The University of New Mexico is preparing the next generation of cannabis professionals.
Laura Jimenez, UNM’s Continuing Education Marketing Manager, explained that the industry is growing rapidly in New Mexico. This means that business, leadership and compliance skills are in high demand.
University of New Mexico offers a new certificate to students who are interested in the cannabis business. UNM says the Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate Program was created in response to a rapidly growing industry in New Mexico.
Jimenez stated that this skill was in high demand and the more of it we could offer locally, the less they would need to go to other places to acquire these skills.
UNM and Green Flower have partnered to develop a six-month online curriculum. This is the first program of its kind to be offered in New Mexico. The company has partnered with other 18 universities and colleges across the country.
Daniel Kalef, vice president of Green Flower Higher Education, said, “This program was developed for business owners, consultants, lawyers, accountants and anyone else who is helping a cannabis-related business in any shape or form to deal with the rules, regulations, licensing etcetera.”
The program includes lessons in the areas of distribution, retail operation, marketing and accounting.
Sapphire Persinger is a UNM student. “Once these people are educated, trained and certified on the risks, laws, and regulations, we can engage a lot of people in this business,” she said.
Anyone can enroll in the program even if they are not UNM students. Classes start May 1.
