what employers are hiring for in each sector of the cannabis industry.” 

The majority of the courses run for 16 weeks and cost $2,200; however, the associate certificate runs for eight weeks and costs $850. 

The partnership also provides students access to a continuing education hub, employer access, and an exclusive LinkedIn community.  

The first cohort for the new suite of certificate programs at Kent State begins Jan. 13, 2026, with additional start dates available every eight weeks.