FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — UC Merced has introduced three online courses in the cannabis industry, open to anyone interested in learning about cultivation, extraction and product development, and retail specialization.
The courses, which began a few months ago, offer certificates across various operational capacities in the cannabis sector.
The city of Fresno is grappling with a significant budget shortfall as revenue from the cannabis industry is expected to fall $3.9 million short of projections for the year.
This shortfall is contributing to an anticipated budget deficit of over $20 million for the city next year.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer addressed the issue following the latest mid-year budget forecast on February 13.
The forecast revealed that the cannabis industry, initially projected to generate $7.1 million in revenue for the year, is now expected to bring in just over $3.1 million.
The shortfall poses a challenge for Fresno as it navigates the financial implications of the underperformance in cannabis revenue.
UC Merced has partnered with Green Flower, a Ventura-based company specializing in cannabis education and training. Over the past decade, Green Flower has provided classes at 60 universities and colleges nationwide.
“Legal cannabis is a very complex industry to be in,” said Max Simon with Green Flower. “Not only is there the skills needed to cultivate, manufacture and sell the product. There’s all the compliance operations that are necessary.
The nine-week online classes are primarily attended by working adults and local residents, many of whom are not registered students at UC Merced.
Green Flower also assists students in connecting with cannabis companies through a digital career center.
“Green Flower does an excellent job at helping these learners also engage with employers,” said UC Merced spokesperson Michael Pierick. “They have a career center that also supports them digitally with connecting with different employers in the region.”
While each course is designed to be completed in nine weeks, most participants earn their certificate in eight weeks.
Click here to learn more about the courses.
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The city of Fresno is grappling with a significant budget shortfall as revenue from the cannabis industry is expected to fall $3.9 million short of projections Read More
